Indian Wells is nestled in the Coachella Valley between Palm Desert and La Quinta. In this area, once home to an Indian village, settlers began arriving and took advantage of the native palm trees, creating lucrative palm ranches and furthering the region’s development. Gold was discovered in Indian Wells by William D. Bradshaw, who built a trail from Los Angeles through the desert to transport prospectors to their (hoped-for) fortunes. As time went on, country clubs and hotels were established, leading to the Indian Wells we know and love today.
Modern-day Indian Wells is a suburban oasis, home to luxury resorts, world-class restaurants, spas, shops, excellent schools, and fabulous golf courses. A stunning landscape covered in palm trees and lush scenery, Indian Wells’ features are beautiful as much as they are extravagant. Luxury amenities and pastimes are more than just leisurely undertakings in Indian Wells — they are a lifestyle.
Recreation & Relaxation
What sets Indian Wells apart is its vast array of lavish recreational opportunities. From tennis to golf, hikes to country clubs, you’ll never have a dull moment.
Golf & Country Clubs
The Indian Wells Country Club is a slice of paradise offering scenic views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, golf courses, dining options, and a calendar packed with events for member socialization and camaraderie. Memberships are suitable for everyone from weekenders to full-on golf enthusiasts who want unlimited golf access year-round.
The 36-hole championship golf courses have hosted big names such as Frank Sinatra, Desi Arnaz, and Bob Hope. Stunning canyons, picturesque views, and challenging courses make for a golf enthusiast’s dream destination.
The Wellness Center boasts 4,500 square feet worth of open fitness space and equipment, a 500 square-foot exercise studio, and three massage rooms. Once you’ve had your share of golf, exercise, and a relaxing massage, feast on some tasty dishes at Curci’s Grill & Classic Patio. This club has everything you need for a fun and restful retreat.
Located in a natural cavern at the base of Eisenhower Mountain, The Vintage Club offers a world-class, exclusive oasis for its members. This esteemed club features two Tom Fazio-designed championship golf courses, welcoming members of all skill levels to revel in lush surroundings while whacking some balls on the green. Classes are available for golf lovers and tennis enthusiasts alike. Members enjoy the 11 top-tier tennis courts available to them, where thrilling competitions are hosted during the season.
The Spa & Wellness Center boasts a whopping 18,000 square-foot space where different group classes, including yoga, pilates, and Gyrotonics, are taught, and world-class cardio and strength training equipment is provided. The club has three other restaurants fit for your dining desires, whether it be a light and casual meal or a carefully curated culinary experience. Live in the lap of luxury at The Vintage Club.
The Reserve Club is a private golf society offering membership options for residents and non-residents alike. Members relish the spectacular views and lack of tee times on the Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish-designed championship golf course. Featuring an 18-hole putting course, two putting greens, and three trophy holes, this location is ideal for achieving a flawless stroke.
The Fitness and Wellness center provides spa services, including facials, body treatments, and massages to unwind from life’s stresses. Get active with a wellness workshop, yoga, hiking, pickleball, or one of the multitudes of daily activities. You’ll come for the golf and stay for the fabulous amenities offered at The Reserve Club.
Spas
Unravel your stresses and troubles at Spa Esmeralda, located on-site at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. Reserve a 60 or 90-minute Esmeralda Signature massage to release muscle tension, or experience a luxurious side-by-side couples massage, complete with aromatherapy oils and champagne. Bring the glow back to your complexion with a deep cleansing facial, featuring an exfoliation peel, a lifting massage, and a treatment masque with botanical extracts to nourish and rejuvenate. Seasonal body scrubs bring hydration and restoration to your Indian Wells sun-kissed skin. Spa packages are available if you simply can’t choose between the fabulous massages and facials. A peaceful retreat to clear your mind and skin, Spa Esmeralda is a special treat.
The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is home to Agua Serena Spa. This facility includes private men’s and women’s sectors, including a relaxation room, eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, jacuzzi, and outdoor showers. The Garden Suites are suitable for a bridal party or romantic evening, featuring a private outdoor shower and a patio with scenic views — perfect for lounging. With its various spa treatments and fabulous fare to match your healthy lifestyle, this spa provides a well-rounded experience.
Local Attractions
Soar above Coachella Valley and take in the breathtaking views in a hot air balloon. Fantasy Balloon Flights offers group flights and private charters for groups of two or more. Daily champagne balloon departures in Coachella Valley are available from September through May, a perfect adventure for anniversaries, marriage proposals, and special celebrations. See Palm Desert in a new light with this exhilarating and memorable experience.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens occupies over 1,200 acres of the Colorado Desert and dedicates its efforts to wildlife and ecosystem education and conservation. Eighty acres are developed for zoo and garden exhibitions, while the remaining 1,120 acres are unscathed Sonoran Desert scrub. Visitors can enjoy various hiking trails, family-friendly interactive wildlife demonstrations, feeding a giraffe, and more! An excellent location for a family outing with a profound purpose, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a must-visit.
Dining & Drinking
There is a broad range of dining options in Indian Wells. Below are just a few fantastic restaurants to try.
Located in the Sands Hotel & Spa, the Pink Cabana is a bright and colorful eatery offering Mediterranean fares with a Moroccan flair. Open for breakfast through dinner with weekend brunch options, the Pink Cabana’s menus feature many flavorful dishes. Enjoy a lovely breakfast with your sweetheart, complete with a ricotta tartine, or savor a tagine of Colorado lamb shank for dinner. The bar has excellent brews, ciders, and wine, along with mixologist-curated cocktails. For something different, try the inventive pink lemonade made with Absolut Elyx vodka, herbs de Provence, Lillet rose, and pink sea salt. A fabulous restaurant serving Marrakesh refreshers and Niman Ranch cheeseburgers, this casual spot is perfect for any meal of the day.
Welcoming guests of all ages, The Nest offers fine food in a comfortable setting. Adults adore the Sunday through Thursday happy hour, while dinner is loved by guests both young and mature. Start dinner with some baked artichoke dip, follow it up with a hearty double-cut Cajun pork chop, and finish with Mom’s European chocolate torte. The menu boasts European and American selections, with dishes appealing to all.
Relish a romantic evening in the warm and welcoming fine dining establishment, Jillian's. The wine list is lengthy and will please any wine enthusiast’s palate, while the dinner menu is refined and features housemade pasta and bread baked daily. Start your meal with a tower of fresh crab or spicy corn chowder. Once you’ve opened your appetite, savor the salmon in parchment for a flavorful medley of fresh fish, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Finish dinner on a sweet note by sharing a decadent raspberry creme brulee and a glass of dessert wine, sealing the deal for an intimate dining experience with your love.
Shopping
Shopping centers are located just outside the boundaries of Indian Wells in La Quinta and Palm Desert. All your retail therapy needs are just a short distance away.
Desert Crossing shopping mall carries big brand stores including Target, Best Buy, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Get stylish discounted apparel for the whole family at T.J. Maxx, food and supplies for your furry family members at Petco, and some libations fit for unwinding after a long day of shopping at Total Wine & More. Services are another easy feat at Desert Crossing, which houses a dentist, a nail salon, and more. Take your kid for a fun day of pizza and play at Chuck E. Cheese’s, or pick up some fabulous new heels at DSW. The options are endless at Desert Crossing.
Travel east to La Quinta’s Washington Park and The Dunes Business Park for various services, boutiques, and eateries. This center boasts a Costco Wholesale, Walmart Supercenter, and Smart & Final for all your large grocery, retail, and lifestyle purchases. Pick up a Starbucks cappuccino and head to Cost Plus World Market for specialty artisanal products and home decor from around the world. A casual and fresh family lunch can be had at Chipotle Mexican Grill before you head to Vons for your weekly groceries. Just about every service and shopping need can be met at these plazas.
Schools
Indian Wells is home to exceptional schools run by the Desert Sands Unified School District, including:
- Gerald Ford Elementary, Public, K-5
- John Glenn Middle School, Public, Magnet, 6-8
- Palm Desert High School, Public, 9-12
If you are intrigued by this one-of-a-kind community and are interested in Indian Wells real estate, let real estate agent Scott Ehrens guide you. Scott’s expertise and knowledge of Palm Springs, Indian Wells, and surrounding areas will lead you to the Indian Wells luxury real estate of your dreams.
(Cover Image Credit: City of Indian Wells)
