The resort was built during a time when large-scale land acquisition and development was more feasible than it is today, with modern restrictions on land use and environmental protections. As such, it is definitely one of a kind – and larger than life.

Vibe: Life’s rich pageant is on full display here, and they definitely have a bit of cash. These are “resort people,” who are fully versed in the ins and outs of Marriott life, poolside lunches, tennis lessons, tee times and all. I saw young marrieds, families with small children, multigen groups, gaggles of girls, wedding parties and a few business travellers. Nicely dressed bunch, too.

The lobby lounge is quite possibly the biggest I have ever encountered, the hub of the hotel, a gargantuan space creating an eight-floor atrium. It abuts an indoor pier, where you can hop on a wee boat and be driven through sliding glass doors into a large freshwater lake. A bevy of black swans will follow you around. Guests also enjoy a massive pool, world-class tennis facilities, an exclusive spa sanctuary and nice views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

THINGS TO DO: IN PALM SPRINGS

Rooms: Nothing is out of place in the spacious rooms, which have a desert-chic California look and feel. The decor is comfortable and not too “out there,” so as to appeal to the majority. Expect natural colours, wood floors and mountain-inspired artwork, plus plush pillowtop beds. Bathrooms are equipped with quartz vanities and rain-style showers. Pets are welcome.

F&B: Ten dining outlets eliminate the need to go out for dinner – from poolside fare to five-course tasting menus, food is all around you, with the perfect scenery to go with it. Highlights include the patio (and the excellent service) at Rockwood Grill, the Blue Star Lounge and the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse. Aquifier65 & The Sushi Bar are situated in the above-mentioned lobby lounge, while Fisherman’s Landing provides a more casual, pub-style experience.

Spa: OMG the 3500-square-metre Spa at Desert Springs – I could have moved in. Massages, body treatments and facials, saunas and steam rooms, but the coolest thing is the private outdoor pool, a quiet sanctuary. The spa has its own bistro, plus a new coed Wellness Lounge where you can relax in fancy massage chairs, throw on a pair of headphones and indulge in a little sound therapy.

The spa’s Sanctuary Suite lends a VIP experience that can be book for two to 10 guests. This is for groups that can spa together, enjoying treatments, rain showers, high-definition TV, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a courtyard with a whirlpool and waterfall, and your own butler.

Off-Site: About a half-hour drive from downtown Palm Springs, the resort complex is on the classy-sounding Country Club Drive near Cook Street just north of Palm Desert. It is adjacent to the Desert Springs Golf Club.

Rate: $$$ Breakfast not included. Daily resort fee of C$60 is applied to each guest room. Amenities include daily fitness classes for two, golf range access, court and equipment rentals, and a two-hour bicycle rental.

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It certainly was one of mine. The Palm Springs resort community of 45,000 people 175 kilometres east of Los Angeles is a great spot to relax and explore, gold and play tennis, and generally soak up the Hollywood playground vibe. If it was good enough for Frank Sinatra, it’s good enough for you. The more friends you can arm-twist to come with you, the bigger your pool will be.

Sing along. Both the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals are big draws, normally in early spring. Don’t get them mixed up or you will be disappointed. The International Short Film Festival—Shortfest—is in June. There are numerous film festivals throughout the year.

Take the tram. The Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car and heads up the Chino Canyon cliffs into the arms of the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. Here, you trek along 80 kilometres of trails at about 2600 metres. You can even camp overnight.

Go Modern. Palm Springs has the biggest concentration of Mid-Century Modern homes in the world, inspiring an aesthetic movement now referred to as Desert Modernism. There are a number of trust groups and heritage societies dedicated to preserving the sites, and, of course, a number of guided tours. You can even stay in a retro gem: Many small hotels and vacation rentals are Modern classics, you just have to dig.

Go Mexican. Of all the eateries, fancy and not fancy, the absolute must-do is one of the Las Casuelas restaurants—opt for Las Casuelas Terraza over the original location if the weather is nice. Pick a day when day-drinking just feels right and load up on giant margaritas followed by giant plates of Mexican comfort food at these family-run fun, fun places. Four generations of family recipes can’t be wrong, the history dating back to copper mine times.

Go Hollywood. Take a celebrity tour of the star’s homes through the Old Movie Colony and soak up the cheesy goodness of Hollywood’s Playground. You hit famous neighbourhoods, secret little spots with a good story attached, and the homes of Sinatra of course, Elizabeth Taylor, Sonny and Cher, Bob Hope, Liberace, Elvis Presley, Dinah Shore and more.

Shake it. Speaking of Dinah, the Dinah Shore Weekend, a.k.a. The Dinah, is the biggest lesbian party in the world, with concerts, pool parties, club events and celebrity special guests for a weekend in late September. Palm Springs is also a big stop for the White Party in late October for the LGBTQ and fans.

VISITPALMSPRINGS.COM

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