For decades Palm Springs, CA has been a playground for the Hollywood Stars. In the early days it was Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Today George Clooney and Cameron Diaz, along with many other heavy hitters have either vacationed in Palm Springs or owned homes here.
Each January Palm Springs holds an annual international film festival that brings in some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. This year was no different; Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Zac Efron and Ryan Seacrest (to only name a few) all attended the event.
Hotels:
So how can you have a star-studded luxury weekend in Palm Springs? Well start off with four-diamond accommodations at the historic, 1924, Willows Inn. Cameron Diaz has been a guest here, along with Albert Einstein. As a matter of fact Einstein was such a regular guest that they named one of only eight rooms after him. This luxury Mediterranean Villa oozes luxury and privacy in every sense. From the gated entrance to the private gourmet breakfast room nestled next to a waterfall, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres served on the balcony and their exquisite gardens this place caters to the discerning traveler. The Tempur-Pedic beds and high-count linens add a nice touch. Upon checking-in you’ll find a bottle of sparkling water, assorted nuts, fruit and cookies waiting for you. The staff is attentive but never in the way. They seem to appear out of nowhere and then disappear like some sort of magic act. This place is perfect for the traveler that needs a place to escape and be pampered. The owners, two doctors from LA, Paul Marut and Tracy Conrad, have done a wonderful job in creating a private get-away in the heart of Palm Springs.
If you’re looking for your own house to call home for a weekend or a week, try renting out Frank Sinatra’s old digs, kindly known as Twin Palms. The 4,000 sq. ft. house was built for Sinatra in 1947. He lived here with his first wife Nancy Barbarto. The twin palms in the yard we used to hoist a flag each day to alert guests that it was officially 'Happy Hour'. The 11’ deep pool is shaped in the design of a piano and the originally recording studio is in the living room that Ol’ Blue Eyes used to record and practice his well-known songs.
Shopping:
Palm Springs has a lot to offer in the way of shopping. If you want to shop like a Hollywood starlet head out to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets where you’ll find Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss. Or, shop at El Paseo Shopping District; Anne Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany’s. There is no shortage of great shopping in the Palm Springs area. El Paseo has wonderful art galleries, restaurants, jewelers, and boutique stores.
Entertainment:
Now for entertainment, be sure to visit The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnyland’s. For nearly 50 years heads of state and leaders in powerhouse industries have met here to strategize. This 200-acre estate was built by Ambassador Walter and Leonore Annenberg as a private estate. This home is now open for private tours and small groups. It is still used as a retreat for global leaders and is known as the West Coast Camp David.
Sunnyland’s has a nine-hole golf course, a stocked pond, tennis court, swimming pools, a world-class art collection, and 22 guest rooms. It is truly fit for royalty and the Hollywood elite. As a matter of fact, many of the Hollywood elite have visited this astounding estate including Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.
Palm Springs Museum is a whopping 150,000 sq. ft. of art, workshops and live performances. This museum has more than 55,000 objects in 28 galleries including works by Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein. The building itself was designed by architect Stewart Williams, one of Palm Springs most influential architects. If you’re up to spending big bucks you can purchase a giant bronze spider for $12 million, created by Louise Bourgeois. I’m not sure they would actual sell it, but that’s the value of the sculpture. They also offer art workshops and have a 433 seat theater.
Dining:
Well, if you need more Hollywood glam then get ready to dine and party like a rock star. Lulu’s has the longest happy hour in Palm Springs, beginning at 11 AM and runs until closing.
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience head over to Johannes Restaurant. This is owned and operated by award-winning Chef Johannes Bacher, from Austria. He believes in fresh, local and sustainable food. You’ll find some interesting items on the menu too like New Zealand Venison. And if you’re a wine lover you’ll find an extensive and wonderful wine list.
Trio Restaurant is casual upscale. Serving lunch from 11-2 and dinner from 4-9 daily, don’t miss out on the hand-cut potato chips – delicious! They have plenty of fish dishes to choose from including a wonderful Ahi Tuna. There’s also the standard burgers, gourmet, and a duck entrée. The desserts are very nice and they have plenty of signature drinks like Aime’s Black Widow made with Grey Goose, Vanilla Vodka, Lemon Juice, Agave & Chambord.
Nightlife:
If you’re looking for something special to do, why not rent a horse-drawn carriage from Big Horse Carriage Company and see the town. Grab a bottle of wine and off you go…. Special tours can be arranged or schedule one of their regular tours.
If that’s not enough fun, try lady luck at the Spa Resort and Casino. High stakes Black Jack, Poker, and slots could land you as the next big winner.
Each Thursday evening downtown turns into VillageFest. More than 200 booths offering local goods for sale from art to handcrafted items and food are represented. Many of the items are one of kind. It’s a great way to see a variety of Palm Springs talent.
The Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel is a nice speakeasy. The Ace Hotel, 180 rooms, was rented out by Mark Zuckerberg for a close friend, Aaron Sittig’s wedding. The Amigo Room is small but it’s a great low-lit place to stop in for a couple of drinks. On weekends they have live music and the place is loud and packed…but a fun scene.
The Orbit Inn has an outdoor bar that serves signature Orbitinis. The base is Saki with a little cranberry juice and lime. The drinks are delicious and the bartender is always entertaining. The bar is open to those not staying at the hotel. It’s a great place to get the party started, early in the evening. It’s a small venue too but with a big retro style.
If you’re looking for the old crooner crowd head over to Melvyns. This was Sinatra’s hang out and now they have Jazz on Sundays from 3:30- 7:30. Crooners are singing most nights from 8:30 PM -1 AM.
Outdoor Activities:
If the outdoor scene is more your style, get in Hollywood shape with tennis, golf, hiking the Indian Canyons, horseback riding, four-wheeling, or riding the world’s largest rotating aerial tramway up to the peak of the San Jacinto Mountains - 8,516 ft.
Joshua Tree National Monument is worth the drive. The lower Colorado and the high Mojave come together in a convergence that is a spiritual high. Many say it beats Sedona. Just make sure to bring lots of water.
Golf Courses:
With more than three-dozen golf courses in the area you won’t get bored with your game. Escena Golf Club course is voted one of the top ten courses in California. It’s a Nicklaus Design 18-hole public course. Private courses that rank high are Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage and The Club at Morningside.
With so much to offer you can see why Hollywood’s Stars come to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. With outdoor activities, great food and hospitality you’ll feel like a Hollywood celebrity even if it’s just for a weekend. But beware, the desert may steal your heart forever.
Palm Springs is under a two-hour drive from San Diego and Los Angeles. For more information contact the Palm Springs Visitor Center.
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