Nestled within picturesque Indian Wells and surrounded by the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa offers a blend of laid-back luxury and island-inspired charm. The resort is a desert stand-out, not just for its lush surroundings and gracious accommodations, but also for its embodiment of the Tommy Bahama lifestyle—a celebration of relaxation, adventure, and the art of leisure. Whether lounging by one of the resort’s two onsite pools, indulging in delicious cuisine and crafted cocktails at the brand’s varied outlets, or exploring the stunning desert landscape, a Tommy Bahama experience delivers some of the best of the greater Coachella Valley.

The Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa pool features a Santa Rosa Mountain backdrop

DAY ONE:

Check in at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. Immerse yourself in the expansive 11-acre property with a leisurely walking tour of the resort’s garden pathways that are lined with fragrant citrus trees. (You can actually pick what you like and the resort restaurant will juice the fruit for you.) Play a game of bocce or relax amongst the olive tree grove which is especially enchanting at dusk when illuminated by hanging lanterns and outdoor fire pits.

Grab a mid-day bite at poolside Chiki Palm, with its menu of fresh-made dishes including the All-American Burger, Poblano Chicken Quesadilla and Ahi Poke Bowl. Pair your meal with a frozen tiki cocktail (or two) served in a poolside pouch while relaxing at the resort’s saltwater pool. Reserve a cabana for enhanced privacy and comfort.

The Olive Tree Grove at Tommy Bahama Miramonte is enchanting

Explore the Rosa Boutique, featuring a curated selection of luxury goods from local brands and Tommy Bahama merchandise exclusive to the resort. Get your gift shopping done early, and treat yourself with an assortment of dressy linens, swimsuits, coverups and sports equipment like Tommy Bahama-printed pickleball paddles and golf club head covers, along with beautiful jewelry, sunglasses, hats, footwear, towels and more.

Enjoy dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, Grapefruit Basil, a sophisticatd yet relaxed space spotlighting farm-to-table California-inspired cuisine. Savor dinner selections such as Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut, Seared Ahi Tuna, Mojo Brick Chicken and Santa Carota Cowboy Ribeye. Make sure to start with a seasonally crafted cocktail. Dine inside or out, where a dramatic fire wall provides a sultry glow.  

End the night with drinks under the stars in the olive grove while enjoying nightly, live acoustic music ranging from pop to Latin to classical.

Grapefruit Basil is the resort’s flagship restaurant

DAY TWO: 

Get your body moving with your choice of wellness activities. Try the resort’s complimentary guided desert hike or choose from a rotating schedule of classes like aerial yoga, meditative sound baths ,and wellness workshops.

Drop into Grapefruit Basil for all day brunch and enjoy elevated versions of classics like Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict, Brioche Bananas Foster French Toast and Lobster and Triple Cream Frittata. Or keep it light with a Baby Gem Caesar or Burrata Bruschetta.

Spend the afternoon exploring the shops on El Paseo, Palm Desert’s main street of fabulous retail shops. Visit the Tommy Bahama Home Store to peruse indoor and outdoor home furnishings and unique home décor, and take advantage of a free design consultation.

Walk across the street and continue your shopping adventure at the recently renovated Tommy Bahama retail store where lifestyle offerings embrace the brand’s ethos of casual sophistication. You’ll find men’s and women’s sportswear, swimwear and activewear, accessories, beach gear, and home goods.

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar features the ‘Best Patio in the Desert’

Discover the “Best Patio in the Desert” at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy stunning views of the San Jacinto mountains while dining on fresh, tropical-inspired dishes including Scallop Sliders, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Chilean Sean Bass and Kona Coffee-Crusted Ribeye. Choose from a selection of hand-crafted cocktails to perfectly complement your meal like the Classic Mojito, Mai Tai, or the Pineapple Paradiso.  

DAY THREE:

Before or after breakfast, pamper yourself with a morning treatment at the luxurious and award-winning Spa Rosa at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. Featuring a menu of desert-inspired treatments and rituals inspired by the local landscape, Spa Rosa’s signature skincare and body treatments include the head-to-toe Island State of Mind with tropical scents of papaya, pineapple and coconut; the 75-minute Marlin Man package with light stretching, steamed-towel deep cleanse and healthy hydration products; and the half-day Daydream to Life, is a wellness journey that includes a luxurious bath soak, exfoliation, facial, custom massage, wellness class and other amenities.

Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

Spend the day in Palm Springs, a walkable city that blends kitschy charm with natural beauty. Explore the prime strip of Palm Canyon Drive with its cute boutiques and colorful locals. Take selfies at the famous statue of Marilyn Monroe or visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. Take an incredible ride and view on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; head to the unique beauty of Joshua Tree National Park for hiking and rock climbing; or gain a broader look at the outdoor desert region with Red Jeep Tours.

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

For lunch, a snack, or early dinner, visit the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar on Palm Canyon Drive. With daily Happy Hour from 3-6pm, the outdoor Marlin Bar is a relaxed refuge where you can unwind with a cocktail, light fare, and organic soft-serve ice cream—a perfect way to end the visit before departing this chic desert sanctuary.

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar

My desert exploration was enhanced by my use of Volvo’s new C40 Recharge, an all-electric compact that combines modern design, sustainability, and advanced technology. The spacious cabin features ergonomic design which was perfect for my drive from Santa Monica, to Indian Wells, to Rancho Palos Verdes. (A large panoramic sunroof adds to the airy feel of the interior.) The C40 is equipped with a large touchscreen infotainment system powered by Google, offering built-in navigation, voice commands, and access to various apps. It also includes a premium sound system for an enhanced audio experience. Volvo is renowned for its safety innovations, and the C40 comes with a suite of advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. With fast-charging capabilities, I was able to recharge the battery to about 80% in about 35 minutes at a DC fast charger. While the range varies, it’s sufficient for many long-distance trips, and the network of fast chargers is continually expanding, easing range anxiety. The overall design and layout contributed to a serene driving experience. I loved it, and I may well become the owner of this beautiful automobile.

Volvo C40 Recharge. Photo by Fran Miller

Photos courtesy of Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, unless otherwise noted

A CITY in Germany is dubbed ‘Christmas city’ because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets – and it’s easy to get to from the UK.

Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria after Munich, is considered one of the best places in the world to visit when it comes to Christmas.

4

4

Advertisement

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which takes place during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town, is one of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in the world.

The market features traditional, handmade decorations and treats like gingerbread.

The history of Nuremberg gingerbread dates back to the 14th century when Frankonian monks baked honey cakes. 

The city’s location at the centre of European spice trading routes led to the addition of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg to the recipe.

You’ll also find bratwurst at the market, another food with a deep rooted history in the city.

The first written record of bratwurst in Germany is from Nuremberg in 1313. 

The market’s location also adds to its Christmassy feel.

Its festively decorated lanes are set against the historic architecture of the Hauptmarkt square.

And if you walk up the steps of the Church of Our Lady you can catch a great view of the market’s stalls and lights.

For children, there’s a children’s Christmas market in the city known as Kinderweihnacht.

Located right next to the Christkindlesmarkt, there’s a two-tiered merry-go-round, a mini Ferris wheel, and a steam railway.

Outside of the markets the city continues to ooze all things Christmas.

The city is decorated with twinkling lights, and, if you’re lucky, you might see snow falling on the roofs of the century-old houses.

Imperial Castle in Nuremberg is a great place to visit during the Christmas season.

It’s perched on a sandstone ridge and offers stunning views of the medieval city below.

The Schoner Brunnen is located in Nuremberg’s main market square is also decorated for Christmas time.

The fountain has a small golden ring on the black grille that people turn three times for good luck. 

Some say that if you turn the ring, you will return to Nuremberg, while others say it will bring you good luck.

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt usually starts on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent and ends on Christmas Eve.

This year, the market will be open from November 29 to December 24.

Ryanair offers direct flights to Nuremberg from London Stansted Airport, starting from £43 for one way.

4

4

CHRISTMAS is a magical time of year and one of the best ways to get into the festivals spirit is to see a light show. 

There are many stunning light shows across England from Kew Gardens in London to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

6

6

Advertisement

Some even serve festive treats including mulled wine and gingerbread men to help you get into the fun of the season. 

Here are the eight best Christmas Light shows in England.

Kew Gardens, London

When Christmas arrives, Kew Gardens is lit up with more than a million bulbs.

It’s an entirely new way to see the 320 acre attraction which is home to over 16,000 species of plants. 

The Gardens are bathed in warm, colourful light and the trail is lined with thousands of candles, holographic laser beams and canopies of fairy lights. 

Visiting Kew Gardens doesn’t have to break the bank either, as ticket prices range from £21.50 for members at off-peak times to £26 at peak times. 

For non-members, it is a little bit more expensive with off-peak tickets costing £25.50 and peak tickets costing £32. 

6

Advertisement

Blenhein Palace, Oxfordshire

The grounds at Blenhein Palace are already so beautiful that they have been used in Harry Potter, James Bond and Indiana Jones, but Christmas there is really something special.

There are thousands of illuminated lights transforming the historic building and grounds into a winter wonderland.

Kids will love the Neverland in the palace experience, which gives them the opportunity to explore the sparkling State rooms, complete with a model London skyline

Also, £1 will be added at basket stage for each Everland in the Palace ticket to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. 

Longleat, Bristol

Bristol is home to the beautiful Longleat House which opens its gates for visitors to welcome them to its annual Festival of Light. 

The grounds, which are home to one of the UK’s most exciting safari parks, will turn back the clock and take visitors on a journey from the dawn of man to the present day. 

But that’s not all because this light show has a Santa train to meet Father Christmas and his elves.

The festival of light runs from November 9, 2024 to January 5, 2025.

6

Oxford Street and Regent Street

Oxford Street and Regent Street are some of the busiest streets in Europe and they are both home to some of England’s best light displays every Christmas.

Both streets have over 300,000 LED lights which provide great photo opportunities while you do some Christmas shopping. 

Regent Street has huge angels of light spanning across the entire street and Oxford Street is draped in over 5000 white stars. 

Oxford Street will be lighting up from November 5, 2024, and Regent Street will follow suit just two days later. 

Killerton, Exeter

Christmas at Killerton will feature a traditional Christmas experience that includes an enchanted decorated house, which has green garlands, warming fireplaces and lush trees to make you feel cosy.

There is more fun to be had in the garden, which has an outdoor trail for the kid’s to enjoy.

The gardens and Chapel grounds will be covered in Christmas lights, making it the best location for a Christmas family photo so dress to impress.

Christmas at Killerton will run from November 26, 2024 to January 2, 2025.

Bedgebury, Kent

Bedgebury is home to a one-mile magical winter trail which has fields of light and giant luminous seed pods.

Then, you’ll walk through sparkling tunnels of light and the forest is drenched in all of the colours of the rainbow.

It’s perfect for a little Christmas warmth on a cold December day.

Christmas at Bedgebury runs from November 14, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

6

Mayfield park, Manchester

The Twilight Trail transforms Mayfield Park into a 6.5 acre Christmas extravaganza with 50,000 lights.

From hot chocolate to toasted marshmellows, there is plenty to eat and drink as they wander through the winter wonderland.

Tickets are now on sale. Adult tickets priced at £14 and child tickets are £9, with under two-year-old’s gaining free entry.

The Twilight Trail runs from November 14, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

6

Liverpool Cathedral

The Light Before Christmas 2024: Starlight is an immersive sound and light installation by the acclaimed artistic collective Luxmuralis, in one of the most historic cities in England.

The cathedral will become a stunning display of sound, light and story telling but it only runs for one day so you’ll need to hurry to get tickets.

Head on to Liverpool to catch The Light Before Christmas when takes place on November 30, 2024.

AN easyJet passenger has told how she was forced to share a room with a stranger or face sleeping in the hotel lobby after her flight was cancelled.

Margaret Elizabeth, 27, was forced to stay in a double room with an unknown man after her flight from Croatia was delayed overnight due to adverse weather.

3

3

Advertisement

The pair were among four solo travellers in the group, alongside two women who were also forced to reluctantly share a room at the Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik.

Passengers on the 11.30am UK-bound journey had been at Dubrovnik airport for 18 hours when the flight cancellation was confirmed, before they were taken to the hotel at 4am.

Despite her pleas against the “inappropriate” arrangement, airport staff informed her the only other option was to bunk down in the lobby.

The communications officer blasted the company for putting her in a “dangerous” situation that left her feeling both “scared and exposed”.

Margaret, from Balham, south London, told The Sun: “I was exhausted but I couldn’t sleep because I was deeply uncomfortable with the situation. A part of me wishes I stayed in the lobby.

“I couldn’t help but quietly cry out of frustration. The man seemed nice, but at the end of the day I was still sleeping with a stranger in a small, confined room.

“In the morning I got changed in the bathroom quickly and rushed out, which meant I ended up leaving some things in the room accidentally.

“EasyJet needs to do something about this. It is dangerous and negligent to put anyone, let alone a young female woman, in a position like this.”

The flight eventually left the following day at 1.30pm on September 10, more than 26 hours after the original departure time.

Margaret filled out a compensation form and sent an email complaint to EasyJet customer services who told her they “sincerely apologise for the discomfort the room-sharing situation caused” and recognised it was “not appropriate”.

A spokesperson for the budget airline said: “We are extremely sorry for Margaret’s experience when her flight was delayed overnight. The safety and welfare of our customers is our highest priority.

“It is not our policy to allocate passengers not travelling together a shared room so this should never have happened.

“We are investigating how this happened and take steps to ensure it does not happen in the future.”

3