There are many things we all want to forget about 2020. So. Many. Things. One thing that I, however, never want to forget was when The Bachelorette hit La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. For those who may have missed it, back in the spring of 2020—when COVID-19 threw a wrench in all of our lives—the producers of The Bachelorette had to rethink their filming strategy. Normally, each season starts at this ultra-plush mansion in California and then whisks the leading lady around the world on dates with her suitors, often via helicopter or private jet. (You know, normal date stuff!)
In order to make the Claire/Tayshia 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. Their locale of choice? The expansive, historic, ultra-romantic La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. With Tayshia coming back to the small screen this summer to help our new Bachelorette find love, I started reminiscing about the resort, and how perfect a visit right now would be. Thinking of one yourself? Here is the 411 with everything you need to know before you go to Palm Springs and La Quinta Resort & Club.
The Allure of Palm Springs and La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta Resort & Club 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. It is a true oasis in the desert unlike anything else in the world. As a past guest at the property (a girls’ weekend with my mom), I was delighted when The Bachelorette news broke. I annoyed my sister each week when we watched the show as I had to point out where every scene was being filmed and how I’d been there, too.
View of the La Quinta Resort & Club Plaza. Photo courtesy La Quinta Resort & Club
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. Over the years it has evolved 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. Almost all accommodations have 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.
The Eisenhower Suite Living Room. Photo courtesy La Quinta Resort & Club
Oh, and don’t miss the Starlight casita either. While it has no significant history, it does offer one of the coolest views on property. This is a favorite room to book for those in the know. (So now you know!)
All accommodations have impressive mountain views, but the view from the Starlight Casita is a guest favorite. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Outdoor Activities at La Quinta Resort & Club
Beyond this, there are 41 total pools on the 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
- the main pool, where most of the action takes place on the property
The Veuve Clicquot Themed Pool La Quinta Resort & Club. Photo courtesy Veuve Clicquot Themed Pool La Quinta Resort & Club
In addition to the pools, outdoor adventure is around every corner as there are also 23 tennis courts (which can double for pickleball courts) on the property. You can get out to explore the beautiful gardens along with the hiking and biking trails.
Hole #16 of the Dunes Course at La Quinta Resort & Club. Photo courtesy La Quinta Resort & Club
If you want to book a tee time, you’re in luck at La Quinta Resort & Club. There are five championship golf courses, one of which was designed by Greg Norman and another by Jack Nicklaus.
Hole 9 on the Nicklaus Tournament at PGA West at La Quinta. Photo courtesy La Quinta Resort & Club
Relax at the Spa
If you prefer to luxuriate, then you will want to check out the ultra-lux The Spa at La Quinta. Gorgeously appointed it offers the perfect combination of mind-spirit activities like mindfulness programs and yoga. You can also find mind-body programs, including a combination of traditional treatments and more adventurous offerings.
The spa entrance. Photo courtesy La Quinta Resort & Club
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, hyperpigmentation, pores, and advanced signs of aging. All of this is without surgery, injections, discomfort, or downtime.
Another not-to-be-missed spa treatment is the wine down massage, which starts with a flight of wine followed by a 50-minute massage. Your treatment incorporates essential oils that match the wine’s aromatics. Of course, it concludes with a full glass of your favorite varietal from the flight. Cheers!
Dining at La Quinta Resort & Club
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—one of the most romantic restaurants in southern California.
If margaritas and sangria are more your style, La Quinta has you covered at its Adobe Grill, which takes guests on a delectable culinary adventure through Mexico without having to leave the resort.
Adobe Grill at La Quinta Resort & Club. Photo courtesy La Quinta Resort & Club
What to Do Nearby
Speaking of leaving the resort, you may very well not. But, if you are seeking to branch out a bit, there are plenty of entertainment and dining options nearby. One of the best ways to see the area is to book a party bus Palm Springs style and let someone else do the driving. No matter how you choose to see the area, here are a few of our favorite things to do.
Dining Nearby
Palm Springs has ample dining options. Here are a few of my favorites.
- 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.
- 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.
- Oscar’s Palm Springs, which is a must for brunch on the weekends when its drag queen shows take place.
Oscar’s Palm Springs is a great brunch spot and the drag queen show is always fun. Photo by Alison Bailin Batz
Activities Nearby
The desert surrounding La Quinta Resort & Club offers great outdoor adventures. If you have the need for speed, you might check out The BMW Performance Center, where drivers of all skill levels can take to the track behind the wheel of a performance vehicle.
If you want to experience the more quiet side of the desert, head to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The Living Desert is a magical preserve where wallabies run free right next to you in an Australian exhibit. You can hop on a VIP safari cart to whisk you to see animals and birds of every shape and size.
Looking out across the Sonoran Desert from the trails at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Whether you’re a Bachelor, Bachelorette, or simply want a luxurious escape, La Quinta Resort & Club is the desert oasis for you. This desert highway offers a different way to experience Greater Palm Springs. Be sure to check out more suggestions for things to do in California. We also have a great selection of other hotels and resorts where you can plan your own escape.
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