A Palm Springs Classic Is The New Desert Cool
By Tim Kennedy
Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage emerges from a $35-million revitalization with a fun-filled water complex, chic dining venue and stylish new guest rooms
Whether seeking a "cool" escape to relax with friends or a "cool" adventure where aquatic fun has no limits, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is the place to be this season. Emerging from a $35 million transformation by KSL Resorts, Ranch Las Palmas is the new desert cool. Guests will arrive to find exciting new experiences including Splashtopia, a thrilling pool complex, and bluEmber, the signature restaurant in the heart of the plaza which exudes the sun drenched charm of the desert and relaxed elegance of Southern California. Rounding out the dramatic changes are a new lobby, enhanced guest rooms, refurbished spa, an Internet marketplace and the sporty R Bar and Lounge.
Splashtopia
Rancho Las Palmas' family pool underwent a complete transformation and reopened in November as Splashtopia, a fun-filled pool complex offering aquatic delights for all ages. Ringed by a 425-foot lazy river, Splashtopia encompasses almost two acres of family-friendly features, including two 100-foot water slides, a cliffside Jacuzzi, expansive swimming pool, and, for the youngest tykes, a sandy beach and water-play zone. Splashtopia completes the pool experience at the resort, which encompasses the adjacent family pool and two other pool areas designed for more relaxing pursuits including the adults-only tranquility pool and the spa pool.
bluEmber
bluEmber, Rancho Las Palmas' new signature restaurant, also opened its doors in November. Guests can choose to dine al fresco on the Plaza, where the lively ambience is accentuated by blazing blue-fire pits and a dramatic fire-topped fountain, or indoors around handsome carved wood tables, to enjoy an inspired menu that showcases the region's diverse bounty from local farms and top vineyards. Live music adds to the sophisticated ambience every Wednesday through Saturday evening. bluEmber serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Other New Dining
The stylish new R Bar, which opened in early July, exudes a classic Rat Pack vibe enhanced by sleek leather seating, dark woods and a welcoming bar. Three flat-screen TVs, a pool table and shuffleboard table add to the sporty sophistication of this handsome space, destined to become a Rancho Mirage "hot spot."
The recently unveiled Palms Café is the resort's Internet café. Featuring Starbucks coffee, the café also offers brick-oven pizzas and light fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while several computer stations allow guests to stay in touch with office and home. The Splash Bar and Grill has also reopened and once again serves refreshing treats and casual dining poolside.
Lobby and Guest Rooms
A welcoming porte cochere heralds the changes within and leads into a spacious new lobby. Here, warm-hued walls and elegant archways surround cozy seating areas with handsome, carved-wood furnishings.
The resort's newly upgraded guest rooms are elegantly furnished in early California style with richly carved, dark woods, crown moldings and sumptuous bedding, along with 42-inch plasma televisions. The rooms' greatly enhanced baths feature slab granite countertops and beautiful millwork cabinetry.
Spa Las Palmas
From a new color palate to a beautifully refurbished pool area, Spa Las Palmas experienced a complete face-lift that has transformed it into a 20,000 square foot desert oasis. Soothing hues of blues and greens are used throughout the space that also boasts new fixtures and finishes, upgraded locker amenities and state-of-the-art spa equipment. Just outside, the tranquil spa courtyard offers a heated sanctuary pool, soothing water features and stunning mountain views. In addition to the newly made-over space, the spa has introduced a Spa Experience Coordinator whose sole responsibility is to make sure guests are completely content in their individual spa journeys. The coordinator also attends to special requests that enhance the spa experience such as birthday cakes, gifts or other amenities.
Shopping Las Palmas-Style
Exciting new shopping experiences round out the recent additions at the resort. Just off the lobby are the Spa Boutique, offering a selection of elegant lounge wear and luxurious bath and body products, and Las Palmas Boutique, with its exceptional selection of resort wear and fashion accessories in the most popular name brands, from Tommy Bahama to Brighton. At Splashtopia, guests will find the Swim Shop with a collection of chic pool wear and a wide variety of family-friendly pool toys for all ages.
Fresh on the heels of its $35-million makeover, the 444-room Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is classic Rancho Mirage re-imagined for the 21st century traveler. In addition to its newest dining and recreational features, the resort also features a 20,000-square-foot spa and Yamaguchi Salon, a 27-hole Ted Robinson-designed golf course, a 25-court Peter Burwash International tennis center, four pools, and 41,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.
Rancho Las Palmas is ideally located in the heart of Rancho Mirage, California, on 240 acres dotted with palm trees, tranquil lakes, gardens and fountains. It is directly across the street from The River, a dynamic entertainment, dining and retail area.
For more information on Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, call (866) 423-1195 or visit www.rancholaspalmas.com.
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