From Foodies to Golfers, Desert Island Country Club in Rancho Mirage Has Something for Everyone

This Posh Country Club Caters to Every Type of Person

Desert Island Country Club is an esteemed and historic property reimagined into the chic and design-savvy space it is today by Miguel Nelson, conceptual artist and founder of Marvimon (the genius behind some of LA’s trendiest event venues). You can feel Nelson’s artistic soul throughout the property—every inch is a masterpiece, from the murals and sculptures decorating the walls and tables to the blues, greens and earth tones that highlight the desert landscape and the oasis that is the club. Desert Island now welcomes everyone to experience its luxury golf course, award-winning seasonal chef-driven restaurants and cocktails made with rare spirits served at its sunken horseshoe bar—no membership required! Here’s how this posh country club caters to every type of person.

For the Golfer

Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Best Country Clubs Rancho Mirage — Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Until this year, this coveted serpentine golf course was a members-only experience. After almost 50 years, the club has opened its doors for the public to enjoy the lush 100 acres of manicured greens. A sparkling 25-acre lake sprawls around the verdant fairways that stretch into the San Jacinto Mountains surrounding the course. Luxury golf carts equipped with chilled towels and insulated water bottles bring you around the course in style. Grab a bite to eat or a hand-shaken cocktail or ice-cold beer from the mobile bar cart that seems to magically appear whenever you need it. There are also showers on-site, so you can freshen up before grabbing lunch or dinner at one of the club’s on-site restaurants.

For the Foodie

Credit: Mollie Kimberling

When it comes to wining and dining, Desert Island is a foodie’s paradise. 9 ½, the club’s shady refreshment station adjacent to the lakeside putting green, offers chef-driven grab-n-go or grab-n-stay snacks and meals, along with cocktails, beer and wine every day from 10-4 p.m. For those in search of a sit-down dining experience worth every “penney,” look no further than The Penney Restaurant & Bar! Spearheaded by Executive Chef Jon Butler, this posh culinary hideaway recently won five awards, including Best Fine Dining, Best Bar and Best Farm-to-Table! Chef Jon brings a renowned seasonal California ingredient-driven menu, ensuring each dish is as fresh as the next. Revel in stunning views of the lake and the mountains on the outdoor terrace, or snag a seat at the restaurant’s sunken horseshoe bar!

For the Social Butterfly

Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Desert Island is the place to see and be seen. Nobody throws a soiree quite like this Rancho Mirage country club. Parlour, Desert Island’s glamorous piano cocktail lounge, is now available for private events and parties. With a vintage pool table and a grand piano, it’s the perfect spot for a swanky celebration. Planning something different? Host a romantic date night on The Penney’s terrace or a private dinner for 24 in the Founders Room.

For larger gatherings, book The Gallery for a stand-up reception or the mid-century Ballroom for a full-scale wedding. No matter the occasion, Desert Island is ready to help create the event of your dreams.

For the Spirits Connoisseur

Credit: Mollie Kimberling

Speaking of drinks, Desert Island is a spectacular watering hole with innovative libations serving guests on and off the course. Grab a Golden Hour cocktail to cool down—we suggest the John Daly, which mixes black tea, lemonade and vodka—a perfect midday refresher. The cocktail menus have a signature concoction for everyone; the Cuban Express is bubbly with a hint of local honey made of gold rum, lime and champagne, while the Spicy Raspberry Pineapple Margarita is the perfect mix of spicy and sweet.

Be sure to visit The Penney, where you can enjoy tastings from its wall-to-wall rare spirits library, which displays up to 1,500 individual spirits. Connoisseurs can expect to find rare–we mean really rare, i.e. nearly impossible to find– artisanal scotches, gins, vodkas, agave-based spirits, amaros and more. Belly up to the sunken horseshoe bar where they serve one- and two-ounce pours as well as curated flights.

2/23

For the Art Lover

Credit: Mollie Kimberling

The sophisticated and chic club has more to offer than it’s noteworthy golf course. The on-site Northern Gallery is a 2,000-square-foot convertible space showcasing paintings, sculptures and other forms of art. This multi-purpose space can be used for business meetings, small private parties and intimate wedding ceremonies. Surrounded by stunning artwork, this space offers breathtaking mountain views, vast fairways, and a shimmering lake to inspire your imagination. As you admire one-of-a-kind pieces, let your mind wander through the perfect blend of art and scenery. Throughout the grounds, discover murals, unique furnishings, and design elements that spark creativity. Every corner holds something to inspire the aesthete in us all.

Desert Island Country Club
71777 Frank Sinatra Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.548.2100
@desertislandcountryclub

Lauren McCarran

+ posts

Lauren McCarran is a freelance writer specializing in content creation for media outlets. Her work with numerous publications and brands has helped her develop a unique and engaging writing style. Lauren loves to keep a finger on the ever pulsating world of pop-culture while staying in the know of the latest trends and happenings.