Everyone is big on lists.  The Top 10 this, The best of that.  And as we start a new decade, these lists are everywhere.  So after reading the new Budget Travel list “10 Travel Revolutions for 2010″ we decided to make our own list of 10 things for our guests to experience and expect in 2010, both on property and nearby.  We’d love to hear what you like to do best at Rancho!

1. Experience more of the valley attractions:  The Palm Springs Valley is well known for it’s scenic beauty.  The New Rancho Mirage TOP SPOT program offers guests exclusive discounts to four area attractions, including The Living Desert, The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, The Palm Springs Art Museum and The Indian Canyons.  We hope this extra incentive encourages people to see the valley’s scenic beauty.

2.  Spend more time with family:  Rancho has become well known for it’s family friendly atmosphere, especially since Splashtopia opened.  In 2009 we introduced a variety of programs to make visiting more fun and affordable for families, from kids eat free programs, to our cantina and dive in movie nights at Splashtopia, to our Summer passport and more.  We’re working on several new programs in 2010 to make Rancho even more enjoyable for our visiting families.

3.  Check out The Kraft Nabisco Championship:  The first major on the LPGA Tour happens every spring here in Rancho Mirage.  The winning shot from 2009 was named Shot of the Decade by The Golf Channel.  Rancho Las Palmas is proud to support such an incredible event right in our own backyard.

4.  Listen to more music:  The valley has become the center for festivals with Coachella and Stagecoach, but we like to think the resort has plenty to offer as well.  With live music five nights a week at bluEmber, and our own Desert Lexus Music Festival, An evening of Guitars and Saxes” Rancho is a great place to hear some terrific local acts hone their craft.

5.  Spend more time without the kids:  While we’ve become known for our family friendly environment, we also work very hard to ensure we are the perfect destination for adult travelers as well.  Stay tuned for some exciting announcements in 2010 as we look to make Rancho even more attractive for adult travelers.

6.  Play More Golf:  The 27-hole Rancho Las Palmas Country Club Course winds through the heart of the property, offering a challenge for experienced golfers and great playability for beginners.   The gently rolling terrain and sweeping desert vistas are classic desert golf at its best!  If you’re playing with family, our kids free afternoon program is a perfect way to introduce a child to the game!

7.  Get a little competitive on the water slides:  In the summer of 2009 we introduced the Inaugural Sliders Cup Speed Challenge with our sister property LaCosta Resort & Spa, and watched over 4,000 sliders perfect their techniques.  We brought the event back during the Christmas Week with the Polar Bear Plunge.  Stay tuned for an announcement about 2010, and make plans to “Slide Fast to Win!”

8.  Pamper Yourself:  One of our favorite things about taking a relaxing trip to a resort is spending time at the spa, but we also realize the experience needs to be both unique and affordable.  Spa Las Palmas has been voted Best of the Valley for two consecutive years for the ability to combine both:  Unique – Our Spa menu uses natural desert botanicals to create a customized experience based on your preferences.  Affordable – Spa Las Palmas offers a variety of great packages, such as our “Spa Tastic Duo Package”, which combines two 50 minute treatments and two spa salads for just $199, or perhaps try our Spa Under The Stars event every Wednesday from 4-7pm (seasonally), where you can enjoy treatments from $99 and relax under the stars with champagne and hors ‘doeuvres!

9.  Take a Hike:  Literally, we mean.  A great way to enjoy the unique beauty of the valley.  Check the local hiking guide , or perhaps use your Rancho Mirage Top Spot card and head to the Top of the Tram or the Indian Canyons. 

10. Connect and ask questions:  We love to hear from our guests and help plan the perfect getaway, and we’re trying to be more accessible than ever to our guests.   We’d love to hear from you by phone or email, or perhaps become a fan on Facebook , follow us on Twitter, or post reviews on TripAdvisor.  We welcome your feedback and appreciate you spreading the word as we strive to become the Premier Resort in the Valley!