One of the most exciting and unique hotels in the United States is the JW Marriot Palm Desert.  It is an awe-inspiring oasis in the middle of the desert, and a tourist attraction in its own right.  The hotel sits upon a slight hill and the entryway is lined with lush palm trees (this is where ‘champagne flows and palm trees grow’).  Pink flamingos bath in sparkling ponds of azure blue water as you pull up to the impressive  and welcoming entrance. 

Once inside the hotel, it is as if you’ve been transported to inside Aladdin’s magic bottle.  The marble lobby is enormous.  There is a spectacular 60 foot bar backed by cascading waterfalls spilling into large reflecting pools, but that isn’t the best part.  Look a little further and you will see a dock inside the hotel (yes, the lake comes inside the hotel) where gondolas will collect you, and drop you off at any one of the hotel’s five restaurants within the complex. 

The gondola ride itself is a treat not to be missed.  You’ll see beautiful desert flora and fauna, as well as, exotic birds as you glide through the water to your destination.  I recommend the Europa Restaurant (760-327-2314), often referred to as the “most romantic dining in the desert.”  The restaurant is expensive but worth the price, especially if you’re arriving by Gondola at sunset.  It doesn’t get any more romantic than this is the sweltering heat of the California desert.

The elaborate pool complex is next to the lake, and has its own sunbathing beach.  Here you can have a very attentive wait staff attending to your every need.  The hotel also offers a 36 hole golf course, tennis, croquet, bike rental, a full service spa and in-room massage, shopping arcade, children’s programs and babysitting (and more).  For more information go to www.desertspringsresort.com or call 800-331-3112.  Tell them Adventure Woman sent you.