What used to be known as the Rat Pack’s Riviera Resort in the 1950s until recently, is now the newest Margaritaville Resort, a place for Jimmy Buffett “Parrothead” fans to chill in a desert oasis. For those who aren’t familiar with the Grammy winning singer, songwriter and businessman, you will after staying one night or more at his tropical paradise.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Just a two hour drive from Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego in the Uptown area of Palm Springs, this chic mid-century, casual-luxe resort, allows guests to carve out their own niche, whether at both of the uniquely designed pools, swinging under a palm tree in a hammock or spending time inside the largest spa in the region.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Throughout the resort are nods to singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, best known for his “island escapism” in his music and lifestyle. His hit song “Margaritavillle” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016. The minute you walk into the resort, guests will hear his award-winning songs on the curated playlist. It’s not all Buffett music, other 1970s and 1980s music on the list include Tom Petty and the Eagles.

Whimsical décor and brightly colored art are displayed throughout the resort. In the lobby, a large chandelier has margarita glasses with light bulbs illuminating the area. A variety of blue colors are prominent throughout the resort with a touch of red, light green, yellow and orange to create a tropical vibe.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

As a businessman, Buffett created a vacation destination where fans can enjoy his music by the pool, sip a margarita cocktail, and bite into a “Cheeseburger in Paradise’.

As the lyrics to Jimmy Buffett’s song ‘Margaritaville’ begin with “Nibblin’ on sponge cake,” guests have a variety of dining venues inside and outside at the resort, starting with his Come Monday Cafe, a nod to his 1974 song on his Living & Dying in 3/4 time album. Menu items include Avocado Country toast; lightly roasted stone fruit bowl on cottage cheese with berries and honey; a variety of burgers and salads. Across the way at JWB (James Williams Buffett) Grill guests can sit on a stool at the rollup bar with a counter to enjoy a Pina Colada with fresh seafood specialties, grilled meats and other fine dining fare. Outdoor tables and chairs are placed near a performance platform on the semi-covered outdoor patio for guests to experience live music with their meal.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

The brand new Joe’s Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions is a coffee shop serving hot beverages, Frappuccino, iced tea, breakfast sandwiches and four different types of 10′ or 14′ pizzas. Attached is a market offering Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville apparel, accessories and souvenirs.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Walking through the resort I noticed more references to Buffett’s “Margaritaville” song:

“Watchin’ the sun bake
All of those tourists covered with oil
Strummin’ my six string
On my front porch swing (In the lobby are two front porch swings)
Smell those shrimp, they’re beginnin’ to boil” (at JWB Grill and Bar)

“Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
But I know, it’s nobody’s fault”

“Don’t know the reason
Stayed here all season
Nothing to show but this brand new tattoo
But it’s a real beauty
A Mexican cutie
How it got here, I haven’t a clue”

 

“Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame
Now I think, hell, it could be my fault”

Photo by Jill Weinlein

“I blew out my flip flop (the hotel has a 13′ blue flip flop at the entrance of the hotel)
Stepped on a pop top (displayed next to the flip flop)
Cut my heel, had to cruise on back home (hotel offers complimentary cruiser bicycles for guests to take for a spin around Uptown and Downtown Palm Spring)
But there’s booze in the blender (at the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar)
And soon it will render
That frozen concoction that helps me hang on” (a variety of frozen concoctions include vodka ‘Banana Breeze’, fruity Margaritaville Silver Rum ‘Don’t Stop The Carnival’ and ‘Daiquiri’s Too Fruitiful’.

Make a reservation for the Chill-Out Suite, offering a large sitting area with a sofa bed, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and separate en suite bedroom with a stand alone deep soaking tub allows guests to ‘chill-out’ after a day exploring the greater Palm Springs area.

Photo courtesy of Margaritaville Palm Springs

Right now the resort is offering 20% room rates on certain days, and specials for guests who spend three of more days.