La Quinta is Luxury Oasis in California Desert
The chicken-and-egg question guests often ask at La Quinta Resort & Club is which came first: the city of La Quinta or the resort? The answer is neither. The Spaniards came first when they created a base in La Quinta along their route to the San Gabriel Mission.
Several centuries later, along came big shot Bay-area businessman Walter Morgan, who chose to build La Quinta resort pretty much where the Spaniards had their base. It was much later that the city of La Quinta was named for the resort — one of only two cities in the country to be named this way. The other is Beverly Hills, named after the famous Beverly Hills Resort.
The area Morgan chose for his resort is in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains near Palm Springs and, today, La Quinta Resort & Club has become a massive 42-acre collection of casitas, golf courses, swimming pools and tennis courts that, for the first-timer, requires a roadmap to navigate. Charming Spanish architecture and abundant vegetation weave a colorful tapestry against the mountain backdrop, making La Quinta Resort & Club one of the prettiest spa resorts you’ll ever see. It’s the perfect choice for a California vacation of any length.
Our trip from San Diego to La Quinta was quick and easy using the back route through the parched landscape near Anza, culminating in a 10-mile winding, downgrade taking vehicles about 5,000 feet down to the desert floor where temperatures were nearly 20 degrees hotter than on top of the grade. Any trip to Palm Springs during the spring and summer requires a little pre-planning to manage the heat. You don’t just show up and stay on the golf course all day in triple-digit temperatures.
The locals in the Palm Springs area have learned to time outdoor activities so that they’re accomplished in the relatively cool mornings. In some cases, afternoon activities will work if you know, for example, your golf course will have shade. One of the La Quinta courses always gets covered in shade from the Santa Rosa Mountains at 3 p.m. each day.
“Managing the weather here is just a matter of keeping hydrated and wearing sunscreen,” explained Sara Harper, La Quinta’s Director of Marketing Communications. “And the nights here are so unbelievably pleasant.”
We hit an unusually hot weekend for spring — it got as high as 108 degrees — but we noticed that the heat really didn’t get uncomfortable until early to mid-afternoon. As they say, it’s a dry heat in the Palm Springs area, and the 90-degree temps in the morning hours felt downright refreshing.
But there is no question that your time at La Quinta Resort & Club — whatever the time of the year — is bound to involve some serious submerging in one of the resort’s 42 swimming pools. No, that’s not a typo — La Quinta not only has 42 pools, but 53 hot tub spas. Many of the resort’s casitas have their own swimming pools, but other casitas are grouped around one or more mid-size pools where there seemed to be plenty of room to swim and ample deck chairs to accommodate anyone who wanted to lay out in the desert sun.
Our “starlight” casita was a spacious upstairs unit in a two-story building overlooking one of the swimming pools. Floor plans at La Quinta offer more than the usual amount of space — 450 square feet or more — and that, along with the high ceilings, gives a feeling of openness. An incredibly comfortable king bed, hide-a-bed, desk and audio/video entertainment area were in the main room; the bath area was equally comfortable with an over-sized bathtub, walk-in shower stall, double vanities and a separate room for the commode.
Casitas each are decorated with a Southwestern flair. Mexican influenced pottery designs, wrought iron mirror frames and bed treatments with browns, reds and yellows created a fiesta of color in our casita’s main room. Outside on the deck were lounge chairs, a table and umbrella to enjoy the outdoors in total privacy.
The casita buildings are connected by a maze of walkways that will keep you reaching for your hotel map. These sidewalks also are a primary thoroughfare for the golf carts and bicycles driven and ridden by resort employees as they spread out all over the vast complex that totals 800 casitas altogether.
Back when Walter Morgan first built the resort in 1926, the resort plan was a bit more modest — only 20 casitas, although he did build the valley’s first golf course. La Quinta Resort was created to lure Hollywood stars to the Coachella Valley where they could get away from the studio and relax in privacy — which of course had something to do with why the Palm Springs area became popular with Hollywood movie stars.
At La Quinta, the list of Hollywood stars was impressive — such lminaries as Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Katherine Hepburn, Eddie Cantor and Shirley Temple were regulars. Greta Garbo had a house on the property, and Frank Capra wrote many of his movie scripts in the same La Quinta casita that today has his typewriter and one of his scripts awaiting the lucky guest renting that particular casita.
Hollywood stars still come to La Quinta today because, like many KSL Resorts properties, this resort is laid out in a campus style that allows a celebrity to avoid entering through a main entrance or elevator — the stars just drive right to their casitas, parking a few steps away and then get lost in the resort during their entire stay. This layout also is beneficial for everyday vacationers who don’t want to be bothered by convention and other group activities; when conventions are held at La Quinta they are held in areas where regular guests aren’t likely to even know they are there.
Sports celebrities, too, are in abundance — especially tennis players. La Quinta tennis pro Mike Casey has relationships with many world-class players who periodically will train at La Quinta. With 23 courts — clay, grass and hard surface — the resort has become popular also for ordinary people who just want to improve their tennis game. Many of the courts are lighted, which means the players can manage the Palm Springs heat by playing at night.
For golfers, La Quinta offers five courses, including three designated as PGA West.
For those of us who just want to relax and enjoy great food, La Quinta — as near as we could tell — fills the bill there, too. We only had time to sample the Adobe Grill — which served scrumptious and authentic Mexican cuisine — but the resort also boasts Morgan’s, a premium steakhouse, Azur by Le Bernadin seafood restaurant and the Spa Bistro, offering spa cuisine to make your stay as healthy as it was fun. Actually, including the golf courses, there are seven restaurants at La Quinta.
The Spa La Quinta is a top attraction at La Quinta — it offers guests many treatments created by the region’s first inhabitants. One of the top spa resorts in Southern California, this resort puts emphasis on outdoor spa treatments under the desert sky to add to the serenity and relaxation of the experience. Inside the spa facility, you’ll also find the Yamaguchi Salon, which is internationally known for cutting and coloring techniques that integrate Asian Feng Shui philosophy into these services. Those who enjoy spa vacations will enjoy La Quinta.
La Quinta Resort & Club has come a long way from the time in the 1500’s when it was the “fifth stop” on the way to San Gabriel Mission. Today it’s the first and only stop for many discriminating guests from around the world.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: The resort is only about 30 minutes southeast of Palm Springs and a couple-hour drive from L.A. It is one of several fine spa resorts in the Palm Springs area.
WHAT: La Quinta is well known with international vacationers as well as California residents who may visit several times a year. The combination of activities—and the new popularity of spa vacations—makes La Quinta a popular choice.
WHEN: Year-round, but check for special travel deals and vacation packages during certain times of the year. If you have last minute travel plans, be sure to ask for any special rates. The best deals in the Palm Springs area are during summer months.
WHY: So many activities and so much luxury and quality all in one location — a California vacation spot that appeals to the entire family.
HOW: For more information on La Quinta Resort and Club, phone 1-800-598-3828 or visit www.laquintaresort.com.
Rancho Valencia Tennis and Golf Resort, California, USA
Rancho Valencia, California, USA
Tucked Away On 40 Acres In A Private Canyon Is The Rancho Valencia, Located In Rancho Santa Fe, California. This Secluded Hideaway Is Surrounded By Gently Sloping Hills And Countryside. The Property Is Within Five Miles Of The San Diego Polo Club And Eight Miles From The Del Mar Beaches.
Rancho Valencia Resort is a year-round retreat from the conventional routines of every day life. One of the premier luxury Southern California resorts, Rancho Valencia, a spa, tennis and golf resort, offers 49 luxurious suites, The Spa at Rancho Valencia, a renowned tennis program, an award-winning restaurant and playing privileges at four nearby private golf courses.
Hotel Features. Asian-influenced California Cuisine Is Presented At Rancho Valencia Restaurant, Which Serves Items Including Hibachi-style Salmon And Oriental Chicken Salad With Pickled Ginger. Service At The Poolside Bar Is Available From Seasonally. A Business Center And Conference Rooms Are Provided, As Is Complimentary High-speed Internet Access. The Spa At Rancho Valencia Hosts Pampering Services Including The Citrus Sublime, Drifting Dreamer And Sensations From The Sea Treatments. Services Are Additionally Available In The Gated Privacy Of Every Suite. A Fitness Center Provides Free Weights And Cardiovascular Equipment. Fees Apply For Yoga Classes And Fitness Trainers. Amenities Include 18 Tennis Courts, A Heated Outdoor Pool, Two Spa Tubs And A Croquet Lawn.
Guestrooms. Bougainvillea, Honeysuckle And Citrus Trees Surround The One-story Casitas Housing The Resort’s 49 Guest Suites. Each Room Is Detailed In Mediterranean-style Décor With Colorful Hand-painted Tile Work, Louvered Windows, Private Garden Patios And Maple-finished Furniture. Bathrooms Contain Bathrobes, Slippers, Designer Toiletries, Small Televisions And Separate Bathtubs And Showers.
Recreational facilities;
Tennis
At Rancho Valencia, tennis is more than just a pastime, it’s a passion. The tennis facilities and programs are among the best of the best. The resort offers 18 beautiful courts in a magnificent garden setting, under the direction of John DeLille. Private, semi-private or video lessons and tournaments are also available from a staff of eight U.S.P.T.A. certified tennis professionals. daily instructional clinics provide an intimate atmosphere of learning with an average 4:1 student/pro ratio. Daily from 9 to 12 noon, clinics include a warm up and stretch and personal advice on how to maximize your groundstrokes, net play, serve, return of serve and tips on doubles and singles play.
Croquet, Bocce Ball. Sport Court; Complimentary use of basketball, paddle ball, badminton, volleyball and ping pong; located adjacent to the Tennis Pro Shop. Bicycling , Mountain bikes Cross Training Bicycling, Walking/Jogging, Swimming, Fitness Center, Pilates, Spin Classes, Yoga, Board Games, Multimedia Library and Shopping.
Golf
Rancho Valencia guests have access to the expansive, lush fairways of world-class golf courses in and around Rancho Santa Fe and the surrounding San Diego area. Not only are there over 80 golf courses in the San Diego County area but the variety of the layouts and designs will provide the most demanding golfers with an opportunity to play every type of course imaginable.
Come and enjoy your well deserved holiday here at Rancho Valencia, California.
California Baby Spa Tote – Colds & Flu
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Product Description
1 – 13 oz Bubble Bath (Safe for newborns and older) ; 1 – 4.5 oz Massage Oil (Safe for ages six months and older; for babies under six months, consult your physician). Works to ease breathing and release congestion. Scented with Douglas fir and eucalyptus. Nothing is worse than the sight (especially at 2:00 a.m.!) of a sick child. We formulate our products to work, and California Baby Colds & Flu Bubble Bath and Massage Oil are lifesavers when your child is congest… More >>
California Baby Spa Tote – Colds & Flu
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California Baby Spa Tote – Calming
- Promotes calmness and ensures a good night’s sleep
- Packaged in a reusable tote
- No Sodium lauryl sulfate, DEA, or numbing agents
- Contains organic & sustainably grown ingredients
- Our vegan oils are cold pressed, which means that no solvents are used for their extraction
Product Description
1 – 13 oz Bubble Bath; 1 – 4.5 oz Massage Oil. Safe for newborns and older. Promotes calmness and ensures a good night’s sleep. May also be used any time of the day. Scented witt our special Calming blend that includes French lavender. Avoid bedtime struggles – make California Baby Calming Bubble Bath part of your bedtime routine. Many adults have been known to hop into the tub with our Calming bubble bath (or essential oil blend) firmly in hand when the sandman is… More >>
California Baby Spa Tote – Calming
Hotel California Tab Guitar
Everyone from Hugh Heffner to Brad and Angelina and Anthony Kiedis have stayed there. Hotel California Tab GuitarRockers, movie stars, television stars, notorious, it doesn’t matter. I f they are famous and looking for a hide-away, they come to the Sunset Marquis.
You can choose to stay either in the Villas at the Sunset Marquis or in the suites. The Villas are located in 2 story free standing Casitas beautifully placed in lush verdant gardens. The stay in the Villas comes complete with a 24 hour butler, and if you deign to stay in the Presidential Villa, a Bentley is made available for you whenever you need it.
The Sunset Marquis also has an assortment of suites that you can stay in. These suites are all within walking distance of Bar 1200. They all have separate work-dining areas as well. All suites come with a wondrous array on amenities including keycard access, 400 thread count bed linens, cable TV, dual phone lines and voice mail, laptop safe, marble bathrooms, hairdryer, scale, bathrobes, housekeeping twice a day, turndown service, 2 heated outdoor pools, six private cabanas, balconies, king size bed, pillow top mattresses, high speed internet, CD player, writing desk, mini bar, refrigerator, rain forest shower, bath amenities from Italy, 24 hour room service, and the use of the private gym or passes to Equinox gym across the street. Suites come in one bedroom, two bedroom, or junior floor plans.
No stay in a Los Angeles resort is complete until you visit the spa. The spa at the sunset Marquis is a world class one that features the products made by Erbe, an Italian herbalistic company that even supplies the Vatican. Featuring private treatment rooms with massage beds manufactured by Porsche, a separate toilet room and private shower, you will be pampered beyond belief.
When you get hungry, and you know you will, try Restaurant at the Sunset Marquis. Yes, that is the name of it, Restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Guillaume Burlion, Restaurant is the picture of California dining elegance. Chef Burlion enjoys a challenge and will be happy to prepare up to a fifteen course tasting menu for you. The Restaurant menu changes with the season, so you will always find something new to try each time you go.
With NightBird Recording studio right next door, Bar 1200 often gets artists ready to sample their latest tracks. Bar 1200 is the bar at the Sunset Marquis and has been a retreat for A-list people for years. It is the one place in Los Angeles where they can go to relax and have a good time without being hassled by the paparazzi.
The NightBird Recording Studio is located underneath the Sunset Marquis and is available to those of us who are not musically inclined if we wanted to hold an event there. The Sunset Marquis also has your traditional meeting rooms as well if that is what you so desire.
In short, if you want to visit Los Angeles and party like a rock star, you may as well do it where the rock stars party, the Sunset Marquis.
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Trying to find where to buy chromatherapy bath design products. I live in Southern California.?
I’d like to know if there is a showroom in Southern California or somewhere to get a catalog (with prices) of chromatherapy spa/bath products. Thanks.