Michael Commins, Author at Fairway Vacation Rentals

May 13 2023

Give the Gift of Relaxation This Mother’s Day at The Spa at Séc-he

Treat Your Mother To a Spa Day In Palm Springs

Spending Mother’s Day in the desert? Palm Springs has a brand new haven for relaxation and wellness. The Spa at Séc-he (seck hee) offers a wide array of state-of-the-art services and cutting-edge therapies designed to promote healing and well-being.

This brand new luxury spa features 15 treatment rooms offering massages, facials, and body treatments. And of course, a visit to the spa isn’t complete without a soak in their healing hot mineral spring baths. The sacred mineral waters are said to release tension, diminish muscle aches, reduce joint inflammation

There must be something in the water

For over 12,000 years, these legendary and sacred waters have soothed and healed. This ancient mineral spring is one of the most important cultural resources protected by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Create the perfectly curated spa day for the mom(s) in your life! The Spa at Séc-he will deliver a truly restorative and rejuvenating experience. From soaking in hot mineral spring waters, to luxurious state of the art spa treatments, to detoxing in their sauna and steam rooms, to freshening up your hair or nails at the salon, to lounging by the pool – true bliss is just a reservation away!

Book Your Mother’s Day Getaway with Us!

Fairway Vacation Rentals by Meredith offers a lovely collection of vacation rentals throughout the Coachella Valley. Come tired and leave inspired after a dreamy desert getaway!

Apr 01 2023

Things to do in Palm Desert!

You come to the desert for a change of climate, pace and attitude, so it’s a great time to try new ways to explore, adventure and experience the Coachella Valley. Sure you’ll find all the golf, tennis and hiking you can ask for in Palm Desert but you like things different.

Check out these special things to do in Palm Desert

The Living Desert Zoo and Garden

https://www.livingdesert.org/

Feed giraffes by hand, spy on jaguars or make friends with a black rhino; Living Desert Zoo is an interactive nature experience. With over 500 animals, you could spend a week just exploring the Zoo! 1200 acres sprawl out across the Sonoran desert, 80 of them developed into the zoo and botanical gardens, the rest available to hike and explore. The Living Desert’s botanical gardens feature 50 immersive gardens representing deserts of North America and Mexico. Animal environments vary from African Savanna to Wild Americas to Australian Adventures.

Fantasy Balloon Flights

http://www.fantasyballoonflight.com/
Drift magically across the silent sunrise sky and watch the desert come to life during a hot air balloon ride across the Coachella Valley. Toast each other with champagne and marvel at the unmatched birds-eye views over the hills. Daily sunset flights too if the early morning is not your game.

The Street Fair at College of the Desert

https://codaastreetfair.com/
You can shop the malls for brands everyone else can get or you can do you and head to one of the top street fair shopping experiences. Open-air and shaded, strolling through the market browsing the artisan home goods, fashion and furniture is a pleasure; a way to appreciate the smaller scale of life. A Farmers Market, live entertainment, gourmet eats and maybe even vintage cars will tempt and charm you. Go ahead and spend here; your purchases finance scholarships for College of the Desert students. Open weekends in the season.

Take a Tour With a Travel Pro

Tallgrass Tours
http://www.tallgrasshikingandtours.com/
Big Wheel Tours
https://bwbtours.com/

The unique and diverse Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, the fab homes of the famous and formerly famous, regional agriculture and wine tasting or the murals of Indio and Coachella are just some of the specialized tours offered to elevate your vacation. Leave the driving to someone else so you can see it all and absorb contextual information from expert tour guides and naturalists. You can ride in comfortable air con, exciting open air Jeeps or go on foot or bike – there is a tour option for everyone in Palm Desert.

Make a Special Things To Do in Palm Desert List

Your unique vacation is all yours! Start from the cool comfort of one of Meredith Lodging’s Palm Desert vacation rentals and explore the Coachella Valley with some of these out of the box ideas. You’ll never be short of things to do in Palm Desert!

Feb 18 2023

Palm Desert Shopping: Everything Under the Sun and In the Mall!

Whatever brings you to Palm Desert, you won’t want to miss the opportunity for some specialty shopping at some of the area’s popular shopping districts. Local boutiques rub shoulders with international luxury brands; shimmering jewelry stores and art galleries invite you in for a feast for the eyes… Shopping in person is way more fun than online and Palm Desert has so much to offer!

Retail Therapy Along El Paseo aka Downtown Palm Desert

If there is a Downtown Palm Desert, it’s El Paseo. More than 200 shops, restaurants and art galleries fill the mile-long El Paseo shopping experience. Enjoy the stroll on a pleasant day, meandering in and out of the shops that catch your fancy. Cafes, bakeries and restaurants are mixed in throughout serving snacks, lunches and meals. Watch for outdoor seating for a very civilized stop to rest and refresh yourself in between shops. A midday glass of champagne feels so very Palm, doesn’t it?

If you want a ride along El Paseo, the all-electric El Paseo Courtesy Carts run Oct – May, offering rides to all who hail. Download the app from www.ridecircuit.com or jump on a passing Cart. And yes, “courtesy” means a free ride!

Shopping Destinations in Palm Desert, CA

Open air, car-free and indoors, your options for a shopping experience are as varied as the many shops, galleries and restaurants in Palm Desert. Curated shops neighbor each other to enhance your experience and each destination offers its own flavor. Here are some of the most popular shopping destinations in the Palm Desert area.

Destination: The Gardens on El Paseo

Luxury brand shops like Gucci, Johnny Was, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co are joined by up and coming retailers like UNOde50 and Janie & Jack. This comfortable mall is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and has become an entertainment hub as well. Watch for special events like Fashion Week, concerts and Cruise nights. It’s always a great place to find a fine meal; select from a wide variety of kitchens.

Destination: The Shops on El Paseo

The west end of El Paseo is home to some of your favorite brands and a way to get the entire experience from your shopping visit. The Chico’s shops are all here, near Athleta, The Upper Crust and Trestle, where you’ll be tempted into personalizing your space from scratch.

Stay Close to Home – No Need to Drive to Palm Springs

Palm Desert has all the shopping fun you want in your vacation and there’s no need to travel far to find it. The Shops at Palm Desert is a traditional mall (sometimes known as Westfield) with stores that the kids will love; Vans Off The Wall, MAC cosmetics and H&M fashion anchored with a Macy’s department store and a fantastic food court. 150 stores will keep you entertained, or take a break or rain day inside at the excellent independent movie theater here.

Destination: Desert Hills Outlet Mall

If you love the look of luxury and also love a bargain, you’ll want to save time to go shopping at Desert Hills Premium Outlets. International fashion houses like Balenciaga, Dolce and Gabbana, Jimmy Choo and Prada fill this shopping destination with deals on fashion, jewelry and home goods. Snack stops pepper the property when you want to stop for a bite or a drink

Palm Desert: Shopping Nirvana

It’s definitely worth setting aside some time to enjoy art and shopping in Palm Desert and the many options here make it easy to do indoors or out. Enjoy the winter weather and stroll the city; it’s a vacation in a vacation!

Jan 21 2023

Palm Desert Hikes: Loving the Desert On Foot!

Maximize your Palm Desert trip with a hike in the uniquely scenic Coachella Valley! This low desert environment is full of specialized plants, trees and animals and they’re all best appreciated up close and in slow motion. “Hiking” doesn’t have to mean difficult or special gear, think of it as a walk in nature vs crawling up a mountainside! Miles of groomed trails surround the town and wind up and around the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountain ranges and vary from accommodating easy strolls to more challenging advanced climbs.

Murray Canyon Trail

A palm tree forest in the middle of the desert might not be expected, but that’s one of the features that makes this Indian Canyons hike so special. Walk in along and across the creek to read the Seven Sisters Waterfall for your photo opportunity and to have a snack. Watch for Big Horn sheep and mule deer picking their way along the high ground and unique desert vegetation – will you see the bright yellow creosote flowers before you smell the pungent bush? This hike is rated easy to moderate and the trail is open to equestrians as well; Murray Canyon Trail is a lovely introduction to the area.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Your Ride To The Top!

Climb up Chino Canyon the easy way, with a scenic ride to the top in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and views that can not be replicated. Known as being the world’s largest rotating tram car, you’ll get 360 degree views on your 10 minute trip. Two & a half miles up gives you spectacular views into the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area and is suitable for all the members of your group. Leave some to visit the natural history museum or have a bite in one of 2 restaurants while you head off to explore over 50 miles of trails. You can make this magical trip more than once, so save some hikes for the next time!

Straight Uphill: Meet the Museum Trail

It looks so good on paper.. Just 1.7 miles out and back, heck, that’s what you do for breakfast at home, right? The thing is, the Museum Trail is a steep and rocky climb up nearly 1000 feet in about a mile, and best for more experienced hikers. But, it’s do-able and when you reach the top there is a picnic area with tables and views out over the greater Palm Springs area. This is a belt-notcher hike; do it!

Jan 21 2023

Palm Desert Breakfast Favorites!

Kick off your Palm Desert day with the most important meal of the day: Breakfast! Whether you start light with a coffee and a bun or are fueling up for the day with a big plate, you’ll find sweet or savory starts at our Palm Desert breakfast favorites.

Stay Local! Skip the Palm Springs Breakfast

Eating close to home saves time and driving so we generally recommend saying in Palm Desert for your first meal. BUT, make an exception for a trip to the MidMod Café (515 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs) if you eat vegan or gluten-free! Vegan biscuits and gravy, vegan sausage and a side of greens will make your day and the gluten-free waffles and pancakes make everything in the world right again.

9 Palm Desert Breakfast Restaurants We Love

Keedy’s Fountain & Grill

73-633 CA-111, Palm Desert

Keedy’s Fountain & Grill is a genuine vintage diner with counter seating and maybe a waitress named Flo. This is a breakfast joint for reading the paper over endless coffee and a stack of pancakes. Seriously, just go because it’s a treasure.

Palms Café

41000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage

Palms Café is an excellent grab-n-go option, although you’re welcome to sit in the sunny spot for bites like breakfast burritos with hand-made tortillas, house-made baked goods (gluten-free yes!) and Stance Coffee brewed and espresso drinks.

Wilma & Frieda’s Café

73575 El Paseo #2310, Palm Desert

Wilma & Frieda’s Café is an El Paseo Shopping District mandatory stop for crispy, shredded hashbrowns with your egg breakfast. Classic comfort foods like waffles and brunchy choices are updated with fresh ingredients. Orders to go available.

The French Corner Café

72423 Highway 111, Palm Desert

The French Corner Café is a mini trip to Paris! Traditional French patisserie, fresh squeezed orange juice , crepes and Sunday champagne is all you need to know for a perfect vacation breakfast.

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery

73-161 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery brings NYC-style deli to Palm Desert, serving kosher fare all day. These are the real deal flavors you want: house-baked breads including fresh baked cinnamon bread French toast. And of course, all the best deli sandwiches like corned beef and Reubens.

CJ’s Diner

74894 Lennon Pl Suite H-1, Palm Desert

is the go to for an early start; they open a little earlier than other breakfast restaurants in Palm Desert. Huevos all the ways you like them, Monte Cristo sandwich, fried chicken; good diner grub in a comfy setting.

D’ Coffee Bouteaque

73131 Country Club Dr C1, Palm Desert

D’ Coffee Bouteaque is a civilized spot to stop and catch your breath for the week; enjoy the loving atmosphere here; it’s a very personal space. Special lattes and teas here promote good health and the rest is delicious decadence.

Karen’s Cafe

Karen’s Cafe is a solid neighborhood style diner over near I-10. Friendly service, cooked to order breakfasts and hot cup of coffee; what more do you need? This is the place where you are referred to as ‘honey bunny” or “lovey” when your order is taken, and you like it.

Cups Café

77912 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert

Cups Café brings farm to table freshness and a modern vibe to the breakfast table; they specialize in Brunch & Drunch, so this is a great mid-day stop to fill up. Amazing chilaquiles and benedicts – and a lobster omelet! You’ll probably want to stop here at least twice on your visit; once for sweet, once for savory.