(GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CA) The Greater Palm Springs (GPS) region continues to evolve as one of the world’s most enticing resort destinations. A long-time haven for visitors and sought-after playground for sunseekers, the nine desert cities abound with compelling experiences for every type of traveler. Between new hotel and spa openings, celebrated culinary talents, and the introduction of new-and-improved attractions, there is so much for repeat visitors to discover—and even more for first-time guests to fall head over heels for. Here’s a short list of what’s new, fresh, and coming soon:
CULINARY SCENE
The Coachella Valley’s rich agricultural bounty and world-class resorts draw the most innovative chefs from around the globe, who specialize in fresh, farm-to-table fare and serve creative twists on American classics and international cuisine. In recent years, the dining scene has reached new heights with a flurry of compelling new openings and notable accolades.
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When the California Michelin Guide recommendations were announced in December of 2022, eight restaurants made the cut—a first for the area. They include 4 Saints at the Rowan Hotel, Bar Cecil, Boozehounds, Cheeky’s, Colony Club in the Colony Palms Hotel, Tac/Quila, The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge, and Workshop Kitchen & Bar.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Palm Springs -
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) announced plans to double the number of restaurants and bring in more local representation with a new concessions program set to begin in 2023. Palm Springs Farmer’s Market will be featured as a curator of local gourmet foods and snacks and downtown Palm Springs favorites, Trio and El Mirasol, will join the line-up.
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Taco trail, anyone?! Among the dozens of new restaurant openings throughout the nine desert cities are fourteen Mexican eateries, reaffirming the region’s status as a hub of excellent Mexican cuisine created with Californian produce. Welcome newcomers include Sol Agave (Palm Springs), El Patio La Quinta (La Quinta), Mickey’s Kitchen Mexican Cuisine (Palm Springs), Clandestino (Palm Springs), Impala Bar & Grill (Palm Springs), Low Desert Mexican (Palm Springs), Maleza (Palm Springs), Molé (second Palm Desert location), Reforma (Palm Springs) and Cowboy Cantina (Palm Desert).
Clandestino, Palm Springs
ATTRACTIONS
Whether visitors seek entertainment, adventure, or pure rest and relaxation, a handful of new attractions make for exciting additions to any desert itinerary:
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Last December, the highly anticipated Acrisure Arena, an 11,000-seat sports and entertainment arena, opened in Palm Desert and started hosting major concerts presented by Live Nation. It’s also home rink to the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League franchise, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the first professional sports team in Greater Palm Springs. Plus, the arena’s Berger Foundation Iceplex offers daily public skating sessions and is available to rent for private special events.
Berger Foundation Iceplex -
Celebrate the unique heritage of the original inhabitants of Greater Palm Springs at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza. Slated to open in later in 2023, the plaza features a 48,000-square-foot museum that’s destined to be California’s most impressive Native American cultural facility. In April, the Agua Caliente tribe debuted The Spa at Séc-he, a 73,000 square foot spa complex that brings their ancient healing waters to the public, along with innovative treatments and therapies.
Spa at Séc-he salt cave -
Art Flying Aerial, a light, airy aerial and aerial yoga fitness studio inspired by a passion for health, fitness, and the healing of the body and mind, is now open for drop-in classes led by well-trained, professional instructors.
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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.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The hotel sector continues to ride a big wave of expansion between new large-scale resort developments, thoughtfully reimagined midcentury modern classics, and multi-million-dollar renovations—giving visitors more options to choose from when it comes to where to check-in:
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Drift Palm Springs opened in downtown Palm Springs, featuring a variety of room types ranging from studios to four-bedroom suites. Maleza, its 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 round out the hotel amenities.
Drift Palm Springs -
Villa Royale, the 37-room historic hideaway in Palm Springs’ Deepwell neighborhood has started a $1 million update to enhance its grounds, guest rooms and Del Rey restaurant. In addition, Palm Springs hoteliers Jeff Brock and Richard Crisman, and world-ranked surfer Kalani Robb and entrepreneur Shaun Neff, whose Palm Springs Surf Club opens later this year, have joined as investors in the hotel.
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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 and offers the ability to combine up to four 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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Omni Rancho Las Palmas has unveiled their all-new Conchilla Valley Pool and Gaming Cabana featuring luxurious pool cabanas and lounge chairs, a shaded splash pad, and adjoining poolside bar and grill. Just steps away, is a new gaming cabana elevating the arcade experience with family and teen friendly activities including ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, and a variety of arcade games, plus ample room to kick back and relax with communal tables and comfortable seating.
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Nestled under the awe-inspiring Santa Rosa Mountains in Rancho Mirage, Sensei at Porcupine Creek opened in November 2022. The first Sensei wellbeing retreat on mainland U.S. soil, the resort embraces the founders’ dedication to sustainable living powered by science, data, and technology. Set on 230-acres, the elegant, airy accommodations include 10 Estate Rooms, four Casitas, and eight standalone two- and four-bedroom Villas. All wellness retreats are tailored to the individual guest and range from the five-day “Rest & Recovery Program” to the month-long “Sabbatical Experience.”
Sensei Porcupine Creek -
Hermann Bungalows, a modern, 24-room ultra-luxury resort within the midcentury L'Horizon Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, were designed and finished to the highest standards, featuring walnut walls, Venetian terrazzo floors, and custom furniture pieces.
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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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Late in 2023, Tommy Bahama will launch their first resort concept with a re-imagined Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.
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A vast 525-acre site in La Quinta is the future home of Pendry Hotel & Montage La Quinta—a joint project named TALUS. Situated on an 18-hole Arnold Palmer classic golf course and set against the Santa Rosa Mountains, the 134-room Montage and the 200-room Pendry are expected to debut in 2024.
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La Quinta Resort & Club, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, is a longtime anchor of the Greater Palm Springs region with a total of 796 guest rooms, casitas, and villas. In summer 2023, the resort will begin a large-scale, $70 million guest room renovation project in phases set for completion in 2029.
