It’s been awhile since I’ve been to one of my favorites…The Marriott Desert Hot Springs Spa Resort in Palm Desert, California.

As a spa junkie, I love that this beautiful resort is very close to Los Angeles (in the “leer-cecedes” it only takes 90 minutes to get there.) Knowing that I desperately needed a little get away from my CEO & entrepreneurial duties to some sunshine and pampering, my new beau booked us a 3 day retreat.

Now I’m a seasoned spa’er but my new beau was going for the first time. After the 2nd day of sun worshipping at the private spa pool area, with the staff waiting on us hand & foot, then getting an amazing spa treatment in the beautifully new renovated spa, his words were “Oh yeah….I can get addicted to his life.”

Could it have been the beautiful view of the lake and golf course or the soothing spa music they pipe in all day? Maybe the boat ride around the lake to our Japanese style dinner at Mikado? It was the perfect end to the perfect day in this little slice of paradise.

Now here is some incentive to head to the property.

Right now there are some great packages you can take advantage of. For instance, we got the “Spa Package” which included our breakfasts and 2 treatments at the spa. You can also get a “Golf Package” if that’s your passion. And as the summer gets hotter, the packages get better.

We also happened to meet the Marriott New Property Sales Diva who conveniently “jumped us” on the way out with an opportunity to stay there for FOUR days anytime we want for just $199 — which included a $100 spa certificate. Of course we said yes!

A few considerations if you are going:

1. Consider going during the week vs. the weekend. It’s quite crowded and a pick up scene at the pool during the weekend. Unless that’s your thing of course.
2. Be sure to let them know if you are celebrating a special event. They are very accommodating with the “upgrades.” (hint hint.)
3. Book your session at the spa in advance to get the best times. The spa does book up very quickly.
4. Check into the resort fee to make sure you get the fitness center and internet covered. It’s better to pay in advance then at the resort separately for everything.

Happy get-aways! And be sure to let me know if you decide to go!

Sunday my partner and I decided to find some sunshine in Palm Springs, CA to work on our “vacation tans.” As we were driving out to the desert, we spontaneously migrated from our usual spot at the JW Marriott to La Quinta Resort.

La Quinta is a Waldorf-Astoria 5-star resort just past Palm Desert. It’s lay out is really unique in that it has little “pods” of rooms around a pool area (42 pools in all!)

What was really cool though was as we had lunch by the beautiful garden fountains, we met a man who was walking around with a rare breed of hawk.

“Alex”, the hawk is employed by the hotel to monitor the grounds for rodents and “undesirable” pests on the grounds. I thought it was such an interesting way to let nature manage what might be a problem for a 5-start resort guest (i.e. snakes.)

 
Me and “Alex” the hawk.

While we were out at La Quinta, we also noticed a really great summer program they have for kids. The rates start at $89/night, kids eat free and they even offer kid spa treatments. We are thinking of taking Mark’s daughter for her birthday since she has been hearing us talk about spas forever she is dying to go herself.

If you decide to check it out, let me know how you like it. There is a really great energy at this resort that is a bit more laid back and “rustic” with a Four Season’s level of service that you just can’t beat. And rumor has it that there is a lot of history in those rooms…many famous people from the old movie days have lived there.  

I’ll be going back to, and who knows, maybe we will have our next Platinum Elite Retreat there!

This past weekend I conducted my first 2008 Platinum Elite Mastermind retreat in Palm Desert California at the Miramonte Spa & Resort. It’s a smaller boutique type resort but I have to say, it’s a big winner in my book! 

I decided to treat myself and come in two days early just so I could have some down time, work on my book proposal and of course have some spa time. I even splurged for a suite over looking the gardens.The hotel’s service is truly wonderful. There were a few blips along the way but the staff truly did everything to make me comfortable, happy and to let me know I was important. 

Platinum mastermind members: Ira Bloomfield,
James Jackman, Michele PW, me, Kendall Summerhawk,
Christina Merkely, Beth Schneider, and Evan MK.    

One of our little adventures: the boat ride
at the JW Marriott to eat at Mikado’s.

My Platinum mastermind was ecstatic about the location and the experience. They all raved it was the best retreat yet (a few were new to the group the but ones who have been in for 2 years voted to return again next year!)

The mastermind experience was full of business growth strategies and challenges to experience huge shifts in their mindset and habits. But I have to admit that one of my favorite experiences was finding my new favorite spa treatment.

That’s right. For years I’ve raved about one spa in particular and I didn’t think any other place could win me over but it happened.

The Well (which is what they call their spa) has a fantastic treatment called the Organic Vegetable Wrap. I know it sounds like a sandwich, and I did feel like one too, but I felt like a million bucks after this treatment. It includes a body scrub, a gel-like vegetable concoction that you get wrapped up in, a head and foot massage (which were heavenly) and a full body Mediterranean massage.  

Another favorite: their salt water hydro pools. Ahhh….

Not only was the treatment insane…but the way they treat their clients is fantastic. I was given a choice of music and aromatherapy…wow! Needless to say, we will be back to this resort. I may even have to bring my honey out there to experience this wonderful resort. If you are heading to the Palm Springs area I highly recommend this resort!

One of the best moments was when I sat and talked with another guest, a manager from Wells Fargo Securities. When he asked why I was at the resort I told him that this is how I work with my clients. It was always my dream to travel and spend more time at luxury resorts so I decided I would work with clients who wanted the same thing. I could see the envy in his eye when he realized I do this all the time, not just once a year like most of the corporate world does.

A Few More Pix from Phoenix…

Alex Mendossian, me and Tom Antion. Two speaker experts that I think are a
must-see for anyone in the info-preneuring marketplace. (Of course, me too.)

Audrey Hagen — the most sought after event planner out there.
Luckily I snapped her up and she is taking great care
of the ULTIMATE Business Breakthrough participants.

After 3 days of hotel food, Mark & I took off to enjoy our “mini-vacation”
at the JW Marriott in Phoenix, AZ. If you read my travel blog you
have probably heard me rave about the JW in Palm Desert.
Well after a scrumptious dinner at Roy’s at the JW and a stroll around the property
we may have a new favortie. =-)