Hotel La Casa del Zorro offers desert pampering, scenery and fine food

The soothing environment of La Casa del Zorro is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, but

there is plenty to do if you're an "active type." Something for everyone, since its 1937 opening. 

Below, sunset from La Casa del Zorro's pool area is a gorgeous sight

.ELEGANCE, AMBIANCE, NATURE MAKE  A STUNNING, RELAXING RETREAT

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

STEP INTO a world of pampering perfection with artful touches at every sun-soaked turn. 

From left, Bruce Keller, Christene "Cookie"

Meyers, with UK pals, Sue and John Speight.

International visitors enjoy dinner at

 Fox Bistro, always a fun night out.

This is your world for a few treasured days at La Casa del Zorro, a true find if you're looking for a place to unplug, enjoy and indulge your senses. The light is lovely in this jewel of southern Coachella Valley.  Each sun dappled corner of this well managed place welcomes you to picturesque surroundings.  

You feel healthier the moment you enter the cozy yet elegant reception area where veteran host Mona or one of her able colleagues checks you in. The whole tasteful place is right out of a desert painting.

Carefully planted cacti, palms and desert perennials grace walkways framed by subtle Spanish colonial architecture. Nature-inspired touches greet the visitor -- weathered stone, polished wood, showy seasonal perennials. 

THE  "ZORRO" is a perfect place to hike, relax with a favorite book and beverage at the lap pool, or choose from a life-size chess game, horseshoes, bocci ball, croquet, ping pong, yoga,  pickleball, tennis or shuffleboard. The spa has a fine reputation for its pampering. We brought our portable Scrabble game, but didn't have time, choosing a complimentary bike ride instead.

Yoga instructor Paul, a native

of Holland, at the gazebo

where yoga is offered.

Live music is often offered at

dinner, here Cookie admires!

As the day dwindles, an elegantly served meal awaits at Fox Bistro, often with live music. Earlier, you've enjoyed complimentary breakfast.  Admire celestial wonders from a star-gazing theater or relax by the kiva fire pit. A DVD player and complimentary movies are yours, too, if you're not yet lulled to the arms of Morpheus by the calming ambiance of this unique and restful place.

I BEGAN my day twice with a rejuvenating complimentary yoga meditation class. 

The resort's instructor is an amiable Dutchman, Paul, who has studied and taught this restorative mind-and-body art for many years. Lucky California to be the recipient of his talent, since leaving his native Amsterdam to settle near Borrego Springs with his business-career wife. He was the "frosting on the cake" -- a wonderful, calming treat during a perfect three days, one of many surprises and delights.

Walking trails lead the way to tennis courts, a

yoga pavilion, individual cabanas, desert plants.

 We visited with friends from England.  They, too, found the resort a pleasure and spent several hours basking in their private poolside cabana, treasuring each sunny moment -- a treat after a soggy, chilly winter in their native Yorkshire.

 IF YOGA is not your thing, a game of tennis might be the ticket.  Or simply stroll well marked nature trails.  Enjoy a few hours with a good book by the immaculate pool -- or share a cool beverage poolside in your own cabana, using your complimentary drink coupon, a lovely touch.

With a history dating back to 1937, the hotel

has survived change and is flourishing.

You're living a life of ease, comfort and relaxation. So enjoy it.  Back inside your room, stretch out to admire desert inspired paintings and sculpture. Each guest room and casita is individually adorned with artwork and antiques.  

Artful appointments are part

of the charm -- each room

has unique pieces.

The place is beloved for its understated elegance, superior service and artful  decor. 

Bruce Keller and Cookie Meyers take to the

desert on desert paths near the resort.

It's a serene, get-away in the Anza Borrego desert is just a mile from the small friendly town of Borrego Springs. But it is light years away from the rest of the world as the only five-star resort in the area.

Happily, the resort has survived several names and physical incarnations. A few years ago, the Zorro was lovingly restored by a dynamic investor-developer-hotelier trio.  Jack McGrory, Casey Brown and Jack Giacomini blended contemporary convenience and amenities with classic desert architecture with a pleasing nod to nostalgia.

A world-class golf course, perfectly manicured,

is steps away at La Casa del Zorro.

   THE ZORRO opened in 1937  as a small desert lodge, evolving into today's world class resort. Through the years, Hollywood discovered it, and San Diego social and business icons hob-nobbed, golfed, sunbathed, swam, drank and dined here.  

Another view of the changing

light, a constant pleasure.

Ricardo Breceda's sculpture

is nearby, another treat.

Presidents Nixon and George H.W. Bush, actor Marlon Brando and others came, seeking the solitude and serenity that mark a visit. Noted sculptor Ricardo Breceda maintains a shop on the property and his whimsical metal creatures grace the grounds and surrounding properties.  One of his friendly T-Rex creations greets guests! And a world-class public golf course is minutes away. Rams Hill is one of the most beautiful in the world, a spectacular $22 million Fazio desert course. And famed sculptor, Ricardo Breceda, has positioned dozens of his whimsical art pieces in the desert surrounding the resort. This is worth a few hours on its own, a lovely complement to the resort's artwork.

"Keller and Cookie" learned about the deadly effects of

tsunamis, in a recent visit to Hilo's Pacific Tsunami Museum.

UP NEXT: It's nearing hurricane season as we visit a museum dedicated to one of the fiercest forces of nature, the tsunami. One of the only museums devoted entirely to this horrifying act of nature is in Hilo, Hawaii, and gives a fascinating overview of the deadly waves and damage they've done. We learned about the origins and causes of tsunami waves. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and explosions  all have the potential to generate a tsunami. We found the museum riveting and hope you will, too. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, the arts and more: www.whereiscookie.com