Any summer birthday readers? I used to hate having a summer birthday, but now it certainly has it’s perks! A few years ago, I started going on birthday trips with my mom. She would let me pick the destination and we would plan the details from there. This year I decided to go to the desert. There were a few hotel properties I wanted to check out in Palm Springs, one of which was the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage. I ended up falling in love with this property much more than I thought I would – here are the highlights!

The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage is a short drive from the Palm Springs airport and downtown Palm Springs. It is situated up in the mountains (hills?), with incredible, sweeping views of Coachella Valley. I love the sense of place at this resort. From the moment you arrive, you notice elements of stone, wood and fire. It blends in with its desert surroundings, while maintaining the utmost standards of luxury. It would truly make for the perfect getaway in any season. I was there in peak summer season and while hot in the 100 degree weather, I never felt unpleasant or like I needed to be in the AC all day.

The rooms are decorated in traditional Ritz Carlton fashion. The large balconies provide the perfect morning sitting area. Trust me, you likely don’t want to be outside past 11am, unless it’s by the pool. The resort features 2 pools, including an adults-only pool. This pool overlooks a beautiful view from every sitting angle. Plus, there is full poolside food and beverage service so you never have to leave. 

The Ritz Rancho Mirage offers a range of activities, but my favorite is the morning hikes. The hikes require no prior reservation. So, if you’re a non-morning person like me, you can wake up and “see how you feel”. The hikes leave directly from the resort with a specialized guide. This was particularly helpful. As we hiked up in the mountains, our guide gave us the history of the area while pointing out points of interest. It was like a city tour, but better (and free!). 

Now for the most important aspect: the spa. The perfect retreat. Prior to your treatment, you’re invited to enjoy the facilities of the spa. The facilities include an outdoor Jacuzzi and sitting area, sauna and steam room. But perhaps my favorite feature is the aromatherapy showers. Each shower has a different essential aroma – lemon, lavender, and mango – to serve a specific purpose in your relaxation experience. The post-massage champagne is also a stellar touch. 

All in all, I can’t wait to visit Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage again. Maybe during the fall or winter when it isn’t 110 degrees in the desert and we can make the most of the entire day. In the summer, you really need to be in the indoors during peak heat afternoon time. I bet that Palm Springs is magical in the fall or spring when you can make the most of the entire day outside!

As always, your stay here includes our Major Traveler perks, added complimentary onto your stay!

• Upgrade on arrival if available 
• $100 resort credit 
• Daily breakfast 
• Early check-in/late check-out if available

Want to know more about Palm Springs? Here’s our recap on the nearby Waldorf Astoria La Quinta. Get in contact with Major Traveler to book it!