Golfing in the Golf Capital of the World

Here in Palm Springs, you will find the world’s finest golf destination. It is the perfect environment for enjoying and improving your game. Abundant sunshine, low humidity, dramatic desert scenery and over 100 golf courses from which to choose. Your guests will enjoy a diversified field of choices of golf courses.

Climbing to New Heights

Looking for “high” adventure and fun in the desert...look no further than Joshua Tree National Monument, a quick, informational 30 minutes drive from Palm Springs. Recreational rock climbing first took off in Europe in the 1980s and has become the “adventure” taking Americans by storm. The monument encompasses some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California's deserts. The rugged mountains of twisted rock and exposed granite monoliths set the tone for the most incredible Rock Climbing. in the world. This experience is not limited to the adventurous, professional guides make rock climbing accessible to all levels and abilities.

Box Canyon Biking

Enjoy the desert in an up-close and energetic way on a two-wheeled adventure through the desert's most scenic and fascinating areas. The adventure begins at the Box Canyon Express - Riders are treated to a geologic extravaganza on this 22 mile tour that descends through the heart of grape country near Mecca. Riders will see the stark beauty of the desert as they descend a total of 3,000 feet over the 22-mile route. The course cuts through the narrow canyon walls of Box Canyon, which were created by San Andreas Fault line activity, and finishes with spectacular views of the Salton Sea, Mt. San Jacinto, the All-American Canal, and the agriculture of the eastern Coachella Valley. Refuel on the drive home with a stop at the Oasis Date Gardens, where guests will be treated to a Palm Springs classic dessert, the date shake.

Hike the Desert Oasis

Sparkling pools and waterfalls, ancient fan palms line the rugged canyons--such sights you will encounter when you visit the world's largest natural desert oasis, Indian Canyons. The contrasting greens of magnificent fan palms and more than 150 species of plants within a half-mile radius, beckon you to this lush oasis. Our Native Americans, the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians, developed extensive and complex communities in these pristine Canyons where abundant water and hundreds of plants and animals found throughout the area ensure stable living conditions. Traces of communities, where crops were cultivated, animals were hunted and plants and seeds were gathered for food and medicine, exist in the Canyons today, including rock-art house pits and foundations, irrigation ditches, dams, reservoirs, trails and food processing areas. Experienced nature guides will lead you into these mysteries of the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians as you hike through the oasis..

GPS

Today Teams go on a high-tech treasure hunt throughout the Hotel. Each team is given GPS units that are pre-programmed with vital coordinates of the goals, called caches. Utilizing the GPS units and team skills, each team collaborates to find caches, which often take the form of hidden boxes or team challenges. The goals (designed to the group’s specifications) can vary from simple to complex. For each challenge, the team must design and execute a flexible plan to accommodate the challenges they will encounter in pursuit of the final goal. Participants enjoy the excitement of combining adventure with technology while building stronger connections with each other, improving communication skills, and developing specific methods for fine-tuning performance in the office.

Dining on the San Andreas Fault

Tonight’s party location takes place on a true geological canvas, described by one geologist as “The Most Tortured Landscape on Earth”. Drive over or walk in between the SAN ANDREAS FAULT - the largest and most dramatic earthquake zone in the country. To remember that this desert was once the ocean floor is something to contemplate. While silence envelopes the desert and breath-taking rock formations come alive with vibrant colors on the most surrealistic landscape on earth, enjoy a slow-cooked BBQ, a ride through the moonlit canyons by jeep and relax by a roaring campfire while roasting a marshmallows and listening to desert campfire stories. View the moon and heavens through a telescope, while enjoying myths and facts from your entertaining Eco Trained Guide and enjoy a unique environment you’ve probably never experienced before!

Fly them to the Moon

We’ve all heard “Hooray for Hollywood”, but don’t forget the chorus about Palm Springs! “There are stars in the homes, stars on the street signs, even stars on the pavement.” Since the days when Marilyn Monroe was discovered beside the Racquet Club pool, Palm Springs has been famed as a hideaway for Hollywood’s greatest. The visitor to this home will be reminded of an era when Palm Springs was a haven for celebrities where they flocked to relax and to party. Built in 1947, the home was Sinatra’s first in Palm Springs where he initially lived with his wife, Nancy and their 3 children. Several of the original items belonging to Frank Sinatra are displayed throughout the home. A unique twist to this location is the pool shaped like a baby grand piano. Guests will be treated to an exclusive tour of the estate followed by dinner on the lawn. Allow your eyes and ears to deceive you as Frank Sinatra and his buddies from the Rat Pack entertain your guests throughout the night.

Desert Sites Delight

Enjoy the ever popular Palm Canyon Drive from above as you dine on the open air terrace. Spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains are just a glimpse away as you feast your eyes on the night sky, the outline of rock verses sky becomes mesmerizing. The Rustic outdoor fireplace offers warmth on a cool night while the fire pit seating provides the perfect spot for relaxation. Inside the Night Club holds reminiscent of a modernized desert roadhouse, with brick flooring, lacquered wood tables, and red leather chairs & booths. Soft lighting creates a relaxing mood as you dine in delight at this desert site.

Up Up and Away

Sip champagne and drink in the views as you drift leisurely skyward aboard a colorful hot air balloon. Imagine yourself floating effortlessly over some of the most beautiful - and famous - real estate in Southern California. Depending on wind direction, you'll fly right over the late Merv Griffin's Arabian horse ranch or actor William Devane’s property. You may soar over the world-renowned PGA West golf course, or sneak up on a date or citrus grove, close enough to touch! A true bird’s eye view.

Take it to the top

Experience the variety, culture and glitz that is Palm Springs! First, it’s off to the Palm Springs Aerial Tram . . . imagine being whisked away from the desert floor 8,516 feet to the top of a magnificent mountain on the world's most spectacular aerial ride! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest double reversible tramway in the world with each of its cable cars capable of carrying 65 to 80 passengers at one time. Once atop the peak of Mt. San Jacinto guests will find themselves in a 13,000 acre Wilderness State Park forest with a magnificent pine forest and view stretching miles to the Salton Sea the largest lake in California.

Earthquake Adventures

Explore the “desert badlands” and the strange and eerie world of the SAN ANDREAS FAULT. Be entertained and enthralled as the expert Naturalist brings the desert and its geology and history to life. One is dwarfed by steep canyons as you wind through the torturous terrain created by the awesome power of the San Andreas Fault. View the twisted and tormented landscapes, warped and bent by the powerful movement of the Earth’s crust. See anticlines, synclines and entire mountains heaved upward. Hills of “fault gauge” clearly mark the path of destruction along the fissure. Learn how tectonic forces created the slanted, vertical and wave-like structures that have been described as the most tortured landscape on earth.

Lattes with the Leopards

Enjoy a rich slice of Africa at the Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park. A docent will narrate a tour through the unique gardens and the desert animal zoo to Village WaTuTu via tramcar. This village is modeled after a hypothetical trading village in Northern Kenya, features native African animal exhibits, the “Elders Grove” for story telling, and the Commissioners House. The District Commissioner’s House featuring stunning African-inspired décor and intimate viewing of the exquisite and endangered Amur Leopards is the private venue where you will enjoy a breakfast with A Taste of the Wild.

Test your pallet on a California Winery Caravan

First stop "Wilson Creek" where the myriad birds will entertain you while you soak up the peacefulness of the gardens. Following their retirements, Gerry and Rosie Wilson bought a 20-acre vineyard planted in 1969. The vineyard was planted in Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Pinot St. George. They built a 5400-square foot tasting room and winery and a house on top of the hill, overlooking the winery. One cannot leave the tasting room without a sip of Almond Champagne their signature. After brushing up on wine tasting skills and working up an appetite, the next stop is Thornton Winery, the only Southern California winery specializing in "Methode Champenoise." The French-style chateau, overlooking the graceful vineyards of the Temecula Valley, is the place to enjoy contemporary fusion cuisine in the Four Star Award-Winning Café Champagne. Don’t forget to stop by the breathtaking Fountain Terrace, Herb Gardens, Champagne Lounge and pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop.

Cooking at Cary Grant’s Estate

The former Cary Grant Estate is host to Chef Manion Copley and his extravagant talents. Andrew Manion Copley has 20 years of culinary experience in five star establishments. Learn what to do with those Herbs & Spices in the kitchen. Knowing what spices and herbs to pair with what food elements can be a bit daunting, particularly when dealing with today’s fusion. Chef Copley will show what goes with what and how to get creative. Following the demonstration enjoy lunch which would not be complete without a taste of the chef’s famous basil ice cream.

“An Affair to Remember” Tasteful delight’s at Cary Grant’s Estate

IFamed Chef Andrew Manion Copley and his extravagant culinary talents will entertain, teach and delight your taste buds in the recently remodeled 1930’s bungalow patio. • All courses focus on the use of fresh herbs. • Chef will prepare from appetizer through dessert with household equipment and readily available ingredients. • Conclude lunch with a Trio of Lemon Grass, Basil and Tarragon Ice Cream the most unique finish to a wonderful culinary experience.

Evening of Antiques and Exquisite Flavors

Maison Felice is an exclusive Antique Furniture Gallery which is host for our evening of refinement with fine wine and food pairings. • European 18th and 19th century antiques, furnishings and decorative arts, as well as, a hand selected collection of architectural and garden elements. • Experience a wine decanting ceremony using antique silver funnels into magnificent crystal decanters. • Enjoy a tasting of both decanted and non decanted fine wine and experience the difference our ancestors enjoyed.

Reflections A Themed Welcome Party

A perfect welcome to a Pampered Stay in the Desert held in the Hotel Spa • Tray passed appetizers by staff in rhinestone Botox shirts • The water feature is accented with Lucite Buffet tables suspended in the water • Buffet Floral of cylindrical glass vases showcasing calla lilies submerged in water with gold fish swimming among the blooms • Oxygen bar situated near the buffet for an energy boost • A calming end to a day of travel