We Set the Scene for the Perfect Casino Night
The Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa has been a part of Coachella Valley culture for decades, bringing the perfect mix of entertainment and relaxation to both locals and visitors of all ages. The original Downtown Palm Springs location is currently undergoing a complete revamp, creating serious anticipation in the community. In the meantime, the second location in Rancho Mirageāone of the tallest buildings in the desertācontinues the Agua legacy, undeniably bringing a luxe, exciting energy to the sandy surroundings.
The resort features 340 modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, sunken tubs, and views of the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains. This four-diamond property has everything you need to unwind and lose track of time. The Sunstone Spa offers seasonal massages, skin treatments, a full-service salon, and eucalyptus steam rooms. For a classic Palm Springs retreat, lounge by one of two outdoor pools or relax in a private cabana. If you want more excitement, check out The Showāa premier concert venue with VIP boxes and luxury suites. Previous concert headliners include the Goo Goo Dolls, Willie Nelson and ZZ Top.
Ready for your date with Lady Luck? Sheās waiting in the 71, 000-square-foot casino playerās paradise with the desertās best slots, video poker, table games, a penny slot room and the only private poker room in the Coachella Valley. Blackjack is a favorite among regulars who may choose between six-deck, single-deck, double-deck or Spanish 21 styles of play. Although there are no written rules on table etiquette, treating it as any other social event is recommended.
Agua Caliente Table Games Operations Manager Jerry Park deals his best advice on the game: āKnow your limit and what you are willing to lose. The key when playing is to have fun. The player is playing for the social experience and entertainment with the added chance of winning some money.ā Ā
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa also offers numerous dining options, from casual to fine dining, overseen by Executive Chef Mike Milligan. Chef Milligan believes that āflavors of a casino should showcase not only local cuisine, but those of a diverse culture.ā Waters CafĆ© offers American classics and light California cuisine with dishes like housemade potato chips with a chipotle ranch dip, ahi poke wonton tacos with wasabi aioli, Baja fish tacos and a prime cut burger with fries.
āWhen I lived in Hawaii, the fish was so fresh and alive with flavor. This is something I wanted to bring to the desert with our ahi, ā says Chef Milligan. The Waters CafĆ© bar also hosts The After Party following weekend events at The Show. Beat the heat with a frozen drink like The Great Blake, a luscious strawberry daiquiri floating on orange liqueur or a craft style cocktail like the Agua Dulce Martini served in a stemless martini glass. Ā
If youāre in the mood for fine dining and outstanding service, the resortās signature restaurant, The Steakhouse, features the finest prime steaks, seafood and delectable desserts. Chef Milligan recommends ordering the prime bone-in ribeye explaining, āYou donāt need to change a great piece of meat, just season it well and cook it right.ā The marbled bone-in ribeye is USDA prime beef, grill-marked with a deep-flavored signature rub. Also recommended are sautĆ©ed scallops with papaya and ginger slaw. The dish consists of a larger dry sea scallop with firm texture and a sweet taste, served with a citrus-y saki cream sauce garnished with papaya and ginger.
Favorite drinks include the dirty martini, cognac, whiskey on the rocks and fine vintages from the restaurantās extensive wine list. Notably, The Steakhouse has won the āWine Spectator Award of Excellenceā eight years in a row.
When it comes to attire, keep it chic yet comfortable. Channel vintage glamour and accompany it with your own twist of modern influence. Palm Springs has long been Hollywoodās desert playground, once home to the Rat Pack, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucille Ball. Today, stars like Leonardo DiCaprio keep that tradition alive. A little black dress is always a chic choice for a night out here. Or, turn heads in a bold cut-out or a pop of red or electric blue. A tailored suit works for anyoneāelevate it with a plunging necklace, pocket square, or bow tie.
In the Zone
Agua Caliente Casino Resorts is the official casino sponsor of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa
32-250 Bob Hope Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.321.2000
Photographed By: Noble Andrews
Styled By: Mimu Motamedi
Hair By: Gwendolyn Sneed .
Makeup By: Brian Bond
Models: Nicole Pedra of Brand Model & Talent Agency, Liz Mittra andĀ Preston Riggs of Wilhelmina Models
A Palm Springs native, Barbara Beran now calls San Diego home. Receiving her B.A. from SDSU, she has worked in most areas of the media industry including Public Relations, Marketing, Social Media and creative writing. Her passions include travel, fashion, music, food, photography, giving back and being outside in nature.
