Gather Your Bride Tribe for a Weekend of Sun and Celebration
Where to Stay: La Quinta Resort & Club Bachelorette Weekend Destination
Backed by the Santa Rosa Mountains and framed against scenic landscaped grounds, La Quinta Resort & Club is not only pretty as a picture, but its sparkling swimming pools and destination spa keep guests happily ensconced on the property for days. Guests can expect superlative everything, from 41 climate-controlled pools and state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball courts to attentive service and beyond. When it comes to the rooms, the property’s charming Spanish-style casitas, spacious villas and luxury suites create the ultimate cozy living quarters for celebrating the bride-to-be. It’s sort of a requirement to spoil the woman of the hour (or weekend!) before the big event, which isn’t hard to do at this stunning resort in La Quinta.
With a long list of body renewals and facial treatments, you’ll want to mark the spa and salon as an essential on your bach weekend bucket list. And between the crafty cocktails and upscale dining venues, it’s the perfect bachelorette weekend destination for poise, polish and just the right amount of panache. If you don’t believe us, cue up season 16 of “The Bachelorette” on Hulu (which was filmed here in 2020!), and you’ll instantly recognize this lavish resort—golf courses, rose ceremonies and all. The resort even served as the venue for “The Golden Bachelor” wedding on January 4! With that said, here’s how to spend an epic bachelorette weekend in La Quinta with your bride tribe.
9 a.m.
Sun Salutations
There’s no better way to greet the day or get the good vibes going than with a flow yoga class at La Quinta Resort. Gather your yogis and land on Manduka mats for a guided, suitable-for-all-levels session led by one of La Quinta’s pro instructors. Gliding through a series of poses will help reset your minds and bodies and energize everyone for the day ahead. Bachelorette Weekend Destination
11 a.m.
Babes Who Brunch
After several Downward-facing Dogs and Warrior 2s, appetites should be well worked up, which means one thing: brunch time! Grab a shaded spot on the outdoor patio at chic but casual bistro Twenty6, where you can keep things light with the Coachella Valley breakfast bowl and oatmeal or go big with an order of cinnamon-spiced French toast or buttermilk pancakes. Don’t forget to order a bottle of prosecco and some OJ to get the party started!
7/17
2 p.m.
Dive In
From a three-lane lap pool beside the spa to private casita pools, La Quinta Resort guests are spoiled with places to take a dip. Today, you’ll be heading to the Plunge 21+ adult pool for day swims, signature cocktails (flag down the roaming Veuve Clicquot Champagne cart) and lawn games. Keep cool in the shade between dips by renting a cabana for your “I do” crew.
4 p.m. Play Pickleball
After you’ve caught enough rays for the day (and the cocktails have worn off), grab a paddle and try your hand at some friendly competition on the pickleball courts! La Quinta Resort has eight pickleball courts and even offers lessons and clinics if you and your bride tribe need a refresher. Open play time is available for $30 per court per hour and paddles and balls are available for rent.
Bachelorette Weekend Destination
7 p.m.
Chips, Salsa and El Perfecto Margaritas
Kickstart your evening with dinner at La Quinta Resort & Club’s Adobe Grill. As mariachi music sets the mood, order margaritas (there are over 100 tequilas to choose from) or mocktails and tableside guacamole. “Go big or go home” is our philosophy, and Adobe Grill certainly agrees when it comes to the margaritas—each flavor is offered by the pitcher! Their menu covers everything from small and signature plates like ceviche and watermelon gazpacho to classic tacos and larger dishes like Chilean sea bass. Don’t forget to save room for the pastel de tres leches.
DAY 2
10 a.m.
Hot Girl Hike
A dose of fresh air (and a new and improved tan) is all you’ll need to get yourself back to feeling in tip-top shape after the potential one-too-many-margs outing last night. Lace up your hiking shoes and set out on the La Quinta Cove to Lake Cahuilla Trail—a stunning hike that winds through the PGA West Golf Course and ends at Lake Cahuilla. The trail clocks in at about 6.6 miles long and features vibrant views of wildflowers and the beautiful Lake Cahuilla.
Noon
“Amazing Sunday” Drag Brunch at Chill Bar
If you’ve never experienced the rambunctious crowds that Palm Springs’ drag brunch scene attracts, allow this to be your introduction. Yes, brunch is still the main event, but just like weddings, it’s the music and dancing that provide the heartbeat. Chill Bar, a contemporary nightclub venue located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, hosts some of the city’s most elite drag shows. Their “Amazing Sunday” Drag Brunch is no exception, brought to life with the glitz and glam from all-star performers and supplemented with bubbles and brunch. Headlining performers include Ongina, Scarlett Envy and more.
Noon
Shopping at The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five
If you didn’t guess it by the fancy signage and adorable pink brick exterior, The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five are Palm Springs’ premier collection of curated modish boutiques. Sheltered by a cluster of whispering palms, this trendy outlet is every bit the quintessential backdrop for a ‘50s-style Hollywood film. You’ll find everything from vintage decor and modern accent pieces to designer labels and handmade ceramics. It’s your local staple for a last-minute bach party gift and the simple remedy for that dreaded “I forgot something!” feeling. Of course, there’s also no harm in a little pre-wedding retail therapy to treat your bride-to-be.
3 p.m.
Bar Cruise With Sunny Cycle
You’ve heard of bar-hopping before, but we bet you’ve never tried bar cruising! Sunny Cycle is the only way to travel Palm Springs’s sun-soaked downtown boulevard. With canopy lighting, a Bluetooth stereo and guaranteed belly laughs in store, the only thing you’ll need is your playlist of choice. And yes, mojitos, Moscow mules and Manhattans are all part of this trendy cruise to quench your desert thirst. Documenting the memories on this girls’ trip is a must (obvi!), so why not book their Instagram-Worthy Cruise? This private cruise detours past some of Palm Springs’s most photogenic hotspots, worthy of making it into your bach weekend recap.
6 p.m.
Girl Dinner at Morgan’s in the Desert
After some boozing and cruising, it’s time to freshen up and get ready for a girl dinner. Make a beeline for Hacienda-style eatery Morgan’s in the Desert to post up at the bar or snag an outside table underneath the twinkling bistro lights. Cocktail suggestions include the Cinnamon-Smoked Old Fashionista (a spirit-forward blend of Whistle Pig 10-Year Rye and smoked cinnamon) and The Rich Veuve, an effervescent beverage made with Belvedere vodka, fresh lemon, Chambord, Veuve Clicquot Rich and a lemon twist. In terms of eats, you can’t go wrong with the seafood linguine, braised short rib or lamb shank with Boursin herb risotto and a red wine reduction.
DAY 3
10 a.m. Coffee and Breakfast at Yes Please
After two days of living it up, it’s time to recover with some caffeine and carbs. Head into Old Town La Quinta for a morning pick-me-up at charming cafe Yes Please, where you’ll find a selection of crafty espresso drinks and breakfast staples. Order the cinnamon horchata latte and brown butter waffle if you’re craving something sweet, or go savory with the smoked salmon and bagel sandwich or classic avocado toast!
Bachelorette Weekend Destination
Noon
Glow Up
Ready for some R&R? Head over to the award-winning wellness sanctuary, Spa La Quinta, for some serious pampering. Arrive early to get shots for the ‘Gram in your robes (the Spanish Colonial-style building is gorgeous), and chill in the relaxation lounge before being whisked away for massages. Try the Wine Down Massage with a flight of wine or a facial like the Ultra-Lifting Refiner Facial. You can also choose from any of the Knesko mask add-ons. There’s nothing like a spa day to wrap up the perfect bachelorette weekend!
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
