Palm Springs, United States: Family Resorts and Desert Living

Located about 2 hours east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs used to be the playground of the rich and famous in the '70's and '80's, boasting luxury homes of celebrities like Bob Hope and even Elvis. Today, people flock to LA for their celeb spotting, and head to Palm Springs for some R n R in one of its many something-for-everyone resorts.

We stayed at the Rancho Las Palmas, a resort known for its golf, spa and family-friendliness. In the last category, it certainly didn't disappoint. The resort's biggest attraction is Splashtopia, Rancho's very own mini water park, with two 100-ft slides, a lazy river, water fountains and a mini beach area for the little ones. Definitely a highlight with the kids. There is also a regular pool and a jacuzzi, and the Splash Grill where you can get your fill of poolside fare: burgers, fries and shakes, delivered right to your deck chair. For those who are able to get away, there is an adult-only tranquility pool closer to the lobby and a pool in the spa. In the winter, the pools were heated to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and even though it was 50 degrees outside - not optimal swimming conditions- the pool was packed because the desert sun is very strong.

The hotel has one main restaurant where breakfast is served (kids under 3 eat free, and the breakfast buffet for kids is $10 I believe). Similarly, dinner time at Blue Ember offered a buffet for kids for a reasonable fee and included the usual suspects: chicken tenders, pasta, vegetables and cookies. Not imaginative or particularly healthy, but pretty darn convenient. That being said, the resort organizes events almost 5 days a week at the "Plaza", the open area outside the main lobby with huge fire pits and a community-feel. On the Saturday we were there, we had the option to attend a Family Barbeque with entertainment such as face-painting and a golf-putting contest.  Great for slightly older kids but still plenty of toddlers around.

I can definitely recommend the Rancho Las Palmas Spa, with its wide range of treatments, beautiful facility and well-trained staff. If you and your partner want to avail of some quiet time together, consider signing the kids up to Kidtopia, the resort's in-house daycare, for a fee. The minimum is 3 hours but that might be just what the doctor ordered to get your rest in this vacation. There is a playground on the premises but it is far from the main lobby area (close to the 2700 building, where we were staying fortunately). It is also down a narrow flight of stairs and a bit difficult to navigate so ditch the pram.

Overall, I was grateful for the child-friendliness of the resort. It was expensive and like many family resorts, everything was available at an inflated price. The housekeeping service was also slightly erratic: we left the room at 10 am with the "Clean my room" sign on the door and returned at 4pm only to find that it had not been cleaned (pet peeve here, I was livid!). They did accommodate us and clean the room when we left for dinner but the cleaner did a shoddy job, leaving spilled milk on the table. There were also crickets in 2 rooms of our party. So my advice would be that Rancho Las Palmas is a great place to take the kids, but do not be afraid to call them out so that you get the service you are paying for. 

When we got tired of hotel food (and prices), we explored the neighborhood options. Castelli's has great Italian food, attentive and quick service, and a lively atmosphere. The portions are massive though, so order wisely.

Another Palm Spring highlight is the Desert Hills Premium Outlets with such great deals on treasured names in retail such as Prada, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Dolce and Gabbana and DVF. They also have all your favorite mass brands like the Gap, Banana Republic and for kids, Gymboree and Toys R Us. My advice would be to focus on the luxury goods and leave the generic shopping to online (unless you are not from the United States).

You can fly or drive to Palm Springs, and it is worth it if you want to get away from the cities for a while. The desert definitely gives it an open and quiet feel, different from what you would get, say, at a beach resort. Palm Springs still fancies itself as upscale, so the prices may reflect that sentiment.

Eggs-to-Order at breakfast

Golf hole in the center of the resort

Family conversations and marshmallow roasting

Lots of splashes at Splashtopia

Xmas joy in the lobby of Rancho Las Palmas

Mumbai, India: All-Day Entertainment at High-Street Phoenix

If you want to spend a day away from the traffic and chaos of Mumbai's streets, make your way over to Phoenix Mills, or High-Street Phoenix, as it is sometimes called. South Bombay's answer to a mall, this massive compound may overwhelm you at first (the signage is pretty crap as well), but with a few hours (and this guide), you will familiarize yourself with all its several nooks and corners.

The area is made up of five parts: Phoenix Mills, Skyzone Mall, the Galleria, PVR Cinemas, and the (wi-fi enabled) Palladium Mall (newest). The Palladium is closer to your idea of a traditional mall with super designer brands and enclosed circular floors. Here you can find international brands such as Diesel, Estee Lauder, Paul Smith, Burberry and Bo Concept, in addition to upper scale Indian names such as AND (Anita Dongre's casual line), Shantanu and Nikhil and Satya Paul. Head to the top floor to Urban Yoga for ridiculously cute kids' yoga wear (organic cotton they can wear anywhere actually) and to Sayonara Toys just for a peek. For charming homewares, stop by Earth, particularly if you are into Ganeshas and Buddhas. When you are done there, pop in for a bite at the Indigo Deli, one of India's premier gourmet chains.

When you are ready for a little more Indianness, step out to the rest of Pheonix Mills, an indoor-outdoor complex with everything from a Big Bazaar (India's CostCo equivalent), to Hamley's and McDonald's. You can also feast on Indian street food (NOT recommended for the weak of heart or stomach, this is pretty hardcore stuff - the rule of thumb is if you are going to eat off the streets, make sure it is cooked and hot. Avoid the chutneys, for example). Around the corner, enter the Skyzone Mall where you will find international treasures like Marks and Spencer (best quality kids' underwear in the world) and Crocs (with a wide selection of kid crocs). You can also stop into Soma and Mogra for Indian apparel and homewares.

Move onto the section called the "Galleria", where the highlight is definitely OmVed, an all-natural enterprise that produces mesmerizing incenses and body products. My favorite however is their children products: an all-organic range of spiritual and earth-friendly t-shirts and the softest, most beautiful baby blankets (I bought three: one for me, and 2 for my best friends!). Definitely worth the hunt for this Bombay-exclusive store.
Across from OmVed is the famous Bombay Store, with a good sampling of Indian stationery, artifacts, and candles. Try the Khadi brand of body products sold here. Finally, always worth a stop into FabIndia, for Indian kurtas for all ages, and home products (try their teas!).

When you are done with all the shopping, make your way to the PVR cinemas, not for a movie but for a snack at the eclectic food court. Try a saada dosa (south Indian crepe-ish, very kid-friendly), or grab an ice-cream and a falafel.

One last stop before you exit is the new department store, Landmark Bookshop at the base of the Palladium. Here you can find all manner of latest music (Indian and international), dvds, video games, gift sets, and a great selection of books for kids (again, Indian and international). I always plan to spend 2 hours at Landmark every trip to Mumbai. This is where I stack up on Indian dvds and books for Karam.

If you were lucky enough to have a car and driver bring you here, make sure to call your driver a good 20 minutes before you head to your pick-up point (which you should have agreed on at drop-off). The parking lot is crazy.

Happy shopping!

Other posts in the Mumbai series:

India - General Travel Tips


Bombay (Mumbai), India - Most Baby-Friendly Club

Bombay (Mumbai), India - Public Parks

The Palladium

McDonald's at Phoenix Mills

Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummys Salon

For a taste of how much Sydney loves its mums, and how they all have that hot, MILFy glow, check out the Yummy Mummys Salon in Paddington. This is way off the beaten tourist track, but is worth a try because it's such a novel concept.

When I say full-service salon, I mean full-service. YM offers hair, nails, laser, tanning, massages, pregnancy treatments, cellulite reduction, facials, beauty packages, waxing, and the list could go on. You can bring your own wine and champagne or taste some of their own pretty delectable coffee. And if you are in town for a party, they can even organize catering for you.

The kicker is - they have a little creche downstairs with playing equipment inside and out, as well as cots if baby needs to sleep. For AUD 7.50/hour, their caretakers will supervise your child, or if you are traveling with your nanny, bring her in for free! The best part is that this place is fairly low key, so it's not ever bustling like some overexposed salons can be.

I won't lie- this place is expensive. But the surrounding is clean and pleasant and the low stress and guilt factors of having your children near you is worth a few extra dollars. That, combined with the fact that it is close to Oxford Street, Sydney's premium shopping street will punch a decent hole in your wallet. Perfect for a day out when dad's working (or golfing).

Other posts in the Sydney series:


Australia - General Travel Tips



Sydney, Australia - Lollipop's Land on a Rainy Day


Sydney, Australia - Best Kids' Shopping Under One Roof


Sydney, Australia - My Picks for Bubby-Friendly Brunches


Sydney, Australia - Mum 'n' Bubs Movie Date

Sydney, Australia - Yummy Mummies Pole Dancing

Sydney, Australia - Saturday Paddington Markets