Desert Willow Golf Resort 38-995 Desert Willow Drive • Palm Desert • California 92260

Your Desert Willow experience begins with a mile-long drive through a serene landscape, where the resort's deep green fairways are interspersed with the subtle hues of regional flora: silvery sage, golden-tipped brittlebush, and tiny lavender blooms of the namesake desert willow. A flicker of white is a cottontail rabbit scampering through the fields, and tawny roadrunners take respite beneath the shade of a yucca. Leaving the well-planned town behind, visitors get the sense they're embarking on a desert safari. However, upon spying the award-winning clubhouse in the distance, any expectation of "roughing it" is instantly dispelled and replaced by the blissful anticipation of luxury.

Desert Willow's sleek contemporary clubhouse sports a bold portico, yet is warmed by the generous use of flagstone and wood that harmonize with the earthy surroundings. Honored for its environmentally sensitive design that includes the skillful integration of native plants, Desert Willow has even graced the cover of Smithsonian magazine. Environmental awareness extends to aesthetic elements as well; the club is active in Palm Desert's acclaimed Art in Public Places program, and commissioned special sculptural fences around their golf courses to ensure unobstructed views. Inside, the lobby offers a stunning example of their cultural sensibility: Suspended from the high ceiling is artist Dale Chihuly's flamboyant blown-glass sculpture, whose gumdrop colors and whimsical curlicues are a treat for the eyes.

However, the most eye-catching element at Desert Willow is its scenic panorama, captured through an entire side of double-tall glass walls. Celebrations in the Firecliff Ballroom look out across beautiful terraces and landscaped walkways to the mountain-rimmed links dotted with trees and lakes. Large enough for a picturesque reception for 200 guests, the ballroom can easily be divided into separate salons.

Wedding ceremonies are simply divine outside on the Palm Desert Terrace, which overlook s the scenic Firecliff Golf Course. The lake and oasis below, along with the sun-drenched Chocolate Mountains as a backdrop, make wedding photos look like picture postcards. Another wonderful setting is the Event Lawn, a sweep of grass that faces the 18th fairway and the shimmery lake.

Where cuisine is concerned, Desert Willow surpasses expectations. Their award-winning chef creates meals that rival those served in the finest restaurants.

As classy and exacting as many exclusive venues, Desert Willow is actually a public facility that welcomes residents and resort visitors alike. Once you take a tour, you'll no doubt have the same thought we had: "I can't believe it's not private!"