Jewel of the Desert: Riviera Resort and Spa Palm Springs

About 130 miles from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is the perfect weekend get-away. It’s a jewel among desert cities and rightly so. Its village atmosphere has been preserved and embellished over the years. The downtown area with its quaint lampposts, benches and Mexican tile-paved enclaves invites strolling among the shops, galleries, eateries and coffeehouses. Rich in history and blessed with glorious weather, it is a prime destination of travelers from all over the world.

The old downtown district offers live bands at St. James, Village Pub, and Las Consuelas. If dancing is your passion, be sure to check out Toucans or Dinks--an ultra lounge.

And for a place to lay your weary head, we suggest the Riviera Resort & Spa. Originally opening in 1959, the original Riviera Resort immediately became Palm Springs’ go-to hot spot for celebrities and cultural sophisticates around the world who wanted the ultimate “Palm Springs experience.” Today, it’s still a favorite for celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Mira Sorvino.

Today, nearly fifty years after its creation, the “Riv,” recently underwent a  $70 million modernization and now boasts 406 rooms, the Spa Terre, and Circa 1959 restaurant.

journeyPod sat down with GM, Brett Schoenfield, to get an inside scoop on this historic and famous property.  For more luxury vacation ideas checkout our destination guides.