Within the Coachella Valley, with the stunning San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop, one finds the California desert resort city of Rancho Mirage. During my recent stay in the Greater Palm Springs area, I was fortunate enough to be a guest of The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas, writes Andrew Forbes.
Renowned Retreat
This desert city has become renowned for hosting stars of the stage and screen as well as world leaders. The famous Rancho Mirage historic site of Sunnylands Annenberg Estate has been the preferred retreat for celebrities and world leaders for decades, including eight US Presidents, and Queen Elizabeth II. Frank Sinatra was married at Sunnylands and it was a favourite with the Rat Pack.
Today Rancho Mirage retains its status as a sophisticated retreat, and I discovered this desert retreat whilst as a guest of The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas. (I had stayed at its sister resort – you can read our profile of The Westin Desert Villas here).
Mission Hills Resort & Villas
The Westin Mission Hills resort is slightly different as the entire site encompasses diverse properties that combine to create a world-class holiday experience. The site includes a hotel with concierge service; a full spa: championship golf courses; restaurants; and the well-equipped self-catering Westin Mission Hills Villas.
As a guest in these stylish villa apartments one has access to heated pools, water slide, whirlpools as well as tennis courts and a basketball court.
For adults there is also an adults-only pool area, sauna, as well as activities like horse riding and cycling – and even jogging routes. There is also a resort spa wellness centre specialising in signature honey treatments, such as massages and scrubs, using honey from the resorts desert hives
Villas
I stayed in one of the smart villas that are available for holiday rental or timeshare purchase.
They all feature the Westin high standards of contemporary comfort including the Westin Heavenly® Bed and Westin Heavenly® Bath standards; a fully equipped kitchen; flat-panel TVs, DVD players, a Bose® AM/FM Wave® radio and a washer and dryer. There’s even a gas BBQ grill out on the terrace. All the details are considered.
Dining
There are 5 main dining options, including the stylish poolside bar; the Mission Hills Market & Café; the 19th hole Fireside Lounge; Season’s Grill for fresh Mediterranean since by Chef Victor Romero and his team;
and finally, the upscale Pinzimini restaurant.
Here I enjoyed Italian-inspired cuisine created Executive chef, Joel Delmond – and the service was spot-on! The style is sophisticated yet with that relaxed southern Californian style that is so attractive here in the desert.
It’s the kind of resort that you don’t really want to leave. Of course, all the cultural, historical and entertainment attractions of the Palm Springs area are on the door step.
But really, with such a flawless climate I just want to hang out in one of the luxury poolside cabanas, with lounge seating, terrace, HD TV, mini fridge and lots of seating and sunbeds. Towel service and food & beverage service is available too.
Information
Address: 71777 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Tel: +1-888-847-8262
