Having lived in California all my life, it’s surprising that it took this long to get me down to Palm Springs.  This past week — while both kids were on respective school trips — was the perfect opportunity for a quick getaway.  With the wet and stormy weather hitting us all winter, we sought a quiet, relaxing place in the sun.  Two nights was just the right amount of time to take in this sleepy town and enjoy some R&R.

All we really wanted to do was relax at the pool and have some good meals, and we did just that.  We splurged at the Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage, which sits in the mountains, away from the main town.  It was a beautiful, quiet retreat.  We enjoyed the adult pool for the first time in many years, though found ourselves at the larger, family pool the second day.

Doing our research before heading down paid off, as we enjoyed all of our dining experiences in both food and ambience.

Workshop Kitchen & Bar

Workshop Kitchen & Bar topped the list of recommendations we received from friends and read in publications.  It didn’t disappoint.  We dined al fresco and enjoyed their fresh, seasonal fare.  Favorites included the brussel sprouts salad and oxtail risotto.

rooster & the pig

Courtesy of Eater Los Angeles

We were a little skeptical of Vietnamese fusion in Palm Springs, but decided to give Rooster & The Pig a try regardless.  We were thankful we did, and also thankful to arrive early. Even on a Monday night, the place was packed with people waiting outside by 5:30pm (30 minutes after opening).  Try their Green Lantern cocktail and pork belly and egg entree.

king’s highway

Courtesy of King’s Highway

Before our departure, we stopped at King’s Highway in the trendy Ace Hotel for lunch. Formerly a Denny’s restaurant, this hipster-relaunched diner serves classic diner food with a twist, perfect for making sure we didn’t leave with an empty stomach.