In the ‘60s and ‘70s, Palm Springs was revered
as the Hollywood hideaway for stars such
as Elvis Presley… and Frank Sinatra.
88 South Bay Accent
COURTESY OF VISITPALMSPRINGS.COM
the pools, fitness center, classes and wifi.
Local attractions: One of the best kept secrets in town is Sunnylands
Center and Gardens (sunnylands.org). The home and
grounds is where presidents and heads of state have vacationed for
decades. As the former estate of Walter and Leonore Annenberg,
the house is open for reserved tours, and the public can wander
the grounds and museum for free.
Meanwhile, Palm Springs is a shopping Mecca with designer
labels in abundance. Enthusiasts hail the El Paseo Shopping District
(elpaseo.com) as the Rodeo Drive of the desert.
Dining Faves: When Katie’s gal pals visit, they zip to Birba Palm
Springs (birbaps.com), where global eats and cocktails are served in
a modern dining room and tree-lined patio. Another Katie pick is
Workshop Kitchen (workshoppalmsprings.com) that has “amazing
food and is the epitome of farm-to-table dining.”
One more romantic stop on the Palm Springs Eat-Here map
is Mélange at The Chateau at Lake La Quinta (thechateaulakelaquinta.
com). Lake and mountain views, outdoor dining, and New
American cuisine are the restaurant’s highlights.
Outdoor Action: Six trails along cottonwood and willow habitats
line the crevices of the 31,000-
acre Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
(bigmorongo.org) filled with streams
and critters. Docents lead bird watching
tours at this international birding
site featuring 254 species.
Avid hikers tackle Mission Creek
Preserve (wildlandsconservancy.org), a
4,760-acre preserve near the Sonoran
and Mojave Desert. Visitors step into
the realm of cottonwood trees, shrubs,
and moonlike desert landscapes.
So which will it be? Lodging at the
Parker, The Willows, or Two Bunch
Palms? Possibly you’ll need several
visits to the Desert Empire to sample
the unique allure of each of these very
different venues. Of course, no excuse
is needed to explore and indulge
in the abundant pleasures of Palm
Springs, which invites foodies, hikers,
shoppers, spa lovers, and architecture
buffs to curate their own adventure.
Two Bunch Palms. Rates start at
$349. 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail,
Desert Hot Springs. 800/472-4334.
See Twobunchpalms.com
If you need more info on the area,
go to visitgreaterpalmsprings.com. n
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are held at Essence, which offers
sustainable, local and organic fare. The restaurant refuses to serve
genetically modified foods or use any ingredients laden with hormones
or synthetic preservatives.
Two Bunch takes pride in environmental stewardship. The
hotel owns a solar farm and harnesses the power for most of
its electricity and heating. Cleaning and bath products are ecofriendly.
Plants are drenched with recycled water.
Wellness-centered activities include juicing classes, health
lectures, yoga, bicycling, swimming and tennis. “We know that
wellness is a trend,” says Katie, “but it is the right thing. You have
to take care of yourself and especially when there are so many lifechanging
experiences in the world.”
Bottom Line: Compared to The Willows and Parker Palm
Springs, Two Bunch will be the pick for those needing a break
from the kids and wanting to enjoy the rejuvenating hot springs.
Recommended for those who take wellness seriously through
education, food and activities. Some guests have had issues with
the consistency of service and the restaurant’s management. Be
aware that the resort charges a $35 resort fee that gives access to
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