travel by joseph schmitt
20
years strong, Jeffrey Sanker’s signature White Party weekend in Palm
Springs is still attracting tens-of-thousands of circuit boys (and girls) for seem-
ingly countless hours of dancing and poolside antics. Even if you’re not planning
on attending the Easter weekend festivities that kick off with the “Spring Break
Pool Party” at noon on Friday, or catching Lady Gaga at the namesake Saturday
night extravaganza, or experiencing a collective comedown at Sunday night’s
“Closing Party,” Palm Springs has plenty of new offerings and classic favorites for
every desire under the rainbow.
While the Spring Break / White Party weekend in April has long signified the
peak of season in this formerly seasonal party town, Palm Springs has increasingly
become a year-round destination for visitors from around the globe. Where many
businesses used to shutter for the hot summer months, new hotels and restau-
rants have opened to accommodate an influx of year-round residents and those
Riveria Hotel
drought-resistant visitors who understand and appreciate a “dry heat.” Welcome
to the new Palm Springs – it’s not just for the White Party anymore.
New Hotels:
One of the most stylish new additions to Palm Springs’ impressive roster of
unique hotels is the centrally located Colony Palms Hotel (572 N. Indian Canyon
Dr. Tel: 800.577.2187. www.colonypalmshotel.com). After a $15 million dollar
Offerings in Palm Springs
renovation, the property has been restored to well beyond its original grandeur.
photography by ed o’neil
New design accents like antique French tiles and Turkish woven headboards
appear like they’ve been there for decades. The 56 guestrooms and suites are
situated on three beautiful acres with an elegant central pool. Colony Palms’
restaurant, The Purple Palm (once a gangster hangout, speakeasy and illegal
casino) offers amazing mountain views with poolside fine dining. The seasonal
Mediterranean-inspired menu nicely mirrors the eclectic Moroccan-themed
dining room. Rates start around $159.
Ace Hotel and Swim Club (701 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Tel: 760.325.9900. www.
acehotel.com/palmsprings) is a welcomed and much-needed addition to
the desert’s hotel landscape. This affordable hotel and swim club attracts
younger, free-spirited travelers, or those young at heart enough to appreciate
its anti-establishment attitude and amenities. King’s Highway is Ace’s modern
interpretation of an old-school roadside diner, only this modern version serves up
riveria hotel
creative organic ingredients at budget-minded prices. The adjacent Amigo Room
is a lowbrow hipster hangout with cheap beer and retro-cocktails. And outside
by the main pool you can indulge in no-frills spa treatments inside a Mongolian The “world cuisine” menu offers room for play, but sprinkled throughout the com-
“yurt.” At present, the hotel’s two pools are off-limits to non-guests, but plans for mon theme are pan-Asian influences loaded with fresh seafood and old-school
day rates into the “Swim Club” are in the works. Rates start at $89. favorites like Niçoise Salad and Crab Louis. The Coral Seas Lounge, divided from
Don’t let the in-your-face lobby décor at The Riviera Resort & Spa (1600 N. In- the main dining room by a low wall, has become the upscale bar destination of
dian Canyon Dr. Tel: 760.327.8311. www.psriviera.com) distract your senses from choice in central Palm Springs. A lone dramatic Polynesian mural over the bar
the real heart of this reborn iconic hotel. The Riviera’s gorgeous pool is encircled by sets a subtle tropical tone. The massive wrap-around stainless steel bar leads you
seemingly unlimited cabanas for secluded lounging, intimate fire pits for cocktail outside to a large and festive patio where you can enjoy tropical cocktails such
gatherings and themed gardens that tie everything together. Over 400 luxurious as my favorite, the Spicy Mango Margarita, and full dinner service under a starry
guestrooms are laid out over this historic 24-arce property. The Rivera’s SpaTerre desert sky. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekend.
features 18 therapy rooms, a Watsu pool, hot tub, private steam room, relaxation Azul (369 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Tel: 760.325.5533. www.azultapaslounge.
area and fitness center. The fine dining restaurant, Circa 59, offers a relaxed and com) is a tapas-inspired lounge and patio bar, with a newly opened rooftop bar.
sophisticated urban ambience with raw bar items, seafood specialties and dry- The main dining room has a studio feel with wood paneling and large booths. But
aged beef. The menu at Circa59 changes daily to incorporate unique and organic don’t let the upscale furnishings fool you, once the dinner menu has finished for
ingredients. Rates with “resort fee” and taxes come in as low as $155 per night. the night, Azul rolls up its sleeves for a long night of frolic-inducing drink specials
and bar menu items available until 2:00 a.m. The sizeable courtyard bar features
New Eats: heaters for the winter months and cooling mist systems for those hot summer
The ultra-chic dining room at The Tropicale Restaurant and Coral Seas nights.
Lounge (330 E. Amado Road. Tel: 760.866.1952. www.thetropicale.com) is Dinks Restaurant and Ultra Lounge (2080 N. Palm Canyon Dr. 760.327.7676.
reminiscent of an old-world Miami supper club with soft hues of pink and green. www.dinksrestaurant.com) is a new favorite for many reasons. The socially
88 RAGE monthly | APRIL 2009
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