La Quinta Resort and Spa.
Article and photo by Kimberly Fisher.
Called the “Land of the Eternal Sun” by the Cahuilla Indians, La Quinta’s history dates all the way back to the 16th Century, when Captain Juan Batista D’ Anza recognized La Quinta as the fifth base between Mexico and the San Gabriel Mission. La Quinta, which is based on the Spanish word for five and the Mexican Quinta, which means ”secluded country retreat” still lives up to its name today.
The La Quinta Resort and Club were established in 1926 by the son of a wealthy San Franciscan businessman, and opened its doors to the general public in 1927. Plans to lure the glitz of Hollywood to the secluded resort worked; as stars like Frank Capra, Katherine Hepburn, Greta Garbo and Errol Flynn soon endorsed the desert retreat. Visitors still flock to the resort to this day to enjoy the world class amenities, including the full service spa, fitness center, beauty center, tennis club, shopping, dining, and five championship gold courses.
Start the day in the desert with a light breakfast on the patio at Twenty 6, an American bistro with a fresh and lively menu. Try out the breakfast buffet, or order a la carte. The fresh squeezed orange juice tastes especially refreshing under the morning sun, and the eggs Benedict is done to perfection. After breakfast, head over to one the 23 tennis courts to play a quick match or to the fitness center for a late morning workout.
As you send your significant other out to play on one of the five award winning, top-rated golf courses, head to Spa La Quinta for an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation. Mixing the great outdoors with the indoors, the Native influence is noticed throughout the spa…from the open air central courtyard to the al fresco treatment rooms. Try the Signature Celestial Shower or the Desert Rose Bath, a unique feature at the health spa due to its outdoor treatment rooms, and then move on to a La Quinta Custom Facial and a Deep Tissue Massage. The top rated spa features everything from body scrubs, hot stone massage, exfoliation, rehydration, and much more. After your treatments, head to the adjoining Yamaguchi Salon. The salon is unique in the fact that Feng Shui is intertwined with a holistic approach to beauty. Celebrity hairstylist Billy Yamaguchi will consult you on the best color and style for your hair, as you indulge in a Feng Shui manicure and pedicure.
After getting all dolled up, head across the resort to the Adobe Grill for a delectable dinner. As you walk over the sprawling lawn, the cool breeze touches your face and flawlessly done hair. You can hear the festive sounds of the Mariachi Band, the Inka Kings, in the outdoor courtyard. Inside the restaurant, you’ll be comfortable and cozy in the delightfully colorful décor. The refined, elegant cuisine brings a touch of class to traditional dishes. Start off with the guacamole, and watch it be done to perfection table side. Pair it with “The Best Margarita in Town”, presented in an oversize hand blown glassware from Guadalajara. Signature dishes include the Caldo de Mariscos, a southwestern bouillabaisse, and Ceviche de Mariscos Marinera. After your meal, try the Mexican Chocolate Banana Lumpia, a special creation paired with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup. After a scrumptious meal, head back to your suite where you will find a special little treasure awaiting you. In the nature of the resort, you will find small little dolls on your pillow. These little guys are a Native influence and are here to sleep under your pillow…in the case that you have bad dreams; they take them all away for you. As you sleep soundly at the La Quinta Resort, you’ll remember the perfect day in the desert.
