Modern luxury architectural tour of mid-century masterpieces
I was over the moon as I strolled past the piano shaped swimming pool and stepped foot into this legendary singer’s glamorous and cutting-edge abode called the Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate. Some of my favourite Sinatra tunes from my teenage days Somethin’ stupid like, “I love you” and Strangers in the Night played a soothing tune in my head, as I almost got goosebumps getting up, close and personal in the same room where Sinatra spent hours with his music. My favourite room here was the one with fun memorabilia and personal photos with every top star celebrity of those times on one of the walls highlighting his career and his life in this desert.

“One day in May of 1947, Frank Sinatra wandered into his Palm Springs architecture firm. The 31-year-old singer wore a white sailor’s hat and informed Williams that he wanted a Georgian-style estate built in Palm Springs that needed to be completed in time for a Christmas party. Construction crew worked around the clock, and Twin Palms Frank Sinatra estate was ready just in time for a lavish star-studded New Year’s party,” reveals our tour guide as he walks us around this iconic house.

There’s a 1950’s recording system installed by Valentino Electronics in Hollywood, similar to the one Frank used to record songs at Twin Palms. The snow-white kitchen is the original design but upgraded with modern Viking appliances and St. Charles cabinetry. This Twin Palms Frank Sinatra estate was the site of some of the most happening Hollywood soirées and full-throttled private confrontations. Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy, divorced soon after this house was built and his mistress, Ava Gardner, moved in here with him. Frank and Ava married in 1951 but got divorced in 1957.

“It was the site of probably the most spectacular fight of our young married life, and, honey, don’t think I don’t know that’s really saying something . . . Frank’s establishment in Palm Springs, the only house we really could ever call our own, has seen some pretty amazing occurrences,” quoted Ava to the press later of her time at Sinatra Twin Palms estate. Our guide showed us the master bathroom sink that still bears the scars of an off-target champagne bottle hurled at Ava’s head. Ava also spoke about how Frank threw all of her belongings into the driveway during a screaming altercation over his infidelities with Lana Turner.

Sign up for any of these interesting stories on the curated tours of some of Palm Springs’ finest examples of Mid-Century Modern architecture and design and visit celebrity homes in this area including that of Elvis Presley’s House of Tomorrow, The Kaufmann House on the site of the famous Slim Aarons “Poolside Gossip” photograph, Albert Frey House II built into the side of a massive boulder, William Holden, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter Lawford. The Kardashian family owns a vacation home in Palm Springs, which has served as the backdrop for several family gatherings and photo shoots. Some of the other celebrity residents and visitors include Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr., Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Suzanne Somers besides many others.

Retro Glam
Palm Springs has long been a destination for escape and inspiration. With its close proximity of an hour and half driving distance from Hollywood, it has always been a haven of relaxation and revelry for Hollywood A-Listers past. It continues to be a thriving destination perfect for anyone with a hankering for mid-century modern architecture, chic boutiques, multicultural events and experiences, outdoor adventures, wellness offerings, vintage shopping, epicurean delights; LGBTQ+-friendly attractions and that is exactly what we were looking for. With more than 300 days of sun-kissed weather, it’s no wonder that Palm Springs is like no place else and will continue to be known for its unparalleled beauty and gorgeous scenery.

Origin of Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs history dates back long before the arrival of the steam engine. Some archaeological evidence suggests the first Native people have resided in the area for more than 8,000 years. Today, five tribes representing two major Native American groups reside in the area – Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

Joshua Tree National Park
With nearly 800,000 acres of mystical beauty, Joshua Tree National Park is undoubtedly one of the world’s most incredible natural desert treasures. Sweeping, grand in scale and populated by granite monoliths and voluptuous rock and boulder formations and of course countless Joshua trees, an iconic symbol of the Southwest spread all across, the park offers an element of awe to eco-travellers who are wonderstruck by its natural and raw beauty. It is also a great getaway for outdoor adventurists and naturalists who throng here to hike on countless trails suitable for all levels of hikers. You can also try adrenaline-infused rock climbing among rare boulder outcroppings or spend a weekend at any of the multiple campsites in one of nature’s most alluring desert escapes. If you’re the curious history seeker, you can sign up for special programs and ranger-led tours that educate about the park’s geography, wildlife, and plant life, as well as its colourful history dating back to the early Pinto Man and the gold seekers of the 1800s. For me personally, these Joshua trees provided a perfect backdrop for some of the most Instagrammable photos.

Star Gazing at the Rancho Mirage Observatory
Look at the sky; look how they shine for you… it’s all a beautiful yellow and white up there in the sky at the Rancho Mirage Observatory, a research-level facility in Greater Palm Springs for stargazing tours and events. Stargazing with someone special makes it even more magical. You can also sign up for their family stargazing tours that offer a fascinating experience for the young minds. A centre of learning, the observatory has five telescopes with the main one inside a 360-degree dome where you can get magnificent views of the skies and stars 50 million light years away. During our visit here we took a peek at the large telescopes set up to give us the lay of the land, planetary nebula, clusters of stars, other galaxies and of course other planets.

Rustic splendour of Rancho Mirage
Explore the splendour of Rancho Mirage, one of Southern California’s most scenic retreats. Nestled high above the Palm Springs valley, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is sheer luxury at its best set amidst the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains. It was a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation with a magnificent spa and fitness centre, cliff-side swimming and serenity pools, and large versatile indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. Indulge your palate at dining venues showcasing a visually dynamic exhibition kitchen, and savour breathtaking views at The Edge, a rooftop oasis perfect for year-round cocktails, celebrations, and stargazing. The view from here is simply spectacular.

Culinary Delights
There was an air of understated luxury combined with timeless elegance at all the culinary jewels we visited in Palm Springs. Some of the top notch that stood out for their leisurely dining with a complete Palm Springs vibe were Lola Rose, Farm and Porta Via.

Lola Rose- Lola Rose, Grand Mezze is inspired by the flavours of the Middle East and is also a place where global cuisines are represented through that lens. Whether you’re seated in a private corner with friends or enjoying communal dining with a large group, this restaurant in Palm Springs is a mist visit to relish shared plates with a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Also don’t forget to indulge in their playful twist on mixology.

Farm- FARM provides a dining experience reminiscent of the South of France, where vibrant garden-like patio seating and beautiful floral landscapes create a serene ambiance. Bask in the warm glow of natural light that floods the space, surrounded by plush seating as you go a sensory journey filled with fresh, authentic dishes made from the finest ingredients. The carefully crafted menu and inviting atmosphere enhances the culinary experience making it a delightful escape for a leisurely lunch that leaves a lasting impression.

Porta Via- A contemporary Californian bistro and bar feel is what Porta Via in Palm Desert will give you any time of the day. We were here on one of the evenings with a slight nip in the air and their mature classed-growth Bordeaux paired with classic and imaginative dishes added that perfect touch of much-needed warmth. Owner Peter Garland personally sources the finest produce from Southern California’s farmer’s markets, creating a unique dining atmosphere that feels special.

Palm Springs Art Museum
Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a must-try arts and culture experience in Greater Palm Springs. Established in 1938, with a permanent collection that houses more than 12,000 objects, you’re guaranteed to discover something inspiring, and transformative, around every corner. Explore three floors of modern and contemporary media, architecture and design, and art of the American West, including sculptures, paintings and prints, fine art photographs, Native American basketry, textiles, pottery and jewellery. The Palm Springs Art Museum also hosts temporary, rotating exhibitions as well as open studios with artists in residence. The museum has grown to become a cultural landmark.

The Spa at Séc-he
Located in downtown Palm Springs on Tribal land at Tahquitz Canyon Way, The Spa at Séc-he is a great way to experience one of the most luxurious hot springs spas in the nation. Soak in the hot spring water, sourced directly from the underground Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring (called “Séc-he” in the Cahuilla language), which last saw the earth’s surface more than 12,000 years ago, and has a unique mineral composition and since time immemorial has been sacred to the Tribe. Experience a whole day of relaxation and wellness at one of the 22 private mineral baths, 15 spa treatment rooms; a cryotherapy chamber, two float pod suites; two halotherapy salt caves; a grounding room; an acoustic wellness lounge; a menthol dry sauna and eucalyptus steam room; a tranquillity garden; and the Málmal Cafe.

So if you want a taste of the luxe life, then head out to this playground of the rich and famous and discover the opulence of Greater Palm Springs in style.