By Ersilia Pompilio
Picture this: You and your best girlfriends—whether you’ve been riding together since college, or maybe since the good ol' days of the ’80s (we're not judging)—are sipping cocktails by a pool in Palm Springs, gossiping about life, love, and the fact that no one told you turning 50 would be this fabulous.
Welcome to your paradise, ladies.
Palm Springs has long been known for its mid-century modern charm, its perfect weather, and, let’s be real, its undeniable appeal as a place for women to reconnect, refresh, and indulge in a little me time with their SQUAD. In 2025, Palm Springs is still the spot for ladies of all ages—especially the ladies who've earned the right to live life on their terms.
You know what we're talking about, right? It's that feeling of freedom that comes when you leave work, family obligations, and other "grown-up" responsibilities behind. Some of you might be empty nesters. Some might be rediscovering life after a major life change. And some just know that nothing says “self-care” quite like a weekend full of sunshine, margaritas, and poolside gossip.
This isn’t your typical solo getaway either. According to recent research, while only 4% of young adults (18-24) go off solo, a whopping 25% of women 65+ are embracing solo adventures. And for good reason—retirement doesn’t just mean a slower pace of life, it means freedom. And Palm Springs is right there, waiting with open arms and plenty of poolside lounge chairs.
So, what's the appeal? Let’s break it down, SQUAD style.
What We Learned from the Ladies Who Sashay Through Palm Springs
SQUAD Magazine spent a full year speaking with over 100 female groups who made Palm Springs their go-to getaway. Here’s what we found:
1. The College Alums: BFFs Since '86
First up, we met a group of fierce women who’ve been BFFs since the Reagan years (and no, they don’t need a reunion to tell you how fabulous they still are). These ladies—now mostly in their 60s—met at college in LA and, every year, make the pilgrimage to Palm Springs to celebrate birthdays and, most importantly, friendship. Picture this: a group of women lounging poolside in their fabulous shades, sipping mimosas, and reminiscing about their college days. They’re a local crew from Los Angeles, but Palm Springs is their annual retreat. And, honestly, who can blame them? Sunshine, shopping, and that iconic poolside vibe? Perfection.
2. The Barbie Crew: You Had Me at Pink Flamingos
Next, we stumbled upon a group of women who truly know how to live—for over 30 years, to be exact. They call themselves the Barbie Crew, and they're not just fans—they’re dedicated devotees. In fact, they gathered for the 2024 Barbie Convention at the JW Marriott in Palm Desert, where they donned their most fabulous pink attire, designed tiny suitcases for their plastic bestie, and took mid-century modern Barbie-inspired photos. What’s even cooler? The oldest member of this squad is 96. Yep. Barbie is ageless.
These ladies make Palm Springs a key stop for their annual Barbie bash, and let’s face it, no one parties like a SQUAD who still rocks Barbie-approved fashion with a glass of rosé in hand.
3. The MidMod Ladies: Retro, Chic, and Fabulous
Then, we found the MidMod Ladies. This group of sassy women have been trekking to Palm Springs for Modernism Week for 7 years straight. They come from Chicago and Wisconsin, and let’s just say—they’ve got style. From the iconic mid-century architecture to the vintage-inspired fashion, these ladies are all about living their best retro lives, and Palm Springs gives them the perfect backdrop to do just that. If you’ve ever wanted to experience that perfect blend of glam, history, and so much sunshine, this is your squad’s vibe.
4. The Contessas: Hats Off to Elegance
And then there’s The Contessas. This squad is as chic as it gets, darling. They met in Venice, Italy, and now they make an annual pilgrimage to Palm Springs for over a decade. They call themselves “The Contessas” for a reason—they’ve got the hats, the elegance, and the presence of women who know how to live. Catch them at the Metropolitan Fashion Week at the Palm Springs Museum, sipping champagne and toasting another fabulous year of friendships. What we love? They never forget the power of a good hat to complete their la dolce vita look.
What To Do When You’re in Palm Springs: The Ultimate Itinerary
So you and your SQUAD are heading to Palm Springs—now what? Here's how to fill your days with laughter, libations, and luxury.
Wine, Women, and More Wine – Plan a progressive wine tasting. Start at Palm Springs Bottle Shop, then hit up Hyphen, and cap it off at Wabi Sabi for some wine + sushi magic. Top it off with a little edible indulgence from Emerald & Sage, because why not?
Shopping, Darling – Palm Springs isn’t just for sunbathing. Check out the chic boutiques and art galleries in Downtown Palm Springs for a little retail therapy. Who doesn't need a new vintage find?
Get Your Game On – Try your luck at the Spa Casino. It’s got all the glitz and glam of Vegas but without the hangover.
Spa Day, All Day – Of course, a spa day is non-negotiable. Treat yourself to the ultimate pampering experience, whether it’s a luxurious massage, a deep-tissue therapy, or a rejuvenating facial to make you feel like a million bucks.
Chill Poolside – Let’s not forget the main event: Poolside lounge time. Whether you're soaking in the rays with a book in hand or gossiping about your latest vacation fling, the poolside vibe in Palm Springs is top-tier.
Let Us Plan Your Palm Springs SQUAD Getaway
Still need some help getting your squad’s Palm Springs itinerary sorted? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Just hit us up, and we’ll help craft your perfect girls' getaway. After all, you deserve a vacation as fabulous as you are.
Remember, ladies: Palm Springs isn’t just a destination; it’s a lifestyle. And in 2025, it’s the ultimate spot for women who know how to live, laugh, and lounge with the best of them.
So grab your sunglasses, pack your sunscreen, and let the fun begin!
About the Author
Ersilia Pompilio is the Editor in Chief of SQUAD Magazine, a Palm Springs guide for bachelorettes and ladies who love to leisure. With over two decades of experience in performing, producing live storytelling shows, and hosting a podcast, she has also taught storytelling classes and written professionally for several media outlets. Originally from Los Angeles, Ersilia is also a twenty-year resident of Palm Springs, California.
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