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Ellen Paris
Couples fall in love with the desert, too
Rich with romantic inns and hotels, relaxing spas, intimate restaurants, and loads of activities for two that promise lifetime memories, the Palm Springs desert resort communities provide the perfect spot for newlyweds to begin life together.
Private poolside accommodations and moonlit massages enhance a desert honeymoon. Luxurious spas offering special couples treatments have newlyweds sighing with pleasure. From a sunrise champagne hot air balloon ride high above the desert and picnic by a waterfall in the Indian Canyons to dining al fresco after dark amid twinkling lights and sipping a nightcap by an outdoor fireplace, an amorous ambiance surrounds lovers.
Romance has long been a desert specialty. Those who’ve honeymooned here include legendary couples like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard and Elvis and Priscilla Presley.
WHERE TO STAY
Choices abound, from historic inns to first-class resorts. Many offer honeymoon and romance packages that set the stage for a five-star honeymoon. Here’s a sampling:
Mojave Resort
Located just off El Paseo, Palm Desert’s premier shopping and dining boulevard, the Mojave is an intimate property with 24 deluxe guest rooms and suites recreating the romance of the desert of the 1940s. Enjoy poolside breakfasts, private patios, and couples spa treatments and massages under the stars in a private outdoor cabana.
Villa Royale Inn
Tucked away in a residential area, yet just five minutes from the village of Palm Springs, is the Villa Royale. For the quintessential Palm Springs experience, step through the wrought-iron gates and feel transported back in time. Framed by Mt. San Jacinto and set on three lushly landscaped acres, the Villa Royale is reminiscent of a secluded Tuscan estate. There are 30 unique guest rooms and suites with two pools nestled around tranquil courtyards with fountains. A honeymoon package includes a threeday/ two-night stay in a one-bedroom villa with mountain views and a Jacuzzi within steps for late-night relaxing. Also included are dinner for two at the inn’s intimate and award-winning Europa restaurant, daily breakfast, in-room massage for two, and a bottle of chilled champagne.
 The Marilyn Monroe House
This 6,500-square-foot Spanish hacienda estate in Palm Springs’ famed Movie Colony is where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio escaped the public eye. Behind gates and surrounded by tall ficus trees, this is the place for couples who want to be in a world of their own. Relax in the intimate suite Marilyn used, with its balcony overlooking the grounds. Views of Mt. Jacinto are everywhere. Set on 1.5 acres, the property features a very private back yard with pool. A concierge is available around the clock to take care of all your desires. He will welcome you, arrange late-night massages under the stars, make restaurant reservations, and even have a personal chef cook a gourmet dinner if you choose not to leave the estate.
Ingleside Inn
Originally built as an estate, the Ingleside Inn is a small but full-service historic inn exuding romance. A block off Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, the 30 rooms and villas are decorated with antiques; some have fireplaces, private steam baths, and whirlpool tubs. Famous guests over the last 60 years include Greer Garson, Salvador Dali, John Travolta, and Goldie Hawn. Garbo even slept here. The Spanish-style inn offers poolside palapas, flowering pathways, mountain views, and a statue of Cupid in the middle of a small pond. A honeymoon package includes a deluxe room and dinner for two at Melvyn’s restaurant (located at the inn and a popular rendezvous spot among locals). If desired, a candlelit dinner may be served in your room by your own butler. Palm Springs International Airport pickup by the inn’s private limousine also is included, as is a bottle of private-label Melvyn’s Champagne. Continental breakfast can be enjoyed in your room, on your private patio, or poolside.
Viceroy Palm Springs
If a Hollywood-hip spa resort appeals to you, then head for Viceroy Palm Springs. Built in the 1930s, this distinctive boutique resort and spa is done in modern Hollywood Regency style. The expansive property comprises private villas, manicured grounds, and three pools. The Estrella Spa offers a couples suite for duo massages, facials, and aromatherapy (including a botanical bath for two). A fitness center and yoga sessions keep body and mind in tune. The Viceroy’s “Retreat to Romance” package includes Moët & Chandon champagne and strawberries to toast your arrival, a couples massage, candlelit dinner for two at the Viceroy’s critically acclaimed restaurant Citron, and breakfast. There’s even late checkout so you can make the most of your Palm Springs’ honeymoon.
The Honeymoon Hideaway
Secluded in one of Palm Spring’s exclusive neighborhoods, this home was designed in the 1960s by noted Palm Springs architect Robert Alexander as the “house of tomorrow.” It is where Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned; and, as the story goes, daughter Lisa Marie was born nine months later. The Hideaway’s owners will arrange for a cook and butler, so you never have to leave this private retreat during your stay.
Lake La Quinta Inn
Earlier this year, Lake La Quinta Inn was named “Most Romantic Inn” by Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards. The inn boasts 13 individually designed rooms, including two in the separate Boathouse that have private outdoor hot tubs. All rooms feature views of the lake, hot tub, and fireplace. The 1,000-square-foot Tuscan Suite features three French doors that open onto the lake, a two-person Jacuzzi, steam shower, and wet bar. The inn’s “Romance Package” includes breakfast in bed and champagne, and the innkeeper even spreads rose petals across the bed.
La Quinta Resort & Club
Founded in 1926, La Quinta Resort & Club is situated at the base of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains. Several of the resort’s most luxurious suites have private yards with sun chairs and hammocks. Five suites have private outdoor hot tubs and full-sized pools. A personal assistant is available 24 hours. For couples, Spa La Quinta offers massage in tandem, in which two therapists use a variety of choreographed massage movements. Also for honeymooners, a big white bow is placed on their door to signal resort employees that newlyweds are in residence.
WHERE TO DINE
While only certain foods are considered aphrodisiacs, it’s hard to deny the sensual experience of an intimate dinner whatever the ingredients. Romantic restaurants can be found from one end of the desert resorts valley to the other. Here are but a few suggestions to whet your appetite:
Europa
Europa in the Villa Royale Inn won the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award this year for its Southern European cuisine and ambiance. Dine inside the cozy candlelit restaurant by the fireplace or on the back patio surrounded by twinkling lights, serene fountains, and fragrant bougainvillea.
 Le Vallauris
Continually top-rated by Zagat Surveys, Le Vallauris has been known as the desert’s premier restaurant for romantic dining for 32 years. It’s the place to toast special occasions. Intimate dining can be found on the romantically lit patio under giant ficus trees. The beautiful dining room with fireplace, Louis XIV furniture, and tapestries complement the fine French/ Mediterranean dishes. When making a reservation, let them know you are honeymooners for some extra-special attention.
Melvyn’s
Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn has no less endorsement than that of Frank Sinatra, who arranged to have his pre-wedding dinner there. With soft lighting, cozy banquettes, continental food, and attentive service, Melvyn’s provides a seductive atmosphere for lovebirds.
Café des Beaux-Arts
Honeymooners in France may always have Paris, but honeymooners in the desert won’t miss the Eiffel Tower when they’re enjoying the fine French cuisine of this Parisian-style bistro. For real ambiance, dine on the patio, which wraps around the El Paseo corner.
Kristina’s In The Cove
Here’s a historical home in La Quinta with two patios for romantic dining. The views of the nearby Santa Rosa Mountains at sunset are special. If you opt to dine inside, there are a number of candlelit tables for two tucked away in intimate corners perfect for private conversations and hand-holding.
WHAT TO DO
What could be more romantic than seeing the desert from 2,000 feet at sunrise while sipping champagne or a mimosa? Balloon Above the Desert offers sunrise and sunset champagne hot air balloon rides from mid-October to mid-April.
Relax in the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs with a picnic by a waterfall or under an oasis of ancient palm trees.
If “getting away from it all” to you means a picturesque horseback ride, Smoke Tree Stables in Palm Springs offers trail rides heavy on solitude and beauty.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes passengers to scenic Mt. Jacinto State Park. With 54 miles of hiking trails in the state wilderness area, it’s easy to find a romantic spot to share some wine and cheese.
Indulge in THE WELL at Miramonte Resort. This Indian Wells spa specializes in unique spa services for couples. Offerings include a Pittura Festa, in which couples are given brushes and a palette of muds in five different colors and encouraged to “paint each other” and then shower off together in an open-air shower.
For that special honeymoon memento, peruse the galleries and boutiques on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs and El Paseo in Palm Desert. After shopping and/or dining in Palm Springs, enjoy an evening horse-drawn carriage tour of downtown with Palm Springs Carriages.
For a spectacular view and a nightcap, visit the outdoor lounge and fire pit at The Lodge at Rancho Mirage or the Sunset View Lounge atop Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.
No matter how you choose to spend your first days as a married couple — behind closed doors, out and about, or probably a bit of both — the romance of the desert will delight you.
Where to find them
 ACCOMMODATIONS
Mojave Resort
(800) 391-1104
www.resortmojave.com
Villa Royale Inn
(800) 245-2314
www.villaroyale.com
The Marilyn Monroe House
(866) 244-1800
www.timeandplace.com
Ingleside Inn
(800) 772-6655
www.inglesideinn.com
Viceroy Palm Springs
(800) 237-3687
www.viceroypalmsprings.com
The Honeymoon Hideaway
(760) 322-1192
www.elvishoneymoon.com
Lake La Quinta Inn
(760) 564-7332
www.lakelaquintainn.com
La Quinta Resort & Club
(800) 598-3828
www.laquintaresort.com
RESTAURANTS
Europa
(760) 327-2314
Le Vallauris
(760) 325-5059
Melvyn’s
(760) 325-2323
Café des Beaux-Arts
(760) 346-0669
Kristina’s In The Cove
(760) 564-4771
ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Balloon Above the Desert
(760) 776-5785
Indian Canyons/Tahquitz Canyon
(760) 323-6018/(760) 416-7044
Smoke Tree Stables
(760) 327-1372
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
(760) 325-1449
THE WELL at Miramonte Resort
(866) 843-9355
Palm Springs Carriages
(760) 774-7637
The Lodge at Rancho Mirage
(760) 321-8282
Sunset View Lounge
(760) 238-5656
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