Jet set to Palm Springs with SWAGGER and Mazda
Desert sizzling springs, an aerial tramway, and Elvis’ Honeymoon Pad, oh my!
After leaving Toronto for Palm Springs, we couldn’t resist cueing up Phantom Planet’s hit tune “California,” famously referred to as the theme tune from The O.C. Having beforehand visited main cities similar to Los Angeles and San Francisco, Palm Springs is a vacation spot I’ve been eager to test off my bucket checklist. Generally known as the house of the “Insta-famous” Coachella Valley Music Pageant, Palm Springs is a metropolis enriched with American historical past, structure, serene views, and a lot extra.
In case you’ve visited California earlier than, likelihood is you recognize that getting access to a automobile is important to your journey. Fortunately, Mazda generously handed us the keys to 2 of their brand-new 2025 automobiles: the CX-70 MHEV and CX-70 PHEV hybrid, which actually set the tone for the beginning of an unforgettable journey within the desert.
After checking into our dwelling away from dwelling, Two Bunch Palms within the Desert Sizzling Springs, we hopped within the Mazda 2025 CX-70 MHEV and headed to the world-renowned Indian Wells Golf Course. First impressions matter, and the second we stepped into the CX-70 MHEV, we had been struck by its trendy and splendid really feel. The inside of the automobile boasted elegant tan Nappa leather-based on the dashboard and seats. Designed to pamper, the CX-70 MHEV featured fast-heating seats, wi-fi and wired telephone charging stations, a big digital navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded audio system, and a cooling AC system—the final word important for the Palm Springs warmth. The format of the automobile was intuitive, with each management characteristic simply accessible. Deciding to take the scenic route, we drove by way of the Coachella Valley, and we had been very happy with how our automobile supplied a easy, responsive drive by way of the desert roads.
Upon arrival on the Indian Wells Golf Course, we took half in a cooking class led by the course’s head cooks after which labored on refining our golf swing. The golf course is famously recognized for internet hosting probably the most prestigious BNP Paribas Open and has been ranked among the many high golf programs in the US. As we watched the sundown, we headed again to our dwelling base within the Desert Sizzling Springs.
Two Bunch Palms is a up to date wellness resort recognized for its pure sizzling springs and peaceable ambiance—suppose tranquility meets luxurious. Company can get pleasure from weekly programming, workshops, and personal enrichment periods, together with yoga, spa experiences, and, in fact, the pure sizzling springs. Nestled amid the Desert Sizzling Springs, this serene wellness escape is a fast 20-minute drive from Palm Springs and is the proper escape from the on a regular basis “hustle and bustle.” Hearsay has it that the resort’s grounds as soon as served as a desert hideaway for the notorious real-life “Scarface” himself, Al Capone, through the Prohibition period. The grounds are lush and meticulously maintained, with winding paths resulting in secluded nooks the place friends can unwind in privateness.
Day two started with a rejuvenating sound bathtub at Two Bunch Palms, which set a tranquil tone for the day (suppose meditation meets ASMR). After a hearty breakfast, we switched to the 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV Hybrid to journey to our subsequent vacation spot in type. The CX-70 PHEV confirmed us that an eco-friendly automobile can embody a mix of recent design and cutting-edge expertise. Whereas this automobile is a plug-in hybrid, it additionally has a responsive gasoline engine with an electrical motor that gives a seamless transition between electrical and hybrid driving modes. This enables for the flexibleness of electrical modes for short-term drives and spectacular gas effectivity for these longer journeys. The CX-70 PHEV was the proper automobile for our scenic journey by way of the mountains as we headed to one in every of Palm Springs’ most well-known sights: the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Generally known as the biggest rotating aerial tramway on this planet, this well-known landmark transports guests on an ascent of over 2.5 miles from the desert flooring to the San Jacinto Mountains. The experience on the tramway is roughly quarter-hour every approach and presents beautiful panoramic views. When you attain the highest of the mountains, you possibly can discover mountaineering trails, nature walks, tenting, and extra. In case you’re visiting Palm Springs, that is an expertise I extremely suggest, particularly for those who love the nice open air. To alleviate our post-hike fatigue, we headed again to Two Bunch Palms for sunbathing and a soak within the pure sizzling springs. In case you’ve ever been to a sizzling spring, you’ll comprehend it’s a singular expertise. It nearly looks like a heat bathtub or a sizzling tub, however is much more spectacular due to Mom Earth producing the warmth and pure minerals.
Deciding to benefit from our time in Palm Springs, we freshened up and took the CX-70 MHEV to the long-lasting In-N-Out Burger for a traditional double-double cheeseburger. It is a must-have burger anytime I go to a U.S. state with a location (good day, LA and Las Vegas). We then checked an iconic landmark off our bucket checklist by visiting Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway. This mid-century gem was in-built 1960 by famend architect Robert Alexander. The home is famed for its futuristic design and was the honeymoon vacation spot for Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1967. Palm Springs is thought to have the biggest amount of preserved mid-century trendy structure on this planet. As a fan of music and mid-century design, I used to be extraordinarily grateful to have the chance to go to this historic landmark.
As we drove again to Two Bunch Palms by way of the Coachella Valley, a small sandstorm rolled in, however the CX-70 MHEV dealt with the tough situations like a champ, due to Mazda’s dedication to security and efficiency. Again at Two Bunch Palms, our farewell dinner was a time to mirror on the final two days. The resort’s meals and drinks all through our keep had been scrumptious, that includes a give attention to contemporary, domestically sourced substances.
Palm Springs, with its huge desert landscapes and mid-century trendy structure, is a spot that’s finest skilled with a automobile, because the distances are huge and the terrain varies. The Mazda CX-70s had been the proper match for us; the consolation and efficiency matched the placement’s laid-back and adventurous vibe. Each CX-70s had loads of cargo area for all our gear, from golf golf equipment to mountaineering boots, and the nav system by no means missed a flip.
Mazda’s newest survey exhibits a pattern amongst Gen X and Child Boomers—a zest for journey and new experiences. With automobiles just like the CX-70 MHEV and PHEV, Mazda is in tune with this demographic, providing vehicles that mix luxurious, efficiency, and practicality. The CX-70s design, highly effective and environment friendly engines, and spacious interiors make it a really perfect alternative for many who refuse to decelerate on this fast-paced world. The eye to element within the CX-70s design is obvious in each sew and floor, creating an surroundings that’s each snug and complex. Whether or not cruising down the freeway or navigating twisty mountain roads, the CX-70 delivers an attractive and rewarding driving expertise.
The 2025 Mazda CX-70 MHEV and PHEV exceeded our expectations and had been the proper vehicles for a weekend getaway. Each mile we drove revealed new discoveries and a deeper love for Palm Springs, a spot that embodies California’s coolness. The type, consolation, and efficiency of every automobile made our desert journey an expertise that can stick with us for years to come back.
Govt Editor: Kristen Anzelc
Copy Editor: Nadia Pereira
Hero Picture Credit score: Avery Peechatka
