McCoy’s Me-Cations: The Parker Palm Springs – The Ultimate Luxurious California Escape

Yesterday, I shared with you the announcement of my new series, McCoy’s Me-Cations – posts that encourage you, my readers, (and myself) to take more mini vacations on your own. Why? Because as Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

I don’t wanna miss it. And I don’t want you to either. Taking little holidays alone, away from the hustle and bustle of life – and even those we love, sometimes – can helps us relax, unwind and further discover the riches that lie within us as individuals. I share with you now my first official McCoy Me-Cation. May it inspire you to follow suit.

***

Where: The Parker Palm Springs
When:  July 1st-3rd, 2014  

What: Golden age of glamour + Rat pack resort = The ultimate luxurious California escape

Special thanks to Marisa Zafran & The Parker Palm Springs, Nicole Myden, George Duchannes (photography), Gabby Castro (hair), Sabrina Ginsburg (makeup), Isha Takomaki (hair assistant) and jewelry ℅ AV Max, Liv Haley, Heather Gardner and Rachel Meis Communications

Upon entering The Parker Palm Springs, there is one thing that everyone agrees upon – it feels enchanted. Haunted almost, if you will. But it’s not haunted by ghosts – but by the golden age of glamour.

Welcome to The Parker Palm Springs.

From the eager-to-please valets to the customer service kings and queens they call concierges, the swanky limestone Mini Bar to the egg swing chairs and croquet lawn, everything about it reminds you of a playland where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Angie Dickinson would have played. It almost feels like how the fictional Overlook Hotel might have felt in its peak season pre-Shining era. But don’t let that scare you. I mean it in the best possible way.

The Jonathan Adler designed lobby. It's not that you take drugs at The Parker, it's that you feel like you're on them while there because you're just so darned blissed out. *Photo by George Duchannes

I left on a Tuesday, and the drive was a breeze at just over two hours.

Color me one happy girl. Caffeine in my hand, wind in my hair and Otis Redding on the stereo. Parker Palm Springs Me-Cation, here we go!

I LOVE this place. I can’t emphasize that enough. I went in the dead heat of early July and people thought I was crazy. “Palm Springs is an oven in the summer!” 

But they were the crazy ones.

I arrived at around 6 pm and was led by a super sweet valet to my estate room with a lanai, looking out onto the north pool.

Paint the door red. Standing in front of the door to my poolside estate room *Photo by George Duchannes

I was greeted with a fresh fruit plate and handwritten welcome card that immediately made me feel at home.

It is rare that I have been this happy. Thank you for the oh-so-warm welcome, Parker Palm Springs . Let's just call it love at first sight...or bite. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

My new home away from home! *Photo by George Duchannes

The location of my room allowed me to have solo swims with a glass of vino in the evening and early morning post-coffee dips.

Sipping coffee on the lanai of my estate room by the north pool

It was my favorite moment of the summer. And it was a moment that was stretched over 3 lavish days and 2 luxurious nights.

I spent my first evening, having a light, casual dinner of oysters and wine at the Mini Bar.

A light dinner of oysters and pinot noir at the Mini Bar, with my charming bartender, George

This place  - with its green marble walls and bar – is just luxe.

The Mini Bar - gorgeous green marble all around. *Photo by George Duchannes

The next morning, I had room service on my lanai, enjoying the delicious view of the pool and palm trees almost as much as I enjoyed my omelet.

Good morning, @parkerpalmsprings ! Day 2 of McCoy's MeCations is off to a delicious start. Enjoying this Denver-style omelet & fresh-squeezed juice on the lanai of my poolfront estate room. Heaven while fueling up for today's shoot. **p.s. Thanks @mollanderson for the tip on bringing touches of home on vacation with you to make it feel like home. I brought this lovely Vera tablecloth which just couldn't fit into the ambiance of the Parker more perfectly. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

Enjoying some oj in bed while catching up on emails before I turn the laptop off for the day! *Photo by George Duchannes

That afternoon, I spent some much-needed R&R, reading for a bit in the swinging egg chair in the lobby.

Just a swingin'. Photo by George Duchannes

Next up? Some spiked lemonade at the lemonade stand. This is when I really realized how much a mini me-cation can be as therapeutic as a long vacation.

Know what this picture says? Summer, y'all!! Come to the @parkerpalmsprings - it's the MOST fun! (Am I the only girl who still references Shag?) *Photo by Dawn McCoy

And I was plumb giddy about the lemon and vanilla-hued life-sized chess board!

Ain't life grand? Living la vida lemonade on the Parker's chessboard *Photo by George Duchannes

For dinner? Why, I had to find Mr.Parker’s, of course.

Looking for Mister Parker *Photo by George Duchannes

At Mister Parker’s, you get not only the most delectable food and top notch service, but there’s the bonus perk of the best 70s music mix ever made.

A slice of 70s. Yep. This In Bloom by Jonquil pj lounge set is what I wore to Mister Parker's for dinner. Don't judge. It just felt right. *Photo by George Duchannes

The soundtrack at Mister Parker’s is as if The Virgin Suicides was living and breathing on Spotify. Do yourself a favor and get the burrata salad. The lemon oil and champagne vinaigrette is one of the most scrumptious tastes I’ve ever tasted in my life.

That night, I got to enjoy my favorite thing in the world - nightswimming.

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night… *Photo by George Duchannes

It was just me in the pool, so I put in my earbuds, sipped some wine and listened to some Sam Cooke and Bill Withers. It was one of those moments when you nostalgize while actually in the moment, because you know it’s that good and that you’ll always remember the moment.

The next day, I hit Norma’s for breakfast, which is a must.

Norma's for Breakfast - a Palm Springs must!

Even people visiting Palm Springs, not staying at The Parker, hit Norma’s for brunch – because it’s that killing.

Just a bit of the naughtiness at Norma's. A breakfast of Norma's Benedict with a side helping of gratitude. Writing thank you notes to the incomparable concierge, John, and all the staff here at the@parkerpalmsprings . They just made this MeCation (and last minute photo shoot) a dream!*Photo by Dawn McCoy

Next up? I read for a bit in one of the hammocks.

Stop. Hammock time.

And then read some more on the lawn.

Nora Ephron + The Parker = HEAVEN *Photo by George Duchannes **Sunhat by Bungalow LA

And then visited with other Parker guests outside the lobby.

Comfy-cozy at The Parker. *Photo by George Duchannes

Then…it was spa time.

PSYC (yes, that's what it's called). I am so thankful for my life. Having said that, I would really like to be back at PSYC - the spa - at @parkerpalmsprings right now. A little slice of yacht club heaven from the Fitzgerald days. I want my house to look like this spa did. Swoon. (I swoon a lot at the Parker. Luckily, there are plenty of valets and bellboys to catch me). *Photo by Dawn McCoy

The Parker PSYC is a whole other experience to be had. A little slice of yacht club from the Fitzgerald days. The 90-minute massage took my bliss to the next level and the various baths and pools of the Parker were just what I needed to round out my trip, before heading back to LA.

When I left The Parker, I was naturally sad to leave.

Don't tear me away! *Photo by George Duchannes

But I was surprised at how rested, relaxed and revitalized I felt. And I knew my first time wouldn’t be my last. I now consider myself to be a true Parker devotee.

It's like the sun is chasing me. This is how I feel after 3 days and 2 nights@parkerpalmsprings . What's that word again? Oh, yes. HAPPY. Yep. That's the word. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

A little piece of The Parker. The talismans I brought back from my @parkerpalmsprings MeCation - hopefully, they'll bring a bit of magic back to LA with me. These are the goodies you find on your toiletries tray when you stay at the Parker. Divine.@penhaligons_uk @penhaligonsltd @hermes @bulgariofficial @loccitane

 

Your takeaway? If you want to escape the modern age and go back in time to the Gatsby era meets 70s Rat Pack days, The Parker Palm Springs is where it’s at. The resort must be how the Dirty Dancing resort felt to Baby.The accommodations, the service, the taste level, and, well, the tastes will make you want to return as often as you can. It’s like home…only elevated.

Some glamour at the glamorous Parker

**Dawn Do: I often visit The Parker Palm Springs site is the Deals section. They’re sent as they become available to my inbox – and I recommend you sign up, as well. They offer GREAT deals, including those for spa junkies and foodies – both of which I think we know I am. What kind of deals? Well, when you pay $249/night (during the week or $299/weekend), you receive a $250 credit in spa or dining amenities.  I don’t know what could be more inviting than that!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Where should I take my NEXT McCoy’s Me-Cation? 

Father’s Day Gift Guide: James Magni’s book, Magni Modernism

Oftentimes – when it comes to Father’s Day – we give Dad the old tried and true blues: a neck tie, giftcard or novelty electronic being among the most popular.

But today and tomorrow, I’m bringing you my not-the-norm but sure-to-be-loved picks for Father’s Day this year.

Today, a book. But not just any book.

If your dad loves architecture and design but maybe doesn’t have the time or means to explore his passion, feed his inner yearnings with James Magni’s book, Magni Modernism ($37.99).

James Magni's book, MAGNI MODERNISM is available on Amazon for $37.99. Order today and Dad will have it by tomorrow!

Even homebody-heartthrob, Brad Pitt, has spoken out about his love for architecture and his compelling personal need to build a home. But what about a design aesthetic that speaks to both men and women? Here’s where James Magni and his design philosophy enter.

James Magni’s highly sophisticated – and soulful – home design aesthetic is on speed-dial among many of Hollywood’s most elite. Incorporating elements of modernism along with spiritually awakening pieces and special attention to personal details and taste, Magni will put the power of design into your dad’s hands.

Drawing upon his winding career path to his soul-searching travels, Magni’s design elements and philosophy will help your dad find what his own design aesthetic is – and that will lead to one happy papa!

Happy Father’s Day, indeed!

 

Saturday Social Hour: Eat, Design, Love! WestWeek at PDC

When I was invited by Penelope Francis & Co. to the “Eat, Design, Love!” event during WestWeek at Aran Cucine at the Pacific Design Center, I was thrilled. You mean, three of my most favorite things all in one room with design, culinary and editorial gurus all contributing? Yes, yes, LOVE!! So who was at this lovely meeting of the minds? The dapper & divinely-inspired designer, Christopher Kennedy, the delightful designer Jiun Ho and champion chef Josiah Citrin of Melisse. All of the comfortable entertaining-themed banter was moderated by the enchanting Arianne Nardo of Interiors magazine.

When I arrived, I started with a glass of infused water. Always good to start with water when you know cocktails will be involved!

Cucumber & Citrus-infused Water at Eat, Design, Love!

I sat close to the stage and got an excellent view of dapper designer, Christopher Kennedy’s socks.

Christopher Kennedy's fabulous socks

His whole ensemble was just too much and yet I couldn’t get enough! Take Cary Grant, and marry him with Jimmy Stewart, and that’s the supreme style we’re talking about here. Lovely.

There were a few key entertaining notes that all of the panelists agreed upon.

1) Have plenty of food for it is a party sin to run out

2) Comfortable entertaining doesn’t necessarily mean casual entertaining

3) Always serve a signature cocktail (I abide by this)

Even at parties as an attendee. Here, I took my Spicy Jalapeño margarita “shot’ and poured it into my champagne…

it just seemed like the right thing to do. And, thus, my Cali-meets-Texan signature cocktail-of-the-day was born!

*And here’s a BF party tip. Always wear a lip color that stays on your lips, off your glass and brightens up your face in pics…without looking like a party clown!

Dawn McCoy, Arianne Nardo and Christopher Kennedy at Eat, Design, Love

Here, I am wearing Tarte’s Lipsurgence Matte Lip Tint in Lively.

And it never stopped doing its lively, lovely job!

Thank you to Penelope Francis & Co., Aran Cusine, PDC, WestWeek and the amazing panel for providing us all with a memorable, and delicious, afternoon!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What is your signature cocktail? What lipstick never lets you down at a party?