Desert resorts are a species of their own. While other resorts pride themselves on their location in relation to the city or attraction, these resorts' settings make their features all the more indispensable. While Las Vegas might be the first place that comes to mind when you think of desert resorts, other properties that spring to mind include Jordan's Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel within the Ponderosa pine forest of Arizona, the Djibouti Palace Kempinski outside Dubai, and Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, CA. (Which isn't to say the sumptuous renovation of Wynn Las Vegas' rooms has gone unnoticed). This trend is one for the books.
In September 1942, while World War II was under way and the government had taken over hotels for war-related uses throughout the country, desert resorts were in full bloom in Palm Springs, CA. With the exception of El Mirador, which the Army had converted into a general hospital, business at these resorts was booming. Properties such as The Oasis, Deep Well and Smoke Tree Guest Ranches opened up like flowers to an early winter season (See the full article here).
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we're taking a look at what was happening in the industry in the past and asking agents to share their thoughts on what has changed in the industry. Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below, writing us at our Facebook page, sending a tweet to our Twitter page or by engaging in a discussion in real time at AgentNation (the only online social community for all kinds of travel agents, which certainly wasn't around 80 years ago). We want to hear from you.
And while you're here, learn more about how we're celebrating eight decades of covering the travel industry for travel professionals.