Palm Springs Area Resort Reopens with New Look and New Name

Following a dramatic multimillion-dollar design transformation, Renaissance Indian Wells reopened this week as Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa at Indian Wells and showing a complete makeover of its 560 guest rooms including 103 suites. The new look includes remastered corridors, a new multi-story lobby, creation of an industry-leading fitness center, vibrant pool-area enhancements, food and beverage innovations, and the debut of a magical new outdoor gathering spot.

The location brings a star-studded history (the area was once home to Hollywood icons from Bob Hope to the Rat Pack) that is incorporated into the property’s new look.

“Embracing the spirit of the desert, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is the perfect example of what the Renaissance brand offers today: a sense of clever theatricality and an open invitation to experience something a little unexpected during our guests’ travels,” said George Fleck, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing & Management, Renaissance Hotels.

The redo involved a collaboration with hospitality designer SFA Design Company to offer spaces designed to tell a story. Upon entering the property, guests are welcomed by a fresh infusion of light, with dozens of new pendant lights reflective of the desert’s night skies. The grand staircase and indoor fountain have been refreshed, and the renewed lobby setting provides added communal dining and workspaces — many with views of the surrounding landscape. The Place lobby bar has introduced a menu of desert-inspired cocktails.

Accommodations (among the largest in the greater Palm Springs area) bring new configurations with a larger selection of suites, and complete floor-to-ceiling transformations in every room category. A mix of raw and refined materials furthers the theatrical design philosophy. Interiors also feature the use of clean white screens to elevate the guest room experience, along with dedicated spaces for lounging, sleeping, working and relaxing, and an updated twist on the resort’s authentic mid-century aesthetics. All guest rooms feature a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting, versatile seating areas with a dining table and chairs to provide casual workspace with generous internet bandwidth, and pull-out sleeper sofas in king rooms.

Public spaces — including its 23 acres of Mediterranean-inspired featuring gardens, waterfalls, lakes and olive groves — can be booked for meetings, private parties and events, yoga and wellness retreats. R.E.N. Meetings, the company’s creative meetings platform, provides planners with a dedicated event team that can assist with the styling of each space, locally sourced catering, and turnkey social breaks.

Renaissance Esmeralda features all the Renaissance brand’s immersive guest experiences, including Evenings at Renaissance where guests can connect with the locale through nightly programming. A diverse group of local businesses and notable personalities will serve as This Way partners, giving travelers a glimpse into the neighborhood by highlighting the style, eats and beats of the destination.