15 Jul 2025
WELLNESS & SPA MONTH: A NEW SEASON OF SELF CARE
Relaxation gets the spotlight this September with the launch of Greater Palm Springs' inaugural Spa Month. Wellness seekers can indulge in exclusive offers from top spas across the region—think signature massages, restorative mineral spring soaks, and serene sound baths. It's a month-long invitation to unwind and reset. Full details on participating spas and offers can be found at www.SpaMonthGPS.com.
Staying well on the go? The Drift Hotel Palm Springs has teamed up with cutting-edge fitness platform FORM, to bring in-room, on-demand movement sessions – ideal for guests looking to stay active with ease and style.
DINING SCENE: FRESH FLAVORS & NEW FACES
The desert's culinary energy is buzzing. Downtown's newly opened Bar Issi at the Thompson Palm Springs, serves up inventive cocktails, global small plates, and an effortlessly chic vibe that's already drawing a following. Created by the acclaimed Boujis Group, it's a top table for food lovers and night owls alike.
A few blocks away, Marilyn's Seafood Bar & Grill brings fresh-catch flair to the former Haus of Poke location, while Coffeeism, opening later this Summer in downtown Palm Springs, is expected to level up the coffee scene with specialty drinks worth sipping slow.
Throughout Greater Palm Springs:
- Indian Wells welcomes Deli Chick, a bright spot for all-day deli classics, and looks ahead to the opening of 7 Olive Gastro Pub at Renaissance Esmeralda this October.
- In Palm Desert, stop by D'Coffee Bouteaque at The Village at University Park for artisan brews and Instagram-ready pastries, or plan for Giuseppe's – coming soon to Shadow Ridge Golf Club with wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta.
- Indio celebrates the return of local favorite Burger Box, while Cathedral City's Mark's Burgers delivers bold, juicy bites, crispy wings, and golden, perfectly seasoned fries.
- Founded on wellness, calm, and community, Buena Matcha is the desert's first matcha bar—offering organic, ceremonial-grade matcha in a serene, minimalist space on El Paseo Shopping Avenue.
- La Quinta is gearing up for The Golf Bar, blending next-gen golf simulators with elevated bites and a full bar – all in a climate-controlled, year-round social setting.
WHERE TO STAY: NEW VIBES, FRESH LOOKS
From classic icons to modern hideaways, hospitality continues to evolve in Greater Palm Springs:
- The legendary La Quinta Resort & Club has unveiled a stunning property-wide refresh, including redesigned guestrooms, updated pools and an elegant lobby that honors its rich history while embracing contemporary design – just in time for its 100th anniversary in 2026.
- The newly reimagined Casa Palma Hotel & Bungalows (formerly Desert Sun Resort) is a boutique blend of Old Hollywood charm and modern ease. Guests can soon dine at Chiquita, its Mediterranean-inspired restaurant opening later this year.
- For a tranquil escape in the desert, Hotel Reset in Twentynine Palms offers minimalist design on 180 acres of raw desert beauty, bordering Joshua Tree National Park. As the only hotel with direct park access, Reset is a haven for hikers, stargazers and all nature lovers
TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & AIRPORT UPDATES
Golfers can take their game to the next level at PGA WEST Golf Academy's Performance Lab, equipped with elite tools like Zen Putting State and Quintic Ball Roll for pro-level precision.
Classic Cruise Tours offers top-down, convertible tours of midcentury modern architecture, celebrity homes, and lush resort areas—complete with expert narration and customizable routes.
Coming in early summer 2026, DSRT Surf in Palm Desert will make waves with a state-of-the-art surf lagoon powered by Wavegarden Cove technology, a boutique barefoot-luxury resort, private villas, recreation, and golf – all built with a net-zero water footprint.
At Palm Springs International Airport, the new Agua Caliente Recharge Oasis provides a fresh, stylish place to relax, recharge devices, and unwind pre-flight.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Greater Palm Springs is gearing up for another season overflowing with distinctive festivals, sporting events, culinary celebrations, art tours, and cultural happenings. Whether you're planning a feature on wellness, culinary trends, or the region's fast-evolving arts scene, the oasis offers an ever-changing array of story-worthy events for every traveler.
- September 24-29 – Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
- October 2-5 – Epson Tour Championship
- October 16-19 – Modernism Week October
- November 6-9 – Greater Palm Springs Pride
- November 13-16 - La Quinta Art Celebration Encore
- November 21-23 – Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival
- November 25-28 – Acrisure Arena NCAA Collegiate Basketball Series
The historic Plaza Theatre has been bringing entertainment to life since 1936. Following extensive renovation and modernization, the theatre will reopen its doors on December 1, 2025. Over the decades, the venue has hosted legendary performances from stars like Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Jack Benny. Its return marks a new chapter for arts and culture in the destination, blending timeless charm with state-of-the-art updates to welcome a new generation of performers and audiences.
Looking Ahead to 2026: A Year of Milestones
In 2026, Greater Palm Springs will be part of a national moment of reflection and celebration. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the Greater Palm Springs honors its own place in that story with two iconic centennials. La Quinta Resort & Club, a cherished retreat since 1926, celebrates 100 years of welcoming travelers to its storied casitas, citrus groves, and timeless desert charm. Just a short detour from Historic Route 66, Greater Palm Springs also shares in the centennial of the legendary “Mother Road,” which as served as a symbol of freedom, discovery and the open road that has long inspired road trips to and through the California desert.
IMAGES:
La Quinta Resort & Club
