A Travel Guide: 4 Days In Palm Springs (Day 1) to be continued...

Welcome to my travel journal of my recent four day trip to Palm Springs...

DAY 1:

Arrive & Absorb The Atmosphere

The Palm Springs Airport

As a Self-Care Expert, I wanted this trip to also be a getaway to make time to be truly alone to incorporate some of my Self-Care practices. This travel guide includes some of my energy, beauty and spa routines that help me to be at my best before I speak. I was in town for the annual Altitude Summit and needed to prepare and see the sights so a highlight of some of the best spots to stay, eat and play are illustrated.

As soon as I landed, I noticed the airport's modern architecture designed by Donald Wexler. He produced a body of work that included houses, schools, hotels, banks and the Palm Springs International Airport for the area. Seeing this along with the numerous palm trees was a the change of scenery I needed. I could also sense the natural healing capacity of the dessert air. I had never been to Palm Springs before, making this trip an opportunity for personal discovery.

Where To Stay

While the conference I was attending was being held at the beautifully colorful Saguaro Hotel, I stayed at the V Palm Springs. I was happy to arrive and find "The V" as it is known to be the peaceful oasis perfect for my Self-Care perspective.

V Palm Springs

I took some time out to take care of my skin because of the dryness of the dessert air. Included in my skin care tote was Rodan + Fields Essentials Body Sunscreen along with their Micro-Dermasbrasion Paste to scrub away any dry skin during my stay. I love Eucerin's Intensive Lip Balm for lip repair. Before I went out to sit by the pool for a moment I applied Derma E's Deep Wrinkle Serum. They only ship within the U.S. but you can find it at health food stores. While I don't have deep wrinkles, this seems to feed any dry skin with moisture like a glass of water.

Self-Care The V Hotel's upscale Exlir Grill's All Day Menu served me well when I needed a convenient meal. Tuna salad, pictured above, with fried wontons take the place of nachos to change it up. There are lots of different expressions of Spanish cuisine including tacos, nachos and tortillas interpreted in a variety of gourmet ways in Palm Springs. If the upcoming restaurant is this good, you'll be luck.

There are 2 outdoor pools, a pool bar, and a hot tub, plus a fire pit and grill area. Other amenities include a business center and a gym; parking, bike rentals and an area shuttle are complimentary. Late night grilled hamburgers in the specious hot tub which was more like a pool with some of the other conference attendees was a relaxing treat.

With the conference being the next day, I scheduled some Self-Care spa time along with contemplation and rest. Taking time to be mindful and quiet before the excitement of the next day was mandatory. Laying out my clothes and getting organized was also something I did before bed. I took some time to be at peace in the moment, enjoy the silence and think about everything I had planed with others. The palm tree lined streets, appealing modern architecture and mountain backdrop was inspiration for some art journaling.

The afternoon event schedule included a 600 attendee opening party. Throughout my stay the staff was especially attentive - all in all impeccable customer service. The V Palm Springs Hotel was noted by many of the attendees as a peaceful retreat to return to at night. If you love spa, relaxation, artistic touches and clean design you'll enjoy the thoughtfully crafted V Palm Springs.

NEXT: DAY TWO > Visiting the Botanical Gardens, The Alt Summit Opening Party, The Ace Hotel Restaurant (Poolside) & More -- to be continued...DAY 2