PALM SPRINGS PRIMER
STAY
THE WILLOWS HISTORIC PALM SPRINGS INN
: 412 W.
Tahquitz Canyon Way, (760) 320-0771, thewillowspalmsprings.com.
Includes full breakfasts, afternoon wine and appetizers, drinks by the
pool, 24-hour staffing, high-speed Internet, flat-screen TVs hidden in
antique armoires; room service available from celebrated Le Vallauris
across the street. Rates range from $375 to $755.
THE RITZ-CARLTON RANCHO MIRAGE
: 68900 Frank Sinatra
Drive, Rancho Mirage, (760) 321-8282,
. If you’d
like a full-immersion resort experience, this sprawling luxury property is
your spot. Set on a bluff with a stunning view over the Coachella Valley,
its look features stone, wood, water, and fire. Rooms have private
balconies or patios, flat-screen TVs (plus a TV in the bath), and Frette
bed linens. The Club Lounge offers access to a private lounge with
a friendly concierge and five food offerings daily. Spa treatments are
based on indigenous herbs and mineral salts. State Fair restaurant has
a creative California menu, while The Edge Steakhouse is celebrated
for its steaks, seafood, and dizzying cliff-side views. Rates from $179 to
$899; the Club Lounge is an additional $200-$300 nightly.
DINAH SHORE-LEONARDO DICAPRIO ESTATE:
. From $4,500 per night.
DO
PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM:
Sophisticated collections range from Chagall and Picasso through
Warhol and Ansel Adams.
LIVING DESERT:
. Individual visits, tours.
MID-CENTURY MODERN ARCHITECTURE TOUR:
SUNNYLANDS
: 37-977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage; (760) 202-
2222;
. Built by Ambassador Walter and Leonore
Annenberg as a winter home, and designed by noted modernist
architect A. Quincy Jones, this 25,000-square-foot house sits on 200
acres with a golf course and 11 lakes. It functions
as a “West Coast Camp David”, a high-level
retreat center for world leaders. Among eight
U.S. presidents who have visited, Ronald Reagan
regularly celebrated New Year’s Eve here with
friends. Frank and Barbara Sinatra were married in
front of the fireplace. Exhibits, gardens, tours.
VINTAGE CARS:
Classic and exotic
automobiles can be yours at twice-a-year
auctions run by McCormick’s (
carauction.com), or visit their showroom (244 N.
Indian Canyon Drive).
120
summer
|
fall
TRAVEL
