At the La Quinta Resort & Club beyond Palm Springs. Sunshine and stunning desert landscape by Mother Nature. Little black dress by H&M, suitcase by DELSEY.
Yours truly just returned from a three-day business trip to California, but of course, I packed my little black dress and made time to have some fun. After the endless snow storms we've endured in NYC, it was nothing less than therapeutic to shed my coat and feel the golden sunshine on my skin. Here are a few highlights from my West Coast whirlwind.
In Los Angeles, I stayed at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel - a 90-year old property that evokes the glamour and grandeur of old Hollywood and the city's Spanish heritage. With it's marble fountains, colorful frescoes, and ornate ceilings; the Biltmore has a yesteryear level of opulence not seen in most new hotels. You can vividly imagine the Hollywood stars that roamed the grand rooms of the Biltmore - the hotel hosted the Oscars several times in the 1930's and 40's.
No visit to the Biltmore would be complete without a visit to their famed Gallery Bar. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail crafted for you by legendary bartender Greg Guzelian. If you're craving a sip that is pretty, pink, and potent, order Greg's signature creation - the French Kiss. Sweet but not overbearingly so, this flirty libation is made with Grey Goose Vodka, Chambord, Peach Schnapps, and Fruit Juices.
Just a few blocks from the Biltmore is a fantastic patisserie and restaurant - Bottega Louie. Their macarons are marvelous and you can also be seated for a full meal. Bottega Louie is a great spot for people watching and the service is excellent.
Of course, California is all about cruising (traffic permitting!) along the freeway in a great set of wheels. Alas, I did not get to travel in the red Mustang convertible of my daydreams but the red Toyota Corolla we rented did provide a smooth ride for the three-hour trip from LA to La Quinta.
How could I not love this view from my private deck at La Quinta?
Located at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta Resort & Club has provided a luxurious desert oasis for Hollywood and other luminaries since 1926. I was only there for one night, but what a night it was. I fell in love with my spacious Deluxe Casita with its king-sized bed and private deck. Golf, dining, shopping, and spa treatments are all available at La Quinta and I can't wait to explore more on my next visit.
P.S. A special thank you to DELSEY for providing me with such a fantastic suitcase. This California trip gave me the chance to finally test-drive the bag they sent me and it performed beautifully. Lightweight, sturdy, and with plenty of compartments, the double spinner wheels made it very easy to navigate through the airport. As always, I packed more dresses than I needed (a lady has to be prepared!) but there was still plenty of room in my DELSEY.
