Looking for a restorative vacation that keeps the kids occupied, offers order-worthy dining options, and plenty of family-filled activities both on-site and nearby? If that’s a yes, you definitely need to check out the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells
The restorative power of taking a weekend away with your family cannot be underestimated. We recently visited Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells and came back feeling incredibly rejuvenated and filled with memories we’ll treasure. So where is Indian Wells? Located just 2.5-hours east of LA, Indian Wells’ has a friendly small-town vibe, pristine surroundings, and much less traffic than its more touristy cousin, Palm Springs. And the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa? It has everything your brood could hope for in a vacation close to LA—including the desert’s largest swimming pool, plus an extensive variety of on-site activities and restaurants, all under the watchful eye of the gorgeous Santa Rosa Mountains. Fact: We immediately exhaled upon arrival. Take a peek at what two days in desert paradise looks like and get ready to add this special spot to your must-go getaway near LA list.
Everything You Need to Know about Staying at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
Let’s be real—parents usually need a vacation from their vacation after spending time away with their kids, but Renaissance Esmeralda is quickly changing that. With spacious rooms that don’t leave families feeling like they’re living on top of each other and seriously luxe beds that ensure a dreamy night’s rest—it’s a step in the right direction. Add to that, the resort’s Camp Esmeralda kids’ program that gives parents time to themselves and a zero-entry pool that allows littles to play independently in the water while you watch from a comfy lounge chair nearby. This resort is pretty much heaven on earth.
The Rooms at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
After its multimillion-dollar design transformation in 2019, Renaissance Indian Wells, a Marriott Bonvoy property, officially re-opened as Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa—a nod to the hotel’s original name, storied legacy, and star-studded history. Among many features included in that mega makeover were the resort’s 560 beautifully decorated mid-century modern rooms, including 103 suites—all with balconies and breathtaking views of the mountains, pool, or golf course. The rooms are thoughtfully appointed with amenities to make life easier, including spacious closets (they were bigger than our closets at home), Keurig coffee makers, a mini fridge, complimentary bottled water, lush terry cloth robes, Aveda bath products, and LCD TVs that even feature Netflix (no need to enter your password here!).
Regular guest rooms have more than enough space for families of four or less, but if you prefer to level up, the one-bedroom suites are worth the extra price and deliver even more space complete with a dining table and two TVs. For larger family gatherings or extra special occasions, book the Ambassador, Executive, Governor, or even the Presidential Suites—they feature separate living and dining rooms that are ideal for entertaining and large groups or multigenerational stays.
Jump into the Desert’s Largest Swimming Pool
If there’s an award for hotel pools, Renaissance Esmeralda is winner winner chicken dinner! One of the best resort pools we’ve ever encountered, this is likely where spend much of your stay. There are three pools, a stunning waterfall, hot tubs, and plenty of lounge chairs and cabanas. Our favorite—the zero-entry pool off the resort’s sandy beach—makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island getaway. Parents can relax while keeping a watchful eye nearby as kiddos independently splash the afternoon away. The beach also features shovels and pails for some serious sandcastle building.
We reserved a private beach cabana during our stay and can’t recommend it highly enough. The cabana features a cooler stocked with bottled water, towels, plates and utensils, a sofa seating area, and four lounge chairs near the sand. The H20 Pool Bar offers walk-up service with light bites and drinks (hello, margaritas!) poolside. Or better yet, ask one of the many attentive waiters to deliver lunch directly to your lounger so you never have to move a muscle.
What to Do at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa with Kids
1. Desert Glow Entertainment
One of the resort’s newest additions is Desert Glow—the ultimate gaming and lounge experience on the lobby level. Open all day, we predict your kids will want to spend a sizable amount of time here (as ours did). Filled with everything from classic arcade games, virtual reality games and air hockey to claw games, Duckpin Bowling and a Gold Rush Escape Room, it’s pretty darn impressive. You can purchase a game card on site to fill with credits for play and each game costs around 10 credits. If you need assistance during your visit, staff are readily available to answer any questions you have.
2. Camp Esmeralda
The resort’s commitment to providing entertainment for the whole family continues with Camp Esmeralda—a children’s program led by skilled and creative counselors so parents can steal some time to themselves (cue angels singing). Their dynamic activities include arts and crafts, ceramic painting, slime making, canvas coloring, sand bottle making, and much more. The program is complimentary to resort guests, and hours and availability can be found on the resort calendar.
3. Lawn Games & More
Throughout the resort, there are a plethora of fire pits where you can cozy up with a good book, a game of UNO, or a cocktail. Foosball tables, ping pong tables, and corn hole games are also located around the hotel grounds, encouraging a little friendly competition. Parents, don’t miss Spa Esmeralda, the full-service spa which offers plenty of pampering treatments. And for active families, there are tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, bike rentals, outdoor yoga classes, and two 18-hole championship style golf courses at Indian Wells Golf Resort that surround the property and offer stunning mountain views. So, whether you’re taking a quick getaway or a longer respite from the world, Renaissance Esmeralda has everything you can dream of in one place. Prices vary depending on the season but tend to be less expensive during the (warmer) summer months.
Where to Eat at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
Unlike other resorts that maybe have one or two restaurants (if you’re lucky), Renaissance Esmeralda features six wonderful dining options that offer something for everyone. The first morning of our stay, we grabbed breakfast at Café Biscotti which features a variety of tempting pastries like pain au chocolate (which we devoured), muffins, donuts, and fresh fruit. They also have a superb menu of signature coffees and other drinks to go. For dinner, we enjoyed a meal at The Place Lobby Bar with its fab selection of light bites and specialty drinks in a lively atmosphere. There’s ample seating inside, but given that it was such a lovely evening, we dined outside under the stars by the firepit.
Our last day in Indian Wells, we stopped by the incredible breakfast buffet at CAVA—the only restaurant in town to host a buffet like this seven days a week! Choosing what to eat first was the difficult part—with an omelet station, homemade pastries, fresh fruit, salmon, bacon and sausage, waffles, cereals and much more—it’s a fantastic way to please even the pickiest palates. In addition to CAVA’s usual offerings, they’re now hosting a special happy hour menu from 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. daily, as well as live entertainment.
And if that’s not enough, the resort also features Glo Sushi with a delectable selection of rolls, B&F On-Demand which conveniently delivers breakfast or dinner to your room, and H20 (mentioned above) for fantastic poolside dining. Bon appétit!
The Best Things to Do near Indian Wells with Kids
If you need help uncovering some hidden gems of things to see and do in Indian Wells, connect with Renaissance Esmeralda’s onsite “navigators” who can give you the local scoop that’s not found in any guide book. In the meantime, here are our own faves that are worth checking out:
1. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
If you feel like having an adventure offsite for the day, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is just five miles away from Renaissance Esmeralda. Whether you want to feed giraffes, get up close and personal with wallabies, check out the new Rhino Savanna, learn about animal care at the Tennity Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center, or stop by the crazy cool model train exhibit, The Living Desert never disappoints. After you’ve tired your little ones out, head back to the resort for a refreshing late day swim.
2. BNP Paribas Open
Every March, Indian Wells Tennis Garden hosts the highly prestigious BNP Paribas Open–the largest ATP Tour and WTP Tour combined two-week event in the world. Just two miles from Renaissance Esmeralda, the event features some of the very best players in the world. When you’re taking a break from the action on the court, the stadium offers a Tennis Paradise experience around the grounds with unrivaled amenities, live entertainment, and luxe dining and retail options. Renaissance Esmeralda is a hotel partner for the tournament and ticket/hotel packages are available when booking earlier in the season. Unfortunately, this year’s Official 2023 BNP Paribas Open hotel packages are now sold out, but a limited number of hotel nights may still be available. This year’s tournament dates are March 6-19, 2023.
3. Red Jeep Tours
Just a 20 min. drive from Renaissance Esmeralda to Metate Ranch, Red Jeep’s San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour is always a family favorite for those who love adventure. The 3-hour tour winds through a maze of geological cuts and canyons of the San Andreas Fault Zone while a naturalist guide tells stories about the area’s plants, animals, geology, seismology, and Cahuilla Indians.
4. Indian Wells Golf Resort
Located adjacent to Renaissance Esmeralda, the Indian Wells Golf Resort was named “one of the 30 best municipal golf courses in America” according to Golf Magazine. For young ones looking to up their game, private junior lessons can booked prior to your visit. Also, when available, the Troon Family Golf Program gives junior golfers one complimentary round of golf when playing with a paying adult after 3 p.m. Juniors may also rent Callaway Golf Clubs for free anytime they’re playing with a paying adult. Once the sun goes down, families should check out the club’s Shots in the Night experience. It’s fun for golfers and non-golfers alike and features Laser Putting by Netlinks and a brand new Top Tracer Driving Range. And if you work up an appetite, the famous food truck onsite serves beverages and elevated BBQ (including some kids’ menu selections).
5. Day Trip to Joshua Tree
A little over an hour’s drive from Renaissance Esmeralda, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect day trip whether it’s your family’s first time or their 100th. Known for its incredible rock formations, adventurous hiking trails, and stunning stargazing opportunities, this national treasure is an absolute must-do when you’re so close by. Just be sure to fill up on gas before you head into the park as there aren’t any stations inside. Also, remember to download mobile maps ahead of time or stop by the visitor’s center to grab a paper one since cell service can be spotty. And, above all, pack more water than you think you’ll need (at least 1 gallon per day per person) as it’s difficult to find in the park.
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
44-400 Indian Wells Ln.
Indian Wells, CA
Online: renesmeralda.com
Accommodations were provided by Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, but all the opinions belong to the writer.
