With its cool starry nights, sun-drenched desert days, and magnificent Sierra Madre mountains, California’s Coachella Valley is famous for its bucolic lifestyle, tennis championships, golf courses and world-famous pilgrimage for the stars, the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
From its inception 30 years ago, an imagined island lifestyle has been Tommy Bahama’s mantra—here the living is easy, the water is always warm and stylish vacations are always in season. To complement their tropical print clothing the TB team expanded into fashion-fronted hospitality with adjacent restaurants and Marlin Bars at 14 locations. Now, they’ve opened the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.
A true desert oasis with over 11 acres of manicured grounds featuring ancient olive trees and fragrant citrus groves, the resort is both brand and guest friendly in so many ways. With 215 rooms, 3 pools, a 12,000 square foot spa and a “test lab” retail store, life here promises an endless long weekend.
For a relaxing brunch or celebrating a special occasion, Grapefruit Basil Restaurant is a sweet spot where a creative menu using island inspired fresh ingredients are a treat. Only in the mood for something lighter? Hang at the all-day outdoor patio or at Chiki Palm, a pool-side bar with savoury small bites and crafted cocktails. Evening firepits and live music add lux campfire ambiance.
No need to leave but if you’re keen to venture off property there’s lots to do if you don’t mind the heat. (June to October, daytime temperatures can easily reach 38 degrees and higher). Tee off at sunrise at the next-door Indian Wells Golf Resort on Clive Clark’s Celebrity Course or the famed Players Course. Alternately, the Palm Springs area offers over 100 courses—private, semi-private as well as many open to the general public.
Put on your comfortable shoes and go on a short drive to the picturesque City of Palm Desert and enjoy a relaxing walk along El Paseo Drive and enjoy the shops, chic art galleries, outdoor cafes and restaurants. Fashion Week at El Paseo is an annual event that takes place in the middle of March. The 7-day fashion event offers shows designed by local businesses, with touch of kindness and gratitude (each show benefits local charities).
If hiking is on your mind, the Greater Palm Springs area is home to more than 1,000 miles of trails traversing varied terrain. Expect everything from wide-open sandy desert paths and lush palm groves to steep alpine wilderness.
