Romantic Palm Springs

Romantic Palm Springs

Desert Destinations Offer Romance and Relaxation

Sometimes it’s good to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and escape to a romantic retreat to rekindle the embers with a significant other. Located just 100 miles east of downtown Los Angeles lies an assortment of secluded lodgings, intimate restaurants and amorous outings in the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Here are a few magical places to share romantic moments with that special someone:

Romantic Lodging

The Willows

This luxury charming bed and breakfast is housed in a sprawling romantic Mediterranean villa. Located a short stroll from downtown Palm Springs, once guests enter through the private gates they are transported to a peaceful elegant hillside hideaway. Each of the rooms is individually decorated and furnished including hand carved antique pieces, stone-tiled floors and unique furniture. The Library Room, where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned, exudes romance with a private enclosed patio, huge roaring cherry wood fireplace, big waterfall shower for two, coffered wood ceilings and antique writing desk. A three course breakfast is served daily in the dining room with al fresco and inside dining with views of the 50-foot waterfall, https://thewillowspalmsprings.com.

Romantic Outings

Adventure Hummer Tours

Couples who crave complete privacy can head to Joshua Tree National Park. Over 25 million acres of serene desert landscape, covered with the scarecrow-like Joshua trees, offer a romantic respite surrounded by the San Bernardino, Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. Through Adventure Hummer Tours https://adventurehummer.com/palm-springs-tours/ couples can book a guided tour in an all-terrain Hummer exploring the most beautiful and unspoiled backcountry of the park and the San Andreas Fault.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Take romance to new heights with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the Coachella Valley and the glorious sunsets from the top of Mount San Jacinto, 8,516 feet above the desert floor. The circular tram makes two full rotations during the 15-minute journey, with stunning views of the Sonora desert as well as jagged mountain landscapes, $26.95, https://pstramway.com.

Renaissance Esmeralda Spa

Head to the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells and check into Spa Esmeralda for a relaxing couples massage. Unwind in the outdoor hot tub surrounded by lush trees, flowers and plants. Head to a private luxurious suite for a side by side Swedish massage with aromatherapy oil, champagne and chocolates, $320 for 50 minutes, $420 for 80 minutes, book at $760.836.1265.

Romantic Dining

The Edge at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage

Prime cut dry aged steaks take center stage at this modern desert cliffside restaurant in the beautiful Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage. Walled in and set 650 feet above the desert floor, the Edge offers dramatic views of the greater Palm Springs valley amidst a contemporary interior design. The restaurant features a dry-aging room where select steaks are aged for 21 to 65 days. The menu also features prime-cut steaks from around the world, including Japanese and Australian Wagyu beef, served with a choice of delicious house-made sauces and sides. In addition to standout steaks, diners can enjoy slow cooked Berkshire pork belly, charred octopus, slow-braised Colorado lamb, Alaskan halibut and a variety of steakhouse sides, reservations at 760.321.8282.

Le Vallauris

Named after a small town in the south of France where Picasso made pottery, Le Vallauris is located in an intimate, historic ranch-style house minutes away from Palm Canyon Drive. The cozy interior consists of several small adjoining rooms featuring Louis XV furniture and Flemish tapestries. The outdoor patio boasts a canopy of lush fichus trees, fragrant flowers and tables adorned with white linens, orchids and flickering candles. The menu is equally extravagant, offering escargot, roast rack of lamb, foie gras and other classic French delicacies. Reservations at www.levallauris.com.

Morgan’s in the Desert

La Quinta’s flagship hacienda-style restaurant, Morgan's in the Desert is named after Walter H. Morgan, a California businessman who founded the property in 1926. Morgan's houses the original arched wood ceiling and huge fireplace. Guests can dine at the piano bar, in the large dining room with a huge fireplace or alfresco in the fire-lit courtyard. Morgan’s is offering a special three-course Valentine’s Day dinner including a strawberry salad, filet mignon and a chocolate romance dessert featuring assorted chocolate cakes and sweets, $79, www.laquintaresort.com.

Birba

The alfresco setting under the desert sky make this a romantic spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their pizzas are perfect for sharing and diners will also love specialties like Nonna’s Meatballs and crispy pork belly. Salads include innovative ingredients including their Brussel sprout and kale salad with a pecorino vinaigrette and their tricolor chopped salad with radicchio, endive, arugula and aged parmesan cheese. Pizzas also come with unique combinations including braised greens, green olives, serrano chile and smoked mozzarella; potato, gorgonzola dolce, ricotta, rosemary and basil pesto and egg, pancetta, pecorino and onion. Couples can end on a sweet note with their salted chocolate caramel tart, chocolate brick cake or butterscotch pudding, https://birbaps.com.