Call me a sucker, or a glutton for punishment even, but when my good friend, YouTuber Davey Wavey invited me to join him on a new roadtrip, I didn’t hesitate even an instant before saying yes – despite the obvious foreboding that should naturally have accompanied such a decision given our most recent escapades in Texas.

This time around our destination was to be the great American Southwest and, as per the usual, there were to be more than a few surprises along the way – some of which organic, others of which were manufactured – but what would a roadtrip be without at least a hint of the unknown, no?

The trip got off to an inauspicious start on a rainy Monday in Los Angeles, when I arrived, as per instruction, at Escape Campervans in Inglewood, California to pick up our transportation for the trip. From the moment, I saw the brilliantly hued van emblazoned with images of ice cream cones and cartoonish characters, I knew this would be no ordinary roadtrip. Game on!

Admittedly hazardous to the safety of those around me, given that I am unaccustomed to driving a vehicle of that size, I made my way through traffic to Palm Springs to meet up with Davey, often occupying more than the one lane allotted to me en route and constantly praying the whole way that I might arrive unscathed (which I did). On that first night, Davey had booked us in at the clothing optional INNdulge resort in the popular Warm Sands neighborhood of Palm Springs. This was to be the first salvo in the onslaught of terrors he had prepared for me.

Not that the room was anything but comfortable, right down to the ample bed, full kitchen and other amenities. It was the clothing optional thing that made me wary which Davey knew. Unlike him, I wear as many clothes as possible and never consider the opportunity to wear less, a bonus of any sort. Needless to say, however, as I arrived late and checked out early, my choice of apparel or lack thereof ultimately posed no issue at all.

Our next stop was at one of my personal favorite spots in Palm Springs, The Parker Hotel. We were booked elsewhere for the night but we still nipped into the Parker to enjoy breakfast at Norma’s, the property’s popular diner where creations like Banana Macadamia Nut Flap Jacks, Lobster Frittatas and Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash are the menu’s stars. Bright and casual, and bordering the lush grounds of the hotel, dining al fresco at Norma’s is the perfect place to herald one’s arrival in the desert.

Breakfast complete, we checked in at Arrive, a sleek, contemporary boutique hotel just off Palm Canyon Drive. With just 32 rooms surrounding a pool, a casual chic restaurant (Reservoir), a cozy bar, a lively atmosphere and all sorts of fun amenities (like, for instance, the fire pit that adorned the deck attached to my room) Arrive turned out to be an unexpected treat. From the complimentary drink at check-in (which is at the bar) to the attached ice cream shoppe cum gift shop to the property’s first-rate coffee house. As an added bonus, the hotel is ideally located near the hubbub of downtown Palm Springs so no driving required post check-in unless you so choose or the weather dictates otherwise.

For dinner, we mixed things up a bit and headed up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto to take in the sunset views and enjoy dinner at the more upscale Peaks restaurant. Never let it be said that Palm Springs is only about pools and sunshine, because from the vantage point of the summit of Mount San Jacinto (elevation 10.834 feet), the city and its neighbors sprawl out in a blanket of lights revealing the rough balance between desert and urban life. It is one of those picture-perfect moments that capture that unexplainable desert magic everyone is always raving about.

On the next day, as we properly set off on our journey, things got interesting. First there was the stop at Fort McDowell Adventures for a little horseback riding and unfortunately a few cowboy chores as well. Why the chores, other than to torment me I’m sure I will never know, but chores we did against the stunning landscape of picturesque Southwest, which somehow mitigated (to some degree) the discomfiture of the activity itself.

Now Davey wouldn’t tell me where we were ultimately going, but I did know that after his cowboy excursion, we were stopping at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale for the night. Now for those unfamiliar with the Hotel Valley Ho, the property is well known retro-luxe, Mid-Century Modern urban resort that is every bit as cool and hip today as it was when it opened its doors more than 60 years ago. Not to put too fine a point on it but It’s a bit like stepping back in time in the best possible way because while the vibe may be retro, the spacious accommodations and amenities are very au courant. So much so in fact, it is the kind of hotel that one wants to linger in, lazing about and taking full advantage of every well-appointed nook and cranny.

That being the case, of course we had no desire to part from the hotel, its myriad pools and general comforts during our limited stay, so we dined on property at Zuzu, the equally retro eatery known for its menu showcasing local ingredients, memorable burgers and craft cocktails. It was a perfectly civilized and relaxing stay that lulled me into false sense of security about the day ahead.

Back on the road the next morning, all I could determine was that we seemed to be headed somewhere remote. Towns appeared only sporadically and wide open plains interrupted only by the road we traveled and the occasional truck or SUV that rolled up behind us was all there was to be seen for hours.

But then it appeared.

Just off the famed Route 66, nestled next to the railroad tracks in the town of Holbrook, Arizona, we turned into the parking lot for the WigWam Motel – the very same one that Oprah Winfrey and her gal pal Gayle had stayed in (or rather reserved) for their now legendary road trip across America. And just as in Texas, Davey had snookered me again. There was nowhere to run and nowhere to hide in this town with a population of just over 5,000. In fact, I couldn’t even remember how far away the last town was so clearly this was just one of those moments in life that had to be borne. Much to my chagrin I learned that there were four remaining teepee motels in America and after this evening I would have the dubious honor of having stayed in half of them. Thanks Davey.

Key in hand, I retreated to my teepee to make my peace with the situation but the terror was not complete.

After settling in as much as I could, I heard a knock on the door of my teepee. I answered and found a curious (and somewhat alarming sight). Standing in the doorway was a man wearing what appeared to be a flak jacket and dragging behind him a dead coyote. Not computing what was happening, I was dumbstruck when the man said to me in a completely serious tone that he was told to deliver the animal carcass that he was so casually handling to me.

For the record, not even once did I consider that I was part of an elaborate prank that Davey had orchestrated. Instead, after shooing the man and his carcass away from my door, I began to gather my things, sure I could not spend the night in this town, because my life was obviously in danger. Just then, my phone trilled indicating that I had a text message. I picked up the phone and saw a text from Davey which read, “Do you hate me?”. I breathed the breath of life.

Hate? I was relieved! Somehow Davey had gathered a bunch of Holbrook locals including the wonderful hotel manager (who really was wonderful) along with the gentleman in the flak jacket, who I now knew to be named Connor, and together they had concocted this little plan to terrorize me. In retrospect, it really was quite funny as we all sat in the reception area of the WigWam motel on a cold January night having a good laugh about it all. In fact, it was almost surreal as for just a few hours it felt like we were honorary citizens of Holbrook and all that was incumbent upon that designation.

But let’s not get crazy, I still woke up bright and early the next morning with but one thing on my mind, “Get me to Vegas!”.

Watch Davey’s latest video recapping our adventures while traveling the great American Southwest below:

Stay

Inndulge
601 S Grenfall Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Tel: 760.327.1408
http://inndulge.com/

A comfortably appointed, clothing optional resort in the popular Warm Sands neighborhood of Palm Springs which counts a 24-hour 12-man jacuzzi and heated pool among its many unique offerings.

Arrive
1551 N Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Tel:  760.507.1650
https://arrivehotels.com/

A very hip, boutique hotel in the heart of Palm Springs, comprised of 32 rooms furnished with a king-sized bed, rain shower and wet room, Lola headphones by Blue, DirecTV, Apple TV, a sensibly priced minibar, and Malin & Goetz bath products.

Hotel Valley Ho
6850 East Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Tel: 480.376.2600
https://www.hotelvalleyho.com/

An iconic 60 year-old Mid-Century Modern hotel in downtown Scottsdale that offers all the charm of a bygone era without sacrificing one ounce of modern luxury.

Wigwam Motel
811 W Hopi Dr
Holbrook, AZ 86025
Tel:  928.524.3048
http://www.sleepinawigwam.com/

Get your kicks at this Route 66 motel which was built in 1937 and is as famed for its 28-foot red-and-white concrete-and-steel freestanding teepees as it is for the vintage cars that dot the property.

Play

Fort McDowell Adventures
Cowboy Experience
14803 N. Hiawatha Hood Rd
Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
http://www.fortmcdowelladventures.com/

Go horseback riding, grab a gang and do a cattle drive or take a Segway tour at the Stables of Fort McDowell Adventures in the Sonoran Desert.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
https://www.pstramway.com/

On the north edge of Palm Springs, soar10,834 feet to the peak of Mount San Jacinto on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Once at the top enjoy the view, take a hike or grab a bite and enjoy the cooler climbs.

Eat

Norma’s
Parker Palm Springs
4200 E Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Tel: 760.770.5000
http://www.theparkerpalmsprings.com/dine/normas.php

A five-star diner, serving indulgent comfort food and breakfast all day at one of the chicest addresses in Palm Springs.

The Peaks
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
https://www.pstramway.com/dining/

Fine dining restaurant offering spectacular views of the Coachella Valley at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Zuzu
6850 East Main St
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Tel: 480.376.2600
https://www.hotelvalleyho.com/zuzu

A retro fave specializing in American fare, noted for its burgers and craft cocktails.

To read this story on the Huffington Post, click here.

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Spending a good part of Day 8 making my way out of Los Angeles made arriving in the leisurely environs of Palm Springs even more of a treat on what I’m calling “the desert” leg of this adventure. Even though Palm Springs is not a place that is unfamiliar to me, I remain just the tiniest bit awed by the winding, deserted drive along Highway 111 that precedes arriving in the heart of Palm Springs. It may sound trite, but there is something almost bewitching and indeed spiritual that happens along that stretch of road for me. It’s as if at that point in the journey, a release of sorts occurs and I began to relax into the experience that awaits me – which in all honesty isn’t that hard to do when the experience involves exploring a slice of paradise like the Colony Palms Hotel.

Without question, The Colony Palms Hotel, a 56-room boutique property that in a former incarnation welcomed Hollywood’s biggest names including Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan and Kirk Douglas, has found renewed popularity following a major renovation in 2007 by Million Dollar Decorators designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard.  Located on Indian Canyon Road on the edge of downtown Palm Springs, the Moroccan-themed hotel offers a welcome contrast to the mid-century modern design aesthetic that so dominates the landscape of hotel properties in Palm Spring. The end result is a new kind of escape in a place that has, for generations, practically defined the term for a global community of sun worshippers.

From the striking pool that welcomes guests of the hotel upon arrival to the lush canopies of foliage that adorn the pathways leading to the property’s various rooms, suites and  casitas, the experience of a stay at Colony Palms takes those fortunate enough to experience it on a journey far beyond what one might imagine possible on Indian Canyon Drive.

Of particular note at  Colony Palms is the hotel’s sumptuous Palm D’Or residence which boasts 1,800 square feet of space, a pacious bedroom, 2.5 baths, a pool, a private second story balcony and two separate private garden terraces, all of which are enveloped by scenic views of both the hotel’s gardens and the surrounding mountains. There’s also the intimate spa and elegantly subdued poolside Purple Palms Restaurant, where the vibe is retro, the cocktails are impressively handmade and the Mediterranean-inspired menu is a welcome addition to the Palm Spring culinary scene. That itl also has the distinction of being the satellite Palm Springs location of the exclusive  members-only Soho House only further affirms the Colony Palms’ status at the heart of all that is exciting in the desert.

The second day of my visit to Palm Springs took me to yet another desert gem, The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, a hotel so discreet that in all my visits to the desert I had never taken note of it, despite having dined at the distinctively French and always dazzling Le Vallauris which is located just across the street from the sedately luxurious hideaway and coincidentally provides the room service menu for the hotel. Hidden away at the very end of Tahquitz Canyon Way, with just eight individually decorated rooms, The Willows invites guests to take a step back in time to what might truly be called the heyday of Palm Springs.

Like the Colony Palms, The Willows has a rich history. Formerly owned by Marion Davies, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist and mistress to publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst,  the boutique property along with its picturesque waterfall and terraced gardens ( which happen to be blessed with one of the best vantage points from which to take in Palm Springs) have played host not only to Hollywood icons like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard but also to notable historical figures including Joseph P. Kennedy and Dr. Albert Einstein, for whom a suite is named. Unlike many properties in Palm Springs, however, The Willows thrives not because of its status as a scene, but instead because of its lack one.

Simply put, the Willows is a retreat that conjures up a stay at an elegant private home. A member of staff personally opens the private gate to the Inn upon arrival and escorts patrons directly to their accommodations with the cool efficiency of a butler right out of a Julian Fellowes television drama. Wine and hors d’oeuvres are elegantly laid out and served in the upstairs drawing room of the hotel in the early evening when the views of both the mountains and the town from the upstairs terrace are at their most majestic and each morning a three-course breakfast, so memorable that it would alone justify a stay at The Willows, is served in the formal dining room.

All that aside, the great appeal of The Willows is the loving attention detail in every room, the decidedly personal level of service and the fact that, though the buzz of main drag that is Palm Canyon Drive is a scant two blocks away, you’ll not hear its call unless you absolutely want to.

And with that it’s off to San Diego but not before a quick look back at Palm Springs.

The Pool at Colony Palms Hotel

A walkway at Colony Palms Hotel

Arriving at Colony Palms Hotel

A lighting fixture at Colony Palms Hotel

A Fountain at Colony Palms Hotel

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn

Sunset at The Willows

The Pool at The Willows

A view from The Willows

The Upstairs Terrace at The Willows

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You probably know Stephen Collins as the irrepressibly dashing and undeniably urbane host of Bravo’s Property Envy, the panel talk show he presided over alongside property expert Jeff Lewis, interior designer Mary McDonald, and Chicago-based real estate guru Brandie Malay.  However, I first met the Renaissance man in his pre-television days back in London when he was the proprietor of the jaw-dropping emporium that he had opened as a sort of showcase for all the magnificent wares he had accumulated over the course of his nearly two decade long grand tour of some of the most fabulous corners of the globe. The showroom was a sublimely eclectic wonderland filled with richly storied objets d’art that reflected a life defined and refined by a heady cocktail of art, beauty, color and, of course, high style. I vividly recall how Collins, with almost professorial glee, took me on a tour of the space imbuing each and every nook and cranny with novel-worthy tales about how his passion for, and pursuit of, beauty had given birth to the showroom.

Flash forward nearly seven years later and Collins has transformed his world dramatically. In addition to appending the title TV host to a CV that already included the job titles hotelier, writer, curator and designer, he has exchanged the bustle of London for the simplicity of desert life in Palm Springs. Moreover, though the London showroom is a distant memory, it is soon to be replaced by a new showroom in his adopted home to which Collins had shipped five containers chock full of the fabulous, wondrous pieces that populated his former UK-based love letter to interior design. Needless to say then, it came as little surprise to me when I recently reconnected with Collins that, despite the change in environment, the unbridled flair that has always seemingly defined the multi-hyphenate’s world remains perfectly intact.

Now fully ensconced in desert life, Collins has brought his love of Modernism to the latest stop on the whistle stop tour that is his life and has fittingly been named the official ‘Man About Modernism’ for Modernism Week which takes place from February 13 – 23 in Palm Springs.

“Modernism is at an all-time high, celebrating an incredible revival across the world,” Collins offers enthusiastically embracing his role as the spokesperson in chief for the desert’s ode to the movement. “Where else in America, possibly in the world [other than Palm Springs], is it possible to see such a concentration of seminal architecture and design? I think it’s largely down to a realization of just how well designed and thought-out the building and furniture of the Mid-Century really was. As the world becomes increasingly ‘tight’, as bottom-line thinking pollutes almost all decisions in both private and public design, Modernism reminds us of a time when all things mattered and how they affected our daily lives. The train and bus terminals, office buildings, schools and hotels, airports of the Mid-Century more often than not embodied schemes that were well executed and well thought-out.”

Man About Modernism Preview:

“Well thought-out” is perhaps the most dead on description for Collins’ new digs which will play host to a sold-out event on February 16 that is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the weeklong roster of more than 170 events scheduled for Modernism Week 2014. Taking primary inspiration in interiors from David Hicks and Nancy Lancaster, who he says, “embody the ethos I admire most,” Collins has turned his Palm Springs home into a showplace that for the first time brings together his life’s collections along with the treasure trove of new finds he has unearthed locally since his arrival in America  a little over eighteen months ago.

“I knew what I had in mind for the remodel of my home here in Palm Springs,” he says. “The house I live in is not of any major architectural merit. I knew that I wanted a glamorous late 1960s/early 1970s feel as the backcloth to my extensively eclectic collection and personal style. I happen to like texture and layering in my decoration. This house needed it badly as there was little to play with in terms of detailing and architecture.”

But play with it he has. Dominating the living room, there is the brightly hued Guillerme and Chambron sofa he “fell for at first sight.”

“I like the architectural elements in this piece,” he says of the sofa which was originally made in Lille in northeastern France. “I also like its sense of strong Mid-Century design whilst almost clashing with a traditional vernacular style; yet the ‘clash’ is harmonious. It amuses me. It is ever so slightly kitsch.”

Similarly, curtains by the late Maria Kipp, whose clients included King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Claudette Colbert, Walt Disney and Loretta Young, which he acquired from an estate sale in Old Las Palmas after dogged pursuit are also an important part of Collins’ home which is, in short, every bit as remarkable as that London showroom I remember so faithfully.

For those not lucky enough to get tickets to see Collin’s home in person and also for those not planning to attend Modernism Week in Palm Springs this year, there will still be an opportunity to take part in all the fun. The designer-cum-man about town is excited to be hosting a special web-series, also entitled “Man About Modernism,” that promises to give viewers an exclusive inside peek at the best of Modernism Week as well as an unprecedented level of access to some of the most remarkable homes, parties, shops, and best kept secrets in Palm Springs. The series is being produced in collaboration with World of Wonder, the international entertainment company with whom he began a consequential relationship in London four year ago that played a significant role in his decision to move to the US and ultimately culminated in this series and what he describes as an “amazing” collaborator..

“Man About Modernism” began its tour of the best of Palm Springs on February 5th on Modernism Week’s YouTube channel, which is part of World of Wonder’s WOW Presents network of channels.  Episodes will air on a bi-weekly basis every Wednesday and Saturday through mid-March.  Follow Modernism Week and/or World of Wonder to see the latest webisode.

For more information on Modernism Week visit: http://www.modernismweek.com/

To read this on the Huffington Post click here.

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While it’s still cold and even snowy in some parts of the country, in Palm Springs the temperatures are positively spring-like. Sure there’s a nip in the air at night when temps drop into the 50′s or so, but during the day when temps rise to the 70′s or low 80′s the weather is perfect for lounging around the pool, catching a bit of sun or taking on an adventure — be it shopping, hiking or hitting the golf course. It is indeed the perfect answer to a relaxing weekend getaway.  

Palm Springs weather is pretty darn near perfect this time of year, which perhaps best explains why this hallowed slice of desert has been a favorite hideaway of Hollywood stars for the last seven decades.

The Viceroy Palm Springs has all the personal and luxurious accoutrements that you might expect from a Viceroy group property, albeit in a decidedly more intimate setting. Oh sure…there’s the Regency furniture, the chic restaurant (in this case Citron), the pools and the hipster cabanas…but there’s something about the Viceroy Palm Springs that is a bit clubbier than other Viceroy properties.

Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Tyrone Power and even former president Franklin Delano Roosevelt all favored the Viceroy when they wanted a little R&R away from the eyes of the public during the Hollywood Regency era. And today that tradition continues with, among others, stars like Miley Cyrus, who’s been spotted playing Twister poolside with hotel guests, and rock diva Pink, who I just happened to pass walking around the property one night. (For the record, she looked gorgeous in a flowing red dress and I resisted the urge to scream “Raise Your Glass” to her despite being precariously close to inebriation).

Discreet is not the word to describe the entrance to the Viceroy because if you look down to check a text you’d miss it. Tucked onto a side street in downtown Palm Springs, the Viceroy appears with little fanfare. However once inside the main entrance, you’ll find a mini-paradise of narrow walkways dotted with citrus trees that wind around three heated pools and a deceptively expansive four-acre property filled with the most charming cottages. The combined sense of privacy, unpretentious sophistication and quiet ease that pervade this desert hideaway goes a long way toward explaining why stars, old and new, have become so attached to the place.

Don’t miss the chance to get booked into the Viceroy’s Estrella Spa for a little pampering (It’s one of the top 50 spas in the U.S.) The spa menu includes everything from a Lava Shell Massage, where shells are heated from the inside and guided seamlessly over the body, to a Cinnamon Vanilla Body

Treatment where the body is exfoliated with a brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla body scrub. Sheer heaven. I get a little blissed out just thinking about it and I didn’t even book it! Le sigh. Next time. (By the way there’s a 24-hour gym at the Estrella Spa and complimentary yoga classes for those inclined to pursuits healthier than lifting several Martini glasses daily).

En route back to your room post massage bliss, stop at the bar and pick up a grapefruit Mojito, one of the Viceroy Palm Springs signature drinks. Needless to say, it is such a yummy concoction, you won’t want just one. Talk about addictive!

Now, normally I am not one to advocate the combination of swimwear and eating, but an excursion to Palm Springs dictates as much.

Some of the trendier hot spots like Johannes or Trio are in downtown Palm Springs, or you can opt for Le Vallauris, which is just a short walk or drive from the Viceroy. Decidedly French and undeniably old school, Le Vallauris is the kind of place where the waiters still wear black tie, the menu is written on a board and the wine list is staggeringly expansive. You can almost feel the vibe of old Hollywood glamour still inhabiting the place (especially when you sample one of the restaurants ‘poured to perfection’ cocktails, which are truly a rare find). Foodies and lovers of romantic spots will celebrate this place.

While in the desert, I’ve also dined at Cheeky’s and enjoyed the most amazing bacon flight comprised of four varieties of bacon: Smokehouse, Cinammon Sugar, Jalapeno, Applewood Thin and Thick. I followed that with the house Eggs Benedict served atop Cheddar Scones with real bacon. Delish. And of course for lunch one day be sure to hit my favorite Palm Springs institution Sherman’s Deli for a pastrami plate followed by macaroons (the best I’ve ever had). I swear I can’t get enough of this place.

We can all use a weekend escape from time to time and especially one that involves warm weather and sunshine, no? So, book your tickets to Palm Springs and grandma can watch the kids!

Until next time…never stop Living Wells.

Cheers!

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