Palm Springs - The Desert Island
The first international trip I took with my husband, Anthony was to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic back in 2017. We joined our friend Lauren and were introduced to her childhood friend Coco. This was the start of several annual international getaways, the last one planned was to Curacao in July 2020. Needless to say, that vacation was cancelled, putting a hiatus on these excursions. By 2021, we were ready to meet up for a domestic experience that would satisfy the craving of being at an all-inclusive resort that we’d been longing for.
After a series of group texts, we finally landed on a VRBO rental in Palm Springs. It was the answer to the tropical weather we longed for, including a resort like pool and jacuzzi, meals that could be delivered as the property was part of a golf community, and more than anything else we had that relaxing freedom to drink and sleep as much or as little as we wanted. That was the beginning of an experience that enabled Anthony and I to plan island-like vacations in the desert.
By the time we all headed home from this inaugural trip to Palm Springs, two things were certain. We would definitely be returning and we would not be driving. The Palm Springs airport is so easy to get in and out of, it’s highly recommended.
It took until 2023 for Anthony and I to return back to Palm Springs. Our good friend Harjindar was going to join us a few days into the trip. Unfortunately, a calamity of errors brought all the fun and joy to its knees. The place where we planned to stay was beyond horrible! It wasn’t clean, the AC couldn’t hold up to the August desert heat, and the final straw that led to a middle of the night departure were bed bugs. Normally, I do a good amount of research before diving into a vacation, especially the accommodations; however, as funny as it sounds, as big reality tv fans we saw this resort featured on the Basketball Wives LA show. I mean, if tv personalities were staying there, how bad could it be?
Thankfully, a phone call to the Amex concierge saved the trip. All within the same night of our arrival, we packed up and went to the Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage. Now, to be clear, I never in my life imagined I would ever be able to afford, let alone have the means to stay for five nights at any Ritz Carlton. But we sure did it! It was such an amazing experience that erased any feelings of dread that had enveloped us at the original resort. It completely turned the whole trip around. The staff were unbelievable, each going out of their way to care for the guests, the property was immaculate, and the spa was terrific. Best of all, they had a pool for families so kids could run wild, as well as a pool for adults who enjoyed a different vibe. This trip, though costly, was worth every penny. Staying at a property like the Ritz, you never know who you may run into. For me that wound up being Reza from the Shahs of Sunset, who was staying in the suite next door and celebrating his birthday with his husband and Gigi (Golnesa). The trip was filled with days of sun, relaxation and plenty of spicy margaritas served poolside. My husband, unfortunately, was not fairing as well on this vacation. He had seriously injured his back the year prior and had occasional bouts of intense pain. Most of his time was spent in the room laying horizontally. To say there were parts of the trip that were miserable for him would be an understatement, and I did the best I could to try and assuage his plight. Each morning, after I had my breakfast at Stater Fare, the onsite restaurant, I’d bring him back avocado toast on charcoal bread with a runny egg with an espresso martini on the side. The lemonade we made from this malady was surprisingly refreshing.
Even before we departed, I knew I’d want to have an opportunity to experience this trip again someday. And that day came in March of 2024. Ever since we had gotten back from that first trip, my husband bemoaned the fact that he’d felt cheated with our vacation and wanted to do it again. In between our time there in August 2023 and return the following spring, the Palm Springs area had been hit with unprecedented weather that led to severe flooding that was surreal. We’d watch on the news and TikTok videos of streets we had just driven down only months earlier—part of me didn’t know what to expect when we returned. Would it be the same island in the desert we’d come to love? Were some businesses forced to close? We got those answers and more when we landed at the Palm Springs International Airport on March 21, 2024.
This was our first time visiting the desert in springtime. The days were warm, not requiring a jacket, but the nights and evening became very chilly. Regardless, it was a welcome respite from the seemingly endless frigid days back home in the Bay Area. By the end of our stay, Anthony and I both agreed that we preferred the hotter weather that you get from May onward as opposed to the mild temperatures offered earlier in the year. While it was comfortable enough to lay out by the pool and soak in the rays, but the idea of taking a plunge in the pool and then trying dry off naturally was a little less than desirable.
That first evening, about 20 minutes after leaving the airport, we were turning up the hill off East Palm Canyon Drive on to the curvy Frank Sinatra Drive toward our home for the next week, The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage. Each wind of the road felt so familiar, fueling my excitement at our return. It was such a pleasant experience to see some of the familiar staff that remembered us from a few months ago. Being that our first trip took place in August, the occupancy was not at peak, and we were able to stay on the east side of the property near the residences. The rooms are absolutely worth the extra spend if you can afford it; many of the rooms are on the same level as the lobby, so you don’t need to use the elevator at all, and the suites on the lower level have a patio and fireplace. More than anything else, it’s a bit quieter too.
In March, you may find that there are a lot more visitors during this time, no doubt people looking for a reprieve from the cold temperatures back home like we were. There were also a good number of families as well. As such, our room was on the west side of the property, and while the room was still beautiful and not lacking in amenities, it was a bit of a different experience. An elevator was required to reach the room, and this side of the property is where the family pool is located so it can get a little noisier. Another thing to note is that there is a lounge available with an upgraded reservation, giving you access to a little more luxury with complimentary snacks and beverages.
On the topic of food, Palm Springs and its neighboring cities have an amazing food scene. We’ve found some real gems during our time there. At the top of the list is the one that we knew we’d have to return to: Clandestino. Located right downtown amongst the shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels is a small boutique-style Mexican restaurant that delivers flavor in a big way. After tying a number of items on the menu, it’s safe to say that they know how to serve up satisfying dishes that you ‘ve probably never tried before. Now for the must haves, you won’t regret ordering the Taco Chips, Beer Tempura Avocado Bites, Fried Squash Blossoms, the Red Burrito, and the fajitas. To round things off, you must try the tasting flight of margaritas that feature refreshing flavors like cucumber, mango, Jamaica, and guava. I’m not a guava person, which wasn’t part of the tasting on our first visit. The staff were kind enough to make me an off-menu item that used to be part of the flight tasting, a pineapple margarita—so good! Now for a couple tips to make sure you have a great experience. While the address for the restaurant is the main downtown drag on Palm Canyon Drive, Calndestino is not street side. To get there, you’ll have to go to the back side of the building, opposite from Sephora to reach the restaurant entrance. Also, being boutique in style, occupancy for the restaurant is not huge, so reservations are highly recommended. Perfect for a date night out or for group of four.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more causal but want to satisfy a craving for food from south of the boarder, then El Patio is where you’ll want to land. The outside area is surrounded by trees, colorful walls, and lots of personality. This place is great for families and friends who are looking for a boisterous environment, and you may even be serenaded with a live performance during your meal. I can’t rave enough about the salsa, it was flavorful, not too spicy, and the perfect consistency. As a carnitas connoisseur, they absolutely get my stamp of approval. And do yourself a favor, you will most definitely want to try the queso fundido.
When it’s time to lavish yourself in a little luxury, hop on over to Palm Desert, where you’ll find the Rodeo Drive of the desert. El Paseo, the main drag, is lined with the likes of Louis Vuitton, White House Black Market, and Gucci. For dining, I could have not been more pleased with Eddie V’s Palm Desert. Yes, it’s a chain, and owned by the same corporation that owns Olive Garden; however, the atmosphere and service are top notch. Known for their martinis and the table-side shaking, be prepared for a little show with dinner. Now, outside of their offerings being your typical steakhouse and seafood fare, the hill that I’m willing to die on is for two items. The first is their Truffled Macaroni and Cheese. I make my own baked macaroni at home, and it is one dish that’s always requested by friends and family, so my standards are high. I tend to lower my expectations a bit when having macaroni and cheese at restaurants, but when I tell you, baby! I considered going back and just asking for a bucket of it. Best I’ve ever encountered in a restaurant. And make sure you save room for dessert, because if you miss out on the Bananas Foster Butter Cake, you might as well just stay a home. Lit tableside and served with butter pecan ice cream, it is the bite that you will be talking about non-stop. I’ve heard that we will have to check out Mastro’s Steakhouse located a couple blocks away, also on El Paso. They come highly rated, so this is definitely on the list for the next trip.
To round out a stay in Palm Springs, about twenty minutes away is the Desert Hills Premium Outlets. This is your chance to peruse over 180 stores and luxury brands like Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, and so much more. If you’re visiting on a hot day, remember to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be challenged to visit all of the stores in one visit, so you may want to cherry pick your top stores. For quick dining there are a couple of food trucks and a food court to recharge for your shopping experience.
Having made Palm Spring a repeat destination over the past few years has not disappointed. There’s opportunity experience complete luxury, causal jaunts downtown that feel almost like a beach town, and even a night life of gambling with four Agua Caliente casinos, nearby. Plus, the one in Rancho Mirage is smoke-free. I’m already making a list of must try experiences the next time we go back.