What’s new in Greater Palm Springs

The picturesque destination known for its eternal sunshine, Greater Palm Springs, has experienced a boom in new resorts, restaurants, and events.

A Californian desert getaway during the signature Modernism Week includes a a peek behind the doors of the most famous mid-century modern homes.

 

New and noteworthy restaurants and resorts 

Thompson Palm Springs 

Thompson Palm Springs, the second Californian opening of the Thompson Hotels’ brand, is set to open in the heart of downtown Palm Springs in 2024. The luxury bungalow-styled accommodations, some of which have private pools, have panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The property is designed with sleek décor and will have 168 guest rooms and suites, 35,000 square feet of dining and retail spaces, a gym, a ballroom and a spa. The property will also offer up a 3,400-square-feet wine tasting room.

 

Life House Palm Springs 

American boutique hotel chain Life House opened its sixth hotel in November 2023 in the foothills of the Coachella Valley. Life House Palm Springs is a modernist hotel that blends the beauty of the Coachella Valley with Old Hollywood glamor. Each of the 66 guest exudes California’s natural terrain. The property will feature two dining options: Minerva’s Pool House and Minerva’s Indoor Apothecary.

 

Tommy Bahamas Miramonte Resort & Spa 

Tommy Bahama, a quintessentially Californian brand has opened its first ever resort in Indian Wells. Thommy Bahamas Miramonte Resort & Spa is a renovation of what had been the Miramonte Resort & Spa since 1988. The 11 acres property is set against Santa Rosa Mountains backdrop. Winding paths lined with citrus and olive trees connect the three saltwater pools, spa and two bocce ball courts. The laid back Tommy Bahama style radiates throughout the property. The resort’s signature restaurant and bar Grapefruit Basil is a highlight serving brunch throughout the week.

 

The Yucca

Southern California’s first-ever vegan hotel has recently opened in Joshua Tree. Sustainable luxury and vegan lifestyle are at the heart of this charming seven-room boutique hotel. The adults only hotel uses renewable energy sources, water conservation methods, food waste reduction and the eradication of single-use plastic. Every room has a desert-inspired design fused with mid-century modern style. Guests can savor an entirely plant-based breakfast before experiencing the on-site healing mineral water pool and spa.

 

Canopy Wine Lounge 

Offering views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Canopy Wine Lounge is a sun-kissed oasis along the Palm Canyon strip.  The brainchild of Noah Mamet, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and a longstanding Palm Springs resident, it is a sanctuary for wine lovers. It offers an impressive selection of wines. The food is also not to be missed with an eclectic menu of Mediterranean olives, sustainably sourced California caviar, Argentinean empanadas and more.

 

Chulita Artisan Cafe

The Chulita Artisan Café in Indian Wells is set to make an impact when it opens in 2024. Chulita Artisan Café will be the newest brunch and cocktail café in Indian Wells, the sister restaurant of Chula Artisan Eatery in La Quinta.  It will serve organic, farm fresh breakfast and lunch as well as tapas, wine & bubbly.

 

Activities for all

Palm Springs Surf Club 

The brand new Palm Springs Surf Club is set to make waves in the desert when it opens in January 2024. Featuring a wave pool recreating surf breaks from across the globe, this surf haven will cater to surfers of all skill levels even offering lessons to those who want to learn or improve. The pool will have two distinct breaks: an outer reef for intermediate to advanced surfers, and a reform section for beginners. The Palm Springs Surf Club will provide a resort-style experience with a restaurant, pool, lazy river and slides.

 

Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert 

To educate and entertain younger children in Greater Palm Springs, the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert is the perfect place.  Closed since April 2020, it will reopen in March 2024 with all new, hands-on exhibits to inspire and engage curiosity for children under the age of eight. The only facility of its kind in Greater Palm Springs, the museum is a resource for families and inclusive of all learning abilities.

 

Modernism Week 

Modernism Week, Greater Palm’s Springs signature annual event highlighs mid-century modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design. It returns for another year between February 15 – 25, 2024. The 11-day festival will feature more than 350 events including The Palm Springs Modernism Show, parties, live shows, educational tours and iconic home tours. For the 19^th year of the festival there will be an emphasis on the work of renowned architect Albert Frey.

This year the festival will also feature a series of brand-new events including Modernism Week Restoration Series: The Sutter House which is a group of home tours devoted to celebrating desert modernist architecture. It kicks off with Sutter House, by architect E. Stewart Williams. There will also be the opportunity to take a fully immersive tour of The Shag House, a mid-century modern home which the artist Shag designed..

 

Agua Caliente Cultura Plaza and Museum 

The much-anticipated the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Museum opened in November 2023 with experiences and learning opportunities for visitors to understand the legacy of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Cultural Plaza in the heart of downtown Palm Springs celebrates the history, culture and traditions of the tribe.

The new Museum is approximately 48,000 square feet and features permanent exhibition space dedicated to the history and culture, a changing gallery, educational classroom, adjacent teaching garden, and event space. The Museum’s Creation Migration Theatre welcomes guests with a 12-minute, 360-degree animation of the Tribe’s creation story.

The Spa at Séc-he, which opened earlier this year, includes more than 72,000 square feet to celebrate the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. There are treatment rooms, men’s and women’s bathhouses, a tranquillity garden, a salon, fitness centre, outdoor pools, and dining. The water from the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring is estimated to be upwards of 12,000 years old and is unique as it contains a mineral make-up that has not been found anywhere else in the world.