CHECK OUT PALM SPRINGS’ LATEST SPRING OFFERINGS, FROM A CHEETAH-INSPIRED BOUTIQUE HOTEL TO A SWANKY EUROPEAN BISTRO.
Inspired by designer Tracy Turco’s love of felines and wildlife, The Cheetah Hotel is the latest addition to her portfolio of retro luxury boutique hotels. THE CHEETAH HOTEL PHOTO BY CLARK AND VALENTINE
Wild Side“This hotel is something you want to be photographed in,” says Tracy Turco, artist and designer of The Cheetah Hotel in Palm Springs—the newest addition to her and her developer husband Jerry’s portfolio of retro luxury boutique hotels, which include Art Hotel and Tiki Hotel. Mixing vibrant yellows with bold patterns and textures, this swanky 1962 oasis for the area’s “cool cats” celebrates nostalgia and midcentury design. Inspired by Turco’s love of felines and wildlife, the 12 artsy rooms boast private patios, kitchenettes and cat-influenced decor—like leopard duvet covers and curtains, Lucite trays with lion heads or an antique black panther glass coffee table. Lounge by the sparkling pool, relax in the 12-person hot tub or explore the designer boutique featuring items created by Turco. Best of all, the hotel is partnering with the Cheetah Conservation Fund to rescue and protect cheetahs from poachers. Turco will also be teaming up with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on a benefit and will host an adopt-a-cat event every month. El Mirador, cheetahhotelps.com–Jennifer Buckley
THE CHEETAH HOTEL PHOTO BY CLARK AND VALENTINE
Willie’s Modern Fare serves new takes on classic European dishes like the duck breast. WILLIE’S MODERN FARE PHOTO BY KELLY VISEL
European Flair The former Rancho Mirage steakhouse Bernie’s received a European makeover courtesy of restaurateurs Willie Rhine and Chad Gardner and debuted this winter as Willie’s Modern Fare. Hospitality veteran Rhine, of Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, and French-trained chef Gardner, behind Roly China Fusion and 533 Viet Fusion, are also partners on 1501 Uptown Gastropub. “Collectively, Chad and I have a great variety of themed restaurants, everything from American to Asian-inspired to British pub-style comfort food,” says Rhine. “We wanted to offer something different and create a menu that would blend perfectly with the decor and encompass dishes from Spain, France, and Italy as well as Basque and Tuscan regions of Europe.” At Willie’s, classic European fare gets a modern twist with dishes like warm goat cheese tart, braised Kobe short ribs and vegetarian cassoulet. They also modernized the formerly dark venue, which now boasts open, airy and bright seating areas. Says Rhine, “Wine country-inspired design played a great part in creating a casual but elegant collection of dining rooms suitable for an intimate dinner or private parties.” Rancho Mirage, williesrm.com–Jasmin Rosemberg
Vintage Finds Hidden gems are commonplace at the Palm Springs Vintage Market, where over 5,000 visitors shop a curated selection of vintage furniture, art, jewelry, clothing and accessories. Every first Sunday of the month through May, the popular event at Palm Springs Cultural Center at Camelot Theatres enables the community to congregate, socialize, graze racks of colorful clothes and even leave wearing one-of-a- kind caftans. The authentic midcentury-focused fashion and furnishings reflect the region’s desert-chic aesthetic. Founder Mindy King started the market in 2014 after falling in love with Palm Springs’ midcentury modern architecture, and carefully vets the 150 vendors—who include Tony Miranda, Sun Owl Vintage and Simona Sabo. An array of goods, from rugs and glassware to jewelry and home decor, is offered, and a rotating assembly of vintage clothing dealers promises shoppers something new (there’s even a waiting list). King felt strongly about reusing and repurposing items that have already been out in the world. “What better to outfit your midcentury home than authentic midcentury furnishings?” says King, who’s also producing markets in Portland. “It’s the responsible and sustainable wave of the future.” Palm Springs, palmspringsvintagemarket.com– Lauren Nehorai
Mangia! “As a native Angeleno, I’ve spent a good amount of time in the desert and have always found the San Jacinto Mountains magical,” says Peter Garland, who opened the first Porta Via location on Beverly Hills’ Canon Drive in 1994. Italian for “takeaway,” Porta Via’s simply prepared California cuisine that can be eaten inhouse or taken home quickly found a following, and Garland expanded his concept to the Pacific Palisades, Calabasas and, now, Palm Desert. At 5,000 square feet, the corner space with three surrounding patios will be the largest outpost. Designer Sophie Goineau’s contemporary take on desert modernism employs wood, earthy materials and a midcentury free-architecture style that brings nature and the outdoors in. The menu features Porta Via favorites alongside dishes that highlight chef Brennan’s skill with cuts of meat and sushi. Try the chef’s special daily chop menu, or the popular grilled Ōra king salmon, butternut squash tortellini or double french-cut pork chop. Over 150 global wines and a delectable brunch are also offered. Next, Garland aspires to take his “neighborhood restaurant with worldclass appeal” beyond California. Palm Desert, portaviarestaurants.com–AW
Revel Palm Desert boasts a pool, retro ice cream parlor, pickleball court, in-house spa and more. PHOTO: COURTESY OF REVEL PALM DESERT
The Palm Springs Vintage Market features furniture, art, jewelry and clothing from 150 vendors. BY DAVID A LEE
Luxury Living The heart of the Coachella Valley is now home to Revel Communities’ newest independent living community, Revel Palm Desert. Joining Revel California residences in Lodi and Folsom, the first Southern California community boasts a stunning desert backdrop, a resort-style vibe and ample outside opportunities. “We saw that the Palm Desert market, while regarded as a longtime destination for retirees, did not off er a community like Revel that champions living,” said Danette Opaczewski, COO of Revel Communities. “Revel Palm Desert is located near amazing golf courses, shopping, dining outlets and all the premier local amenities that Greater Palm Springs offers.” The property capitalizes on its picturesque location with a luxurious pool, mountain views and eclectic interior design by Private Label International that nods to the desert’s midcentury modernism. Residents of the 165 apartment homes can enjoy a retro ice cream parlor, a pickleball court, multiple dining venues, an in-house spa and salon, and a 24-hour concierge. Revel Palm Desert also offers extensive programming, including poolside movies, yoga on the lawn and outdoor art classes. Palm Desert, revelpalmdesert.com–Abigail Woods
Porta Via’s new Palm Desert outpost will offer favorites like black truffle mushroom ravioli. COURTESY OF PORTA VIA
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