Bachelorette weekends have been a Palm Springs tradition even before there were paved roads into town. Back in the day when Hollywood stars made the desert their playground because their studio contracts prohibited them from straying more than 100 miles from the lot, groups of girlfriends descended on the desert village during the lull before the storm of one of their number’s impending nuptials. Their plan was simple: Check in to the Desert Inn, swim, sun, hike, ride a horse, eat, drink, and be merry until the train whistle blew for the return west.
On one hand, the basics haven’t changed; on the other hand, the options are now staggering. For instance, in Palm Springs alone, there are over 120 hotels with over 15,000 rooms, including 80 boutique hotels. Add Rancho Mirage, and that’s another 8 hotels. Doesn’t sound like much? Well, those 8 include the Ritz Carleton, Rancho Las Palmas, and Sensei Porcupine Ridge. Add the spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs or the golf resorts in Palm Desert, Indian Wells…the list in almost endless. And what about the restaurants, golf courses, night clubs, day spas? It would require publishing a book called The Bachelorette’s Greater Palm Springs Handbook and Party Guide. We’re working on it.
In the meantime, here’s a sample package.
Friday
Book your friends into the Thompson Hotel. It’s one of Palm Springs’ newest hotels and it’s smack in the middle of downtown on North Palm Canyon. Book into the exclusive enclave of their ‘Upper Stories’ where a couple two-bedroom suites give you private balconies, wellness amenities, and a dedicated pool and bar.
The Thompson Hotel
Bar Issi, part of the new Shops at the Thompson and nosh on some amazing bar bites such as the stuffed squash blossoms or Waygu sliders. Have nightcaps sent up to your rooms and get ready for the big day.
Saturday
Wake up early and head a few blocks north to caffeinate at Koffi. Enjoy your liquid stimulants in the garden courtyard at the rear of the store where you can peruse copies of Desert Magazine found in a nearby rack for your edification. To get the adrenaline going, grab a bottle of water apiece and Uber/Lyft down to the Lykken Trail, located at the west end of Ramon Road. The trail will eventually deposit you (after enjoying some spectacular views of the city on the 45-minute hike) at the Palm Springs Art Museum. At this point, your crew will be famished. One of the great breakfasts in the city can be found at Liv’s in the museum. I particularly recommend the Herbs & Flowers French omelette or Liv’s pancakes.
Courtesy: Livs Palm Springs
After a tour of one of the most impressive small museums in America (the permanent collection contains Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Bourgeois, Ed Ruscha, and Duane Hanson), it’s a short walk back to the Thompson.
But what to do to work up an appetite before lunch? You couldn’t go wrong with a swim and a breather around the Thompson pool, but for the ambitious head down valley to the Pickled Bar, an indoor pickle bar palace in Palm Desert. Haven’t picked up a racquet before? No problem. When you call to reserve courts, sign your group for a private lesson.
After freshening up at the hotel, try something old school Palm Springs for lunch. The Ingleside Estate is one of the oldest hotels in the Valley and its restaurant, Melvyn’s, will transport you back to the days of Hollywood royalty. Have an aperitif in the bar (my grandmother always ordered a Sidecar here before lunch) and then adjourn to the dining room where the Caesar Salad made table side is an absolute must.
While a nap by the pool seems inevitable, opt instead for a few hours at Sec-hé, rated one of the best spas in America.
Opened just a couple years ago and built on the original site of the hot springs owned by the Aqua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians, the spa offers extraordinary treatments that will turn you into ultra calm vessels of jelly by the end of the afternoon.
As the sun begins its slow descent behind the San Jacinto Mountains, it’s time to prepare for the evening’s escapades. Dress in your finest, channeling retro glamour or boho chic, and start the night at a rooftop bar—perhaps the Kimpton Rowan’s—where the panoramic views of twinkling desert lights make every toast feel cinematic. For dinner, reserve a table at Workshop Kitchen + Bar, whose industrial-chic architecture and locally sourced menu set the perfect tone for a feast of laughter and sharing.
Courtesy: Purple Room Palm Springs
Afterward, let the night carry you where it may—Perhaps a cabaret show at the legendary Purple Room, dancing at the Copa, or a few more cocktails to end the evening at Seymour’s, a discreet little speakeasy hidden by a curtain at Mr. Lyon’s. There’s no wandering in; if you know, you know.
Sunday
This may not be an early morning. On the off chance that the punishment does not fit the previous night’s crime, start off the day at Fruit Wonders, a juice bar across the street from the Thompson (the celery pineapple is recommended for kick-starting bruised organs). Then, a swim and a shower and get ready for a day out. Have the Thompson’s concierge take care of your luggage for a late check out, and then head down valley to El Paso. Have breakfast at Wilma and Frieda’s at the Gardens at El Paseo (Blackberry Custard French Toast!!). Fortified by proper nutrition, it is now time to shop: Ralph Lauren, Tiffany, Anthropologie, Trink Turk, Louis Vuitton, Saks, Apple, Johnny Was, El Paseo Jewelers. It is shopping paradise.
Coiurtesy: The Gardens at El Paseo
Though many of your party may be looking at their watches to gauge the driving time back home or their flight departures, try to squeeze in a final, civilized late lunch at Le Vallauris, set at the very end of Tahquitz, two blocks west of Palm Canyon Drive. This Spanish Revival began life as the home of George Roberson, Jr., one of Palm Springs’ pioneers. Serving exquisite French cuisine since the 70s, treat yourself to a chilled soup, the lobster salad, and a glass of Chablis.
Then, it’s adieu, and see you at La Grande Affaire.
