BIG DIFFERENCES: Ever since the new Joie de Vivre property opened in Palm Springs in February we've been noting a few differences between the hotel and its cactus namesake. Oh, we love that it is named the Saguaro, which is indeed the King of the Cacti and deserving plenty of homages. But where saguaros tend to be sort of a grey-green, the Saguaro is full of blocky bright pinks and yellow. A real saguaro is all prickly; the Palm Springs Saguaro is full of comfy beds. And the cactus takes a long time to grow. Not the hotel, though; even though it has only been open for a couple of months it is already up and at 'em with deals and to-dos. Coachella pool party? Yep, it did that. Now it is offering a cooking package for groups. Name: Desert Chef.
MAKE DINNER THEN EAT IT: It is aimed at family get-togethers and reunions and bachelorette and bachelor parties. Meaning? You'll need to round up 10 or more people. But the rate starting point sweet: $149 per person. With that you get a room and a session with a cooking class with Tinto chefs. The theme? Basque tapas. Oh yeah. And there's sangria involved, too, which is good; when you're staying at a hotel named after an arid-climate plant you want something refreshing nearby. Agreed? Which leads us to end this on the photo of the pool above. Will your group convene on those loungers to talk about tales of making tapas when your session is over? We can almost hear the kitchen stories now.
