Recently in Palm Springs Category

Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs has joined the Starwood Preferred Guest program, adding yet another exquisite property to a global collection of hotels and resorts that represent the epitome of luxury, service, and sophistication. To celebrate the milestone, for a limited time members can earn triple Starpoints for stays at this sparkling desert oasis designed by Jonathan Adler and set amid palm trees and verdant gardens. With chilly temperatures falling over much of the country, now is a wonderful time for a warm-weather getaway, so book a stay at this exclusive property and indulge in the charms of an area first made famous by the Hollywood stars of the 1930's. Take a hike in the nearby Agua Caliente Indian Canyons, marvel at the Western American art, culture, and history at the Palm Springs Art Museum, or check out the views from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. But save some time to relax at the hotel, because Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs has it all, from indoor and outdoor heated pools to spa and fitness facilities to four different restaurants and lounges. Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs and SPG: great things are happening.

The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California recently emerged from a complete renovation of its guest rooms and common areas, and it's looking better than ever. New bedding, furniture, carpeting, and bright wood accents make rooms and suites welcoming and comfortable, so whether you're traveling on business or just hoping to relax for a few days, you'll always feel at your best. Take a virtual tour to see a few highlights of the new look, and then get packing, because you'll want to see it for yourself. Located on 360 pristine acres within the Rancho Mirage community, the resort features landscaped courtyards and extensive waterways that provide a feeling of tropical tranquility against the desert landscape. Active travelers can take their pick of two championship golf courses, seven tennis courts, three swimming pools, and the WestinWORKOUT gym. Those in need of serious stress relief, meanwhile, can drop by the Spa at Mission Hills for a treatment at this 14,000-square-foot boutique-style wellness center. There are several special offers available for this property, so take advantage of some great summer savings and treat yourself to a resort experience like no other.

Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on the subject.

With nearly 365 days of sunshine each year, Rancho Mirage, California is a golfer's dream—an idyllic destination where you may challenge the emerald fairways and manicured greens of some of the finest golf courses in the world. Here you may enjoy invigorating rounds of golf or simply relax and watch some of the world's top golfers in action. Each year, the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage hosts the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the first major tournament of the year on the LPGA Tour. This year's 2 million dollar purse championship will be held March 31 through April 6, 2008 on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course The 2008 Kraft Nabisco Championship will attract more than 100 of the best women golfers in the world and other celebrities alike, including defending champion Morgan Pressel, 2007 Rolex Player of the Year Lorena Ochoa, 2007 Rookie of the Year Angela Park, Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis.

The first tournament in 1972, which consisted of 54 holes, was played on the Old Course at Mission Hills Country Club. In 1982 Nabisco assumed sponsorship, and in 2002 the tournament was renamed the Kraft Nabisco Championship. Throughout its more than three-decade history, the tournament has reflected the continued growth of women’s professional golf and the overall increase in prize money on the LPGA Tour. The trophy, known as “The Dinah Shore Trophy,” is named in honor of the television, film and recording star Dinah Shore. Shore is also recognized for her influence in helping the Ladies Professional Golf Association achieve the prestige it enjoys today. Visit their website to buy tickets, register, volunteer, or simply learn more about the 2008 Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on the subject.

There is good news for those of you who love The Westin Heavenly Bed. There’s still time to enter the Heavenly Comfort contest for a chance to win the complete Westin Heavenly Bed ensemble. If you have experienced the rejuvenating embrace of The Westin Heavenly Bed, perhaps at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas or The Westin Kierland Villas, then you will surely wish to take home this piece of heaven and wake up rejuvenated every morning. The grand prize is an entire Westin Heavenly Bedroom ensemble, featuring 10 layers of pure comfort including a king- or queen-sized mattress and box spring, down pillows, a down blanket and more—a retail value of more than $3,000. The contest ends March 31, 2008. So enter now for a chance to take home one of the most refreshing elements of a Westin vacation.

Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on the subject.

If you want to elevate your physical fitness this year, consider taking a vacation in an area renowned for challenging golf courses and lush greens. Rather than plodding through an aerobics class or sweating on a stationary bike, improve your fitness with an invigorating game of golf amid verdant beauty at The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas in Rancho Mirage, California.

Here both golf fanatics and beginning players may pursue their passion for golf with more than 100 courses in the surrounding area, including the nearby Desert Willow Golf Resort. Here, two outstanding signature courses, the Mountain View and Firecliff courses, allow you to experience the renowned, world-class championship golf of the California desert. The Firecliff course is a 7,056-yard challenge featuring the extensive natural areas, numerous water features and more than 100 bunkers and waste areas. This challenging course will test both beginner and advanced players. For a less demanding game, head to the Mountain View course, where the golf greens blend gracefully into the desert landscape. At just under 7,000 yards, this course features fewer bunkers and challenges—affording players more time to admire the landscape.

Lucy Williams is an Orlando-based writer for Starwood Vacation Ownership and thelobby.com's expert on the subject.

The natural beauty of Palm Desert, California, is about to become more accessible to you than ever before. Starwood Vacation Ownership has unveiled a second resort in California—The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert.

This 300-villa retreat is in the heart of the Coachella Valley and features a backdrop of breathtaking mountain vistas that will inspire you to leave your laptop behind and delve into soothing spa treatments or an uplifting day of chic shopping along El Paseo, the Rodeo Drive of Palm Desert.

Exhilarating adventures are enhanced by sublime scenery at this desert retreat. The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert borders Desert Willow Golf Resort, which features the Firecliff and Mountain View championship courses and was recently named one of the "Best Places to Play" by Golf Digest magazine. The desert offers bike riding, horseback riding and the subtle shadings of Joshua Tree National Park. The beauty of the area combines with pampering Westin touches to elevate your senses and refresh your spirit when you experience this desert retreat. The one- and two-bedroom floor plans feature desert prairie-inspired interiors that hint at a Frank Lloyd Wright influence, blurring the line between exterior and interior.