Downtime
REJUVENATION NATION: PALM SPRINGS
BY FRANCESCA MERCED
Just over 100 miles east of Los Angeles is one of my favorite destinations on the planet: Palm Springs. During the hot summer months, temperatures regularly soar into 110’s in this quiet resort community– which makes for delightful nighttime swimming. (Imagine having your own 10-foot deep outdoor bathtub!)
Located in the Coachella Valley nestled between two mountain ranges, Palm Springs became a favorite destination for tourists in the early 1900’s seeking a warm dry climate for health reasons. Before too long, it also became a favorite haunt for Hollywood hipsters looking for low-key fun in the sun. Hey, this place must be something special – after all, old Blue Eyes himself used to hang out here! (That’s Frank Sinatra, for those who may not be in-the-know!)
Today, Palm Springs is home to a plethora of incredible restaurants, boutiques, and ultimate relaxation activities like golf, tennis and horseback riding.
And speaking of relaxing, while you’re there, you’ll want to stay at one of the dozens of resort hotels such as the Spa Resort Casino. The hotel, itself, boasts a bevy of typical accoutrements like spacious comfy rooms and, of course, the casino, if gambling’s your thing. But for anyone looking to be swept away from the cares and stresses of life, it’s the spa that’s really worth checking out. The spa, which has been touted as a “monument to total wellness of body and spirit” offers a delicious menu of spa treatments including the “Tension Tune-Up” massage (for people who have a limited amount of time to relax) and the absolute-must “Download and Decompress” massage which focuses on the muscle groups most affected by prolonged computer use. (Sound familiar?)
And if you’re like me and you require regular retail therapy sessions, then the Coachella Valley has another jewel that was hand-crafted especially for you! Just west of Palm Springs is one of my favorite shopping destinations: the Cabazon Outlets. If hearing names like Gucci, Donna Karan and Dolce and Gabbana puts a smile on your face, then you won’t want to deny yourself the absolute shopping heaven-on-earth that awaits you at Cabazon! If you’re going to be in Southern California in mid-October, you must check out the 4th Annual Shopping Extravaganza on October 15 where, for just $20, you’ll be treated to shopping discounts, a fashion show, goodie bags and more!
Across the board, research shows that stress is a major contributor to health issues and illness. October may the month for Halloween, but in Palm Springs there are no tricks – just treats. Make the most of your next long weekend and take time out to rejuvenate!
To book your stay at the Spa Resort Casino, please visit: sparesortcasino.com/spa.html
For a complete directory of the outlets located at Cabazon, you’ll want to check out: cabazonoutlets.com
[learn_more caption=”About Downtime” state=”closed”] With the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get so caught up that we forget to take time out to relax. But taking “down time” is essential for maintaining our personal, physical and emotional balance. So, join us here, each week, for wonderful tips and insights on must-have products, activities and vacation destinations for making the most of your down time![/learn_more]