It may be spring break season, but the planning has already begun for a summer vacation that embraces the heat, rather than avoids it. Why head to the sea when you can head to the desert – at a time of year when the crowds will be low and beautiful bargains abound.
At the Saguaro Palm Springs the Joie De Vivre chain has changed a former Holiday Inn on East Palm Canyon into a fun and funky hot spot from the bright yellow umbrellas and loungers around the pool to handcrafted Mexican style tables and chairs and tech features like an iPod docking station and HDTV. Note the bright chartreuse and purple walls, old fashioned Brownie cameras in the rooms, and dioramas featuring retro-Barbie dolls in the lobby. Hip, colorful, and fun sums up this spot – and mountain view rooms make it all the sweeter.
In Borrego Springs, the Casa Del Zorro hacienda-style resort first opened in 1933, and after a three-year hiatus, it re-opened in 2013. Surrounded by the peaceful, vast Anza Borrego state park, the resort’s 42 acres are studded with sparkling pools and hot tubs, dotted with beautiful metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda, and citrus trees. Over-sized luxurious rooms feature walk-in marble showers, wood-burning fireplaces and balconies, casitas even have private pools. Summer time visitors shouldn’t miss the 80-thousand-gallon lap pool and six tennis courts with night lighting, as well as the privately operated Balance spa and salon, a yoga studio and exercise classes.
Enjoy star gazing, or the quiet, dark-wood ambiance of the hotel’s Butterfield dining room, named for the stage coaches that once brought people to the area. The wood-beamed Fox Den Bar and Cantina is a fine spot to settle in for a drink.
And whatever you do, don’t miss the life-size chess board on the grounds.
Back in Palm Springs, two other fine options are the Alcazar on North Palm Canyon and the Hard Rock in the heart of downtown. The Alcazar cools the eyes with white walls and white floors, shady private courtyards in some rooms, and a pool space with calming white loungers and umbrellas.
Enjoy the wall fountains, artistic architectural touches, and at night, the beautiful gas fireplaces around the pool are pleasant even in the summer.
At The Hard Rock, unique furnishings and an edgy rock vibe – think cool outdoor murals – compliment lush linens and a cool pool scene that often has a D.J. spinning. Purple walls, yes, but the vibe is as elegant as it is fun. Craft cocktails and fine dining on-site add to the ambiance – and if you’re really into rocking, the hotel even offers guitar lessons.
So hit the heat – and bask in the warmth with full reviews of these properties plus our summer heat-lover’s trips to Phoenix and Death Valley, soon.