Your Villa Magazine - Desert Cities - April - May - 2023

Desert Island Country Club in Rancho Mirage Reopens with Semi-Private Golf and Dining The historic desert property, Desert Island Country Club, has been acquired and re-imagined by Miguel Nelson, conceptual artist and founder of Marvimon, ultra-hip event spaces and art gallery in DTLA. Re-launched with a new world class culinary program with Chef Jon Butler, of LA institution ¶Republique·, and with overhauled golfing greens, the expansive property now includes three dining establishments ranging from casual après-golf to fine dining, a piano and cocktail lounge, and late-century ballroom event space. The vintage golf course on Desert Island is a walkable manicured acres around a -acre lake, with ample shaded trees, verdant grass and a coffee cocktail pitstop with artisan refreshments. Exclusivity for everyone - the formerly private course has been a destination for members for five decades and is now open to the public. Created as an alternative to the traditional country clubs in Greater Palms Springs, Desert Island is an escape for the new generation of golfers and foodies, who enjoy a life less ordinary. “Desert Island Country Club is a piece of golf history, a legacy course played on by a mix of old Hollywood stars,” states Nelson. “When the pandemic hit, I felt the urge to return to the desert for my next project. I fell in love with Desert Island as a unique property with excellent bones, spectacular outdoor amenities, and multiple communities coming together to enjoy its natural beauty, an ideal canvas for the unique, transformative projects I’m passionate about. What sets us apart truly, is the private club level amenities that are accessible by the public. From our chef to our golf pros, every member of our team is truly best in class.” COURSE DESIGN & AMENITIES The verdant course was designed by the legendary Desmond Muirhead - and features gentle slopes around the largest lake in the *reater Desert region, shade trees including mature eucalyptuses, short distances between greens and tee boxes, and many personal amenities. There are refreshment stations offering craft beverages and artisan snacks from Chef Butler. /uxurious trollies offer golfers everything from chilled towels to insulated water bottles. Additionally, there are no homes on property, a rarity for desert courses. :hile the course is ideal for walking, Desert Island offers new, high-end golf carts. Desert Island has just launched a limited number of private memberships, accepting memberships total. Members will have access to priority tee times, dining discounts, and additional club perks. THE PENNEY Chef Butler’s menu is an elevated experience, combining fine dining with attainable elegance. Named after artist and active DI resident )rederick Doyle 3enney - , Chef Butler has created a showcase for his ingredient-driven, locally sourced menu that is constantly evolving with the seasons. The Penney features a vast rare- spirits library, sunken horseshoe bar and indoor outdoor terrace dining with views of the lake and mountains. PARLOUR 7he 3arlour is Desert Island·s destination cocktail lounge, with a grand piano, a restored Brunswick pool table and a library of table games. The Parlour is designed for post-golf relaxation, pre-dinner aperitifs, or simply as a destination for fun and mischief. It features original art from owner Miguel Nelson and detailed murals painted by Stacy Smith, Desert Island’s artist-in-residence. :ith a D- at weekend evenings, 3arlour functions as a music lounge and game room with its own bar and cocktail menus. 9 ½ ô is Desert Island·s shady tropical refreshment station featuring casual-dining snacks and entrees from Chef Butler, as well as beer, specialty cocktails, fresh-squeezed juices, craft coffee, and more. The eatery is conveniently located adjacent to *olf Shoppe, between Holes , , , and and is open days a week, sunrise to golden hour and occasionally for dinner. ô expands to the Southern Verandah, a long, shaded row of tables overlooking the lake side putting green. 71-777 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 www.di71.com D I N I N G + E N T E R T A I N M E N T 8 | Your Villa Magazine