It’s one of the hottest destinations around—both literally and figuratively—but nothing could be cooler than the intriguing ways to experience it, from channeling your inner Danica Patrick during 100-mph teambuilding races to gathering poolside, refreshing craft cocktail in hand, at celebrity hideaways of yesteryear.
Such were some of the highlights of a recent fam designed by the Greater Palm Springs CVB to acquaint meeting planners with treasures old and new in this desert oasis of nine communities in the Coachella Valley.
The recently opened BMW Performance Driving School at Thermal is a great way to inject some adrenaline into agendas. The facility, which sits on a 30-acre site and features a track area and 1.6-mile road course, hosts a variety of catered events. But the real excitement is getting behind the wheel of several BMWs, every blazing-fast M Series included, and truly pushing your limits with the guidance of an expert during timed races against colleagues. As our instructor put it, “There are no police, no stop signs and no speed limits. In other words—no reason to hold back.” And we certainly didn’t. The treat at the end? A hair-raising scream-along with a pro who showed us how it’s really done.
The Mid-Century Modern architecture for which Palm Springs is famous is another unforgettable way for groups to indulge in the destination. It was Hollywood’s top playground back in the day, drawing stars like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack, Dinah Shore, Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor, and countless others, and many of their swanky digs remain. Palm Springs Mod Squad’s Kurt Cyr treated us to an architecture and design outing with plenty of celebrity gossip, as did David Martin of The Modern Tour Palm Springs, which included stepping into several of the homes. Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate was the highlight, complete with his original stereo and record-making unit that pressed vinyl albums, as well as dozens of black and white photos of Sinatra with family and friends. The estate can be rented for private events (imagine your group poolside, swaying to I’ve Got You Under My Skin), along with several other former homes of celebrities.
Many meetings-friendly hotels also embrace the Mid-Century Mod vibe, including Riviera Palm Springs, where we enjoyed a Polynesian-themed dinner. The gamut of properties, however, includes everything from boutique retreats to golf and spa resorts.
We stayed at the palm-studded JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, and the multi-tiered lobby, indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, pools, lush grounds, meandering waterways and pink flamingos could not have been more welcoming.
Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa was another standout for groups and quite unique amenity-wise, with animal habitats, resident birds and apiaries. Joel Delmond, the property’s executive chef, is committed to sourcing local products, including honey harvested from the apiaries. The resort also bottles honey—the perfect attendee gift. We sampled some excellent dishes and craft cocktails utilizing the honey and ingredients from the chef’s garden.
At La Quinta Resort & Spa, we savored an evening fiesta with authentic regional Mexican cuisine. The resort, a classic favorite of Hollywood’s elite since 1926, features individual casitas with pools and 40 acres of verdant pathways.
Stellar meeting venues and an impressive renovation greeted our group at Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa, which has a wonderful pool area with real sand and an inviting grand lobby.
Its sibling property, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, is just as remarkable. Plus, it’s attached to the architecturally stunning, 245,000-square-foot Palm Springs Convention Center, designed to embody the region’s desert and mountain landscape.
Contact Information:
GREATER PALM SPRINGS CVB
www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
