Visit Greater Palm Springs
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Greater Palm Springs is located two hours’ drive east from Los Angeles and a four-hour drive from Las Vegas.
Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella. All of them have distinct histories and personalities, all enchant and offer endless ways to chill out.
Road tripping from Los Angeles to Greater Palm Springs is a great way to see southern California, and the sights around the cities in the area.
If renting a car is not an option, then transfer options from LA include:
There are over 200 hotels in Greater Palm Springs!
For small boutique properties near lots of shopping and restaurants, stay in “downtown” Palm Springs or Palm Desert. If you’re looking for a natural hot spring resort, try Desert Hot Springs. For large and luxurious resorts, you can always head to Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, or La Quinta.
For a breakdown of hotels by category and amenities, check out the Greater Palm Springs hotel guide.
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3 Wonderfully Unique Stays in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs has a plethora of unique accommodation offerings that break the boundaries aesthetically and functionally, providing an unforgettable stay experience. Here are our 3 picks for quirky and innovative accommodations in Greater Palm Springs…
Rock On in Greater Palm Springs!
While this desert oasis is historically known for its peace, quiet, and poolside margaritas, Greater Palm Springs has a particularly electrifying rock ‘n’ roll music scene. Don’t miss a beat of Greater Palm Springs’ vibrant pulse, with these top experiences for rock ‘n’ roll groupies.
The ‘Hidden’ Architecture of Greater Palm Springs
Modernism buffs worldwide know that Palm Springs is a major destination for midcentury modern architecture. There is no shortage of modernism examples to enjoy in Palm Springs proper, but what about the remaining cities that span this eclectic oasis? Starting in Palm Springs, we’ve put together a sampling of lesser known locations to find hidden architectural “treasures.” Take your own road trip across Greater Palm Springs in search of these structural gems, both old and new.
Guide to Dinah Shore Weekend
From September 20-24, visitors from across the globe will travel to Greater Palm Springs for a slew of crowd-pleasing musical performances (even Australia’s own G Flip is a headliner!) and unforgettable pool parties. Read more for the ultimate guide to this years festivities.
Guide to a Girl’s Getaway in Greater Palm Springs
Indian Wells Stars in Hit Netflix Series ‘Break Point’
Just two months out from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Netflix have featured the stunning sports venue in their latest hit series Break Point. The much-anticipated docuseries follows the top rising stars in tennis, including Aussie player Nick Kyrgios.
Bode, a 3-story, 30-room boutique hotel coming to Palm Springs
Currently being built from the ground up in Downtown Palm Springs, the 3 story, 30 room, 43,000-sqaure-foot property will also have its own café, bar, event space, and pool area.
7 Must-See Coachella Art Installations in Greater Palm Springs
When people think of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the first thing that comes to mind for many is the music. You don’t have to go to the festival to see some of the art installations that have dotted the festival grounds over the years.
Many of the most iconic pieces are now beautifying various cities across Greater Palm Springs, as they have been relocated and can be enjoyed without an expensive festival ticket.
The quintessential Greater Palm Springs travel guide inspired by ‘Don’t Worry Darling’
Set to open in cinemas across the country on October 6th, the long-awaited utopian film directed by Olivia Wilde has drawn global attention.
The star of the show- Greater Palm Springs; a unique desert oasis, famed for its plethora of mid-century Modern architecture and bursts of colour sitting surreally in a landscape of mountains and palm trees. Here are some of those iconic filming locations in Greater Palm Springs.
Greater Palm Springs Pride Getaway
If you’re ready to explore this diverse and inclusive desert oasis with plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly establishments, here’s a handy guide of what to see and do when visiting during Pride month in Greater Palm Springs. With a month of music, food and nightlife, Palm Springs will be full of vibrance with this list you won’t miss a beat.
Family Friendly Thrills for All Ages
From standing eye-to-eye with the world’s tallest animal to riding in a rotating tram car up the side of a steep mountain, Greater Palm Springs is the perfect spot for adventure-seeking families.
Eight Reasons to Visit Greater Palm Springs In Summer
Ready for a summer getaway to Greater Palm Springs? The warm, sunny season packs plenty of fun opportunities and one-of-a-kind summertime experiences that only this SoCal oasis can offer. From leisurely vacations for the entire family to exciting activities throughout the region, it’s all here waiting for you! So pack your sunscreen, sandals and swimsuits: Here are 8 reasons to plan your summer getaway to Greater Palm Springs.
6 Lesser-Travelled Parks and Preserves in the California Desert
Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks are well known and attract the many visitors, but the California deserts are home to plenty of other public lands perfect for outdoor adventures.
The Most Scenic Campgrounds in the California Desert
Winter and spring are the prime seasons to camp in the California desert, and there are an endless amount of campgrounds within a short driving distance of Greater Palm Springs. Whether you’re looking for a one-night escape or a weeklong road trip, these are some of the most scenic places to pitch a tent.
Signature Golf Courses in Greater Palm Springs
With over 100 renowned golf courses and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Greater Palm Springs earns its reputation as a top destination for golf.
New Hotels in Greater Palm Springs
For the loyalists out there, brands like Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, J.W. Marriott, Hilton, Kimpton, Ace and Best Western are among the many national and global chains that have a presence, but if you are
after something new and shiny, we’ve rounded up the ten newest and grooviest hotel openings in this desert oasis.
It’s Festival Season In Greater Palm Springs
Whether you’re into outdoor music festivals, professional sports, fasion or mid-century modernism, Greater Palm Springs offers a full calendar of can’t-miss happenings. Here’s what’s coming up..
Quintessential Experiences in Greater Palm Springs
With nine dynamic cities to explore and the legendary Joshua Tree National Park in its backyard, Greater Palm Springs is an oasis that invites visitors to be as active or chilled out as they want to be.
Best Pools to Chill in Greater Palm Springs
Whether you’re on a rooftop, or perched under a desert palm, these exquisite pools will leave you feeling cool all summer long.
An Ode to Desert Modernism
Greater Palm Springs is a treasure trove of mid-century modern architecture, drawing design enthusiasts from around the world to appreciate its signature Desert Modernist style.
Love Is in the Desert Air
Greater Palm Springs is an intimate desert oasis where romance fills the sun-kissed air. Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, there is something sweet for every duo to share in Greater Palm Springs.
Outdoor Adventure Around Palm Springs
Outdoor enthusiasts find plenty to enjoy in Greater Palm Springs, no matter what time of year they visit this desert oasis.
48 Hours of Arts & Culture in Greater Palm Springs
Get Artsy in Greater Palm Springs read more…
Millennial Musts in Greater Palm Springs
Beyond the music festivals and Hollywood roots you’ll discover an oasis bursting with experiences just waiting to be explored.
Indio International Tamale Festival
The Indio International Tamale Festival is the place to be as they feature more than 260 vendors, multiple entertainment stages, Mexican music, dancing, arts, a carnival, 5k and 10k runs and a holiday parade. The atmosphere is lively and loaded with excitement! Attendees will be able to sample a wide variety of tamales, from traditional recipes to vegan and vegetarian options.
Festival of Lights Parade
Palm Springs celebrates the magic of the holidays with the return of the annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade. The City’s signature holiday event kicks off on Palm Canyon and Ramon Road – and features spectacular twinkling floats, magnificent marching bands, huge holiday balloons, and a visit from Santa Claus of course! It has become a beloved holiday tradition — bringing in thousands of Coachella Valley residents, as well as tourists from all over the world.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Take the fun of the ground to the sky, with a spectacular night of wonder and deliciousness. Sit in the beer and wine gardens on site and enjoy the best food trucks in Southern California while they blow your tastebuds away. Have fun at the activities, live music, and art show available on the night. End it all in an amazing hot air balloon ride over the city as you take in the breathtaking view.
Greater Palm Springs Pride
Greater Palm Springs Pride is a free festival bringing a diverse community together. Known for celebrating the strength, equality, and self-determination of the LGBTQ+ community, Greater Palm Springs Pride celebrates with a parade, festival, and vendor marketplace. For a full schedule, visit the event’s website here.
Mini-Modernism Week
Modernism Week — October is a four-day long “mini-Modernism Week” featuring more than 50 events, including tours, talks, and parties in unique locations not regularly open to the public.
Club Skirts Presents the Dinah
This is the largest lesbian girl party music festival in the world, rocking Palm Springs since 1991. Past performers have included Tegan & Sarah, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Meghan Trainor. This event is located just over a kilometre from the Palm Springs International Airport and in short walking distance to art galleries, sidewalk cafés, museums, nightclubs, theatres, shopping boutiques and so much more.
Stagecoach Music Festival
Dust off your cowboy boots and hats, Stagecoach is in town. Join thousands of country music fans for three days of all out western fun. Held the weekend after Coachella, it’s a great way to keep the party going through its dancehalls, vintage shopping markets and the performances themselves. You won’t want to miss out with Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen headlining the 2024 show.
White Party Palm Springs
With over 30,000 attendees each year, the annual White Party Palm Springs is a must-see LGBTQ+ event. Featuring DJs, pool parties, live performances, and endless entertainment it is a weekend that cannot be matched as the largest LGBTQ+ dance party in the world.
BNP Paribas Open
The largest ATP Tour and WTA Tour combined two-week event in the world is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. More than 475,000 fans attend to see the best players in the world compete for more than $17 million in prize money.
La Quinta Art Celebration
La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE returns to the Civic Centre. The stunning La Quinta Civic Centre venue, enthusiastic art patrons, best-in-class artists, unsurpassed community support, and event staff committed to providing a VIP artist experience are just some of the unique allures of the La Quinta Art Celebration.
Modernism Week
Modernism Week’s annual 11-day festival will feature more than 350 events including the Palm Springs Modernism Show, CAMP (Community and Meeting Place), tours of iconic homes in more than 30 neighbourhoods, and the popular Signature Home Tour on both weekends. Also offered are architectural walking, biking and double-decker bus tours, tours of the historic Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands, a classic car show, garden tours, a 2-day vintage trailer show, nightly parties, and a special series of compelling and informative talks and performances at the Annenberg Theatre and at the Modernism Week Theatre at CAMP.
Coachella Valley Invitational
The Coachella Valley Invitational welcomes twelve of the biggest clubs in U.S. Soccer to a preseason exhibition tournament at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Palm Springs has long been renowned as the playground of the stars, so it is no surprise that one of the most iconic film festivals in the world has found its home right here. Held annually in January, the Palm Springs International Film Festival celebrates some of the best international films from each respective year.
Hosted alongside the Palm Springs International Film Festival each year is the Palm Springs International Shortfest in June. Here you can see short films from around the world celebrated by audiences.
Palm Springs Vintage Market
Where better to look for unique wardrobe favourites other than the Palm Springs? Usually taking place on the first Sunday of each month, this is your chance to find your next vintage gem. Whether your style is modern, vintage Americana, or you’re into funky retro finds, the Palm Springs Vintage market is a must-visit.
For more information, head here: https://palmspringsvintagemarket.com/
What's New
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More ways to fly to paradise
The ever-growing stable of airlines that fly in and out of Palm Springs International Airport now includes Avelo Airlines which will offer season service to Santa Rosa. Northern Californians and Pacific Northwesterners will have a new low-cost option for popping in and out of Palm Springs as Avelo will become the 13th airline to provide service to the desert’s air hub. The service will start in November and offer twice-weekly routes to the three cities with one-way fares starting at $29.
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Acrisure Arena open now!
With events filling the calendar from Chris Rock to Maroon 5, to hockey games and live shows, you need to visit the new state of the art sports and entertainment Arena in Greater Palm Springs. Sat on 43 acres of land between interstate 10 and the Classic Club golf course, an awesome location with plenty on offer. Offering a market style food court with a variety of hot and cold food, snacks, and beverages Acrisure Arena you need to see.
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Sensei Porcupine Creek now open!
Another highly anticipated opening is the Sensei Porcupine Creek, an innovative, ultra-luxurious wellness resort open now!
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Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza Opening 2022
April 4 Opening in April 2023, Palm Springs’ new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza spa celebrates the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians with a museum and a luxury spa featuring an outdoor mineral pool. The Spa at Séc-he will make the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring accessible to the public again since the original Spa Resort Hotel closed in 2014. Estimated to be upwards of 12,000 years old and truly unique to Greater Palm Springs, the natural mineral blend cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
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Palm Springs Surf Club Opening 2023
Coming soon is the Palm Springs Surf Club, poised to generate a lot of buzz for its wave pool, cabanas, spa, and gym. -
DSRT Surf Opening in Palm Desert 2023
A huge project to open early 2023. Palm Desert Wave Pool Resort will feature 92-room luxury hotel, 83 residential villas and a 5.5 acre surf lagoon powered by Wavegarden Cove technology.
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Reforma – the newest music venue to hit Palm Springs
A new music venue has landed in Palm Springs, becoming the largest of its kind where partygoers can dance and dine. Boasting 9,000 square feet, Reforma now has one of the largest dance floors in Palm Springs. Over the coming weeks, the venue will be hosting daily happy hours, drag brunches and incredible DJ’s. For those seeking a quieter evening, you can find lounge areas to enjoy food and drinks away from the dance floor.
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Brand new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza
Long known for its inspiring scenery, healing waters, cultural opportunities and outdoor adventures, Greater Palm Springs offers visitors a variety of resorts, activities and restaurants to create unique experiences in the oasis this spring. First big new development in GPS is the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza which is open Spring 2023. - a museum - gathering plaza - lush gardens - and an immersive walking trail, - the development will also include The Spa at Séc-he, restoring underground access to sacred mineral waters. (healing properties) The project will share the customs, history, and cultural traditions of the Native American Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the unique natural features of their ancestral lands. A new museum will showcase cultural artefacts, artworks, ancient stories, and history, as well as an education centre, across 48,000 square feet.
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Drift Palm Springs has newly opened
Drift Palm Springs has opened in downtown Palm Springs featuring a variety of room types ranging from studios to four-bedroom suites. On property, Maleza, a Baja-inspired restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. A sun-drenched pool area with poolside bar and cabanas; a lawn space with fire pits and a yoga studio rounds out the hotel amenities.
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Brand new Blackhaus Hotel Palm Springs
The dramatic black exterior of Blackhaus Hotel Palm Springs is a distinct new addition to downtown Palm Springs. The one-story hybrid hotel consists of four 1,655-square foot buildings built around a central pool area; with the ability to combine up to 4 rooms into a single bungalow. Designed by Chris Pardo, who also designed Fleur Noire and the Arrive Hotel, Blackhaus operates more like an Airbnb as there is no onsite registration. All guests must be over 25 years of age.
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Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
June 2 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns June 2-11, 2023. The ten-day annual epicurean event presented by Visit Greater Palm Springs takes place at dozens of locations throughout the Coachella Valley. Participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus and/or specialty items for diners to enjoy.
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Opening of Reforma Palm Springs
Nightlife has a new infusion of energy with the opening of Reforma Palm Springs, a dining and entertainment hub in downtown Palm Springs. Located in an iconic mid-century building on Palm Canyon, this bar – restaurant - nightclub is open daily with dining inspired by Latin America.
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Surfs up in the Palm Springs desert
Epic surf breaks are coming to the desert soon! The Palm Springs Surf Club anticipates a 2023-24 opening date. Sitting on 21-acres of the former location of a Wet n’ Wild water park, the reimagined surf park will feature a state-of-the-art wave pool, lazy river, and family-friendly amenities.
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Thompson Hotel to open luxe hotel in Palm Springs later this year
Set to open late 2023 in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and under the World of Hyatt umbrella, the trend-setting Thompson Palm Springs will cater to influential locals and sophisticated globetrotters alike. Designed by B2 Architecture + Design and SMS Architecture with an estimated budget of $55 million, the 168-key hotel will embrace the history and spirit of Palm Springs.
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Thompson Palm Springs
Boasting a mid-century modern design that fits perfectly with the design district it is situated in, Thompson Palm Springs will be a chic, urban oasis for locals, and visitors alike. It offers unique rooms, suites with private pools, unparalleled amenities, two large outdoor pools and gourmet ice-cream stops and coffee shops. With the addition of a signature Mediterranean restaurant, headed by an award-winning chef, it will bring a fresh spin to its rich cultural heritage.
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Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza
November 3 For hundreds of years the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians have called Greater Palm Springs home and now we too, can take part in appreciating their cultural heritage. The new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza is equipped with a tribal museum, outdoor oasis trail and state-of-the-art spa with salt caves, mineral pools, float pods, eucalyptus steam rooms and more to soak up all the healing properties of the location.
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Minerva’s
Mīnerva’s, at Life House Palm Springs, draws inspiration from the resilient flora of the Coachella Valley, reimagining familiar favourites with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Each signature dish is designed to fuel the body and nourish the mind with vibrant, local flavours, as well as educate guests about their crucial role in the desert’s natural ecosystem. Additionally, Minerva’s Pool House offers an all-day, plant-forward menu served in three separate alfresco spaces; and Minerva’s Indoor Apothecary is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge serving a chef’s selection from the evening menu and cocktails made with ingredients grown in-house.
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Spa Rosa
Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa is now open in Indian Wells, offering invigorating treatments using methods and rituals inspired by the healing powers of the surrounding desert and beautiful views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Rejuvenating treatments include a massage tailored to your needs to an island state of mind body treatment or our inviting outdoor soaking pools, Spa Rosa offers everything essential for a day of tropical relaxation in the heart of island living.
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Canopy Wine Lounge
Canopy Wine Lounge invites patrons to experience an impressive selection of wines curated from some of the world's most renowned winemakers; as well as the only wine vintage crafted by in-house winemaker Josh Kelly, housed in a terracotta-hued wine amphora. Canopy Wine Lounge is the brainchild of Noah Mamet, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and a longstanding Palm Springs resident. Christopher Kennedy meticulously designed the modern space against the backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains.
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Alice B.
Alice B. is a new restaurant and bar from award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken that combines Southern California’s incredible seasonal bounty with French and Mediterranean-leaning flavours. The culinary vision is a collaborative effort between Feniger, Milliken and Executive Chef Lance Velasquez. This unique dining experience is located at Living Out, a luxury resort-style LGBTQ+ active senior community surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Inspired by the extraordinary life of Alice B. Toklas and her life partner Gertrude Stein, the restaurant establishes a vibrant space where culinary excellence, art, and community converge seamlessly.
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JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa debuted a one-of-a-kind Interactive Co-ed Wellness Lounge & Spa Experience. The new lounge offers 15 state-of-the-art lounge chairs, reflecting award-winning innovation built with sustainable practices and materials. Three types of loungers include Mind-Sync Loungers with vibro-acoustic sound wave therapy; NuWave Zero Gravity Wave Loungers providing optimal therapy for a multitude of head, hand and foot treatments, improving the circulatory system and easing back strain; and the Ceragem M2 Massaging Chair perfect for the care of neck, back, hips, thighs and even abdominal circulation.
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Thompson Palm Springs Opens
March 1 Perched in the heart of the Design District, this new stay opening March 1, 2024 (100 rooms) will boast an iconic mid-century modern design that embodies the Rat Pack-era style the neighbourhood is famous for. A chic, urban oasis for locals, and visitors alike, it offers unique rooms, suites with private pools, unparalleled amenities, two large outdoor pools and gourmet ice-cream stops and coffee shops. With the addition of a signature Mediterranean restaurant, headed by an award-winning chef, it will bring a fresh spin to its rich cultural heritage.
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ACRES Gateway
The opening of ACRES Gateway in Desert Hot Springs will bring luxury glamping in a nostalgic setting to Greater Palm Springs. ACRES, a getaway destination dedicated to respite and rejuvenation, features a collection of 24 completely renovated camping trailers dating from the 1940s to 1978. Each trailer has been equipped with a front deck and a patio with private outdoor cabana and soaking tub sourced with mineral hot spring waters. In addition, luxurious bedding, a private bathroom, air conditioning and heating, and a kitchenette round out the accommodations. Thoughtful planning and design will give guests laid-back luxury and a retro-modern vibe.
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Reopening of the Children’s Discovery Museum
The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert reopened in May 2024 with new exhibits to captivate the imaginations of children and nurture thoughtful hands-on learning. The whimsical, creative, and exciting new main gallery installations feature nearly 40 new exhibits, each crafted to inspire young minds to "Imagine," "Express," "Move," "Experiment," "Explore," and "Dream."
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Hyatt Regency to be Rebranded and Renovated
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa will rebrand in September 2024 to Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas. The rebranding is timed to the culmination of a $64 million property-wide renovation and ushers in a new era of luxury for the iconic desert resort. Visitors will experience redesigned guestrooms and luxury villas, an expanded lobby experience, elevated accommodations, refreshed meeting and event spaces, two new dining concepts and a reimagined pool complex with extended cabana offerings. The property's newly enhanced 531 accommodations, including 39 spacious suites have completed renovations, while 43 one- and two-bedroom private villas, are set to debut by November 2024.
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New Clay Studio Open in Rancho Mirage
Paint and Fire, a clay studio has opened in Rancho Mirage. Choose to paint one of hundreds of bisque pieces in-studio using supplied glazes, brushes, sponges and more. Masterpieces are glazed and fired, then available in a week for pick up or shipping.
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