It's
time to pack up and revisit Palm Springs, that hip desert oasis made
famous by Frank Sinatra and countless other stars during the 1950s.
Located
in the posh city of Rancho Mirage, Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa makes a great central
base for touring Palm Springs attractions, from the Indio date farms to
the white-knuckle adventures aboard the Palm Springs tram.
Fresh
from a $35 million makeover, the Rancho Las Palmas hotel sits on 240 acres of prime Palm
Springs real estate lined with palm trees, tranquil fountains and
lakes.
By
day, head to the Rancho Las Palmas country club and play a round on the 27-hole Ted Robinson-designed Rancho Las Palmas golf course, or head
inside the Rancho Las Palmas spa for a delightful desert-inspired body wrap, massage or facial.
By
night, take in the dynamic fire features at restaurant Blue Ember, which is also famous for its decadent date cupcakes, then
retire to your room where a cozy down comforter and 42-inch plasma TV
awaits you.
But
what I like most about Rancho Las Palmas? Splashtopia — a warm-water
playground with two waterslides, a cliffside Jacuzzi and a 425-foot
Lazy River.
I can't think of a place I'd rather be on a hot Palm Springs day.