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One Mother Of A Weekend

“Get away, leave today!” — Earth, Wind and Fire

Attention all moms! I hope you all raised excellent kids, and that they see this post and take you to Palm Springs for Mother’s Day. But if they’re all caught up in themselves this year (hey, it happens), or if you need a break from being a mom (you deserve it), then let this be your inspiration to take yourself away. Grab some of your girlfriends and enjoy a relaxing and very fun time in sunny Palm Springs. 

Palm Springs boutique hotels with spas

A white outdoor tub on a patio at Terra Palm Springs

Guests at Terra Palm Springs can Indulge in a private outdoor bath. Courtesy of Terra Palm Springs

How does a spa getaway sound? Aaah-mazing, right? Who doesn’t need a little pampering every now and then? Here are some spa hotels that won’t let you down.

Ingleside Estate — At this storied hotel you’ll be surrounded by history. You’ll love both the location and the vibe. And they have Melvyn’s, a restaurant and lounge with live entertainment. Guests have access to Estrella Spa at the Ingleside Estate’s sister property, Avalon Palm Springs.

Andreas Hotel and Spa — Mid-town, steps from everything, plus there’s a full-service spa — hello.

Terra Palm Springs — Wow! “Palm Springs’s first wellness-focused boutique hotel. Thirteen experiential rooms, including spa suites, private cold plunges, firepits, and fitness decks create the ultimate sanctuary. A wellness center consisting of a rain room, Himalayan salt sauna, red light therapy room, and Ayurvedic spa services, plus a juice bar, yoga, and sound bath offerings are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.”

La Serena Villas — It’s gorgeous! Right next to Whispers Spa is Azucar and Sugar High, a restaurant and rooftop bar. And you’re steps away from the downtown action!

L’Horizon — Super swanky, this old estate will make you feel like you’re the guest of some movie star. You kinda are.

Bicycles, hot tubs and pools (I’ll even throw in breakfast)

Rocky ledges and palms surround the beautiful pool at Sparrows Lodge Hotel in Palm Springs, California

The Sparrows Lodge pool is a natural gathering place for guests. Photo courtesy of Sparrows Lodge

Sparrows Lodge — Absolutely gorgeous lodge on the south end of Palm Springs. You can also get lunch and dinner here at their little restaurant. It’s actually a hot ticket.

Desert Hills — West of Palm Canyon, you’re walking distance to downtown, and a biking excursion for coffee in the design district is about a 10-minute ride. Nice sized pool with plenty of room to lounge. 

Orbit In — Close to Desert Hills, but straight out of the Jetsons. It not only has the above-listed amenities, but it also has a wonderful view of Frey House II.

Desert Riviera — We’re back on the south side of Palm Springs, which has its own swinging vibe. The Purple Room and PS Underground are on this end of town, and a bike ride into the Mesa is a must. Unless you have thighs of steel, stay on the road that runs parallel to South Palm Canyon, then stop at El Mirasol South for a Cadillac Margarita.

Movie Colony Hotel — Lovely hotel at Alejo and Indian Canyon, and at the entry to the neighborhood called the Movie Colony. Great area if you like old estates and perfect for a bike ride. Plenty of places to eat and drink just one block away.

Brunch options

Groups of diners eat under yellow umbrellas at Eight4Nine in Palm Springs, California

Lunch tastes even better when dining outside at Eight4Nine. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

There are plenty of great places to take your mom for brunch. If you’re looking for something on the elegant side, I suggest Farm, Spencer’s, Eight4Nine, Kaiser Grille, and Jake’s.

For something less formal, consider Palm Greens Cafe in the Sun Center. Not super crowded, with tasty food. On the relaxed end of things, 1501 Uptown Gastropub does a great job, and Jimmy B’s, in the heart of downtown, provides terrific food, entertainment, and great people watching. Upstairs from Jimmy B’s is Wilma & Frieda’s, which is also a hot spot. 

If Mexican food, particularly fajitas, is your jam, go to Maracas. The margaritas are great, and they have the best salsa. Sit outside for the people watching. 

Golf and brunch

Mountain and palm tree views from the patio at Escena in Palm Springs, California

The views are gorgeous from the patio at Escena. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Escena Grill (for golf, go here)

Indian Canyons has two dining options and two player options. The South Course Grill is my favorite because of the amazing view. If it’s nice, dine al fresco.

Something extra special

The tram on its way to cooler temperatures. Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Peaks at the Top of the Tram — Take the gondola up the mountain and enjoy the views while you enjoy a lovely brunch.

Labor Pains at PS Underground — Brunch and entertainment 

PSAir Mid-Mod Boozy Brunch — Come fly with the captain and his delightful bevy of air hostesses. Drag brunch and show. 

The most beautiful hike in Palm Springs is Tahquitz Canyon. The final destination is incredibly rewarding. Go early. 

Have a Happy Mother’s Day! And moms? Thanks for all you do. 

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Dad Or Daddy, It’s Father’s Day In Palm Springs

Dads are notoriously hard to please, even on the gifting front (just mine?). Personally, I was never able to beat anything my sister got him. But then I figured out that I could offer him an experience, so we’d go places together. I wish he was still around so I could show him my Palm Springs. He’d love it. So, if you’ll allow me, I’d love to help you plan that perfect getaway for you and your Dad/Daddy in our little slice of paradise.

Let’s start with accommodations:

Old Ranch Inn: There are eight rooms available at the western-themed, architecturally historic resort. Every room is around the pool, so there’s no long walk like on larger properties. Just steps away from downtown, it’s a great choice.

The Wescott: Art Deco, old Hollywood style with a nice pool for swimming some laps. A top Palm Springs lodging option, it has earned a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2013.

The Westcott’s pool area. Photo courtesy of The Westcott

Ingleside Inn: If a hotel could write a book, hoo boy what stories it could tell. Luckily, former owner Mel Haber did write a book, and spills all the secrets. The bar in the on-property restaurant Melvyn’s is so old Hollywood, in your mind’s eye you can see Dean Martin leaning across the bar to talk to Dinah Shore, or Debbie Reynolds laughing with bestie Ruta Lee. The hotel and the restaurant are first class, as is the entertainment.

The Three-Fifty Hotel: Sweet 10-suite hotel with fabulous poolside views of the mountains.

Once you’ve got your hotel locked down, it’s time to figure out the rest of the experience. If Dad is a golfer, there are SO many options, you can read all about them here.

There’s nothing like the feeling of being behind the wheel of a sporty car on a racetrack, so if Dad’s into cars (and I’m going to pull a statistic right out of thin air and say 95% of all men love cars), book the ultimate driving experience at the BMW Performance Track. He’ll be talking about it for years to come.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is pretty cool. Even cooler? You can ride in an old war bird in the sky.

The Palm Springs Air Museum. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Windmill Tours: From golf cart tours to self-driving tours, it’s all about the energy of these turbines, how they work, and how much electricity they produce. I hear it’s marvelous. Likely not for toddlers, though.

June 16 and 17: Baseball with Palm Springs Power. 7 p.m.

If Dad’s into art, take him to the Palm Springs Art Museum, and to one of the many galleries around town.

A nice spot to have a coffee is in the Corridor Courtyard. Choose from Ernest Coffee or Koffi (both local coffee shops) and Mod Cafe (all vegan, breakfast, and lunch) then go behind the buildings into a magical little garden away from the hubbub of Palm Canyon.

Sports bars — there’s The Village (they have a Father’s Day luncheon), Shamrock’s Irish Pub, and Hair of the Dog (pool, darts, and, you know, booze).

Small batch brewers: Las Palmas Brewers, La Quinta Brewery Tap Room

Happy Hour: Las Casuelas, Lulu (at the bar)

Lulu California Bistro in downtown Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Dinner:

Spencer’s: Book the Bougainvillea Room.

The Purple Room Supper Club: Check the lineup and check with Dad. They have a lot of great jazz singers, and Sundays is the fabulous The Judy Show.

Johnny Costa’s: Old school Italian fine dining. The chicken parm and eggplant parm are delicioso!

Del Rey: Great drinks and tapas in the Villa Royale. Small space makes great memories.

After dinner:

V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar has a great selection of wines and fun cocktails, including martinis. It’s got a cool, retro vibe with its mid-century modern decor. Sometimes there’s karaoke and sometimes there’s other forms of entertainment. But even on a quiet night, you’ll enjoy the ambiance, and the staff is helpful and friendly, too.

Breakfast: 

Bit O’Country: Locally owned, great American and Mexican cuisine.

Elmer’s: My favorite breakfast, because hash browns.

Billy Reed’s: It’s the most old school, Midwest spot in Palm Springs.

Pinocchio’s: The home fries are made with baked potatoes, and they have free flowing champagne and Bloody Marys. It’s a party.

For something different, on the South Course in the south end of Palm Springs is Indian Canyons Golf. The link I’m giving you indicates both restaurants are open, which is news to me. Go here.

Indian Canyons South. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

And now for the Daddies.

Clothing-optional resorts for men:

The Hacienda at Warm Sands

Santiago Resort

Desert Paradise Resort

Vista Grande

El Mirasol Villas

^^all of these are great options for couples

The relaxing Hacienda at Warm Sands pool. Photo courtesy of The Hacienda at Warm Sands

Brunch/Dinner: 

Blackbook

Tropicale

Trio (Saturdays and Sundays)

To get the full Palm Springs experience, head on down to Arenas Road (Blackbook is there) and check out all of the clubs. Gay Desert Guide will be a big help.

For the Sugar Daddy — you’re footing the tab, go to Paris! Looking for romance not requiring a passport? Try these resorts on for size: L’Horizon (swanky beyond swank), Smoke Tree Ranch (so exclusive most locals have never been), and Casa Cody (the romance of old Palm Springs) in downtown.

Spend one entire day in the Spa at Séc-he. If you book a service over $200 you get access to all of the pools, baths, salt caves, etc. Several spots to lunch inside. I hear it’s worth every penny.

Wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there in the wild. I hope you get to spend some quality time with your kids, and that they like you. In which case, see you in Palm Springs soon!

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