It's been less than a week since Barack Obama handed over power, and the keys to the White House, to Donald Trump and, unsurprisingly, the former First Family have decided to go on a well-deserved holiday – their first real family getaway in eight years, to be exact.
However, when you've been the leader of the Free World for almost a decade, travelled the world and discussed foreign policy on a daily basis more times than the weather, it must be pretty hard to unanimously decide where in the world you want to jet off to.
Well, it seems like the decision wasn't too hard for Barack and Michelle, who decided on Palm Springs for their first holiday.
Landing in California on Friday, after the inauguration, the Obama family arrived at their accommodation for the week – a Palm Springs mansion located high above the Coachella Valley.
Appropriately located in the Thunderbird Heights community – yes, it's that dreamy – the private mansion is an 11,000-square-foot glass-and-stucco building, featuring a hand-carved Mayan calendar in its foyer, a façade adorned with Mesoamerican motifs and a keystone-shaped pool that has views across the San Jacinto Mountains, according to Architectural Digest.
Built in the early 1970s by architect Howard Lapham, the mansion was designed with Mayan Revival architectural influences from the 1920s in mind.
The mansion's current owner is interior designer Michael S. Smith — who redecorated the White House while the Obamas lived there – and James Costos, the ambassador to Spain and Andorra under President Obama.
According to Smith, the Obamas have visited the property several times during Barack's term of Office. And, it's not hard to see why.
'When they were here, it occurred to me that more than 50 years ago JFK had stayed just down the road at Bing Crosby's home,' he told Architectural Digest.
'The President and Mrs. Obama basically woke up in the morning to the same view of the valley. There was something lovely about that thought. It made me contemplate all the change that has taken place in those decades, contrasting with the timelessness of this beautiful desert landscape,' he added.
But, the holiday didn't end there for the Obamas.
On Monday night, the Obamas were then spotted leaving Palm Springs to board Sir Richard Branson's private jet, destined presumably to take the family to the billionaire's Caribbean island of Necker.
Located in the British Virgin Islands, Necker Island is 74 acres of white-sand, featuring Balinese villas and infinity pools.
According to its website, a maximum of 30 guests can stay at the eco-friendly resort, staffed by 100 employees and can enjoy activities including kite surfing, scuba diving, zip-lining and spa treatments for days.
Sir Branson – who is estimated almost £4 billion – hasn't been one to hold back in expressing his views on Donald Trump's new role in Office.
In a recent post to his company's website, Virgin, he wrote about an unfortgetable meeting with Trump.
He wrote: 'What concerns me most, based upon my personal experiences with Donald Trump, is his vindictive streak, which could be so dangerous if he got into the White House.
'For somebody who is running to be the leader of the free world to be so wrapped up in himself, rather than concerned with global issues, is very worrying,' he added.
Well, at least the Obamas can put worries of Trump's administration behind them for a few days, at least, while they enjoy time sunbathing, swimming and sipping Margaritas by the ocean.
If only we could join them.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
