The golf
The closest golf options come at the Mountain and Dunes courses of PGA West, which are on property. The Mountain course hosted “The Skins Game” in its early years and has some very memorable holes.The 15th and 16th holes are the ones that always catch my attention. Hole 15 is a downhill dogleg to the right par 5 at just a bit over 500 yards. The hole hugs the mountain as it turns to the right, and a well placed drive will allow many players an attempt to reach in two. This approach will need to be very accurate as the green sits on a plateau falling off to huge bunkers and the mountains behind.
Number 16 is a dramatic downhill par 3 offering a view of the entire La Quinta area from its cliff-top tee boxes. It only plays 150 yards or so but requires great accuracy to avoid the rocks in front, to the right and behind the green.
La Quinta Resort and Club guests can also choose from three other courses at PGA West with the TPC Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course and the Greg Norman Course. PGA West is no more than 10 minutes away, and the hotel offers shuttles if needed.
The Stadium Course has hosted many events through the years including several Skins Games. The 17th hole will forever be etched in golfers’ memories as they remember Lee Trevino’s dramatic hole-in-one there to win the Skins Game.
Dubbed “Alcatraz,” this 168-yard par 3 plays downhill to an island green with no bailout. The green is really quite large until you actually get up to hit the shot. This is the ultimate test of concentration and success is memorable.
The La Quinta Resort Club and PGA West each have excellent practice centers and a Jim McLean Golf School, if you are so inclined. With an abundance of underground water and sun, these courses always seem to be in fantastic shape.
The resort
La Quinta Resort is a very relaxing place to spend some time. The Spanish-style architecture unfolds in a series of casita-style lodging options with the Plaza serving as the center of dining and shopping activities.As you stroll throughout the expansive grounds, the mountains are constantly in view. The resort actually backs up to the base of this rocky desert range, and the contrast of the blue sky rising above the mountains has a settling effect.
The accommodation choices range from comfortable casitas to private residences. Suites and spa villas area also an option. The grounds are immaculately maintained with grass lawns and citrus trees rimmed with fresh flower beds always in bloom. Spa La Quinta is a top-of-the-line place and includes a large fitness center. Tennis is big here as well. The resort is ranked in the top 20 by Tennis Magazine.
The food
The Plaza offers two really good dining options that have both indoor and outdoor seating. The Adobe Grill has long been a favorite with guests and local residents. The finest Mexican cuisine is offered including steak and seafood. I would recommend sitting outside and taking advantage of the plaza and mountain views, which conjure a feeling of being in Central or South America and feel very authentic. The service and food were excellent.Downstairs in the plaza is Twenty6 a chic dining option paying homage to the year the resort was founded. Again I would suggest the outdoor seating on the patio terrace near a soothing water fountain.
My sea bass was very tasty as was the crab-cake appetizer.Twenty6 also has a vibrant bar area including plenty of large screen TVs. The atmosphere in the plaza area is enhanced by live music in the elevated outdoor bar area. Just gazing at the abundant stars is reason enough to hang out here for a while. La Quinta Resort and Club now has close to 800 rooms, 41 pools and 53 hot spas set among its 45 acres. Through all the changes it has retained its original charm and will always be a top winter destination.
For more information visit LaQuintaResort.com.