My LGBTQ+ Friendly Journey to Greater Palm Springs

As a member of the LGBTQ community, this made an impression on me. I loved that Miramonte is a supporter of my community, and I already felt like I belonged. I think this sense of belonging was helpful in my being able to relax fully.

When I arrived in Greater Palm Springs, my radio landed on 107.3 Mod FM. I’m telling you right now, this station is the quintessential soundtrack for a visit to this desert oasis. Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. crooned through the speakers as I rolled the windows down and took in the intoxicating desert air. As a budding Hollywood actress I had a sense of this being my initiation into the Rat Pack and I loved every second of it. 

As I pulled into the Miramonte, I was enchanted by the gorgeous Spanish style architecture and the mountains that seemed to peek their heads around every corner. It is no surprise that this resort is named Miramonte which is Spanish for “Mountain View”. The bougainvillea rolled out the red carpet as I made my way around the olive groves and lemon trees to my room. Oh, my room! I chose the Luxury King Room with expansive glass doors that led to a private patio. The patio where I would read, have coffee, and do a little bit of nothing, all while taking in the sound and sights of the birds and lush greenery for the next two days. 

I decided to hike a short local’s trail (Randall Henderson Trail) 15 minutes away before I began my ultimate relaxation. I met a few kind people along the trail who lived in the area and welcomed me with tips on where the best spring cactus blooms are. Back at the resort, I toured the grounds decorated with stunning desert flora and fauna, public art, and the Citrus and Chef’s Garden, where I later got a taste as I dined at the resort’s Citrus and Palm as well as The Tavern. 

Related: Travel Kindly - Greater Palm Springs 

I wasn't the only guest who had the idea to check in and stay put. Whether we were poolside, enjoying the full-service spa (Spa Rosa), meandering the windy pathways of the grounds, or connecting with others at the firepit, we were all there for one reason - to relax and enjoy ourselves. 

I noticed there were fruit pickers and baskets in the resort’s lobby and guests were picking their own lemons and grapefruits from the trees. I saw a few guests down the way as I was sitting on my patio at one point and invited them to pick some lemons off my tree. They obliged and let me take pictures. Once they’d gathered their lemons, they even gave me one. They’re enormous and delicious. I was amazed at the childlike joy the guests (in their 60’s) were feeling when they scored each fruit. This is a memory I will not soon forget.

On my way out of town, I spent the morning in Palm Springs. I had coffee with Marilyn Monroe, strolled the Walk of Stars, and then I headed to The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert for a yoga class that was open to the public. The incredible teacher, Marci, led us through a gentle flow. I see why people from all over the world visit and even move to this special place. Who knows, maybe when I make it big in Hollywood, I’ll have a home here to spend long weekends. Or maybe, I’ll keep checking into the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa instead. Either way, I’ll be back.

Author Bio: Casey Carroll is a sober writer, artist, consultant and proud Kind Traveler. She is based out of Los Angeles. Follow her journey on Instagram at @CaseyJoyCarroll.