Celebrate With Santa Breakfasts, Starlit Movies and Sāmores by The Fire
Forget frosty weather. Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells brings the holiday glow with sunshine, sparkle and a whole lot of style. Between the palm-lined pool, fireside cocktails and indulgent spa days, this desert retreat makes the holidays shine even brighter. Whether youāre craving a family escape or a chic friendsā getaway, the resortās holiday packages blend California cool with festive cheer. From Friendsgiving feasts to midnight champagne toasts, every detail will make your stay merry and beautifully effortless.
1. The Holiday Offers Worth Packing For
Start with the headline act: three limited-time holiday packages that make checking in feel like unwrapping a gift. The Friendsgiving Package runs all November, pairing your stay with a bottle of sparkling wine, a cheese display and extra discounts when you add a second room. December brings An Esmeralda Holiday Package with special rates, $100 daily resort credit and a mini decorated tree in your room. And you can ring in 2026 with the NYEsmeralda Package, which includes champagne, party favors and a breakfast buffet or in-room dining. Right now, the Travelzoo offer sweetens the deal with nightly rates starting around $189+ and $95 in resort perks. Consider this your cue to book before Santa does.
2. Esmeralda Spa: Where Peppermint Meets Pure Bliss
The holidays can be a whirlwind, but Esmeralda Spa knows exactly how to slow it down. The scent of peppermint fills the air as therapists work their magic with hot stone massages. You can truly detox with a date and citrus body scrub or gemstone facial that leave you glowing brighter than the tree lights. Post-treatment, sip herbal tea on the spa terrace or unwind in the relaxation lounge while gazing at the Santa Rosa Mountains. Itās a festive treat that makes stress disappear faster than the last cookie on the plate.
3. CAVA Restaurant Serves Holiday Feasts With California Flair
At CAVA Restaurant, the holidays come with a side of sunshine. The resortās signature eatery channels the spirit of Palm Springs dining, offering California-inspired cuisine with seasonal ingredients and outdoor ambiance. Think seared salmon, New York steak and caprese salads served under swaying palms. Holiday meals, like the Thanksgiving buffet, sparkle with festive entrees and decadent desserts that rival any family pie recipe. Whether itās brunch, dinner or a celebratory toast, CAVA makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
4. The Place: Sunset Spritzes & Fireside Bites
When golden hour hits Indian Wells, thereās nowhere better to be than The Place, the resortās effortlessly cool lobby bar. Sip a festive spritz or classic Old Fashioned while the firepit flickers beside you. Small plates also make this spot perfect for pre-dinner bites or post-swim lounging. With twinkle lights, palm-lined views and a laid-back crowd, The Place captures that mix of desert chic and holiday glow that keeps guests coming back.
5. CafƩ Biscotti Brings Morning Magic
Every perfect holiday morning starts with coffee, and CafĆ© Biscotti delivers it with style. The aroma of espresso fills the air as baristas whip up cappuccinos, croissants and seasonal treats that rival Santaās cookie tray. From early adventures to slow starts with a book in the courtyard, this cafĆ© sets the tone for effortless mornings. Bonus points for the friendly staff and grab-and-go lunch options that make family outings in Indian Wells a breeze.
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6. Pool Deck & Cabanas: Holiday Glow Meets Desert Sun
Who needs snow when you have sunshine, heated pools and twinkle lights? The pool deck at Renaissance Esmeralda transforms into a tropical winter wonderland. Families float in the warm water while private cabanas offer shade, snacks and cocktails that taste like vacation. As dusk falls, the lights reflect across the water, giving the whole scene a soft, cinematic glow. Itās the kind of holiday setting that makes you forget the rest of the world is cold.
7. Fire Pits & Starry Nights
Desert evenings are made for connection, and the resortās fire pits turn every night into a celebration. Grab a blanket, roast sāmores and sip spiked cocoa as the stars blanket the sky. Families gather to trade stories, friends toast to the season and couples sneak in a quiet moment by the flames. Surrounded by mountain silhouettes and palms, these open-air spaces feel intimate and grand, like the holidays were always meant to be spent outdoors.
8. Resort Activities for Every Generation
Thereās a reason Renaissance Esmeralda ranks among the best Palm Springs family resorts: the activities are endless. Mornings begin with yoga or guided hikes, while afternoons bring pool games, craft sessions and bike rides through Indian Wells. Parents can slip off to the spa while kids make friends at the playground or splash zone. The energy here feels equal parts fun and restorative, turning downtime into pure joy.
9. The Location: Close to Everything, Yet Perfectly Peaceful
Set in the heart of Indian Wells, the resort makes exploring the Coachella Valley easy. Tee off at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, shop designer finds along El Paseo or take a short drive to Palm Desert for live music and holiday markets. When youāre ready to unwind, the resortās setting brings you back to serenity: palms swaying, mountains glowing and the desert sky painted in shades of holiday magic.
10. A Season to Remember (and Repeat)
By the time youāve toasted at The Place, lounged by the pool and indulged in a peppermint massage, one thingās clear: this resort redefines holiday travel. The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa turns every stay into a story worth retelling. Families, couples and solo travelers all find their rhythm here, where luxury meets laughter and the seasonās spirit lasts long past checkout. So go ahead! Book the deal, pack the swimsuit and put this Indian Wells hotel on your nice list.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
