Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa

“Welcome to Renaissance Esmeralda,” greets Charlie, the bellman with a smile as wide as a fairway and as warm as the temperatures, when we check-in. Upon escorting us to Room 3071, he playfully queries, “Is your last name Marriott?”  He explains that our room is one of only twenty with a bullseye pool view and oversized balcony in this Marriott-affiliated resort in the greater Palm Springs area.

Renaissance Esmeralda’s Impressive Luxury

Positioned within the Coachella Valley’s heart in Indian Wells and flanked by Palm Desert and La Quinta, our first sighting of the seven-story, 560-room resort from Highway 111 is impressive. Set on twenty-three acres situated near the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and encircled by the greenery of surrounding golf links, the lobby entrance is found at the end of a long palm-tree-lined drive, Indian Wells Lane.

Debuting a fresh look after a multi-million-dollar reimagination, it’s reminiscent of the Hollywood of old but coupled with modern amenities of today. After entering beneath three crystal chandeliers, a peek from between the duo of curved staircases that lead to the terrace level reveals the resort’s centerpiece — the pool (the desert’s largest) and its encircling deck.

The Resort’s Epicenter

Renaissance Esmeralda’s outdoor gathering spot serves as the resort’s epicenter. So a relaxing day at the pool is mandatory. And, if possible, in a cabana. “I am Cuco. Follow me to South Beach,” says the convivial pool attendant. “South Beach,” the name of our designated home for the day, is one of the property’s eight cabanas (accommodating six) situated at the sand. It becomes our spot for people watching, book reading and enjoying we’re-on-vacation cocktails like Cubas Libres and Mai Tais from the H20 Pool Bar.

Featuring such incentives as Spa Esmeralda (11 indoor treatment rooms and 8 outdoor treatment cabanas), a 4,600-square-foot fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes, in addition to ping pong, cornhole and much more, it’s tempting to simply stay. But it would be a mistake not to leave the Renaissance’s beach-like environs and explore the desert, so let’s go.

Championship Golf at Indian Wells Golf Resort

Only steps away thirty-six holes of championship golf beckon at Indian Wells Golf Resort. One of the area’s few properties to have two courses — Players Course and Celebrity Course — ranking in the Top 25 “Best Municipal Courses in the United States” by Golfweek magazine. It additionally offers the “Shots in the Night” encounter. Featuring the Putting Experience and Glow Golf Range, both open shortly after sunset three nights a week.

Desert Adventures Nearby

Desert Adventure Red Jeep Tours (Palm Desert) — If looking for an activity that is educational, adventurous and out-of-doors, there’s no better way to explore the renowned San Andreas Fault zone than from an open-air jeep.

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens (Palm Desert) — Named one of the “10 Best Zoos in America” and self-described as “wonderfully wild,” here residents are observed up close and personal. Australian Adventures features such Down Under treasures as wallabies, kookaburras, budgies and cockatiels. The zoo’s newest addition to the scene, Rhino Savanna, showcases a pair of African black rhinos, Nia and Jaali.

Shields Date Garden (Indio) — Located on the same site since 1924, this date farm serves up a bit of everything. While the garden path winding through the 17-acre farm offers cardio, there is also the legendary 350-calorie date shake. And for a take-home souvenir, there are boxed dates, date bread, date butter, even date crystals (an exclusive specialty product invented by Mr. Shields).

Luxury Shopping and Art Explorations

Shopping begins on El Paseo, the desert’s equivalent to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive.

Immersion into the art scene is as easy as a stroll through Melissa Morgan Fine Art Sculpture Garden (Palm Desert), a one-half-acre outdoor gallery located near the end of the town’s upscale avenue. Showcasing Palm Desert’s clear dedication to the arts, even the median of its one-mile strip of exclusive shops and galleries is dotted with Plein-air art. And, if in the mood to make a purchase (especially of contemporary art), be sure to visit Melissa Morgan Fine Art gallery nearby.

Body Deli (Palm Desert) — Organic and plant-based, these locally-produced products are sans preservatives and additives. Developed by Cosmetic Chefs Margaret Skarin Clark and David Anton Parker, the line features 200-plus skincare products in a selection of twelve aromas with one of its most popular items the Crème De La Rose, a regenerative facial moisturizer.

Consignment Store (Palm Springs) — With four buildings full of desert collectibles acquired from its affluent and famous residents, it’s worth a stop for the treasures that might be discovered. My long-ago favorite sighting was of Olivia Newton-John’s guitar, autographed, of course.

Vegas Quality Entertainment

Vegas-quality entertainment can be found within minutes of Renaissance Esmeralda at IW Live, the show lounge of the Indian Wells Hotel. Offering a variety of live performances Monday through Saturday, I’m convinced our introduction to one of the desert’s newest talents, Marc Antonelli, will one day give us the opportunity to say: “We saw him when.”

Memorable Meals

Memorable meals are abundant, but here are some standouts. A stop at TQLAS (La Quinta) is rewarded by delectable jalapeno margaritas, street corn and their signature shrimp tacos. On weekends, look no further than JC’s Café (Palm Desert) for brunch and its selection of five Benedicts.

Evening dining on the terrace of Pacifica (Palm Desert)  comes highly recommended. start with bacon-wrapped stuffed Coachella dates. Next, sample the eatery’s signature dish, sugar-spiced salmon. Finally, conclude with chocolate lava cake (if you are lucky enough to be there when Chef Luis Zamora adds it to the menu).

Replete with all the requirements for a well-appointed getaway and each component of a weekend about “me,” look no further than Greater Palm Springs’ Renaissance Esmeralda. It’s the recipe for rejuvenation.