Palm Desert Getaway

08/31/2025

Winter is coming!!

07/25/2025

September Sale! Book now for the month of September for only $3,000 USD (excl. pool heat).
October $3,850 USD (excl. pool heat).
To claim offer, send me a direct message!

07/02/2025

OK. So you think you have seen all that the Coachella has to offer, or you just want to take a drive and get a change of scenery.
Here are a few day trips that you can take on a day when you feel the urge to go somewhere different…

1. Temeculah - Less than 90 minutes from Palm Springs is Southern California’s wine region. The area is home to about 4 dozen wineries, some with restaurants in the wineries.

2. Big Bear Lake - A four season mountain lake park, Big Bear Lake is just under two hours from Palm Desert. Pick a season and there is a different adventure at this park. Fishing, shoe-shoeing and tubing are just a few adventures you can enjoy.

3. Richard Nixon Presidential Library - Just outside Santa Ana, in the suburb of Yorba Linda, you can explore the life of the United Strates’ only California born President (Ronald Reagan was born in Illinois). The Library / Museum features a replica of the Oval Office, while Marine One is stationed outside.

There are lots of activities to take in locally, but you can always take a day to explore something farther afoot.

07/01/2025

UPDATE — RENTED [Special Rate for January 2026]:
Hello to those of you who are considering the desert for your winter stay and are a bit flexible on timing.
Our home is available for the month of January. January 4-February 3, 2026.
Because the dates are very specific, we are offering the home at a reduced rate. Normally, our three bedroom home with a private pool, spa and all the amenities would rent for $10,000 CDN / $7,400 USD in January (peak season).
We are offering our home for $8,300 CDN / $6,100 USD for someone looking for a good deal and is flexible on dates.
Let us know if you want all the details.
PS. As is customary, rates exclude cleaning and pool/spa heat.

06/30/2025

Happy hour at Il Patio in Palm Springs.
Enjoying the atmosphere and the $8 Margaritas and “snacks.”

06/29/2025

Take a hike!! While you are in the Coachella Valley, there are some fun and spectacular hikes to enjoy. If you know of any other walks, please feel free to share in the comments below.
1. Joshua Tree National Park - Let’s get the most famous hike out of the way first. Located just west of Palm Springs off the Sonny Bono Freeway, this spectacular National Park was also used as the name of the best U2 album. There are countless trails on this 800,000 acre park whose history dates back to the 1800s.
2. Coachella Valley Preserve - Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve - Lesser known, but also beautiful. According to their website… “This Preserve contains the Thousand Palms and McCallum Oases. The Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve is also often referred to as the Coachella Valley Preserve—which can create confusion because it is only part of the CV Preserve. The extensive trail system that goes across the entire CV Preserve System starts here in the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve.“
3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hiking Trails - This hike bears mention because of the elevation. Take the Tramway to the Mountain Station at an elevation of 8,500 feet and enjoy the various options from the 54 miles of trails.

There are so many undiscovered gems. Just remember to dress appropriately and research the difficulty before you go out and venture as some of these can be quite challenging.

The best site we have found describing the many hiking options is below.

Looking for a great place to hike? No matter what your goals are; fitness, leisure, or scenery, you will find the trail for you in Greater Palm Springs.

06/26/2025

When many people hear about Palm Springs or Palm Desert, they immediately think of a slow-paced place where retirees go to play golf. And there is nothing wrong with that. But the Coachella Valley (the region), is also known for fun...
Take, for example, the two major music festivals in April - the Coachella music festival takes place over two weekends in April, and the Stagecoach music festival takes place on the final weekend of April.
But that's not all, throughout the winter months, there are car shows, art shows, and hockey games (the AHL Coachella Firebirds!).
There is so much to do that the region has become a fast-growing destination for bachelorette weekends, as well. And why not? There are many great places to dine, top-notch spas, and casinos that feature top music acts, comedy shows, and other entertainment options.
And when you get tired of all the commotion... relax by the pool!

06/25/2025

Golf getaways… The Coachella Valley is most noted for its numerous golf courses. Made famous by the Hollywood elite, including Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra among others, the region has a well-earned reputation for its well-manicured courses.
Here are a few hints about where to book tee times. There are many more, so add your suggestions in the comments section below.
1. PGA West Pete Dye courses - Beginning with the obvious. This course is pricey, but one of the most picturesque and memorable courses where you will ever lose 18 balls. There are actually two courses here, each is different and challenging. If you are not an experienced golfer, maybe visit the clubhouse for a drink and save it for after you have had a few lessons.
2. Indian Canyons - located at the other end of the valley, this is one of my favorites. You can visit the lockers that are dedicated to Sinatra and Walt Disney, and enjoy the fountain behind the clubhouse that was donated by Disney. The course is pretty flat and open, but it has some challenging aspects as well.
3. Marriott Shadow Ridges - This resort-style golf course is well maintained and manicured. It is close to our home, so always worth a visit on a weekday afternoon.
4. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort- If you are looking for something a bit more economical, but also enjoyable, this is your spot. It has been voted the best “public course”, which is debatable, but nonetheless you won’t go wrong.
5. GolfNow - The final suggestion is not a golf course, but rather a method. If you don’t use GolfNow, it is well worth the download and even the subscription price. This app offers a lot of discounts for off-peak or shoulder times.
At the end of the day, there are over 120 golf courses in the Valley, so there are obviously many many more that we have not covered here.
If you have a favorite course, add it below!

06/23/2025

What’s the deal with pickle ball?
I have no idea, but if you want to meet people and build social circles in your time in the valley, maybe you should give it a shot!
There are several pickle ball instructors who offer lessons nearby (for example, visit teachme.to/browse/pickleball/california/palm-desert for suggestions).
There are also many pickle ball courts in the area, including multiple courts in nearby freedom park (a short drive).

06/20/2025

What are your favorite restaurants in the Desert. Here are my Top 5 picks (in no particular order). What are yours?
1. Koutouki - Surprise, my heritage is Greek, so I seek out good Greek food. This quaint “taverna” or “koutouki” serves authentic Greek food in an authentically decorated restaurant. Located in El Paseo, it is a modest place with great food. The Spanakopita and Horta are vegetarian friendly, healthy and delicious! (Look for the Edmonton Oilers touches)
2. Grill-a-Burger - Featured on Diners and Dives, this place is a must visit for a burger, fresh cut fries and a shake. You won’t eat for the rest of the day.
3. Le Vallauris Restaurant - Fancy French cuisine in Palm Springs. This is probably the fanciest restaurant in the region. High end, high quality. This is the place you didn’t think existed in the Valley.
4. El Patio - If you are in the mood for sitting outside, enjoying a stiff Margarita, and tasting some authentic Mexican cuisine, then look no further. Tucked away in Palm Springs, you can sit outside and enjoy the music and the ambiance.
5. Chick-fil-a - I had to include one chain restaurant on the list. Located close to our home in the desert (Dinah Shore and Monterey), the chicken sandwich and fries are an indulgence.