Luxury Escapes Guide to Greater Palm Springs

Serving up hearty comfort food with a twist in the heart of Palm Desert is Wilma & Frieda’s forte. Gaining its namesake from the passionate owner’s two grandmothers, Wilma and Frieda, the restaurant is aptly stylish, welcoming and able to impress to an incredible number of guests at a moment’s notice. Serving up classic brunch dishes you know and love, from eggs your way and traditional pancakes, alongside some new favourites like churro waffles and the soy-rizo scramble all in a wonderful farm style setting.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, enjoy the intricacies of Californian fine dining with an evening at 4 Saints. Venture to the pinnacle of Palm Springs, grab a quick cocktail or stay for a full dining experience to enjoy incredible desert views and fantastic hospitality. Guided by a traditional southern approach to cooking, the scrumptious menu makes the most of SoCal’s own ranches, vines, and natural coastlines. From the freshest seafood and prime meats, to bursting local fruits and vegetables brought to life on the grill – there’s much to be savoured.

For caffeine-fuelled good times at the base of Palm Springs’s glorious mountain range, Ernest Coffee is the independent bean dealer worth stopping for. Named after the founding father of the tiki restaurant where the café stands, Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, this coffee haven continues his spirit of delicious drinks, friendly catch-ups and vibrant fun. Serving up Stumptown Coffee daily, drop in for a takeaway on your way to Joshua Tree National Park, or stay for a while and relax on the patio with your favourite caffeinated beverage – made just how you like it.

Bold, bright and beautiful, the Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa is fun and fresh take on the mid-century Tennis and Racquet Clubs of Palm Springs. Find a plush seat to relax in this colourfully furnished venue, whether you’re spending time dining on the moreish Mediterranean-meets-Moroccan menu or stopping by for a rejuvenating cocktail or glass of local wine. Boasting an impressive wine, cocktail, aperitif and digestif menu, this vivid venue attracts lovers of a curated drinks list from across the globe.

Sample a taste of island life at Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar at The Gardens while stretching out with a drink in hand on one of the best patios in America. Loved not only for its magnificent views of the breathtaking San Jacinto mountains, the brand’s stylish El Paseo destination is also famous for its incredible spread of fresh, coastal-meets-Mexican-inspired dishes and inventive cocktail list. The perfect spot to kick back with friends and watch the sunset while sipping away on a Baja Margarita or Raspberry Jalapeno Paloma and nibbling on mahi mahi tacos, coconut shrimp and blistered shishitos.

Two delicacies are better than one. At least that’s the mentality behind central Palm Springs fusion restaurant Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey. Slinging high-quality sashimi, curated hand rolls and mouth-watering nigiri alongside an impressive list of top shelf drops in the heart of the picturesque desert is their forte, and has been since 2018. Choose your own adventure with the delectable a la carte menu or leave the decision-making to award-winning chef Engin Onural and opt for the Omakase Chef’s Tasting Menu and be fully immersed in the Sandfish vision of great seafood and equally as good whiskey.

Step into an ultra-modern dining oasis encased within classic 1920s architecture and prepare for an indulgent and truly unique dining experience at Workshop Kitchen & Bar. While admiring magnificent views of the mountains above, become hypnotised by the venue’s passion for food through the variety of inventive and fresh creations. Dine on delectable in-season produce cooked the signature wood-fired way. From succulent seafood and prime cuts of meat to organic vegetables and homegrown herbs, everything is considered aesthetically beautiful and impeccably flavoured.

Shaking up the classic American diner game, King’s Highway at Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a bohemian desert eatery and watering hole run by the owners of a popular New York bistro. Occupying a former Denny’s, the welcoming space offers elevated diner fare with everything from salmon lox and avocado toast to ricotta pancakes in the AM, and wholesome salads, sandwiches and burgers in the PM. Try a Date Shake or Bloody Mary with your brunch or come by after 2pm to refresh with a specialty cocktail, or pint of craft beer at the Amigo Room bar.

Paying tribute to the building’s original roots as the mid-century Lyons English Grille, Mr. Lyons Steakhouse continues the tradition of lovingly searing and serving premium cuts of meet to this day. Featuring a variety of steakhouse staples with a modern twist, find your space in the jazzy interiors and indulge in a delicate martini alongside a juicy cut, cooked just the way you like. Where indulgence reins supreme, guests are invited to revel in the impeccable service, sheer dedication to high quality ingredients and small farm championed menu when stopping by for an evening.

After days in the elements adventuring the desert, treat yourself to a full body pamper day at one of Palm Spring’s finest spas. Indulge with a hot mineral bath in the sacred waters of The Spa At Sec-He or experience the unique sensation of floating in one of their unique magnesium-rich zero-sensory suites. For whole body rejuvenation, visit JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s array of pampering rooms, hair salon, yoga studio, delicious bistro, fitness centre and heated outdoor pool. Spend the entire day relaxing with personalised scrubs and facials, mesmerising massages, a relax in the Turkish steam room or the aromatic hammam.

Kick your Palm Spring soiree up a notch with an adrenaline-pumping visit to the high-speed BMW Performance Center in Thermal. The first of two BMW driving tracks in the country, drivers at all skill levels are invited to engage in exciting daylong Driving School classes, or two-hour Performance Drive sessions. Test out your tight corner turns and speedy straights on a timed lap or jump in with a racing professional as they lead by example – either way, you will learn about the latest BMW models while brushing up on your driving skills.

Appreciate the sheer magnificence of this desert paradise from a new point of view with an exciting ride above the clouds. For an exhilarating journey overlooking the area’s mountain ranges, golf courses and serene sunsets, feel the wind in your hair while soaring in a 1940 Stearman biplane. If you’d rather something a little slower paced, Greater Palm Springs also offers incredible hot air balloon rides perfect for romantic occasions or simply admiring the breathtaking desert surroundings.

Experience the culinary joy of Palm Springs on foot with a fully immersive Tasty Tour along Palm Canyon Drive. Over three delicious hours, the tour will take you on a gastronomic journey to some of the area’s most significant and tasty food venues, providing you with a satisfied appetite and a newfound appreciation for cultural cuisine. Taste enticing flavour combinations and sample local beverages while learning about the cultural and architectural history of Palm Springs from local guides who are passionate about the region.

Get up close and personal with the amazing mountains of Joshua Tree National Park in a thrilling, but safe, rock-climbing adventure. Embark on a half or full day climbing expedition led by experienced, trained and certified Joshua Tree locals who can adjust the trip to suit your climbing skill level. From first timers to experienced climbers, there are options for individual or small group trips that cover technical instructions, or simply allow for exploration of the incredible national park. Choose your own rock climbing adventure and appreciate the world-renowned Joshua Tree from a new perspective.

Treat yourself to a tranquil afternoon in a desert oasis practicing your swing and wandering around the grassy ranges of PGA West La Quinta. Located in the heart of the Greater Palm Springs region, this lush golf course offers nine incredible golf courses from the rugged terrain of the Pete Dye Mountain Course to the thrilling Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. Play where some of the greats have triumphed at the foothills of the glorious Coral Mountain which rises from the stunning desert sands, sparkling lakes and lush grassy fairways.

Experience all the thrills of a world-class arena in the heart of America’s epicentre of music festivals with a VIP pass at Acrisure Arena. This brand-new oasis of musical performances and sporting matches provides impeccable hospitality, a variety of vibrant bars and eateries and an array of lounges and premium seating – perfect for those looking for a truly luxurious evening of entertainment. Catch world famous musicians and performers at their very best, and some of the countries most loved sporting teams go head-to-head while you kick back, enjoy the fantastic view and cheers a glass of bubbles in comfort.

Embark on an indulgent day of designer shopping and fine dining under the glorious palm trees at The Gardens on El Paeso. Relish a truly luxurious shopping experience in this bi-level open-air centre anchored by Saks Fifth Ave and spanning over 50 stores including Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta. Against an exquisite backdrop of premium desert scenery, treat yourself to a mid-day pick-me-up at Sottovoce Cafe, and relax at the end of your shopping exhibition with a prime cut of steak and a glass of specialty wine at one of the centre’s two steakhouses.

What better way to spend a balmy evening in Palm Springs than with live music and a delicious grazing board in lush parkland? Find a comfortable spot on the healthy turf and catch a revolving door of tribute bands and outdoor movies at Downtown Park Palm Springs while sampling some of the region’s finest cheeses, breads, fruits and wine. For a completely stress-free park experience, the friendly staff at The Picnic Table will take care of carefully designing the perfect picnic – from comfortable blankets to extensive table set-ups and cleaning up at the end of the night.

Immortalise your treasured travel memories with a delightful desert-themed photoshoot in your choice of popular Palm Springs destination. Book your experience through Flytographer and choose your own shoot adventure. First, select a photographer that suits your vision, then choose between some of the region’s most-loved destinations to be styled and snapped – from Joshua Tree National Park to Moorten Botanical Gardens and Palm Springs Windmills. Round up your group of fellow travellers, strike a pose and level up your travel snaps in Palm Springs with this personalised photoshoot.