5 Palm Springs Mother’s Day Ideas

I'm reposting this article by travel writer Matt Link which originally appeared on the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism official website. Great ideas for ways to treat mom on Mother's Day, May 8, 2011.

5 Palm Springs Mother’s Day Ideas - Official Palm Springs, CA Tourism Website Official Guide to Palm Springs Hotels, Attractions, Dining shopping and Conventions/Meetings

No Time for Vacation Planning? – Hire a Personal Vacation Concierge

Somewhere in the back of our minds most of us recognize the importance of vacation time for stress relief, decreased burnout and better health. So what is that keeps us from taking time off from work? For many the answer is STRESS, and a feeling that the stress of taking time off is greater than the stress of not taking that time off.

According to BusinessWeek Magazine, “The vanishing vacation has many perils. Refusing to take time off burns people out and wreaks havoc on productivity. Vacation deprivation is one reason workers are reporting more mistakes, anger, and resentment at co-workers, according to the Families & Work Institute. Former NASA scientists, working on behalf of Air New Zealand and using testing tools normally reserved for astronauts, recently found that vacationers experienced an 82% increase in job performance post-trip.”

In today’s high stress world, vacation time is essential, providing an opportunity to unwind and recharge our batteries. But taking even a short "break-ation" requires planning – and planning takes time. One of the stresses of our world today is that most of us are “time poor;” we just don’t have enough of it.

Enter the Personal Vacation Concierge, providing services that save time and make it easier to take one’s foot off the accelerator pedal briefly. I am a Personal Vacation Concierge located in Palm Springs, California. Like my counterparts in other vacation destinations I cut through the overload of information available in guide books and on the Internet, replacing guesswork with wise suggestions based on my local experience and knowledge, thereby avoiding disappointments and frustrations that can arise, whether you’re headed for a weekend getaway or full week or two week vacation.

Geared to the needs of busy individuals, couples, families and small groups, a Personal Vacation Concierge takes the work out of planning and executing an exceptional vacation, providing customized information and recommendations about where to stay, where to eat and what to do, itineraries, arrangements and special services, all saving you time and effort, and giving you the opportunity to have a more hassle-free vacation.

Each Concierge provides different services, often depending on their location. For example, in addition to Vacation Planning, some of the services I provide are: lodging and restaurant reservations; vehicle rental or limousine service; resort fridge stocking and meal delivery; entertainment, attraction and event tickets; day-trip excursions; spa appointments; and outdoor guide services.

The next time you think you just don’t have time to plan a vacation or weekend getaway, consider using the services of a Personal Vacation Concierge. Our goal is to ensure that your vacation is a stress-free as possible. That’s pretty valuable today!

Palm Springs Restaurant Week

From June 3-12, 2011, close to 80 area restaurants, almost half of which are located in Palm Springs alone, will be providing a culinary celebration and offering three course menus at a fixed price of either $24 or $36 per person (tax, beverage and gratuity not included).

Here’s a TOP TEN list of my favorite participating Palm Springs restaurants (in alphabetical order)

Copley’s on Palm Canyon - Stunning mountain views, fountains, fire pit and on-site herb garden create an inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy freshly seasoned and inventively prepared American and fusion classics.

Escena Lounge & Grill - California fusion cuisine meets mid-century modern architecture in a resort-style setting at this new addition to the Palm Springs dining scene.

Europa Restaurant - Old style Palm Springs dining in soft candle-lit elegance poolside under the stars or on the patio, with a refined menu and superb service.

Jake’s - This hip-yet-casual American bistro serves up fresh, innovative fare and comfort food favorites in a charming courtyard or small but sleek dining room.

Johannes Restaurant - Inventive Euro-Asian-Austrian cuisine with a global twist served up in an atmosphere which is hip, high end and cosmopolitan.

Rio Azul – Traditional Mexican cuisine handcrafted with the freshest ingredients and all cooked to order, served in a vibrant and colorful space.

The Tropicale Restaurant & Lounge - A chic and sophisticated décor provides the setting for distinctive “world cuisine” with an emphasis on Pacific Rim specialties.

Trio Restaurant & Bar - Energetic, mid-century modern meets desert-casual décor and atmosphere that’s very popular with locals and features new takes on great American modern food.

Wang’s in the Desert - Features traditional and contemporary Chinese cuisine in a warm and inviting setting with an interior bubbling stream and gentle waterfall with traditional Chinese bridge to cross.
Zin American Bistro – Stylish Euro-American bistro atmosphere, attentive staff and innovative American with Belgian influenced cuisine combine to deliver a truly enjoyable dining experience.

Check out the special three course menus being offered by visiting Palm Springs Restaurant Week, and clicking on each selected restaurant.

Plan now so you won’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience some of the best restaurants in Palm Springs. It’s the perfect time for foodies from all over to visit our desert paradise.

Palm Springs Airport Rates as Stress-Free

SmarterTravel.com recently included the Palm Springs International Airport among its list of America’s Top 10 Stress-Free Airports.

Wait for your flight sitting outside under palm trees as you relax with a glass of wine. You'll find a courtyard featuring patio seating, a wine bar, and a Starbucks, as well as play spaces for both kids and pets. There’s free wireless Internet access available throughout the airport for those wanting to get connected, a smoothie bar, and glass artwork by noted artist Dale Chihuly whose work is also on display at both Bellagio and Mirage resorts in Las Vegas.

The small size and open-air layout of the Palm Springs Airport creates an overall relaxed environment with minimal hassle. Best of all, the airport is about 5 minutes by car from Palm Canyon Drive, the main street of downtown Palm Springs.

Major and regional carriers like United, American, Delta, WestJet and Alaska Airlines service the airport either on a seasonal or year round basis. From late-September to mid-June travelers can get direct flights into Palm Springs International Airport from Calgary, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Edmunton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, Toronto and Vancouver.

Real Palm Springs Resort Experience

Yesterday I had the opportunity to provide a personalized tour of the Palm Springs Old Las Palmas neighborhood (formerly called the Beverly Hills of Palm Springs) to two visitors from New York City.

These guys made their original Palm Springs resort reservation based on recommendation from a friend, but when they arrived at the resort they saw a swimming pool filled with fun-loving, albeit noisy children – something they were definitely not looking for in their special Palm Springs vacation.

After cancelling this reservation they made a number of frantic telephone calls to other resorts looking for more appropriate accommodations. They ended up choosing a resort based on how friendly and helpful a particular front desk staff person was on the telephone.

I know the resort they chose, and I’m sure their stay was enjoyable, but having spent time with these guys, I also know the resort does not particularly match their personalities and interests. I think choice of resort has a big impact on how much one enjoys a Palm Springs vacation, whether it’s for one night or one month.

With over 120 individualized resort properties in the City of Palm Springs, there’s a resort to match almost every interest and preference. If only these guys had known about, and utilized my vacation planning services. I could have saved them hassle and time, and suggested a resort that gave them, from the get go, a truly positive and memorable Palm Springs resort experience. I hope they will check in with me the next time they are headed to Palm Springs!

BTW, they really liked their walking tour of Old Las Palmas!

Palm Springs Resorts – Boutique – Korakia Pensione

257 S. Patencio Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760-864-6411

www.korakia.com

There is one word that I think best describes Korakia – escape. Although just a short walk from busy Palm Canyon Drive, with its excellent chef-owned restaurants and unique desert flair, Korakia is an old-world pensione that blends Tangiers and the Mediterranean.

The resort is actually two historic villas located directly across the street from each other. Built in 1924, The Moroccan villa was the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts. Here Coutts re-created his earlier life in Tangier by employing a wide variety of architectural features that promoted a Moroccan decor. It is rumored that Winston Churchill painted in the villa's Artist Studio. J. Carol Naish, an early silent-screen star owned the 1930's Mediterranean villa. The Naish property blends the charm of southern Europe with North African accents throughout its structure.

You will find no TVs in the rooms as well as no room telephones, although the resort is WIFI enabled and there is at least a small fridge in every room. There are really no “standard” rooms at Korakia to describe, but luckily, the resort’s website provides a full description and pictures of each of the 28 rooms, suites or bungalows. Some have studio kitchenettes and others have full kitchens as well as sitting area. I found it fun just to look at the wide variety of accommodations.

Although there are 2 well maintained pools, there are no Jacuzzi hot tubs. What I think is special about Korakia are the unique and relaxing amenities that make this place an unusual getaway from day to day reality. Enjoy a complimentary full-cooked breakfast in the Moroccan courtyard, seek healing with yoga or meditation on the weekends, pamper yourself with wonderful spa offerings offered daily, curl up with a vintage book from the library lounge, borrow a complimentary bicycle to explore Palm Springs – even join a game of bocce ball and relax with the daily Moroccan tea service.

Evenings are magical with 2 fire pits flickering and over 100 candles and lanterns spread out over the entire the property. There are even classic and foreign films shown on an outside wall each evening.

Midweek, Korakia is popular with older guests exploring southern California. Weekends, however, the resort draws mostly from the LA area, including a younger crowd involved primarily with the arts, entertainment and creative industries. Weekend reservations are best made well in advance. Overall I am told that most guests are from California and that half are under 40.

As you can tell from this review, this resort is an eclectic adult resort for those seeking rest, relaxation and, as I said before, escape. As such, children under 13 years of age and pets are not allowed.

Korakia is not your standard Palm Springs boutique resort, and I think will appeal to those seeking something quite unique and different for a Palm Springs get away. Come to Palm Springs and be transported to the Mediterranean.

For more information on Korakia Pensione, check out their website. If you would like other resort recommendations for your special Palm Springs vacation please contact me.

Palm Springs Resorts - LGBT - Santiago Resort

650 E. San Lorenzo Road

Palm Springs, Ca 92264

800-710-7729

www.santiagoresort.com

Stepping inside Santiago Resort is a bit like being transported to an exotic tropical paradise, albeit with a desert twist. The remarkable landscaping is meticulously cared for and maintained beautifully. The entire resort looks stylish, sexy and sophisticated, almost as if you’re walking onto a movie set. I wondered how they keep the grassy area so green and perfectly manicured – its astro-turf, what a great idea!

The outdoor areas feature what I am told is the largest pool of any gay resort in Palm Springs, maintained at a year-round temperature of 85°F, a large well maintained spa, misters, plenty of space to lounge around the property, hammocks and a new gazebo including fire pit for quiet evening conversation.

Santiago is a 24 room 2 story resort, and although I did not visit the upper level I am told these rooms have great mountain views. Rooms (including bathrooms) have all been upgraded recently and are spacious and well appointed. There are three styles of rooms – king rooms with one king sized bed, queen rooms with 2 queen sized beds, and king junior suites, basically the same as a king room, but larger and with a sitting area. All rooms include flat screen TV, desk, free internet access as well as WIFI, DVD players, CD players, refrigerator, microwave, iron and board. No rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens. I found all of the room furnishings to be simple, but high end quality.

Resort clientele seems to lean towards gay professionals in their late 20’s to late 50’s who are seeking a low energy atmosphere for couples and singles that is casual, relaxed and clothing optional. Guests seem to come from all over the U.S. as well as international locations, but I am told that weekends are especially popular with busy LA professionals who want a weekend escape in a sophisticated but laid-back environment where they can simply “chill-out.” In my opinion, this is a wonderful option for just that.

Not only does Santiago offer a complimentary continental breakfast, it also provides a complimentary lunch delivered Monday-Saturday from Aspen Mills Bakery, known for their award winning artisan breads, premier muffins, scrumptious cookies, gourmet sandwiches, and healthy salads. One other nice touch is the guest available washer and dryer.

There is plenty to do in the Palm Springs area, but if you stay at Santiago, you might never want to leave the resort!

For more information on Santiago Resort, check out their website. If you would like other resort recommendations for you special Palm Springs vacation please contact me.