Surrounded by four scenic mountain ranges and long sought-after by travellers for its glamorous history, wellness offerings, and those with a sense of adventure, Greater Palm Springs is an inspiring Southern Californian oasis made up of nine distinct resort cities.
Despite the challenges experienced across the destination as a result of the pandemic, the past year has seen significant developments across the Coachella Valley from luxury wellness resorts and water parks to big recruitment drives for the recently opened and renovated hotels.
Greater Palm Springs is adding to its existing offering of natural wonders, cultural experiences and the reinstatement of signature events as it prepares to welcome back international holidaymakers.
Greater Palm Springs Accommodation – now open
The Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Oasis opened in Desert Hot Springs in April 2021. Renowned for its natural geothermal heated mineral spring water, the new luxury spa resort will offer guests 40 rooms and suites, most offering fresh-flowing in-room mineral spring tubs, and cleansing, juicing and fasting options. Overnight package prices start from £321 with six options available and consisting of 1-2 nights stay and up to four spa treatments. Health Programmes offering yoga and juice fasting retreats are available for up to 5nights/6days starting June 13th, 2021. Rates to be announced.
In Indian Wells, the highly anticipated waterpark also opened at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, and now offers guests a 450ft lazy river, 30ft duling waterslides and seven expansive new swimming pools. The four-star resort, set against the backdrop of palm trees and scenic mountain views, now features outdoor fun, under 300 days of sunshine for all the family at the waterpark including HyTides Plunge Waterpark, Desert Twist Lazy River and family splash area with interactive water features and a smaller slide for young children. Renovations can be seen throughout the resort specialising in reimagined dining spaces and an updated lobby to allow for social distancing, and an increase in safety measures with contactless check-in, a cap on capacity and frequent cleaning on high-touch surfaces.
Greater Palm Springs Accommodation – openings you missed in 2020
Palm Springs’ oldest operating hotel located in the Racquet Club Estates neighbourhood of Palm Springs has reopened. Named after pioneer Harriet Cody and situated in front of the San Jacinto Mountains, Casa Cody comprises historic structures, including the Adobe House, California Ranch Home (known as Winters House) and the Olympic Cottage, a home once used to house athletes during the Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics. With just 29 rooms available, the hotel offers space and tranquillity but within walking distance to many attractions downtown. Rates start from £160pp.
The Riviera Palm Springs rebranded to the Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs following a substantial renovation in 2020 and is the brand’s first resort on the West Coast. Combining chic, mid-century Palm Springs aesthetic with a casual-luxe island feel, the resort is minutes from downtown Palm Springs and key cultural attractions, including the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Art Museum and Air Museum. With 398 rooms, the resort also offers several Margaritaville-inspired indoor/outdoor dining options, the city’s largest resort spa – St. Somewhere Spa and an all-new family-oriented programme of activities. Rates start from £105 pppn.
Greater Palm Springs – New and increased domestic airlift
From 9 May 2021, Southwest Airlines will offer a new nonstop service between Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Connecting the two desert destinations whilst offering two uniquely different experiences, the year-round service will initially operate four times weekly before increasing to daily in June. With direct services from the UK to both Los Angeles and San Diego, Greater Palm Springs can be reached in just under an hour by flight or two hours by car.
Greater Palm Springs – Attractions to look forward to in 2022
Downtown Palm Springs will welcome the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza featuring an art gallery celebrating the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and a luxury spa with tranquil garden and outdoor mineral pool. The Spa at Séc-he celebrates the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring estimated to be upwards of 12,000 years old and is truly unique to Greater Palm Springs as the mineral make-up cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Making waves in the surf scene, in 2022 Palm Springs will welcome the Palm Springs Surf Club. Designed for surfers, by surfers, the attraction will feature a wave pool and include private cabanas, a restaurant, spa and gym. Two additional surf properties are already in the making – DSRT SURF in Palm Desert and Coral Mountain in La Quinta – making Greater Palm Springs the mecca for seasoned surfers and keen learners, providing ocean-like waves in the middle of the desert.