WHAT’S NEW IN GREATER PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

By: Christian Stan

The Greater Palm Springs (GPS) region is rapidly transforming into one of the most captivating resort destinations worldwide. Known for its appeal to visitors and sun enthusiasts, the desert city offers a plethora of exciting experiences for all types of travellers.

With new hotels, rejuvenating spas, renowned culinary talents, and exciting attractions on the horizon, repeat visitors will find something fresh to discover, while first-time guests will fall in love with the region. Here’s a roundup of what’s new, exciting and upcoming.

CULINARY

The Coachella Valley boasts a remarkable dining scene, fueled by the region’s abundant agricultural produce and top-notch resorts. Talented chefs from around the world create fresh, farm-to-table dishes and put their creative twists on American classics and international cuisine.

In a significant milestone, eight restaurants in the area earned recommendations in the California Michelin Guide, including 4 Saints at the Rowan Hotel, Bar Cecil, Boozehounds, Cheeky’s, Colony Club in the Colony Palms Hotel, Tac/Quila, The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge, and Workshop Kitchen & Bar.

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) also plans to enhance its dining options by doubling the number of restaurants and featuring local gourmet foods from the Palm Springs Farmer’s Market. Trio and El Mirasol, two beloved downtown Palm Springs favorites, will join the airport’s culinary lineup. Moreover, the region is celebrating its Mexican culinary heritage with the addition of nine new Mexican eateries, such as Sol Agave in Palm Springs, El Patio La Quinta in La Quinta, and Mickey’s Kitchen Mexican Cuisine in Palm Springs.

ATTRACTIONS

Visitors to the Greater Palm Springs region can indulge in a variety of entertainment, adventure, and relaxation options, thanks to several new attractions:

• Acrisure Arena: Opened in Palm Desert, this highly anticipated sports and entertainment arena can accommodate 11,000 spectators and has hosted major concerts presented by Live Nation. It is also home to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the first professional sports team in the area, and serves as the home rink for the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League franchise. The Berger Foundation Iceplex, located within the arena, offers daily public skating sessions and is available for private events.

• Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza: Scheduled to open later in 2023, this plaza aims to celebrate the unique heritage of the region’s original inhabitants. It will feature a 48,000-square-foot museum, expected to become California’s most impressive Native American cultural facility. Additionally, the Agua Caliente tribe recently debuted The Spa at Séc-he, a sprawling 73,000-square-foot spa complex that shares their ancient healing waters and offers innovative treatments and therapies.
• Art Flying Aerial: This light and airy aerial and aerial yoga fitness studio is now open, providing drop-in classes led by well-trained professional instructors. It caters to individuals passionate about health, fitness, and the holistic healing of the body and mind.
• Palm Springs Surf Club: Anticipated to open in 2023-24, this surf park located on a 21-acre site formerly occupied by a Wet n’ Wild water park will offer epic surf breaks in the desert. The park will feature a state-of-the-art wave pool, lazy river, and various family-friendly amenities.

NEW HOTELS

The hotel sector in the Greater Palm Springs region is experiencing significant growth, offering a diverse range of options for visitors:

• Drift Palm Springs: Located in downtown Palm Springs, this recently opened hotel provides various room types, including studios and four-bedroom suites. The hotel amenities include a sun-drenched pool area with a poolside bar and cabanas, a lawn space with fire pits, and a yoga studio.
• The dramatic black exterior of Blackhaus Hotel Palm Springs is a distinct new addition to downtown Palm Springs. The one-story hybrid hotel consists of four 1,655-square foot buildings built around a central pool area and offers the ability to combine up to four rooms into a single bungalow. Designed by Chris Pardo, who also designed Fleur Noire and the Arrive Hotel, Blackhaus operates more like an Airbnb as there is no onsite registration. All guests must be over 25 years of age.
• Omni Rancho Las Palmas has unveiled their all-new Conchilla Valley Pool and Gaming Cabana featuring luxurious pool cabanas and lounge chairs, a shaded splash pad, and adjoining poolside bar and grill. Just steps away, is a new gaming cabana elevating the arcade experience with family and teen friendly activities including ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, and a variety of arcade games, plus ample room to kick back and relax with communal tables and comfortable seating.
• Nestled under the awe-inspiring Santa Rosa Mountains in Rancho Mirage, Sensei at Porcupine Creek opened in November 2022. The first Sensei wellbeing retreat on mainland U.S. soil, the resort embraces the founders’ dedication to sustainable living powered by science, data, and technology. Set on 230-acres, the elegant, airy accommodations include 10 Estate Rooms, four Casitas, and eight standalone two- and four-bedroom Villas. All wellness retreats are tailored to the individual guest and range from the five-day “Rest & Recovery Program” to the month-long “Sabbatical Experience.”

• Hermann Bungalows, a modern, 24-room ultra-luxury resort within the midcentury L’Horizon Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, were designed and finished to the highest standards, featuring walnut walls, Venetian terrazzo floors, and custom furniture pieces.
• Set to open late 2023 in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and under the World of Hyatt umbrella, the trend-setting Thompson Palm Springs will cater to influential locals and sophisticated globetrotters alike. Designed by B2 Architecture + Design and SMS Architecture with an estimated budget of $55 million, the 168-key hotel will embrace the history and spirit of Palm Springs.
• Late in 2023, Tommy Bahama will launch their first resort concept with a re-imagined Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.
• A vast 525-acre site in La Quinta is the future home of Pendry Hotel & Montage La Quinta—a joint project named TALUS. Situated on an 18-hole Arnold Palmer classic golf course and set against the Santa Rosa Mountains, the 134-room Montage and the 200-room Pendry are expected to debut in 2024.
• La Quinta Resort & Club, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, is a longtime anchor of the Greater Palm Springs region with a total of 796 guest rooms, casitas, and villas. In summer 2023, the resort will begin a large-scale, $70 million guest room renovation project in phases set for completion in 2029.