you’ll find a sleepy spa city nestled at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains near the Mission Creek Preserve. Welcome to Desert Springs. This healing oasis, home to some of the world’s best mineral rich springs, attracts those seeking a serene getaway to de-stress and rejuvenate. Many of the boutique hotels here have their own pools fed from the healing waters. 

The 40-room Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis which debuted in 2021, features five pools of varying temperatures including a 100 foot long main pool filled with slightly cooler mineral water, where you can swim – all open 24 hours. It’s so relaxing to be able to unwind in these warm, mineral rich waters any time of the day, with views of Mt. San Jacinto – or at night, under the starry desert sky. For those seeking more privacy, the luxe spa suites have their own in room hot springs tubs where you can soak to your heart’s delight – a great amenity!  Designed with neutral tones and natural jute rugs, the desert chic rooms make soothing abodes. 

In addition to the hot springs, the resort offers retreats with a host of wellness activities including yoga and meditation plus an excellent spa with a menu ranging from restorative massages, detoxifying desert sage clay wraps to facials with citrine gemstones plus antioxidant serums and more. Additionally, guests can experience the impressive Himalayan salt room, the only one in the area, open 24/7.  I felt the purifying energy within minutes. As for the cuisine, the café is transforming into a more expansive restaurant with delicious, healthy dishes and fantastic juice concoctions. Be forewarned – it’s hard to leave this cozy healing cocoon. www.azurepalmhotsprings.com 

Joshua Tree National Park – Mystical Desert Treasure 

A 45-minute drive from the resort takes you to the mystical rock formations and famed trees in Joshua Tree National Park. This natural desert wonderland is a hiker’s paradise. Or you can take a scenic drive through the park with plenty of spots to pull over, get out and take in the exquisite beauty wherever you wander.  Hidden Valley, Skull Rock and Old Woman Rock are just a few of the wonders in this magical landscape that I found to be profoundly healing. Don’t miss the amazing sunset where the golden glow on the ancient rocks looks otherworldly.  

Luxuriate In Palm Springs 

It doesn’t get any more fabulous than the Parker Palm Springs. This 144-room stunner, a member of the Leading Hotels Of The World Collection, with its Jonathan Adler-designed interiors and gorgeous gardens is about as voguish and hip as a hotel can get. Surrounded by palm and fruit trees with paths under arches of greenery, this lush 13-acre resort features 3 pools, fountains, ping-pong table, a croquet lawn, bocce and petanque courts, clay tennis courts, and a full-service spa. The lobby dazzles with striking pop art. Retro modern rooms, suites and villas are delightfully whimsical and colorful accented by lamps shaped like carousel horses and pillows embroidered with palm trees. Request a room in the North Building that comes with a patio and hammock if you like having your own outdoor living space to unwind. It’s no surprise this favorite haunt of celebrities and the stylish set is often used as a backdrop for fashion shoots.
www.parkerpalmsprings.com  

Tennis: BNP Paribas Open – March 2022

The BNP Paribas Open in The Desert at Indian Wells – one of the tennis circuit’s major events, is set to return March 2022. This year Tennis Paradise will feature the world’s top ATP and WTA Tour players competing for the prestigious Baccarat trophy. Following an exciting 2021 tournament here that produced two surprising winners, the 2022 Open is expecting some of the sport’s biggest stars. As for dining in Tennis Paradise: acclaimed chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Nobu Matsuhisa will be serving up delectable fare on site in Spago and Nobu respectively. www.bnpparibasopen.com 

Sensei Porcupine Creek Debuts Fall 2022

Sensei Porcupine Creek will open in the fall of 2022, converting a 230-acre private estate, nestled against the Santa Rosa Mountains in Rancho Mirage, California, into an ultra-luxe retreat. Sensei is known for leveraging technology to benefit health and this will be an offshoot of the innovative wellness retreat Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort on the Hawaiian island owned by Larry Ellison. The retreat will feature hotel rooms in the former estate house as well as private villas. Spa, nutrition, movement, wellness and sports programs as well as an impressive golf course and world class tennis facilities are some of the offerings as well as curated packages based on the Sensei Way: Move, Nourish, Rest. www.Sensei.com

Drive The Car Of Your Dreams

The best way to get around is to rent a car. So why not give yourself the gift of driving a car you love as part of your vacation. The transformation starts the minute you get behind the wheel of the car of your dreams – you’re happy. In both of its locations, in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills Car Rental has a lineup of dream cars such as Porsche 911 GT3, Ferrari F8 Tributo and Lamborghini Urus along with various BMW, Mercedes, Bentley and Rolls Royce models. And they’ll deliver the car and pick it up for added convenience. www.bhcarrental.com