Palm Springs’ modernist masterpieces are celebrated in this week’s fall preview but the mountain haven for the Hollywood set is worth a visit any time of year
In the early 1920s, Hollywood stars adopted Palm Springs as a place to escape the travails of Tinseltown. They were wowed by the fine weather, laid-back vibe and views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains – plus it was close enough to comply with the “two-hour rule” stipulating actors under contract had to be on call if needed by the studio. The Oasis Hotel, built in 1924-5 and designed by Lloyd Wright (son of Frank), led the way with its modernist design. More resorts, such as El Mirador, followed. Celebrities decided homes were more important than hotels, though, and along with now-revered architects – including Donald Wexler and Richard Neutra – concocted bold exteriors and sumptuous interiors. The MidMod Design Tour ($100pp) is a new architecture trip with designer Lyle Boatman that uses digital tablets to contextualise the tour. Palm Springs Mod Squad (from $70pp) offers an interiors tour, while Palm Springs Historical Society organises walking tours (from $20pp). Tours take in properties owned by Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Elizabeth Taylor, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Cher, Sammy Davis Jr and Leonardo DiCaprio. Rent a bicycle (Bike Palm Springs, from $23), pick up a guide at Palm Springs’ Visitor Center and visit at your own pace.

Palm Springs is undoubtedly my happy place. I’ll never forget my first time visiting this desert oasis. It was love at first mid-century modern home. And, no, it’s not because Leonardo Dicaprio lives here most of the year. Dripping in old Hollywood glamour, retro vibes and sunshine— Palm Springs is one of the best places to visit all year round. Whether you’re coming for a birthday weekend, bachelorette, couple rounds of golf, spa weekend, to party at Coachella, explore architecture (see: Modernism Week) or just want to soak up poolside—Palm Springs is a guaranteed incredible time. I can’t go a year without multiple visits to this place (which is gonna be hard now that I’m in New York City and not just a long drive or quick plane ride away from the Bay Area) because it’s just that good. I’ve rounded up the best places to stay, eat and drink in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs was a wellness destination as far back as the early 1900s (all that dry heat), before evolving into a glamorous, Hollywood, Halston-wearing escape in the ’50s and ’60s. These days, both sides of its personality remain strong, as you can tell from its mind-boggling collection of healthy restaurants, preserved mid-century buildings, and retro diners. But the area continues to evolve every year as new generations discover the charms of this playground in the desert. Which is exactly why we’ve had our eye on the recent crop of hotel, restaurant, and store openings. Palm Springs (and nearby Joshua Tree, Pioneer town, and Yucca Valley) is unlike any other place in the world. It’s hard to believe that this convergence of past and present and style and wellness is only a couple hours from LA—depending on traffic, of course.

In the southern part of California, there are two places that attract travelers from all over the world: the desert oasis of Joshua Tree and the vibrant town of Palm Springs. Joshua Tree and Palm Springs instantly bring warm feels to my heart. While these two locations are far from being similar to one another; experiencing them together is the perfect blend of tranquility and lively spirit.

Joshua Tree is like no other place I have ever visited. From the awestruck sunsets to the calming presence of the Joshua Trees, themselves. Joshua Tree is a place where your soul and nature become one. This place allows your dreams to come alive and lets all your passions come forth from your heart.

CALIFORNIA, NORTH AMERICA, PALM SPRINGS, UNITED STATES

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES YOU MUST INDULGE IN AT JOSHUA TREE AND PALM SPRINGS

In the southern part of California, there are two places that attract travelers from all over the world: the desert oasis of Joshua Tree and the vibrant town of Palm Springs. Joshua Tree and Palm Springs instantly bring warm feels to my heart. While these two locations are far from being similar to one another; experiencing them together is the perfect blend of tranquility and lively spirit.

Joshua Tree is like no other place I have ever visited. From the awestruck sunsets to the calming presence of the Joshua Trees, themselves. Joshua Tree is a place where your soul and nature become one. This place allows your dreams to come alive and lets all your passions come forth from your heart.

5 Unique Experiences In Palm Springs And Joshua Tree National Park

Palm Springs is the equalizer to Joshua Tree. It brings your body, mind and soul out of your calming state and into a state of energy, exuberance and playfulness. You come alive with the swaying palm trees and the colorful buildings. This town brings you back into the glitz and glam of when it was an escape for high-end celebrities like Cary Grant and Marilyn Monroe. The stars are alive in Palm Springs.

In both Joshua Tree and Palm Springs, there are amazing experiences awaiting you. It is my wish that you fall in love with these experiences just like I did, and you leave a little piece of your heart in these areas of southern California.

A mid-century desert marvel with two deep, saltwater pools, once a Westward Ho with a Denny’s, Ace Hotel & Swim Club has 179 rooms (some with patios and fireplaces), an organic spa, a roadside diner King’s Highway, a vintage photo booth and views of the mighty purple San Jacintos. There are fruit and flower trees everywhere and a relaxed California desert design ethos. You can attend events most nights, like DJ sets, drag trivia, the best bingo game night ever or comedy shows. Rent a bike and ride it downtown. Take a scooter to a show at Pappy & Harriet’s or, if you’re adventurous, all the way to the Integration or Joshua Tree or Leonard Knight’s technicolor Salvation Mountain. Or stay put and read a trilogy by the pool. The desert is home to freethinkers, wanderers, mystics and artists and The Ace has something for every single one of your personalities. Pro Tip: If you’re not staying here, definitely get a day pass for their pool one of the days. It’s not relaxing, but it’s great people watching and essentially a grown-up Vegas pool party (which is actually a lot better than it sounds).

Book The Estate Palm Springs and enjoy your stay.

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