Visiting a city that’s known for its A-list celebrity status and Hollywood glamour is like stepping into another world, and I can’t believe what I experienced in five days
Greater Palm Springs has a reputation as a glamorous desert hideaway that has drawn in Hollywood’s finest since the 1920s. Stars including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe have all sought retreat in the Southern California oasis, while nowadays it’s a haven for the stars who descend on the region for Coachella every summer.
A-listers, including Leonardo DiCaprio, own lavish homes in the area, framed by dramatic, rugged mountains and lined with towering palm trees. Aside from its Hollywood glam, Greater Palm Springs, which spans nine cities, is known for its natural hot springs, thriving LGBTQ+ community, year-round desert sunshine, and iconic mid-century modern architecture. Here’s everything you need to know about the A-list getaway…
Where to stay
Stretching across 450 acres of immaculate gardens and 18 acres of waterways, the lavish four-star JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is concealed within its own private paradise, where ‘Old Hollywood glamour meets modern day luxury’ – and it quickly became my desert sanctuary. With an impressive 884 guestrooms, five swimming pools, two championship golf courses, and 10 dining options, the resort towers over the desert. It even boasts its own Lobby Boat Dock and resident flamingos, and is where Frank Sinatra made his final public performance in 1995.
The four-star Hilton Palm Springs was another desert haven to rest after a busy day, conveniently located in downtown and at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. There are 257 spacious rooms with retro interiors, and set within their tranquil gardens is a pristine courtyard and outdoor swimming pool – perfect on those sun-drenched days!
Where to shop
Downtown Palm Springs is packed with independent stores, galleries, and inviting cafes set against colourful facades in what feels like a tight-knit community. A stop by Destination PSP for retro airline homeware or artisan gifts at Just Fabulous is a must, and every Thursday evening, the area comes alive with its beloved pedestrian-only street fair, VillageFest.
Elsewhere, I marvelled at the mid-century homes that characterise the desert during an architecture tour, with innovative ideas to savour mountain views and incorporate natural light from any direction. Legendary architect Albert Frey played a key role in the minimalist and timeless desert modernist architecture that defines Greater Palm Springs today.
Where to adventure
To explore the Coachella Valley, I spent one morning on a Red Jeep Tour with Desert Adventures. We drove through acres of rugged terrain in an area described by our guide as an ‘area of weirdness’ with fan palm trees, golden desert sand, towering rock formations and canyons. We walked through narrow mountain gaps and climbed small peaks, only to be met with stunning views across the valley that felt as though I was on a different planet.
Where to step back in time
My really wild encounter came when I visited the same grounds where Hollywood’s cowboy legends had once made their name – at the real-life Western movie set and small community of Pioneertown. Nestled in the High Desert of San Bernardino County, California, Pioneertown was created as a “living, breathing movie set” with an 1880s-themed design, so it could function as a filming location and a genuine residential community.
A wander through the main stretch of Mane Street felt like stepping back in time, with rows of Western-town frontages of rustic timber buildings and signs of the red Likker Barn, Jail and Hay Feed. While these exist purely as a cinematic backdrop, there are a few artisan shops, along with a petting zoo and the music venue and barbecue restaurant, Pappy & Harriet’s, which has hosted performances by the likes of Paul McCartney, Queens of the Stone Age and Arctic Monkeys.
Where to escape
I also found myself immersed in the extraordinary landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park for a truly otherworldly experience, passing mountains of dramatic boulders and rock formations stretching for endless miles, looming over the sandy plains and casting long shadows. Scattered around the almost 800,000-acre national park, which sits at the convergence of two distinct desert ecosystems: the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, were hundreds of thousands of Joshua Trees, also known as Yucca brevifolia.
The breathtaking terrain is also designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal location for stargazing. With the help of expert guide Caitlin Gill at Joshua Tree Astronomy Adventure, I had the chance to marvel at the galaxy and the moon one evening, which left me utterly speechless as I sat beneath a sky packed with glowing stars.
Where to unwind
Amongst the adventures, I soaked in the largest hot mineral spring pool in Southern California and unwound with a full-body massage at Natural Hot Springs Oasis at Azure Palm Hot Springs. I dipped into their mineral-rich waters across five tubs nestled within their peaceful outdoor sanctuary, and made sure to experience their reflexology pathway.
For an insight into the city’s history, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum shares the story of the Agua Caliente people, including a 360-degree video of the Tribe’s creation story, which is truly fascinating. While the historic Plaza Theatre shines light on its performance heritage, having opened in 1936 with the world premiere of Camille starring Greta Garbo, and today has a beautiful domed auditorium that hosts various shows.
Where to eat
I devoured sharing plates of mouthwatering caramelised blueberry pancakes and Turkish eggs for breakfast at Lola Rose Grand Mezze, and savoured the flavours of Mexico with a plate of Huevos Rancheros at El Patio La Quinta. Another favoured brunch spot was The Pink Cabana, with chic, pink-and-green interiors and a Mediterranean-inspired menu of chorizo shakshuka and smoked salmon tartine.
When I wasn’t indulging in glam brunches and a Mimosa, I dined on Baja Shrimp Salad – a local’s recommendation – during an al fresco lunch at Spencer’s Restaurant. I also tucked into seared sea scallops in a tomato risotto at Parcifica Seafood Restaurant while enjoying the evening warmth on their patio, and relished a succulent fillet with Chimichurri sauce at Mr Lyons Steakhouse.
Another highlight was The Copper Room at the Yucca Valley Airport, a 1957 supper club and vintage lounge with red leather booth seats and wood-panelled walls overlooking the runway. For pre-dinner drinks, a cocktail at Beaton’s at Bar Cecil was a must, set within its eccentric setting of red velvet ceilings, leopard print carpets and walls adorned with black and white celebrity photographs – I genuinely felt like I was about to become an extra in a glamorous Hollywood film.
BOOK THE HOLIDAY
Purely America offers packages from £1,999pp based on two people sharing, including flights with Air Alaska from London to Palm Springs via Seattle, 3 Nights at the Hilton Palm Springs and 4 Nights at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. purelytravel.co.ukPlan your trip at visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com





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