Hey, Weekend: Why We Love Indian Wells

From the beginning, Indian Wells sparked attraction. Once a thriving Native American village, it became an important route to gold mining along the Colorado River. Future settlers grew sweet dates on the desert landscape before making way for golf course and resorts in the midcentury. During those golden years, Desi Arnez opened a hotel, golfer Arnold Palmer won the first Bob Hope Desert Classic and former president Dwight D. Eisenhower took up residence.

Today this oasis in the southern end of the Palm Springs region remains a hot spot for golf, tennis and glorious resort living. A collection of accommodations gives visitors multiple approaches to enjoying their getaway, from stylish boutique living to family-friendly fun.

Miramonte Resort

Originally built in the ’60s, the Miramonte got a major overhaul a few years ago to handsome results. Reopening on February 12, the resort looks forward to welcoming back guests to its romantic compound. In the shadows of the Santa Rosa Mountains, you can soak up the winter sunshine by the pool, or sit down for locally inspired cuisine at signature restaurant Citrus & Palm. Work your swing at one of the nearby championship golf courses or pick up a lesson at the Tennis Garden, home to the BNP Paribas Open and 29 PlexiPave courts.

www.miramonteresort.com

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa

With 530 rooms, including 35 suites and 43 villas, this family-favorite offers plenty of space to spread out and play. The main attraction waits outside, a mix of swimming pools, cabanas, lazy river and towering waterslide. While the kids take the plunge, sneak away to the Aqua Serena spa and indulge in a few hours of overdue pampering. As the former home of the Newsweek Champions Cup, now the sixth largest tennis tournament in the world, the resort has hosted tennis greats, including Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, Stefan Edberg and many others. The Indian Wells tennis area features three hard-surface courts and services to help plan your own Indian Wells tennis tournament. Close your day with Shots in the Night, a driving range with music, LED-charged golf balls and massive LED inflatable targets that light up when you hit them.

www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-regency-indian-wells-resort-and-spa

Sands Hotel & Spa  

This recent entry to Indian Wells got some design love from interior wizard Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Blanketed in pink with black & white stripes accents, the Moroccan-meets-midcentury vibe will light up your Instagram page. Located in the Olive Grove, the newly designed signature spa features three intimate treatment rooms, including a couples’ treatment room, and a menu of inspiring services featuring naturally sourced ingredients from Morocco. Just reopened at the end of January, the cheerful Pink Cabana features Mediterranean cuisine under the guidance of Chef Jason Niederkorn. A perfect couple’s retreat, the Sands only allows guests 18 and older, so leave the kiddies at home.

www.sandshotelandspa.com