This summer, we took a break from international travel and explored more of our home state of California. My mom and I loaded my two girls up and we traveled from Northern California to Southern California in a Kia Sorento. We stopped in Anaheim, Torrance, Redondo Beach and finally our goal destination of Indian Wells. My husband wasn’t able to get the time off of work for this trip, so we made it a #GirlsTrip.
Indian Wells is located in the heart of Southern California’s desert resort communities (near Palm Springs) and is well-loved for its wide array of amenities including four world-class resorts, Indian Wells Golf Resort and Indian Wells Tennis Garden, a variety of cultural programs, impressive resident benefits, and much more. We were offered the chance to stay at the beautiful Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa, and it ended up being the perfect resort for our family.
When I begin the planning process for our family vacations, I always begin by searching for the best accommodations for our family’s needs. A few of the must-haves for a resort for us are a pool that is kid-friendly, affordable in-room dining, multiple dining options within the hotel, a spa, and the resort must be a close distance to the main part of town. The Renaissance hit all of those must-haves for us and then some.
Knowing that the Indian Wells and Palm Springs areas were going to be hot during our visit in June, we didn’t plan to do much besides relax by the pool or in the room, and try out some of the local shops and restaurants. When you have little kids, it’s important to plan for lots of down time and leave room in the daily schedule for adjustments. For example, my toddler still naps, but when we’re traveling, she just sort of naps when she crashes versus napping on a schedule like at home.
The Room
We went with a pool view queen-queen-guest room with a balcony which goes for around $150 per night, depending on what time of year you’re visiting. This is a great room for a family of four and had a great view of the pool and resort. The room had a large bathroom with a double vanity, shower/bathtub combo, and separate toilet area. The beds were very comfortable and each had a pillowtop mattress, featherbed, and duvet. The room was quiet, spacious and just felt like home and ended up being a great place to hide out when the temperature outside got too warm.
Room Features
- 420sqft/38sqm
- Air-conditioned
- This room is non-smoking
- Connecting rooms are available (for some rooms)
- Outdoor spaces: balcony (1)
- Windows may be opened
- Windows, floor to ceiling
- Total outdoor space: 20sqft/2sqm
Bath and Bathroom Features
- Shower/Tub combination
- Double vanities
- Bathroom amenities (Aveda)
- Hair dryer
Furniture and Furnishings
- Chair
- Alarm Clock
- Safe, in room
- Desk, writing / work, electrical outlet
- Iron and ironing board
Food & Beverages
- Room service
- Bottled water, complimentary
- Coffee maker / tea service
Kitchen features
- Mini-refrigerator
Internet and Phones
- Phones: 2
- Phone features: voicemail, and speaker phone
- High-Speed Internet Access: Wireless, Wired for 12.95 USD/day
Hospitality Services
- Newspaper delivered to room on request
Entertainment
- TV features: remote control, 55in/140cm, and LED screen
- Plug-In High Tech room
- Premium movie channels
- Cable/satellite
- CNN, ESPN, and HBO
- Radio
Accessible Room Features
- This room type does not offer mobility accessible rooms
- This room type does not offer accessible rooms with roll in showers
- This room type does not offer hearing accessible rooms
Resort Dining
Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa has multiple dining options within the resort itself. Our favorite, Sirocco Pizza Company, offers authentic Italian dining in the heart of Indian Wells. You can find everything from wood-fired pizza, DIY cheese and charcuterie boards, and an assortment of quintessential Italian favorites. You must try the caprese!
Also within the resort you can find Glo Sushi (open for dinner), Glo Lounge (open during lunch and dinner), CAVA (American cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner), Cafe Biscotti Coffee House (open for breakfast and lunch), and the pool bar (open for lunch).
Other restaurants within driving distance to the resort are Cliff House, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Las Casuelas Quinta (we loved this place).
The Pool
Needless to say, we spent much of our time at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort by their sandy beach pool. The resort had pool toys for the kids to play with, delicious cocktails for the adults, and tons of space to swim around. This was probably our favorite part of the resort because my girls were able to hang out in the shallow end safely or play with beach toys in the sand while sipping smoothies from the pool bar. We have never found this type of pool atmosphere in California and typically have to travel internationally to find anything close to this.
If you are more of a shade hog, you will love the umbrellas and cabanas around the pool.
The Spa
Something that I love to do on vacations is take a little “me time” and get a massage or spa treatment. I just love a fancy spa and the Spa Esmeralda did not disappoint. I arrived for my massage about 30 minutes early so I could relax beforehand. Spa Esmeralda has an outdoor Jacuzzi, although it was definitely too hot during my visit to take a dip. Overall, my spa experience was just perfect and my massage was just what I needed.
Services, Treatments & Amenities
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Couple’s Massage
- Facials
- Fitness classes available
- Hair & scalp treatments
- Makeup Services
- Manicures/pedicures
- Massages
- Men’s services
- Paraffin hand treatments
- Separate Men’s & Women’s Lounges
- Steam room
- Therapy baths
- Waxing
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad we were finally able to make the drive down to Indian Wells this year with my girls. To stay in an oasis in the middle of the desert was a fun experience and one we will never forget.
You can learn more about the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa by visiting: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pspsr-renaissance-indian-wells-resort-and-spa.
Thank you to Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa for graciously hosting our family, and to Kia for providing us with the perfect road trip vehicle.
