PALM SPRINGS.
Modernism and Music.
By The Denizen
This desert destination is satisfying our architecture and musical leanings.
Mondo Travel
Palm Springs
0800 955 655
www.mondotravel.co.nz
When Hollywood legends Elvis Presley, the Rat Pack and Marilyn Monroe needed mid-century, stylishly modern abodes within two hours of LA, Greater Palm Springs – California’s oasis in the desert, became their playground. Fast forward to the present, the destination is still drawing the attention of personalities like Leonardo DiCaprio and music superstar, Sia, who both have homes in the area.
To truly immerse oneself in all the wonders that this real-life mirage has to offer, from living the celebrity life, to appeasing fascinations with modernist design, or perhaps simply to satisfy outdoor music festival inclinations while sighting celebs in their natural habitat, Greater Palm Springs boasts your front row seat to the action. So the next time the land of stars and stripes beckons, might we suggest ticking off at least one of these bucket list experiences at the desert resort city:
Authentic Star Treatment
The perfect place to get a taste of the high life, Greater Palm Springs allows one to actually stay in a celebrity’s former estate. From Sinatra to Lucy, these luxury dwellings span the length of the valley, each a first-rate example of living like the celebrity you really are once you touch down in this sandy realm.
Modernism Week (12-22 February, 2015)
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Modernism Week’s signature February Event is an annual celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, art, fashion, and culture. It features more than 100 events including the Modernism Show, home tours, films, lectures, double decker bus tours, parties, walking and bike tours, a pre-fab showcase, vintage fashion, live music events, a vintage travel trailer exhibition and more. In addition to the events in February, Modernism Week hosts the “Fall Season Kick-Off” over Columbus Day weekend in mid-October. Partner organisations collaborate to produce a “mini-Modernism Week” to commence the active social and recreational season in Palm Springs.
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (10-12 April, 17-19 April, 2015)
Every April, Greater Palm Springs is transformed into a music mecca as the extolled Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival descends upon the Empire Polo Club in Indio. With performances by a line up of the industry’s top talent, larger-than-life art installations, iconic desert sunsets and plenty of celebrity sightings, these two weekends – that attract crowds upwards of 579,000 – are nothing short of magical.
Mondo Travel can prepare a personalised package for your ultimate Greater Palm Springs getaway, including all hotels, car hire and airfares to and from the US. Enquire today to start exploring. For more information, see the Mondo Travel website here.
