If you love the Santiago Resort, you’re going to adore its new brother property, Descanso Resort. Formerly known as East Canyon Resort & Spa and the Uptown Hotel, the 14-room Descanso is now open. This upscale clothing optional resort catering to gay men is unique and offers a midcentury modern interior design. It’s been completely reimagined. Include complimentary continental breakfast and “stay & splash” lunch.
5 – Float Palm Springs – 715 E San Lorenzo Road
The former Tortuga Del Sol property in the warm sands neighborhood is being reimaged by the owners of BelleVue, which recently opened.
Float Palm Springs a place where guests can enjoy lounging by the pool, sunbathing with friends, or kicking back in their well-appointed rooms. “Its essence is more of a retreat, where you can relax and have fun,” owner Tayfun King says. “You can meet people or be with your own crowd. It’s a very sociable space.” He came up with the name Float because when people think of “quintessential Palm Springs,” they imagine “a person in a pool, floating on an inflatable, with palm trees and blue skies behind them.” While Tortuga del Sol catered to gay men, Float Palm Springs caters to anyone who wants a classic Palm springs stay experience.
What’s New In Palm Springs – Float
6 – Tiki Hotel – 1333 N. Indian Canyon
The Tiki Hotel has taken over the former 2-story Colton Hotel. It’s a full on theme that includes decorations and table settings. Think of the vintage throw-back style with the hula girls. The Art Hotel is the owners sister hotel located right next door. They are back to back. They were built in 1961 and have been in the same family the entire time. Both properties require a buy-out reservation. Rooms are not individually reserved.
7 – Art Hotel – 1339 N Indian Canyon
Originally built in 1960, and totally reimagined by local artist Tracy Turco, the Art Hotel presents 8 artists studios within walking distance of the famed Palm Springs Uptown Design District. These self-contained studios largely come with a king bed, separate bathroom, kitchenette, TV, wifi, guitar, record player with vintage vinyl and local artists work for inspiration. This is a group buy out only property.
What’s New in Palm Springs – Limon
8 – Limon in Palm Springs – 560 S Grenfall Road
Across town, another husband and wife team is turning a collection of 1956 apartments into a seven-room boutique hotel with an “international” take on mid-century modern style, dubbed Limón. Tim and Amy Brinkman bought the 1956 apartment complex, formerly known as the Stuart Manor apartments. The couple also operate The Twist hotel just off of North Palm Canyon Drive in the Old Las Palmas.
The rooms, which surround the compound’s pool, will each have unique design and sleep two people for a total of 14 guests. The property will also have a game room with a wet bar and a “commercial-scale” kitchen with a 60-inch refrigerator and large stove. Prospective guests will need to round up a sizeable group of like-minded friends, as the hotel will only be available for full-site bookings.
9 – Fleur Noire Hotel – 1560 N Palm Canyons
Fleur Noire Hotel is a boldly re-imagined historic boutique Palm Springs hotel in the city’s Uptown Design District that opened last summer. Its 21 uniquely-designed casitas and suites have had their exteriors transformed with giant-sized California flower murals hand-painted by Detroit-based muralist Louise Jones (@ouizi) and interiors feature floral wallpaper from wallpaper artist Ellie Cashman (@elliecashmandesign). Interior design by Chris Pardo (@chrispardodesign), a founder and designer of ARRIVE hotels and Palm Springs’ Ernest Coffee, Bootlegger Tiki bar, and other notable retail and restaurant projects. This is a perfect desert getaway for couples or a terrific location for weddings and special events. This is a buy out only property
What’s New in Palm Springs – Cheetah
10 – The Cheetah – 354 E Stevens Rd
A 1962 mid-century hotel with 12 rooms, The Cheetah Hotel was reinvented by local designer Tracy Turco and her property developer husband Jerry. She also owns the Tiki Hotel and Art Hotel. This is a buy out only property.
11 – The Three Ten Hotel – 310 E Palm Canyon
The Three Ten is a midcentury boutique hotel that has been extensively renovated and remodeled with a cool Palm Springs vibe. Rooms are outfitted with Murphy bed/closet, kitchenettes, with 2 rooms having full kitchens. All rooms overlook a central pool with great southwest mountain views. This is a buy out only property.
Two well-known Palm Springs restauranteurs teamed up and opened 1501 Uptown. Chad Gardner of Roly China Fusion and 533 Viet Fusion, and Willie Rhine of 849 launched 1501 Uptown Gastropub in the location formerly occupied by Draughtsman. The team previously collaborated on catering and private events, and when Gardner heard that there was an opportunity for new operators to come into that space, he started dreaming up a new concept.
The space has an outdoor patio with a large, open floorplan that can seat up to 150 people, plus a bar and additional seating inside. The menu has appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches and “big plates.” Dishes include crowd-pleasing favorites like avocado toast, charcuterie and steak frite, as well as decadent entrees like a lobster claw and blue crab mac-and-beer cheese and a vegan “shepherd’s pie” with slow-braised wild mushrooms and a cauliflower puree. There’s also a “1501” bacon cheeseburger for $15.01.
Bar Cecil is a love letter to Beaton’s vision of life and art: a celebration of what’s good and beautiful and in the process making memories through food, drink and warm hospitality. Bar Cecil is for those who follow the beat to their own drum, horn or whatever inspires them to create, to be individuals, and to embrace diversity. The culinary team is led by partner-executive chef Gabriel Woo, former executive chef of Sparrow’s Lodge and Holiday House in Palm Springs, and a 2019 guest chef at James Beard House in New York City. “The bistro menu honors local provisioners and the finest seasonal produce with a nod to the great American and European bistro experiences,” says Chef Woo.
In the perfect Beaton style, the menu’s “Why Not?” choices include Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova caviar service, oysters on the half shell, a dry aged tomahawk steak, and The Fifty Dollar Martini, a Beluga vodka cocktail served with a deviled egg topped with Regiis Ova caviar and a house pickled cocktail onion.
Cecil Beaton was a writer, a photographer, a set designer and a lover of all things interesting and beautiful. The jewel box dining room and bar is a modern take on English wallpapers, warm woods and brass finishes, with inviting chartreuse velvet tufted booths and signature cerulean blue barstools. The 75 seat restaurant also includes chic and intimate patio dining in a garden setting accented with Schumacher floral print pillows and cushions. Signed prints from Alexander Calder, Ellsworth Kelly, Damien Hirst, Sam Francis, Donald Sultan line the walls, and of course, include timeless photographs from Beaton’s portfolio. Murals and painted details from local artist Tysen Knight and the restaurant’s partners complete the collection.
The dining room is managed by partner and general manager Nate VanDeventer, who joins the team from Lightning Bar Collective in Portland, OR, and who was a consultant for the opening of Villa Royale and Del Rey in Palm Springs in 2018.
They started Boozehounds for one simple reason, they love our dogs. They wanted to create a contemporary, multifaceted space where people can socialize with their pups. The expansive restaurant and lounge is located in North Palm Springs, the gateway to the city, will provide a friendly environment for both canines and their humans. Featuring a main indoor dining room and bar along with an open-air lounge and patio bar, facing the picturesque Mt. San Jacinto State Park, the all-day Southern California menu will consist of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients paired with a selection of craft cocktails.
The city of Palm Springs has a large dog owner community and they want to contribute to that beloved community and create a space for them. Boozehounds will be a coffee, co-working, and lunch spot by day and the place to be for happy hour; and when happy hour turns into happy hours, you can grab snacks or dinner as well. Coffee Service starts at 8am – 3pm, Happy Hour 3 – 5pm, Dinner 5 – 10pm (Sun-Thurs) 5 – 11pm (Fri & Sat). They are currently not serving lunch or brunch, but will be in the near future.
15 – Cafe La Jefa – 750 N Palm Canyon Drive
(Across from Trio in the Uptown Design District)
Cafe La Jefa is a modern and sustainable coffee house serving delicious specialty coffee and healthy gourmet food. Their coffee from Sisters Coffee Company in Oregon.
El Patio is a family run dining experience that started from Felipes on El Cielo Road by the Palm Springs International Airport. Because of their loyal customers they are able to open a second restaurant. Features traditional entrees, seafood & festive drinks in a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of outdoor patio seating.
17 – GiGi’s Restaurant & Bar – 333 E Palm Canyon Dr
Located at the V Palm Springs Hotel, GiGi’s Restaurant & Lounge is a desert-inspired, Modern American restaurant, serving creative farm-to-table fare with a commitment to the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The Indoor and Outdoor Spaces combine flowing dining spaces with a large Indoor/Outdoor Bar, Lounge, and Firepit Cocktail area, serving elevated and reimagined classic cocktails with a worldly flair. The space is a sophisticated, high energy dining environment, featuring various live music performances, Rotating DJ’s and more, in GiGi’s Poolside Garden.
AsiaSF is a cabaret dinner show that’s been wowing crowds for 23 years in San Francisco. Palm Springs as its first location outside the Bay Area.
The AsiaSF Palm Springs stages are in the middle of the sophisticated dining room, allowing everyone to see the beautifully choreographed show from different vantage points. Performers, who are all transgender women, bring their own personalities to lip-synced renditions of party playlist classics like Madonna’s “Vogue,” plus other pop and Broadway favorites.
(Below Willa and Frieda’s in downtown Palm Springs)
Sam’s Place took over the Ruby’s Diner location. Great American style comfort food with a big breakfast menu. Their salads are sizable and are sharable. Try the Pear, Pecan & Feta. Tossed with a raspberry vinaigrette.
Craft Cocktail Lounge in the Palm Spring’s Uptown Design District from award winning chef Engin Onural, owner of Sandfish. Purveyor of fine spirits. Conversation and camaraderie are the pinnacles of the Tailor Shop. A dedication to artistry and their craft fuels our passion. They commit themselves to exceptional service to ensure a superior bespoke experience for their guests.
21 – The Thirsty Palms – 134 South Palm Canyon
The Thirsty Palms is now open in downtown under the direction of Executive Chef James Nellis. This new casual dining experience brings a fusion of American and European pallets to play. Dinner options include Pork Schnitzel, Annatto Rubbed Skirt Steak, veal Tender Fillets, and their whopping 8oz Thirsty Burger.
New in Entertainment
What’s New in Palm Springs – Desert Rose Playhouse
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At Sutra Dental Spa in La Mesa and Coronado Dental Group, dentistry feels less like an appointment and more like a self-care day. Led by nationally recognized cosmetic dentist Jimmy C. Wu, DDS, both practices combine advanced dental technology with a relaxing space.
“Our top priorities are safety, comfort, effective treatment, and results that look and feel natural,” says Dr. Wu, founder of Sutra Dental Spa and cosmetic dentist for over 25 years. “We’re proud to offer the most advanced dental technologies and techniques available in a calming, even meditative, environment.”
Patients can turn to both practices for everything from routine dental care to cosmetic services such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening, as well as full mouth reconstruction and single-visit smile makeovers and crowns. At Sutra Dental Spa, the experience goes a step further, with Asian-inspired art, a Zen oxygen bar, aromatherapy pillows, and even in-appointment massage therapy.
“Dentistry has always been thought of as something you have to do versus something you want to do,” says Dr. Wu. “My goal is to change that perception for everyone.”
Visit
Sutra Dental Spa 7851 University Avenue, Suite 206, La Mesa, California 91942 | 619-589-6060 sutrads.com
Coronado Dental Group 1301 Ynez Place, Coronado, California 92118 | 619-435-6227 coronadodentalgroup.com
Faces of Healthcare 2026: Spine & Brain Institute of San Diego
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Ramin Raiszadeh, MD; Paul D. Kim, MD; Sunil Jeswani, MD; Sabareesh Natarajan, MD; Evan Nigh, MD
At Spine and Brain Institute of San Diego, every patient gets innovative, advanced care.
Dr. Ramin Raiszadeh, president and co-owner, is a board-certified orthopedic spinal surgeon who specializes in disc-replacement surgery. Co-owner Dr. Paul D. Kim handles complex disorders across the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, leaning on nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques. He’s known for being upfront with patients. Dr. Sunil Jeswani brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to complex cranial and spinal conditions, from brain tumors and cerebral aneurysms to arteriovenous malformations and spinal deformities. Dr. Sabareesh Natarajan is one of few neurosurgeons in Southern California with dual board certification in neurosurgery and neurointerventional surgery—an expert in vascular disease and brain tumors. Dr. Evan Nigh, a board-eligible orthopaedic spine surgeon, has published research in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences.
“Sharp Grossmont Hospital has become the epicenter for spine surgery in this country,” says Dr. Raiszadeh. “Here, the nation’s most talented neurosurgeons and spine surgeons perform the entire spectrum of neural axis surgeries, setting the gold standard for care.”
Visit
6719 Alvarado Rd, Suite 308, San Diego, CA 1671 West Main St, Suite A, El Centro, CA 2125 Citracado Parkway, Suite 310, Escondido, CA 6260 El Camino Real, Suite 201 Carlsbad, CA 619-265-7912 | sbiosd.com
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Eyelid Specialists
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
True luxury lies in mastery. At San Diego Eyelid Specialists, Dr. Srinivas Iyengar has devoted his career to a single pursuit: the artistry of eyelid surgery, elevated to its most refined form.
A fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Iyengar belongs to a rarefied tier of his field. He serves as a board examiner for the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—the credential by which other surgeons are measured—and holds dual Top Doctor recognition for over 10 years from his physician peers in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. His expertise has taken him around the world, teaching advanced techniques through ORBIS International and the Flying Eye Hospital.
His signature philosophy, Volumetric Harmony, reflects a discerning eye for proportion and balance, restoring youthful elegance while honoring the individuality of every face.
From his boutique offices in Encinitas and La Jolla, Dr. Iyengar offers a bespoke surgical experience for those who accept nothing less than exceptional. For the eyes, there is no substitute for a true eyelid expert.
Visit
8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, B206, La Jolla, California 92037 477 North El Camino Real, A304, Encinitas, California 92024 858-432-2700 | @eyelidmd | sandiegoeyelids.com
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Cardiac Center
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
San Diego Cardiac Center provides truly comprehensive cardiovascular care, from prevention to heart transplantation. This year, 12 of their physicians were recognized as Top Doctors, including Dr. Brian Jaski, a heart failure and heart transplant specialist who has been in practice for 41 years. During that time, he oversaw San Diego’s first heart transplantation and has been voted a Top Doctor by his peers in 21 of the past 23 years.
With affiliations across the Sharp and Scripps hospital systems, San Diego Cardiac Center provides care at locations in Kearny Mesa, El Cajon, and Chula Vista. Their physicians specialize in preventive cardiology, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure, structural heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, venous disease, cardiovascular diagnostics, and clinical research.
As one of San Diego’s longest-standing private medical groups, they’re committed to one goal: helping our patients feel better and live longer.
San Diego Cardiac Center’s Vein Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for superficial and deep vein conditions, including specialized care for venous insufficiency, DVT and pulmonary embolism. Diagnostic testing, procedures, and follow-up care are provided in-house, with personalized treatment plans ranging from conservative management to minimally invasive options.
Visit
3131 Berger Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 300 S. Pierce St, Suite 102, El Cajon, CA 92020 750 Medical Center Ct, Suite 10, Chula Vista, CA 91911 sdcardiac.com
Faces of Healthcare 2026: San Diego Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
The San Diego Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (SAPI) is proud to celebrate its physicians recognized as San Diego Top Doctors. This recognition reflects their clinical excellence, dedication to patient care, leadership within their specialties, and contributions to the San Diego community.
SAPI is a nonprofit professional organization bringing together physicians and healthcare professionals of Indian origin throughout the San Diego region. Through continuing medical education, professional networking, mentorship, community service, and cultural engagement, SAPI provides a collaborative platform for physicians at every stage of their careers.
The accomplishments of SAPI’s Top Doctors reflect our values of excellence, compassion, integrity, service, and leadership. We congratulate all of our honorees and celebrate the collective impact of SAPI physicians across numerous medical and surgical specialties.
“Our goal is to strengthen connections among physicians while expanding opportunities for education, mentorship, networking, leadership, and community service,” says SAPI President Dr. Smitha C. Reddy and Dr. Farris Sandhu, SAPI Chair, both among the physicians recognized as a San Diego Top Doctor. “We warmly invite physicians and healthcare professionals throughout San Diego to become involved and join our growing organization. Together, we can strengthen our professional community and continue building a lasting legacy of excellence in healthcare.”
