The Land of Endless Summer
Ease, walkability and year-round sunshine set the stage
By Sara Robertson
Once the stomping grounds of movie stars, world-renowned architects and wistful artists—the nine Southern California resort communities that make up Coachella Valley are a haven in the High Sonoran Desert. Palm Springs proper is a sunny, walkable city.
Its hotels offer unmatched luxury, countless swimming pools with endless fun. Its airport is conveniently located and consistently known as one of the easiest to navigate. You’ll be in awe of the natural beauty of the surrounding environment, from the pink-hued San Jacinto Mountains to the bountiful desert flora. A meeting in Palm Springs is one where attendees will say, “Yes, please!”
Local Expert Tip
“Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs exudes a charm that makes it a coveted meeting destination. With its dramatic desert landscape, vibrant arts scene and full-service resorts, this desert oasis offers an unmatched experience for event planners. Everything is close, walkable and easy. The relaxed vibe blurs business and pleasure.”
— Randy Garner, senior marketing manager at Visit Palm Springs
5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love Palm Springs
Temperate Climate. From January to July, August to December, Palm Springs boasts clear skies and endless sunshine. Even in the winter months when home may be dreary, in this pleasant desert oasis, visitors and residents alike enjoy days in the mid-70s.
Cultural Wellness. In April, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians announced the opening of The Spa at Séc-he at the Aqua Caliente Cultural Plaza, consisting of 22 private mineral baths, 15 treatment rooms, a cryotherapy chamber, two float pod suites, a boutique fitness area, a grounding room, an acoustic wellness lounge, tranquility garden and two halotherapy salt caves.
Read More: Wellness Hacks: Deep Relaxation Trends
Architecture Galore. Iconic midcentury modern architecture gives the city an unmatched ambience. Book a guided tour or grab a map from the Visitor Center to see the artistic city your way. Visit during their annual modernism week to join tours, talks and parties and see locations not usually open to the public.
The Living Desert. Local nonprofit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is actively engaged in conservation of native desert plants and habitat protection. Take a self-guided or shuttle tour to see giraffes, camels, fennec foxes and more, and visit their gardens to take in the wonder of the often-unexpected vibrancy of desert plant life.
The Aerial Tramway. Offer your guests the experience of a lifetime: traveling 5,800 ft. above the city in a cable car. Enjoy sublime views of the San Jacinto Mountains from every angle. At the top, visit the gift shop, bar, cafeteria or even sit down for a fine dining experience at Peaks Restaurant.
5 Fantastic Places to Meet
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
When you host your event on vast lawns or in impressive Spanish Villas with mountain views, you’ll have no need for rose-colored glasses; see the San Jacinto Mountains glow pink in the setting sun. Treat attendees to 41 climate-controlled swimming pools and customizable catering menus developed by award-winning chefs.
190,000 sq. ft. total event space, 3 ballrooms, 781 guest rooms/suites.
Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
This classic property will debut a rebranding to Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in November. Island-inspired style will infuse the renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces. The grand centerpiece remains a 22,300 sq. ft. olive grove patio, decorated with twinkling lights and fire pits. Classic Mediterranean archways lead guests through citrus groves and flower gardens, where they can see bougainvillea trail up the walls of the buildings.
35,000 sq. ft. total meeting space and 215 guest rooms, suites and villas.
Renaissance Esmerelda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
Exciting adventure and relaxing leisure collide at this Coachella Valley resort with neighboring tennis courts, two championship golf courses and an onsite sandy beach pool. With meeting space from ballrooms to gardens, all with the latest in AV, this resort has something for any group, whether your attendees number 10 or 2,000.
213,000 sq. ft. total event space, 560 guest rooms and 103 suites.
Palm Springs Convention Center
A mere 1.5 miles from Palm Springs International Airport and walking distance from 1,600 hotel rooms, downtown and historic Palm Canyon Drive, this meeting oasis combined with Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel spans 261,000 sq. ft.
180,000 sq. ft. total event space, 20,000 sq. ft. ballroom, 15 meeting rooms, 112,000 sq. ft. exhibit space and a 20,000 sq. ft. event lawn.
The only all-suites downtown Palm Springs hotel is just a 12-minute walk from the Palm Springs Convention Center. With 12,000 sq. ft. of function space and 1,200 sq. ft. of pre-function space, spectacular onsite catering and a dedicated professional staff to assist your planning, you’ll be able to host a meeting like no other.
12,000 sq. ft. total meeting space, 197 guest suites.
This article appears in the September/October 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
