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Great spa treatments, yummy meals, watching Yankees win World Series during a desert fling
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I treated my husband Richard to a desert fling for his birthday November 5th that included two nights in a villa at the Hyatt Grand Champions Indian Wells.
Since the World Series ran over we ordered room service the first night. Both had fish, I selected a tasty salmon salad, the salad was perfect and the fish was served on the side. He ordered "Two Fish That Once Swam"-- loved the description-- that was also quite good. We washed it down with a bottle of fine champagne that we brought with us.
As the world knows, our Yankees won so sippig champgne and watching the game was the perfect start to a birthday bash.
The next day we drove around the desert, went shopping at the Cabazon outlet, had Mexican food at Chipotle and returned to the hotel for our afternoon pampering sessions at the Aqua Serena spa.
Richard had the "Gentlemen's Facial," I had an "Anti-aging ritual", which we both enjoyed. We liked our 50-minute massages, too, especially since the birthday boy got his free, just had to pay for mine--so basically it's a half-price deal. I wrote about this in another entry at examiner.com. It's good for anyone having a birthday. It also comes with one free meal, but we didn't know about this until it was too late.
The spa is inviting with a good sturdy steam bath and sauna (although it wasn't working), outdoor lounge with a hot tub, lockers, robes, slippers and cosmetics to use on body and hair etc.
Grand Champions shares a section of Indian Wells with the Renaissance Esmeralda and offers transportation back and forth. We decided to go over there for an impromptu drink on the fireplace warmed patio and while enjoying his perfect Martini and my so-so Chard we decided to see if we could get a table at Sirocco, Esmeralda's fine dining room.
We lucked out in more ways than one. Got a romantic booth and a took advantage of the price fixed 5-course menu--two starters, entree, dessert and glass of wine. We bought a bottle of Rombauer Chard to accompany the feast, which cost more than the meal itself which was $36 per person but still a bargain since every course was truly delicious. Remember I'm the Dining Diva (www.thediningdiva.wordpress.com) and Richard is very discerning, after all he wrote for years for Bon Appetit Magazine, Departures and Travel & Leisure. So you can trust us on this. My tab was $168.99 with tip and worth every dollar. The wine and martini set me back about $20.
The Grand Champions provides a pleasant environment for a getaway with adult and children's pool, free bicycles, use of a well-equipped fitness room, lots of open spaces, a bar and one three meal a day restaurant, which we didn't get to try this time.
Our villa had a living room with flat screen but not Hi Def TV, dining area, refrigerator stocked with bottled water and sodas that are complimentary unless you order more, a coffee maker and Starbucks coffee ( we brewed our own joe each morning and sat on the patio framed by awesome mountains). We also had a hot tub which we used under the stars and full moon each night. The bedroom had a TV, king size bed and adjacent bathroom with tub, shower and two sink vanity. Amenities were sub-par with two tiny bars of soap. We also had the usual robes and slippers.
One strange thing noticed during our stay--nary a soul was using the gorgeous golf course surrounding the hotel. Was this indicative of the recession or have folks given up the sport? Not sure. But it was weird.
We made a stop at Morongo Hotel & Casino, of which I am a slot machine member. I played, I won. We rejoiced. We did the buffet, a massive, high quality spread that's only $11 per person. I'm telling you it's one of the best.
He had a happy birthday, and I had fun helping him do so.
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