It's a Mod World - Palm Desert

It’s November in Northern California and winter’s weather doldrums are setting in. Despite the relatively mild climate, many NorCal natives find the seasonal changes gloomy. Nine or more months of relative sunshine just isn’t enough for some people.

Well, no more winter worry for you sun-worshippers. Break out! Fly away – literally – to Palm Desert, a land of balmy days and cool nights and incredible desert vibe. There’s enough upscale retail to satisfy any whim, plus golf and afternoons lounging poolside or enjoying a calming massage. With more than 350 days of sunshine and an average daily temperature of 73 degrees, it’s truly an oasis in the desert.

Hidden away behind a high-white wall, the Mod Resort is all that and more. Jane and George Jetson would feel right at home. White, glass, mirrors and chrome everywhere. Sleek, clean, elegant – you’d never recognize the property from its early 1950s life of pink, rattan and crushed velvet lounge chairs. It looks totally ‘50s-style modern with many vintage accessories.

Owner Laura Slipak’s fashion past is definitely at play and guests benefit. This is all about chic. Fourteen rooms – no two alike – were created with your comfort in mind. The luscious custom-built beds have memoryfoam pillow-top mattresses with down mattress pads so comfy that you’ll want to know where to buy one. They also feature luxurious 500-thread-count sheets. Wi-Fi, stereos, flatscreen TVs, DVD players, and relaxation adds up to a little something for everyone. Fabulous for romance, girl getaways and adult holiday retreats – it’s definitely not for kids.

Massages and other spa treatments can be arranged at the property. Continental breakfasts include fresh fruits, yogurt, bagels, coffee and more and rooms are kitchenette-equipped if you’re feeling at all domestic. Surrounded by Mod chaise loungers from Italy, the salt-water pool is sequestered inside the Mod’s white walls. And, when the moon shines through the palms, well, it is pure bliss. (ModResort.com)

Nearby is the mile-long El Paseo Shopping District, the Rodeo Drive of Palm Desert with more than 300 world-class shops, boutiques, restaurants, fine-art galleries and jewelers. The convenience of the Mod Resort and Palm Desert’s winter warmth make this an easy stroll. Ann Taylor, Tiffany & Co., Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue are residents of The Gardens on El Paseo, a 40-shop, open-air garden setting in the heart of the El Paseo District. It’s easily a daylong adventure, when you add lunch and dinner. Take it all in via the free El Paseo Courtesy Cart, which runs daily. (TheGardensOnElPaseo.com)

Located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert is just one in a string of desert resort communities that includes such famous siblings as Palm Springs Rancho Mirage and La Quinta. With more than 100 golf courses, there’s no questioning its “Golf Capital of the World” claim-to-fame. In January, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, hosted by the legendary Arnold Palmer, will commemorate 50 years of play in the Coachella Valley.

The quintessential resort-lifestyle offerings don’t end on the greens. Art galleries, theaters, casinos, spa, outdoor recreation, museums and hot-air ballooning. Then, of course, there’s still golf! With so many options, it’s difficult to know where to begin.

One of the “Top Ten Public Courses in California” according to Golf Week comes to mind. The 7,305-yard, 18-hole, par-72 Classic Club has astounding 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, 30 acres of lakes and streams, rolling terrain and more than 5,000 pine, California pepper and olive trees. There’s not a palm tree in sight despite its desert locale. Watch out for the sand and more than 150 traps along the way. With a variety of tee options, the course appeals to all levels. Minutes away from The Mod Resort, Classic Club was designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Group and is managed by Troon Golf, the leader in upscale golf.

 After unwinding on the signature 18, play through to the Rattlesnake restaurant where terrace views of the Chocolate and the Little San Bernardino mountains collide. Distinctively contemporary cuisine offered by Chef Jimmy Schmidt, a three-time James Beard award-winner and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, features prime certified Angus beef and locally-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables. Exceptional Reverse Ravioli is the rave as is the sea-scallop encased lobster with crispy ginger. And the patented White Chocolate Ravioli stuffed with dark chocolate ganache – well, what more do you need?

“We have great restaurants in the Coachella Valley, but this is the best!” brags Greg Rubino, General Manager, Classic Club. “An unbelievable experience, from start to finish; it’s tremendous to have world-class golf and food in one location.” (ClassicClubGolf.com)

After all that warmth, if you’re feeling homesick for a little NorCal chill, cast a longing glance to the snow-capped peaks of Mount San Jacinto just up valley from Palm Desert. No heel-tapping, rubyslippers are necessary here. Just keep saying, “There’s no place like snow.” Enjoy the thrill as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks you from an elevation of 2,643 feet to the mountain station at the 8,516-foot elevation. You’ll go from the 70-plus degree warmth of the desert to sun-drenched snow in just minutes without traffic or snow chains! At the top, unwind in front of awe-inspiring valley views at Peak’s Restaurant. Then strap-on cross-country skis or snowshoes for the mountain experience of a lifetime. (PSTramway.com)

And, if you’re wondering what to do next, check out the date book. There’s a host of activities that say, “This is distinctively a Palm Desert oasis.”

For more information, visit: Palm Springs Desert Resorts Conference & Visitors Authority (GiveIntoTheDesert.com)