Just under a week ago I returned from a little four night girls getaway. This is a new thing for me as I am a big wuss when it comes to leaving my boys for more than a day or two.
My travel-mates took care of most everything and I happily tagged along. First they considered Vegas but Vegas is chilly in November and I wasn't sure I had it in me to handle all the stimulation and chaos. When their second proposal of a great deal in sunny Palm Springs came along I was hooked. I'd only been to Palm Springs once, years ago, for a day trip and I remembered the cool desert landscape and deliciously dry heat.
Lucky for me my gal pals are travel savvy and did their homework finding us a perfect place to call home for four nights, The Riviera Palm Springs. I was immediately intrigued by the web page images of the property and loved the old Hollywood style. Getting things in order so I could go was quite a feat but things fell into place quite nicely.
I flew into Vancouver late on a cold and wet typical November night on the coast. The girls picked me up and we all hunkered down at a friends (thanks Jen!) for a short sleep before an early flight the next morning to Palm Springs. Travelling without a single kiddo was a breeze. We landed in Palm Springs around noon and it was a gorgeous, clean, open-air airport. Cold, dark, wet Vancouver to bright, warm dry Palm Springs in a couple of hours...it was so easy and exciting.
We got our luggage and a cab and were at the Riviera in less than a half an hour...our fare was $20 which included a nice tip.
Pulling up to the hotel we were instantly pulled into the Riviera's chic 60's atmosphere. Sparkling glass, mirror and mod leather furniture. Pristine white cut wood overlayed over orange walls. Swanky Sinitra-ish tunes were playing and several doorman were there to greet us with a smile.
Our first couple of days I didn't pick up my camera at all as I was a tad burnt out from shooting and in holiday-mode but I couldn't resist snapping a few detail shots our last days.
Our room wasn't ready for a couple hours so we grabbed some summer things out of our bags and went to change in the restrooms before leaving our luggage in storage with the front desk. No expense was spared in the glamour & glitz of the inside of the hotel after leaving the main lobby....it was so fun.
On our last evening after several rounds of camera instructions I found someone to snap an image of all of us on one of these cool settees. Then, it was off to the Westin to dance.
The Riviera Palm Springs is a huge property and has been around since the 50's. It's history is rich; it used to be a favourite spot for the "rat pack" to hang out as well as many Hollywood stars into the 60's and 70's like Sonny and Cher. It's all not bling...overall the resort is rather laid back. The buildings are only two stories and are tucked away amoungst trees, gardens and lovely mountain views.
Mid-century modern is one of my favourite design styles ever and the Riviera and much of Palm Springs stays true to those roots. We could walk to the downtown core and it was rich with places to eat, design shops and boutiques.
Overall though I have to admit I spent the most of my time by the pool relaxing. I did some serious napping and reading while sipping cocktails and loving the cool dj mixes of 60's music. The weekend was busy but still mellow and not at all crowded. Come Monday though things were so quiet...here is an image from my little green towel nest:
They have the most amazing suites that line the pool area with private firepits and hot tubs...sigh, one day!
Back to reality for now, I'll share some more detail shots and such soon friends.
I am thinking next November might have to be there first annual Snickerdoodles retreat to you know where...who wants to come along?
oxo
