Golf: Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Even the greenest new golfer knows that the California desert is the place to go for top-notch courses. Since Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage has one of the best that the Palm Springs area has to offer, it should be on every golfer's desired destination list. Nestled at the base of Mount San Jacinto, the resort boasts a stunning 27-hole course (part of the Rancho Las Palmas Country Club) designed by Ted Robinson.

Famous for its palm trees (over 1,500 of them line the fairways), including the signature crisscrossed palms on the beautiful five hole (West) that anchors the center of the resort, the course is a lush desert oasis of brilliant green fairways, flowers, and beautiful water elements. And boy, does the water teem with wildlife! Look one way, and you’ll see a heron perched on a rock, look another and a flock of Canadian geese comes skittering in for a wet landing in one of the six lakes that dot the course. It is hard to believe you are in the heart of the desert, really. Of course, the homes that dot the course

Palm trees are the hallmark of the golf course at Rancho Las Palmas Resort.

The course is actually made up of three nine-hole courses (North, South, and West) that can be combined in any configuration to make a full 18. The best combo is to play the West and South, with the West featuring the most challenging holes, including a beauty (No. 6, which also sits in the heart of the resort) with a two-tiered waterfall that looks way easier than it plays.

Rancho’s course has been around since 1979, and has not always been the beauty it is now. With a new ownership group in place for both the resort and the course, there is a new attitude and lush look to the place, which is definitely reflected in the enjoyment of the play.

The bar at Rancho Las Palmas Resort.

Back at the resort, the $35 million revitalization shows in many ways, from the Splashtopia pool park (a great way to cool off after a round of golf) to bluEmber, the fine dining restaurant that offers excellent meals at cozy outdoor tables nestled near fire pits. The guest rooms are elegant, with plasma televisions, patios or balconies, and lush bedding; and the resort is dog friendly, too. Make sure to check out Spa Las Palmas, too, a huge, two-story pampering palace that offers every possible treatment. Massage after a tough day of golf? You bet. Plus a Thalasso bath afterward? Bliss. For more information about this desert getaway go to www.rancholaspalmas.com.

Blu Ember restaurant at Rancho Las Palmas.