Getting to know « Greater » Palm Springs
I’d heard of Palm Springs before our trip, but I didn’t know that “Greater Palm Springs” is actually made up of 9 different cities: Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Each has its own features, and during our road trip we were able to visit some of them, since they’re within easy reach of one another.
Just two hours from Los Angeles, the road to Palm Springs will surprise you. Before we knew it, suddenly there were huge mountains all around us. If you’re a sun-seeker, this is the place for you: the sun shines more than 300 days a year here. But… ironically enough, it did rain the day we set out! Everyone we met was a little shocked since it rains so rarely.
Find your oasis
That’s their motto, and it’s a good one. According to the dictionary, an oasis is a place or situation that offers refuge, relief, or a pleasant change in contrast to surroundings that are chaotic or troubling. That’s exactly what you’ll find—even if it’s literally in the middle of the desert, you really are in the heart of an oasis of happiness, beauty and wellbeing.
Photo Credit : JW Marriott Desert Springs
Exterior view at night
That’s just how I felt when we arrived at the JW Marriott Desert Springs. Just stepping into the lobby brings about a zen-like calm. The hotel itself is actually part of a larger complex, where every guest will find what they’re looking for. The view from our room was amazing, and the hotel has plenty of activities on offer to suit every taste.
Photo Credit : JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS
A typical room
Photo Credit : JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS
Inside the hotel
Definitely plan to spend an afternoon lounging by the pool, and if you’re a golfer, the course here can’t be missed—it’s spectacular.
Photo Credit : JAIME DAMAK
The view from our room at the JW MARRIOTT.
Enchanted by a castle
One of my favourite moments was the intimate dinner we enjoyed at Château Lake La Quinta’s Le Mélange restaurant. Not only was the service exemplary and the meal delicious, we dined by candlelight on the heated exterior terrace by the lake, in the middle of the desert, in December—quite something!
The Château has 24 luxurious rooms, all gorgeous and thoughtfully appointed. It’s a magnificent setting for a couples’ getaway.
Can’t-miss stops
- JW Marriott
- Le Mélange (at the Château La Quinta)
Photo Credit : JAIME DAMAK
LE MÉLANGE restaurant : a photo taken at the end of our fabulous dinner for two
- Scoot Palm Springs (the best place to rent a scooter and see the sights in Palm Springs)
- The Reservoir Restaurant (where I had the best French toast of my life)
Photo Credit : JAIME DAMAK
THE RESERVOIR restaurant : I think the photo says it all!
- Jack in the Box (a cute fast food option)
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (for a glorious bird’s-eye view of Greater Palm Springs)
Photo Credit : JAIME DAMAK
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
Next time
If you’re travelling with your significant other, I’d recommend a stay at the Château Lake La Quinta in a heartbeat. For a family trip, I’d choose the JW Marriott—kids of all ages will find hours of entertainment and amusement there. I’d also like to take the time to explore each of the nine cities. And there are plenty of outlets in Los Angeles that piqued my curiosity—I’ve heard you can get some really great deals! Also on the list, if you’re a car lover, is a day of performance driving with BMW.
From the unique architecture of the homes to the stunning natural landscape (totally different from what I’m familiar with) to the calm atmosphere of an oasis, a trip to Greater Palm Springs will do any visitor a world of good.
*Jaime was on a press trip to California from December 14-23, a trip made possible thanks to the partnership of Visit California and Greater Palm Springs.
Jaime Damak was back on Global Montreal with an Easter themed segment.