(Greater Palm Springs, CA) — January 17, 2017— Greater Palm Springs is Southern California’s premier resort, entertainment, golf and tennis destination. With nine very distinct cities – Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella, there’s always something new going on in the Oasis. Check out some of the latest developments.

For images, visit Barberstock.com/GreaterPalmSprings and search “What’s New”

Festivals & Events

The CareerBuilder Challenge – January 18-22, 2017
This year Phil Mickelson replaces Bill Clinton as ambassador for the CareerBuilder Challenge. A Southern California native, 42-time PGA TOUR winner and five-time major champion, Mickelson will promote the tournament and participate in various functions during tournament week.  The popular indie-pop band, Fitz and the Tantrums, will headline the CareerBuilder Challenge’s first concert on January 21 on the Stadium Course at PGA WEST. www.careerbuilderchallenge.com

Modernism Week – February 16 - 26, 2017
New events at Modernism Week, an annual celebration of mid-century modern design, include two new architectural works by the late Desert Modern architect Al Beadle and Palm Springs- based architect Lance O’ Donnell, Palm Springs Walk of Stars dedication for architect John Lautner, Sunny Cycle electric bike experience, presentation celebrating the photography of Slim Aarons, and the inaugural Palm Springs Door Tour, presented by Dunn-Edwards Paints and Palm Springs Life Magazine.  www.modernismweek.com

Palm Springs Life Festival – February 16 – March 27, 2017
The festival will feature internationally celebrated chefs, vintners, fashion designers and architectural designers, among them BRAVO’s Top Chef Judge Gail Simmons, Project Runway Designer Michael Costello, and esteemed Palm Springs architect Lance O’Donnell.  Plácido Domingo will be headlining this year’s Palm Springs Life Festival.  www.palmspringslifefestival.com

Desert X – February 25 – April 30, 2017
Desert X is a site specific international contemporary art exhibition.  This inaugural exhibition will feature specific commissions by select international contemporary artists utilizing the landscape  across the Coachella Valley, Salton Sea and Joshua Tree as the backdrop. Desert X will be free and open to the public. www.desertx.org

Taste of Tennis – March 6, 2017
The inaugural Taste of Tennis Indian Wells, a premier food and tennis experience, will take place on March 6 at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa. Taste of Tennis is widely regarded as tennis’s premier “off the court” experience.  The event will feature food prepared by top chefs and include appearances by the world’s top tennis players.  Taste of Tennis also takes place prior to the Australian Open and US Open.  www.tasteoftennis.com

BNP Paribas Open – March 6-19, 2017
The 2017 tournament will showcase major renovations at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Wolfgang Puck’s Spago will be added featuring a 100-seat restaurant overlooking the court in Stadium 1.  Twenty more permanent concessions and restaurants will be added to the Stadium ranging from BS Taqueria from Esquire’s 2015 Chef of the Year Ray Garcia, and Dave’s Doghouse, from Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin to Cassell’s, a reinvented classic hamburger stand that has been an LA phenomenon since 1948 and Melissa’s Produce, the Los Angeles-based fresh vegetable-focused offering. Other improvements include a massive expansion of the Stadium Plaza and renovation of all the suites and hospitality space.   The BNP Paribas Open is the largest WTA and ATP World Tour combined two-week professional tennis tournament.  www.bnpparibasopen.com  

The Jansen Cup: United Kingdom & United States – May 22-24, 2017
Ninety years after a competition for the Ryder Cup in golf was played for the very first time, the United Kingdom and United States will commence a new event also staged on a golf course – FootGolf’s first Jansen Cup. The biennial event honors Michael Jansen, one of the creators of FootGolf. The Jansen Cup will pit the top U.S. ranked players of 2016 against top ranked players of the United Kingdom. www.footgolf.us

Splash House – June & August, 2017
Splash House, the multi-venue pool party, will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2017.  Due to increasing demand, the Renaissance Palm Springs will be added as a third hotel venue joining the Saguaro Palm Springs and the Riviera Palm Springs.  www.splashhouse.com

 

HOTEL UPGRADES

V Hotel Palm Springs
V Palm Springs, a chic boutique hotel that opened in March 2016, will be opening its fourth building, bringing the property’s room total a 140 rooms. A new Solstice Bar and Restaurant, and  outdoor Spa will open in 2017. www.vpalmsprings.com  

The Lautner Compound
Famed architect John Lautner's iconic desert hideaway built in 1947 has been reimagined as The Lautner, an award-winning, stunning modern day vacation rental property and event space.  The Lautner Compound now has three properties – The Lautner, The Park and The Ranch House.  www.thelautner.com

Parker Palm Springs
The Parker Palm Springs has undergone a top-to-bottom renovation—an update from Jonathan Adler’s own design from 2004.  The property has opened a new wine bar called Counter Reformation that features small plates. Parts of the spa will remain under construction until March 2017.  A brand new seven-foot-tall bronze banana sculpture by Jonathan Adler marks the designer’s first foray into sculpture art on the property.  www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

The Saguaro Palm Springs
The Saguaro, the colorful Palm Springs landmark hotel located on East Palm Canyon Drive, has begun renovations to its event spaces that will include the addition of an 1,175 square foot terrace overlooking the hotel’s lush courtyard, an exposed and higher ceiling in its Sago Ballroom, and a neutral and warm color palette with new floor coverings in all event areas.  The project is set for completion in late January 2017. www.thesaguaro.com

Movie Colony Hotel
Under new ownership and famous for its movie star past, this modernist hotel designed by Albert Frey is currently undergoing a renovation and will be finished by the end of January 2017.  The Movie Colony plans to keep the mid-century modern feel and tribute to the original architect.  www.moviecolonyhotel.com

ARRIVE Hotel
The ARRIVE is currently building an outdoor event space, called The Fan Club and it is slated to open March 2017.  ARRIVE is a 32-room boutique hotel located in the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs. With a striking, landmark design that honors Palm Springs rich modernist legacy, ARRIVE immerses visitors and locals in the style, tastes and lifestyle that define this desert playground.  www.arrivehotels.com

Riviera Palm Springs
The Riviera Palm Springs, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, just completed a renovation that added a new pool bar, wedding pavilion and enhanced lobby. The hotel opened in 1959 and now features 398 rooms and more than 52,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. www.rivierapalmsprings.com  

L ’Horizon Resort & Spa
The hotel has recently broken ground on an additional 25 rooms that will double its capacity, yet retain the property’s intimate feel. The grounds also will see the construction of a new pool, to welcome even more sun worshippers to this luxurious hideaway. L’Horizon Resort & Spa, formerly known as the Horizon Hotel, was originally built in 1952 and designed by famed architect William Cody. The property is the only hotel in the Coachella Valley that is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.   www.lhorizonpalmsprings.com  

Colony Palms Hotel
The Colony Palms Hotel, one of Palm Springs most historic properties, is currently undergoing a complete remodel of its spa.  The renovation includes the addition of a couple’s suite, a new relaxation room, new locker rooms, and a VIP treatment room. The VIP treatment room is an all-in-one treatment room for the guest who wants a series of treatments in one private room. Perfect for a celebrity or bride, this charming room boasts beautiful 1930's tiles to set the tone for a memorable and serene experience. www.colonypalmshotel.com  

Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa
The Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa is one of the newest additions to Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global set of hand-picked upscale hotels.  The resort will continue to be managed by Two Roads Hospitality (formerly known as Destination Hotels).  The change was an effort to better align the independent nature of the resort along with a collection of hotels that meet independent-minded travelers’ desire for local discovery and authentic experiences, all while providing the quiet reassurance and support of the Hilton name.  www.miramonteresort.com

 

HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS – On the Horizon

The Rowan Hotel
The six-story, 154-room Kimpton brand hotel is set to open in early May 2017 as part of the Downtown Palm Springs Project. Located on North Palm Canyon Drive, the property will include the city’s first rooftop pool. www.kimptonhotels.com    

Hotel Paseo
Part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, the Hotel Paseo is expected to open October 2017. The four-star, 150-room hotel is the first of its kind in the El Paseo Shopping District in Palm Desert. The property will feature a pool, spa, dining and ballroom.

Andaz Palm Springs
Slated to open in 2018, the 150-room, 13-suite luxury lifestyle property will be located in downtown Palm Springs, adjacent to the vibrant Uptown Design District and within walking distance of the shops, restaurants and galleries that line famed Palm Canyon Drive. www.andazpalmsprings.com  

Tova Hotel and Beach Club
The former Garden Vista Hotel in downtown Palm Springs will become the Tova Hotel and Beach Club, complete with a new 200-seat restaurant, fitness club, and spa. All 124 guest rooms will be gutted and renovated, and new construction will involve building a 3,700-square-foot building to house the fitness room, restrooms and storage. And another 15,200-square-foot building will house the restaurant.

The Monroe Palm Springs
The Monroe Hotel is set to launch a full-scale renovation of its pool and spa area.  The 62-room economy class hotel will be re-branded as part of the Infusion Beach & Hotel line in early spring 2017.  The Monroe Hotel was formerly an America’s Best Value Inn property, built in 1985.  Three years ago it underwent a $600,000 renovation and became The Monroe. The current renovation plans will keep the hotel open during the four-month construction process.    www.themonroepalmsprings.com

Staybridge Suites Cathedral City Golf Resort
Staybridge Suites Hotel, a new 200-room extended stay hotel overlooking Cimarron Golf Course in Cathedral City is scheduled to open in early 2017.  The 133,000-square-foot hotel, which caters to extended-stay travelers, will offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites.  www.staybridge.com

SilverRock Resort
The $420 million project proposed in the City of La Quinta, the SilverRock Resort will include a five-star, 140-room luxury hotel and spa, as well as a four-star, 200-room lifestyle hotel. Also in the works is a 150,000-square-foot resort village with residential units and up to 40,000 square feet of retail space and recreation areas. The project also includes a mini riverfront promenade;  a conference center with ballroom and meeting space; recreation areas such as water facilities, community gardens, luxury camping and trails; a permanent clubhouse area with large patios; and an event lawn space. The project is scheduled to break ground in the summer of 2017. www.silverrock.org 

Virgin Hotels Palm Springs
In downtown Palm Springs, the new Virgin Hotels Palm Springs will feature 150-rooms and suites, multiple dining and drinking outlets, including The Commons Club, meetings spaces and a rooftop terrace and pool overlooking the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. The new-build is being designed by local architect Chris Pardo and is expected to open in 2019. www.virginhotels.com  

Orchid Tree Resort & Spa
The former Community Church of Palm Springs is on a path that could take it to a luxury 52-room boutique resort & spa.  The 3.1-acre site, will become a five-story resort hotel and spa complex. Gwynne Pugh of Urban Studio in Santa Monica is the architect and construction is anticipated to begin early 2017. 

750 Lofts Hotel
The 750 Lofts Hotel is planned for the Uptown Design District and will be developed as a four-story, 38-room hotel with eight two-story lofts along with retail and a restaurant on the ground floor.  www.soma.us/PALM-SPRINGS-HOTEl  

Vision Caliente – Spa Hotel
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Council announced it will partner with JCJ Architecture of San Diego to create a master plan for 22 acres in downtown Palm Springs at Tahquitz Canyon Way and Indian Canyon Drive. The property was once the home of Spa Hotel, which the Tribe closed in July 2014, and is also anchored by the Tribe's culturally significant ancient Hot Mineral Spring. The site has operated since the late 1800s, providing access to the healing water for hundreds of thousands of people for more than 100 years.  It has been estimated that the hotel will have up to 350 rooms on its Palm Springs property.  For updates, visit www.visionaguacaliente.com

 

NEW RESTAURANTS

Moxie Palm Springs
Moxie Palm Springs, located in the middle of downtown Palm Springs, is the newest rooftop bar and lounge to open in January 2017.  The owners also run the popular Broken Yolk Cafe in La Quinta and Palm Springs. www.moxiepalmsprings.com

Draughtsman Restaurant
The Draughtsman, a gastropub, just opened in December 2016 at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Stevens Road.   Part of the ARRIVE Hotel complex, the 144-seat restaurant and bar has roll up garage doors leading to an outdoor patio opening the space for an easy indoor-outdoor flow. www.draughtsmanpalmsprings.com  

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
The Seattle-based restaurant just opened its newest location in Rancho Mirage in December 2016.  They offer a wide selection of fresh seafood, steak, prime rib, chicken, burgers, ribs, dinner specials and a great happy hour.  www.thefishermansrestaurant.com 

Big Rock Pub at Indian Springs Golf Course
With a rock & roll theme and sports bar entertainment, Big Rock Pub opened November 2016.  Big Rock Pub’s walls feature unique one-of-a-kind artwork of rock & roll legends, autographed guitars, and memorabilia for the rock & roll enthusiast. Bringing experience most recently from Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs and Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Executive Chef Jeremy Sacardi has created a variety of dishes with a new twist on pub food.  Coming in February 2017, the Big Rock Store will open at the pub, offering a variety of rock & roll memorabilia. www.thebigrockpub.com

Fortun’s Restaurant
A new American Cuisine restaurant in Old Town La Quinta opened November 2016 with executive chef, Keith Otter, from Desert Sage Restaurant and Piano Bar. www.fortunskitchen.com 

Joey Palm Springs
Joey Palm Springs is Greater Palm Springs’ newest California-style bistro serving the finest in specialty coffee from Equator Coffee and Teas, and a fresh, seasonal menu.  Vince Calcagno, former co-owner of San Francisco's fabled Zuni Café, opened it along with his partner Joe Lucero, who runs the kitchen. 

 

RESTAURANT DEVELOPMENTS – On the Horizon

SO•PA
L ‘Horizon’s sophisticated outdoor restaurant, SO•PA has a new executive chef, Jason Niederkorn, formerly of Aspen's Hotel Jerome and the Hollywood Roosevelt in LA.  In December 2016, a new Brunch menu was launched.  Brunch is now available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  www.lhorizonpalmsprings.com/sopa-restaurant

Ace Hotel & Swim Club
As of February 1, 2017, James Beard Best Chef West award-semifinalist Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria will take over food and beverage operations for the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. Salgado and his team will be changing the menus at Kings Highway, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, as well as the Amigo Room.  www.acehotel.com/palmsprings

Bernie's Lounge and Supper Club
After relocating from Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage, Bernie's Lounge and Supper Club is set to open January 2017 and is bringing with it an old-school supper club approach to the dining experience.  Stop in for martinis, supper, or a swinging lounge act.  www.bernies.club

Truss & Twine
Truss & Twine is a new restaurant by Workshop Kitchen owner, Michael Beckman, and planned for a Palm Canyon Drive shop space in the historic El Paseo Building in the Uptown Design District.  Truss & Twine has an anticipated opening date in February 2017 and will also serve “small plates,” with a focus on the foods from this region.

Acqua California Bistro
Acqua California Bistro at The River in Rancho Mirage is set to open in February 2017.  The restaurant was created by local industry veterans, the Keller family, who also own Lulu California Bistro. Acqua California Bistro will be located in the space once occupied by the Kellers' first restaurant, Acqua Pazza.

Whiskey One Eleven
Whiskey One Eleven is slated to open in February 2017.  The new neighborhood bar in Palm Desert will serve craft whiskey, brew and food in the “largest indoor music venue in the Coachella Valley.”

Barbeau
Barbeau, a new chic upscale members-only bar and lounge, will open in Palm Desert’s El Paseo Shopping District TBD.  Conceived by actor Beau Knapp, the venue will be a mix of Old Havana meets Young Hollywood.  Knapp has teamed with NBA star Elton Brand and filmmaker Harry Knapp to open this new venue.  The million dollar renovation is being done by local architect Chris McFadden and Chicago-based designers Cary and David Thomas.

Fox and Fiddle
Fox and Fiddle, a signature Canadian establishment focused on mixing the social experience of a British style pub with upscale cuisine, will open its first California location at The River in Rancho Mirage in February 2017.  The restaurant will offer bar favorites such as fried pickles and fried calamari, as well as a full restaurant menu including signature Canadian dishes such as poutines. www.foxandfiddlecalifornia.com   

Haus of Poke
Early 2017, local boxing champion, Timothy Ray Tim Bradley Jr., plans to open his own restaurant in Rancho Mirage, the Haus of Poke, which will feature Hawaiian poke sushi. www.hausofpoke.com

Graftons Steakhouse
Graftons Steakhouse is a new state-of-the-art $6 million steakhouse that will be opening early 2017 on El Paseo in Palm Desert. The newly constructed two-story, 9,000-square-foot steakhouse and lounge features two large bars, spiral staircase, glass elevator and roof deck.

Sandfish Whiskey and Sushi Bar
Part of the ARRIVE Hotel complex, Sandfish Whiskey and Sushi Bar is will be a 49-seat upscale sushi and whiskey lounge.  It will be located across from the ARRIVE and is set to open in 2017.

Grand Central Palm Springs
Located on the site of Palm Springs’ original department store, Desmond’s, which opened in 1936, Grand Central Palm Springs will offer Contemporary American cuisine. Grand Central will be open in late 2017.  www.grandcentralpalmsprings.com   

 

THINGS TO DO

 

Helicopter Tour of Greater Palm Springs with Big Blue Air
Have you ever wondered why Greater Palm Springs is such a popular tourist destination? With a helicopter tour, Big Blue Air can show you the glorious towns and let you in on some of the old movie colony secrets. While viewing Marilyn Monroe’s and Bob Hope’s former homes and taking you out to the San Andreas Fault, you will truly be able to have a memorable experience in the Oasis. www.bigblueaircorp.com

GET AIR Palm Desert
GET AIR combines amusement and exercise in its new spacious indoor trampoline park.  Enjoy the many activities, such as the wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dunk lanes, and a ninja course, all for family fun, team-building events or corporate parties.  www.getairpalmdesert.com

New A+D Center Architectural Icons Walking Tour
In partnership with the Palm Springs Historical Society, see the architectural mid-century icons built for fashion and finance along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Hear about the early history of Palm Springs and the movers and shakers who were instrumental in shaping its future as a desert resort oasis. www.psmuseum.org/architecture-design-center/tours

The 2017 Show Supper Club Series at Vicky’s of Santa Fe
Exclusive to Vicky’s of Santa Fe and presented in an intimate and elegant setting, the 2017 Show Supper Club Series is an array of Broadway style song and dance shows, featuring Broadway credited performers and music artists. www.vickysofsantafe.com

New Escape Games at The River
Escape Games are the newest craze sweeping the nation – a fun, team-building, brain-busting experience! After entering a room, the door is closed behind you.  You must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you to your escape. www.escapegamesattheriver.com

Desert Bubble Ball
A fun new sport where you can let off steam, have fun with your family and friends, and laugh the entire time.  Bubble Ball is a full-contact sport played in an air-filled bubble. Each player is protected by a large, transparent bubble that covers the entire body except for the lower legs with an opening above the head. Desert Bubble Ball is a great option for birthday parties for any age, corporate parties, bachelor parties, and fun get-togethers with friends. www.desertbubbleball.com

dish Creative Cuisine’s New “After Dark Speakeasy”
Each Saturday night from 10 p.m. to midnight, the restaurant transforms into dish After Dark- A Speakeasy, featuring the vocal talent of Keisha D. A throwback to prohibition era, dish After Dark offers speakeasy cocktails and specials while listening to music.  Also, each Sunday, Chef Joane offers a ten course meal complete with wine pairings. www.dishcreativecuisine.com

Stargaze at Greater Palm Springs' First Observatory
The Rancho Mirage Observatory will be a research level facility that will allow visitors of all ages to explore the universe.  Professors in the field of astronomy and novice stargazers alike are sure to be amazed at the level of exploration that will be available.  Completion of the Rancho Mirage Observatory is expected in the summer of 2017.

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Updated: January 18, 2017