Visitors to Palm Springs always have the same reaction when they touch down in Canada's favourite oasis - WOW. Some of it is location. Palm Springs and its sister communities are tucked in the arms of the spectacular Coachella Valley and ringed by the big-shouldered Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains which magically change colour as the sun slides across the horizon. Some of it is the star power - the sun shines here 350 days a year and headliners who have soaked up the warmth in Palm Springs range from Oprah to Clint Eastwood. The place is so inspiring that Mel Torme and Bob Wells wrote the Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire) on a sunny, summers day in Palm Springs.
Swing Time
The Coachella Valley boasts nearly 120 golf courses, one of the top collections in North America. Headliners include the Desert and Mountain tracks at La Quinta, both designed by `Diabolical' Pete Dye, the most influential golf course architect of the last 35 years. Other layouts to pencil- in are the TPC Stadium Course and the Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman courses at PGA West.
Not only can you tee it up on the same courses that the pros play but in Palm Springs, you can see the top swingers on the planet in action. The Bob Hope Desert Classic runs from Jan. 17 - 23 2011 where past winners include Phil Mickelson and Canada's Mike Weir. The Hope also includes a strong celebrity field which in 2010 featured Kurt Russell, Dennis Quaid, Alice Cooper and Bo Jackson. The game's top women golfers will be playing the LPGA Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage from March 28 - April 3, 2011. The Championship is the LPGA's first major of the season.
Headliners
Palm Springs is one of the top spots for music and movies. The fun and funky Coachella Music and Arts Festival launches from April 15 - 17 2011. The music ranges from hip-hop to rock, alt rock to electronic. The lineup hasn't been confirmed yet but the rumoured acts included Canada's Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene as well as the Beastie Boys and Kylie Minogue. The Festival is located in Indio and is sprinkled across the Empire Polo Grounds.
Film buffs will want to grab a big bucket of popcorn for the Palm Springs International Film Festival which runs from Jan. 6 - 17 2011. One of the largest film festivals in North America, this year its special guests include Academy Award winner Javier Bardem as well as the up and coming English actress Carey Mulligan.
Tennis buffs will want to pull on the whites for the BNP Paribas Open which is served up from March 7 - 20 2011 at Indian Wells. The tournament features both men and women. In 2010, the men's side included Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and Roddick.
Architectural Envy
Palm Springs is home to America's most important mid-century, modern style homes and hotels designed by masters like Richard Neutra, William Cody, John Lautner and Albert Frey. Architectural aficionados will want to check-out Modernism Week, which goes from Feb. 17 - 27 2011. It features more than 50 events including tours, lectures, films and parties.
Architecturally, the other big news in Palm Springs is the recent opening of Sunnylands, the legendary estate of former Ambassador Walter Annenberg. The 100 hectare colossus includes a 25,000 sq. ft. home, desert garden, solar farm and a golf course. A member of Ronald Reagan's kitchen cabinet, Annenberg hosted seven Presidents, British Royalty and major players of the business and entertainment worlds at Sunnylands.
Natural Wonders
While Palm Springs exudes a sophisticated cool, it is also wrapped by a spectacular natural setting. Catch the glorious desert sunrise from the historic Indian Canyons or climb aboard a Jeep or Hummer tour for an expedition to the infamous San Andreas Fault. Rock your world in Joshua Tree National Park. Amidst its 250,000 hectares are the ethereal rock formations and rare Joshua Trees that inspired U2's legendary album.
Spas, Shopping and Eating
Take advantage of the ultimate triple play. Spend the morning shopping at Palm Springs trendy boutiques on historic Palm Canyon Drive or on exclusive El Paseo, then soak your feet at one of the Valley's soothing spas which are fuelled by medicinal hot springs. Finish off the day with a relaxing dinner - could be anything from poolside casual to five-star elegance.
Travel Planner
WestJet offers scheduled service throughout its 71-city Caribbean and North American network including non-stop daily flights to Palm Springs from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and starting this February non-stop flights from Toronto. Great connections from other cities are available. Book today at westjet.com. WestJet Vacations also provides a variety of packages to Palm Springs' top hotels and resorts.
Book your getaway today by visiting westjetvacations.com, calling 1-877-737-7001 or by contacting your travel agent today!