A June Oasis
While Palm Springs might not seem like an obvious trip to make in the heat of June, this jewel in the desert is an easy one-tank trip to a whole other world. Here are a few reasons we love it for a School’s Out or Father’s Day getaway.
The Digs
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
The Caribbean Island Resort energy is so strong at this fabulous and luxe destination, you will catch yourself straining to hear the waves as you relax in nicely appointed rooms above an endless expanse of five freeform pools and waterways. Overlooking the massive water play area and manicured golf course, you can watch gondolas navigate the canal and waterway from an indoor-outdoor launch on complimentary guests tours past flamingos and fairways. Just lounging and enjoying the breathtaking mountain views is tempting, but there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family engaged. The Greens at Desert Springs Recreational Putting Course is one of the most unique nods to family golf we’ve seen. This 18 hole course is modeled after the real deal, though completed entirely with putters — offering an even playing field for little ones to take on dad on his big day. The complimentary 54 par course stays bustling, with water hazards and sand traps keeping the fun authentic. Kids will love visiting the talking green and scarlet macaws and the music by the pool makes every day feel like a holiday. The spa offers a Turkish hammam and treatments featuring locale ingredients like palm date creme and warm cactus flower oil to soothe sore muscles, or egos, post-rounds of golf.
The Eats
El Mirasol
While the JW Marriott has fabulous food, and this month’s Foodie Jr (p. 16) offers a breakdown of all the great deals and options to enjoy during June’s Palm Spring Restaurant week, we think it’s great to take the family out for a little authentic Mexican in a relaxed atmosphere. Our Go-To is the family-owned El Mirasol Restaurants. Both locations are local favourites, one spot in the heart of Palm Desert (serving the Castaneda family’s dishes for over 30 years), the other at Los Arboles offering cozy outdoor twinkle-lit seating. The margaritas are strong and tasty, with a dash of the housemade, smoky Doña Diabla Sauce hot sauce adding a kick (trick a waiter once shared). The menu is packed with fresh options and at a family-friendly price point, letting the kids try different dishes like the Pollo en Mole Poblano and the addictive Carnitas, slow cooked in a copper kettle and served with tortilla and guacamole for tacos. Insider Tip —off-menu dishes like Pipian del Mar (a rich Pipian Sauce made from chiles and roasted ground Pumpkin seeds) over Shrimp and Scallops can often be had by asking the waiter.
Desert Willow Golf Course offers challenging fun for serious golfers and their mini-me’s.
The Place to Score Big with Dad
Desert Willow Golf Course
This gorgeous desert course offers fun play, with an ideal opportunity for mini-golfers to learn the sport. Their three-day golf clinic for those 7-12 run throughout June and July, and not only will teach kids the basis of chipping, putting, hitting and etiquette, but can give Mom and Dad either an opportunity to sneak in a round on their own, or even go for brunch or shop at the upscale shops at The Gardens on El Paseo. The Summer VIP Club card offers serious discounts for those interested in playing more than once or returning for another getaway. The vistas are lovely and play, challenging but fun. Not only did the course receive a number of top golfing awards (Golf Digest named the Firecliff course one of the “Places To Play”), but the course was featured by the Smithsonian Institute Magazine for its environmentally sound design and construction. For families hitting the links together, juniors 18 and under play for half price, with additional discounts available.
The Cool Places to Chill
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
We understand that in the spiking June temps, families will likely spend the days poolside or in the comfort of an air-conditioned car during scenic drives of nearby Joshua Tree National Park. But for an instant drop in temp, and spike in fun, we love the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. During the ascent, the unique revolving 80 passenger tram (no kids fighting over who has a front row seat, when the entire tram does!) passes through seven climate changes, letting guests out to enjoy forty degree drops to hike in and explore (and sometimes even snow to play in!). To accommodate busy summer schedules, the tram has extended the evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays with the last car up at 9:00 p.m. and the last car down at 10:30 p.m. Head up for a sunset hike and enjoy the Mount San Jacinto State Park and sparkling nighttime views of the entire starry Coachella Valley as you descend.
The JW Marriott pool desk features five pools for every taste.
The Treats
Hadley’s
This Palm Desert original might have giving up the ghost of the original shed for a shiny new shop next door, but the sweet and creamy Palm Date Shake still stands ready to satisfy, made as always with real cream and California Deglet Noor dates for a punch of caramel richness. The adjoining shop is a great place for picking up healthy treats like dried fruits, nuts, and ready-to-eat produce for your trip or home-baked, on-theme goodies like the date bread, cookies or bars.
The Hot Spots for Wildlife
The Living Desert
Some zoos feature critters who fade in the summer heat. The bonus of visiting this remarkable 1200 acre zoo and botanical garden which represents the desert environments of North America and Africa and its 450 wild animals (as well as live animal shows, kids’ play park, tranquil gardens, model train exhibit, hiking trails, and tram rides), is that for these animals, the occasionally crazy temps are just your average Tuesday. This leads to a much more interactive animal experience than you’d often find, with far smaller crowds to have to manoeuvre your strollers through.
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