Where to Stay
The Elite Meet: The Parker Palm Springs
Formerly known as Merv Griffin’s Hotel and Givenchy Spa, this 144-room high-end hotel draws big names who are looking for a break from the hipster feel of Coachella. “The Parker is iconic,” says Nick Andreottola, CEO of the global concierge service Status Luxury Group. With interiors designed by Jonathan Adler and four pools there is plenty to enjoy, but celeb guests that have included Barbra Streisand and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also covet the privacy provided by high shrubs and a staff trained to keep their lips sealed.
Rooms start at $845; to reserve, go to theparkerpalmsprings.com.
The Desert Oasis: Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa
Nestled in the exclusive Indian Wells community and surrounded by the Santa Rosa mountains, the lushly landscaped property feels like a boutique hotel even though with 540 rooms, it isn’t. The best part? It’s only a 16-minute drive from the festival.
Rooms start at $279; to reserve, go to marriott.com.
The Hip Hangout: ACE Hotel & Swim Club
“It’s known as the ‘fun’ hotel,” says Andreottola of the artsy motel-style “swim club” located in Palm Springs (about 25 miles from the festival grounds). Aside from hosting some of the weekends’ wildest parties, artists including Vanessa Hudgens (above) and Katy Perry have been spotted there.
Rooms start at $305; to reserve, go to acehotel.com.
What to Pack
Wearable Flask
Pour up to 3 oz. of hooch into this 24-karat plated bracelet. Katharine McPhee sports the brand.
Cynthia Rowley bangle, $365; cynthiarowley.com.
Colorful Carry-All
Proceeds from sales of this festive handmade bag benefit artisans in South America.
Miss Mochila cotton bag, $295; accompanyus.com.
Standout Flats
Stay comfy and cool in sandals by Etro. Sheryl Crow and Solange Knowlesare fans.
Etro sandals with feather accent, $910; etro.com.
Easy Layers
H&M now has a Coachella line of boho garb with exclusive pieces for sale at the festival.
H&M Loves Coachella fringed kimono, $24.95; hm.com.
Plus…Don’t leave home without these festival-enhancing gadgets
Attachable Camera Lens
It may not turn you into Annie Leibovitz, but the Photojojo lens set for smartphones will double your zoom and make the figures onstage actually decipherable.
Five-lens set, $99; photojojo.com
New Wave Earplugs
Protect your eardrums and ward off tinnitus with DUBS earplugs, which reduce volume without sacrificing clarity.
DUBS acoustic filters, $25; getdubs.com.
Where to Eat
Celeb Haunt: Copley’s 621 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, Calif.
This high-end eatery — which was once Cary Grant’s guesthouse — attracts the likes of Jennifer Lopez and ICM Partners’ Chuck James, who come for chef Andrew Manion Copley’s creative takes on American classics.
Secret Spot El Mexicali Cafe II: 43430 Monroe St., Indio, Calif.
With harp players and “the best chiles gueritos you’ve ever had,” according to Dan Berkowitz of the event travel agency CID Entertainment, this authentic, family-owned Mexican restaurant has become a local favorite.
Foodie Feast: Outstanding in the Field 81-800 Ave. 51, Indio, Calif.
The farm-to-table outdoor pop-up restaurant with elaborate four-course meals will cook up 12 dinners at Coachella. At $225 it’s pricey, but fans include celebs like Penn Badgley.
Where to Party
4/10: Coach Backstage
Since executive creative director Stuart Vevers began transforming the brand in February 2014, Coach has debuted an exclusive party and concert series featuring artists like Banks and Zoe Kravitz. They’re bringing the fourth show to Coachella this year (location to be determined).
4/10: MAC Cosmetics
To celebrate her summer-festival-inspired makeup collection for MAC, Mia Moretti will take a break from the DJ booth to host a poolside party at the Ingleside Inn, where one might bump elbows with members of her posse like Katy Perry. Says Moretti, “The scene will be straight out of a Slim Aaron photograph.”
4/10: H&M Party
With a turnout that has included Perry, ASAP Rocky, Emmy Rossum and performances by Santigold and Iggy Azalea in years past, six-time sponsor H&M’s annual poolside and nighttime bashes have become a must for concertgoers. Alana, Danielle and Este Haim will be on hand to kick off this year’s party at the Parker with a DJ set.
4/10-12: Popsugar and Shopstyle Club Cabana
For the first time ever, the style sites will host a series of fashion- and music-filled pool parties at the Avalon Hotel Palm Springs (formerly the Viceroy). In addition to sets by DJs like Hannah Bronfman, Alessandra Ambrosio will launch Friday’s festivities with a celebration for her BaubleBar jewelry collection.
4/11: Jeremy Scott x Moschino
In lieu of his annual Adidas bash where Rita Ora and Solange have partied into the morning, the Los Angeles-based designer plans to throw an inaugural Moschino party. Though Scott’s camp is keeping this year’s venue a secret (Frank Sinatra’s former home hosted the event in 2014), expect it to be the toughest door in Indio.