From Luxe Resorts and Restaurants to Cultural and Social Hubs, Here’s the Latest in Palm Springs

What’s new in Palm Springs, you ask? Lots! While this region has relaxation down to a science, there’s truly never a dull moment in the Coachella Valley—and no shortage of new things to see and do, or places to stay and play. If you thought there wasn’t enough square footage for another luxury resort or boutique hotel, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that we’ve discovered a whole new crop to add to the list of lavish lodgings. From revamped wave pools and “surf” spots to the newest eateries, medspas, social clubs and cultural hubs, these are the newest attractions to hit the scene in Palm Springs.

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

An illustrious icon of luxury desert dwelling, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is the only place you should be sipping poolside cocktails during your Greater Palm Springs getaway. With a 15-treatment room spa, private dining outlets and a cliffside swimming pool, what’s not to love? Perfectly situated between sweeping golf courses and the famed Joshua Tree National Park, guests have the best of this desert region at their fingertips.

In commemoration of the resort’s 10th anniversary, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is proud to unveil its updated lobby, Club Level, event spaces and freshly remastered guest rooms and hallway corridors that tie in elements, bringing the outdoors in. The midcentury modern renovations introduce luxury textiles and a sophisticated aesthetic that complements the desert’s serene landscape. All 244 of their reimagined living quarters boast crisp linens, geometric patterns and a soothing gray and chrome color palette. Natural lighting and plush furnishings add a touch of coziness to the exclusive Club Lounge, now featuring an airy open concept. Their culinary highlight, The Edge Steakhouse, has reopened for cliffside dining five days a week, treating guests to a contemporary, five-star experience with views that just won’t quit.

Location: Rancho Mirage

 

Life House Palm Springs

Check into the latest little oasis to hit the Coachella Valley—known as Life House Palm Springs. Inspired by the silent film era and its stars who pioneered the pilgrimage from Hollywood to the desert, this cozy hideaway features modern minimalist guest rooms with subtle southwestern elements, an elevated plant-based restaurant and Minerva’s Pool House—a sleek poolside bar with colorful retro touches and plush sunbeds for lounging. Be sure to head inside and check out the secret speakeasy cocktail bar when the sun goes down.

Location: Palm Springs

4/3

 

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

Live your best life at the all-new Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, a luxury resort curated around the iconic menswear brand—bringing the island life to the heart of the desert. Framed by the Santa Rosa mountains, this lush property is surrounded by 11 acres of olive trees and citrus groves, with expansive suites outfitted in the brand’s signature tropical palm frond motif and sleek wood furnishings. Clink glasses in a palm tree paradise at Grapefruit Basil restaurant and bar, unwind at the spa, play a round of Bocce ball or grab a basket and picker to pluck citrus fruit at your leisure while strolling the grounds. 

Location: Indian Wells

3/26

 

Palm Springs Surf Club

Get ready to catch some waves—as soon as the Palm Springs Surf Club opens its doors to an all-new, revamped indoor wave pool experience (taking up shop in the space of the former Wet n’ Wild water park on the Gene Autry Trail). Pack your suit and practice your surf skills in a cool, controlled wave pool environment, perfect for beginners who may be hesitant to paddle out to sea. Details have been kept under wraps thus far, but it’s sure to be the perfect place to hit the beach—without ever leaving the desert.

Location: Palm Springs

 

DSRT Club

A modern revival of the original Desert Club—a social club that reigned supreme in its 1930s heyday, offering memberships as an incentive to encourage migration to the La Quinta area during the Depression—this contemporary concept brings a nostalgic twist to the desert dining scene. Sip on a vintage libation like a Bee Sting or a Wicket Cricket, and share small plates like Spanish Manchego and Truffle Fries, Filet Bits ‘N Fries, “Fire Kissed” Broccolini and “Cutie” Chicken Pops before tucking into an entree of Mint & Pimento Lamb Chops, Crispy Skin Branzino or DSRT Club Jamba.

Location: La Quinta

3/20

 

Kiki’s La Quinta

Slip into a snappy striped booth at Kiki’s La Quinta and set your sights on elevated Italian fare. Clink your way into cocktail hour with a Sicilian Necktie or an Espresso Martinetto. Kiki’s also claims to serve the “second-best martini in the world,” but you’ll just have to stop by and decide for yourself. Fill up on pizzas and pastas—including rich rigatoni bolognese, ricotta gnocchi and classic cacio e pepe—or opt for the meats, like a juicy flat iron steak or braised short rib with a side of creamy parmesan polenta.

Location: La Quinta

 

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza is an all-new piazza in downtown Palm Springs that pays homage to the indigenous roots of the region. The new development features a Gathering Plaza for guests and locals alike to enjoy the desert landscape, and the sprawling Agua Caliente Cultural Museum with multiple galleries and exhibits to showcase local art and historical artifacts, along with an education center and lush gardens. A grand yet peaceful 40,000 square-foot spa harnesses the miraculous healing waters of the Agua Caliente Mineral Spring in celebration of the tribes that have utilized its unique soothing properties for an estimated 12,000 years and have shaped the evolution of the Palm Springs area.

Location: Downtown Palm Springs

 

The Yucca

For a truly sustainable experience, spend a night or two at The Yucca—a luxury boutique adults-only hotel nestled between Joshua Tree and the Coachella Valley that seamlessly blends upscale travel with an environmentally-conscious atmosphere. With a mission to minimize its carbon footprint, this is the place to enjoy plant-based breakfasts in bed, paddle around in the mineral pool or kick back for a massage at the soothing spa, while also appreciating the property’s use of solar panels and elimination of all single-use plastics—as well as its pleasant bohemian aesthetics.

Location: Desert Hot Springs

 

Thompson Palm Springs

Prepare to welcome the newest kid on the proverbial palm-studded block—at least when it comes to luxury lodging. Setting up shop in the desirable Design District, Thompson Palm Springs is an urban paradise that features sumptuous suites with sweeping views of the mountains and the city, two rooftop pools with chic cabanas and daybeds alongside the swinging bar, a Napa Valley wine tasting room and Lola Rose Grand Mezze—the hotel’s signature eatery where you can sample the freshest flavors of the Middle East (opening May 1, 2024).

Location: Downtown Palm Springs

 

Zadie Cafe

A new Mediterranean hotspot has opened its doors in the Hilton Palm Springs. Look no further than Zadie Cafe for comfort foods with a twist—think challah grilled cheese, tahini Caesar salad, chicken schnitzel, and yummy sides like hummus and fried pickles. This cozy cafe puts its signature stamp on each dish with unique seasonings and flavors like labneh (soft cheese made from strained Greek yogurt) or matbucha (roasted red bell pepper with tomato and garlic). Be sure to try the house sauces; Zadie’s (spicy green chili cilantro) and Edith’s (spicy red chili harissa) are to die for.

Location: Downtown Palm Springs

 

Kalologie Medspa

After a day in the desert sun, there’s no better Rx than a visit to the medspa. Taking up residence at Indian Wells’ Agua Serena Spa, Kalologie is your one-stop-shop for some IV rejuvenation therapy to help bring you back to life, or a quick Botox fix. Book everything from a simple B12 vitamin shot to laser hair removal or Coolsculpting to freeze away those pesky trouble areas. Melt away extra volume below the chin with Kybella, or try facial injectables to plump up the right places. 

Location: Indian Wells