So, there is this little show. It’s called The Bachelorette. Maybe you’ve heard of it? We kid. We kid.
The juggernaut that is “The Bachelorette,” now in its 16 season, is part of the #BachelorNation franchise, which has been on the air since 2002.
Back in the spring when COVID-19 threw a wrench in all of our lives, the producers of “The Bachelorette” had to rethink their strategy in order to film. Normally, each season starts at a plush mansion in California and then whisks the leading lady around the world on dates with her suitors, often via helicopter private jet. You know, normal date stuff!
In order to make the current season safe for production and cast members (ahem, I mean suitors!), the team behind the show decided to film the entire season in quarantine at one resort. Yes, one location to rule them all, where everyone would live for months while filming.
Their locale of choice? That would the expansive, historic, ultra-romantic La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. It is a true oasis in the desert unlike anything else in the world.
La Quinta is located in Greater Palm Springs – which includes Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella – is now welcoming back guests now that “The Bachelorette” has wrapped filming.
The 45-acre desert hideaway (which is ultra dog-friendly) was first opened in 1926 as a health retreat for the Hollywood elite including Greta Garbo and Clark Gable, and it has evolved over the years into an escape from the ordinary for travelers worldwide. Dotted with citrus trees and cacti, the 796-room mission-style resort boasts hundreds of spacious casitas, suites and villas, and almost all accommodations have an ample mountain views. Of particular note are the King Eisenhower suite, where President Dwight D. Eisenhower frequented after he left office; the Capra junior suite, where Frank Capra wrote It’s a Wonderful Life; and Garbo’s actual former home, which is now part of the property and often used for weddings. Oh, and don’t miss the Starlight casita either. While no history, one of the coolest views on property and a favorite room to book for those in the know. (So now you know!)
Beyond this, there are 41 total pools on property. Yes, 41. They are strewn about the resort and of varying shapes and sizes, and a few are connected to private suites for their sole use. The two you won’t want to miss: the 21-and-over adult plunge pool, complete with a Veuve Clicquot mobile Champagne bar (plus a regular one, too!), Veuve Clicquot cabanas and Veuve Clicquot logoed yard games; and the main pool, where most of the action takes place on property.
In addition to the pools, outdoor adventure is around every corner as there are also 23 tennis courts (which can double for pickle ball courts) on property; ample gardens; hiking and biking trails; a state-of-the-art fitness center; five championship golf courses, one of which was designed by Greg Norman and another by Jack Nicklaus; and the ultra-lux The Spa at La Quinta.
Gorgeously appointed with the perfect combination of mind-spirit activities like mindfulness programs and yoga as well as more the mind-body programs, including a combination of traditional treatments and more adventurous offerings, one might spend the entire trip simply enjoying The Spa.
Among its signature offerings is the HydraFacial MD, which is a medical-grade, noninvasive multi-step treatment that cleanses, evenly exfoliates and removes impurities and dead skin cells. Vital nutrients, including antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid, improve the appearance of acne, hyper-pigmentation, pores and advanced signs of aging – all without surgery, injections, discomfort or downtime. is Another not to be missed is the wine down massage, which starts with a flight of wine followed by a 50-minute massage that incorporates essential oils that match the wine’s aromatics and is concluded with a full glass of your favorite varietal from the flight. Cheers!
Speaking of wine, hundreds of bottles are paired for guests dining at the resort’s eateries, especially at the exceptional Morgan’s in the Desert, which is one of the most romantic restaurants in Southern California. If margaritas and sangria are more your style, La Quinta also has you covered at its Adobe Grill, which takes guests on a delectable culinary adventure through Mexico without having to leave the resort.
Speaking of leaving the resort, you may very well not. But, if seeking to branch out a bit, here are some suggestions for dining and entertainment nearby:
- Copley’s on Palm Canyon, which was at one time a series of guest bungalows owned by Cary Grant to entertain his friends and is today one of the most lauded upscale restaurant experiences in town.
- Oscar’s Palm Springs, which is a must for brunch on the weekends when its drag queen shows take place.
- La Quinta Cliffhouse, a dreamy setting up against an actual mountain with sunset dinners that dazzle, not to mention one of the best happy hours in town.
- Jillian’s in Palm Desert, which is located in an enchanting garden and known for its globally inspired cuisine with seasonal California ingredients.
- The BMW Performance Center, where drivers of all skill level can try their hand at a class or the track.
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a magical zoo and preserve where wallabies run free right next to you in an Australian exhibit and VIP safari carts whisk you to see animals of every shape and size.
For more on La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, click here.