A Weekend Escape to La Quinta, California

A Weekend Escape to La Quinta<, California

by Kimberly Fisher

I needed a break from the city. From the hectic, overbearing life in Los Angeles<. I chose to head to La Quinta.

Called the “Land of the Eternal Sun” by the Cahillia Indians, La Quinta’s history dates all the way back to the 16th Century, when Captain Juan Batista D’ Anza recognized La Quinta as the fifth base between Mexico and the San Gabriel Mission. La Quinta, which is based on the Spanish word for five and the Mexican Quinta, which means ”secluded country retreat” still lives up to its name today.

The La Quinta Resort and Club were established in 1926 by the son of a wealthy San Franciscan businessman, and opened its doors to the public in 1927. Plans to lure the Ritz of Hollywood to the secluded resort worked, as stars like Frank Capra, Katherine Hepburn, Greta Garbo and Errol Flynn soon endorsed the desert retreat. Visitors like me still flock to the resort to this day to enjoy the world class amenities, in the soothing desert landscape and perfect location nestled at the edge of the desert at the base of a mountain range.

I started my day in the desert with a light breakfast on the patio at Twenty 6, an American bistro with fresh and lively menu. Not one for the breakfast buffet, I ordered a la carte. The fresh squeezed orange juice tastes especially refreshing under the morning sun, and the eggs benedict, even though a rare indulgence is done to perfection.

The Spa at La Quinta is where everyone goes for an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation. Mixing the great outdoors with the indoors, the Native influence is noticed throughout the spa…from the open central courtyard to the al fresco treatment rooms. I tried the Desert Rose Bath, and lounged in my outdoor tub and appreciated the solitude. Afterwards, I moved on to a La Quinta Custom Facial and a Deep Tissue Massage. The salon is unique in the fact that Feng Shui is intertwined with a holistic approach to beauty.

After a relaxing afternoon, I yearned to explore the quaint city and get familiar with its quiet beauty. As I walked over the sprawling lawn to my car, the cool breeze touched my face and you can hear the festive sounds of the Mariachi Band, the Inka Kings, in the outdoor courtyard. I arrived at Amore Restaurant, a small Italian place known for their superb food and friendly service. A glass of Pinot Noir was a perfect partner for my chicken Marsala< and penne ala vodka.

After a scrumptious meal, I headed back to my desert suite where I found a special little treasure awaiting me before my near-approaching bedtime. In the nature of the resort, the staff lays out small, hand made little dolls. These little guys are a Native influence and are here to sleep under your pillow...in the case that you have bad dreams; they take them all away for you. With every detail thought of to ensure my comfort, I snuggled in for a cozy sleep under the desert moon.