Happy Tuesday, folks! Sorry that this week’s 10 Things post is a day late, I was traveling back to NYC from the west coast all day yesterday and there was no wifi on my flight (gah!). Still, I’m glad to be back home safe and sound after a fantastic weekend out in the desert. I was staying at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, which is a stunning resort set into the mountainside with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountain ranges. It’s honestly quite something, as you may have seen in my Instagram Stories I was posting throughout the weekend! Let’s dive into my ten highlights from the weekend!
1. First up is this incredible sunrise hike I took on Saturday morning with my heart mate. One of my favorite things about staying in Rancho Mirage or Palm Springs is how the mountains often turn a soft shade of pink at sunrise and sunset – it’s so beautiful! I loved this guided hike we took through the mountains that surround the property – the perfect way to to kick off the weekend!
2. After a two hour hike we headed to the Club Lounge on the property to enjoy breakfast. That’s the best thing about kicking the day off with exercise, as you don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying a pastry or two afterwards. Yum!
3. See what I mean about those pink sunsets?! We made sure to wonder through the grounds of the property every night during golden hour to soak up the magical atmosphere.
4. I’ve travelled to Palm Springs numerous times over the past few years but I’d still yet to make it up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, so I made sure to put that to right this trip. We decided to take the two and a half mile trip up the mountain in the world’s largest rotating tram car to an elevation of almost 9,000ft at sunset. I’m so pleased we did because the colors of the mountains and the sky kept changing as we ascended the mountain.
5. This was the incredible view we had over the forest when we reached the top. Can you believe there was a 30 degree difference in temperature from the bottom to the top of the mountain?! It was crazy to go from desert temps. to a place where snow is regularly found on the ground in such a short space of time!
6. I loved the graphic shadows created on the side of this white buidling.
7. The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage property has these sweeping paths along the side of the mountain that make for awe-inspiring walks. You can also dine in The Edge Steakhouse (seen above) if you prefer to enjoy the view while you eat! 😉
8. On Sunday, I enjoyed a private tour of Sunnylands, which was the winter residence of Walter and Leonore Annenberg. We weren’t allowed to take pictures inside but I highly recommend taking a tour if you are in the area. I was geeking out over the framed letters to the Annenberg’s from Queen Elizabeth, as well as touring bedrooms and dining rooms that Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton, amongst many other dignitaries, have slept and ate in.
9. The surroudning gardens and grounds of Sunnylands are well worth exploring, too.
10. After a cultural morning, we retreated to the spa for a little R&R. I had a great facial (request Rachel if you can, she was so lovely!) and then chilled out in the outdoor wet area. Bliss! Thanks to the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage for kindly hosting my heart mate and I this past weekend, your hospitality was unmatched!
10 Comments
Enjoyed your videos this weekend. The hike & the tram ride looked immense.
@Mat – Cheers for following along! Highly recommend a trip to the desert, a great way to get outdoors and relax at the same time!
Woooooow!!! I’m getting married next year and I think I’ll have to consider this hotel for our honeymoon…..you were right to call it magical!! I love all the pink and the lights! xoxo
@Leila – It sure is magical! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and smart move re: the hotel, it would be the perfect honeymoon spot!
Beautiful pics as always will 🙂
@Remmy – Kind of you to say, thanks!
Well, I truly missed this post yesterday, Will!
That first picture tugs at my heart! The color, the sentiment, your “heart mate”… I love it all.
Happy Tuesday.
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
@Carrie – Awwww, thanks! 🙂
LOVE! Whats up with the pink sunsets and how can I get those shipped to Toronto? haha. Also thanks for always showcasing those abs of yours and making me feel like i should give up on sweets. I’m not going to, but you still make me feel like I should haha.
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
@Dider – NEVER give up sweets, Mr! Life without chocolate doesn’t bare thinking about! 😉