Image courtesy of Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Tranquil and luxurious, yet unpretentious, Indian Wells is an under-the-radar destination that is home to the BNP Paribas Open every spring. From March 2–16, 2025, tennis enthusiasts descend on the Indian Wells Tennis Garden as this desert oasis hosts a more intimate match than you’ll find at Wimbledon or the US Open. Often called the “Fifth Grand Slam,” the BNP Paribas Open is the best-attended tennis tournament outside of the four Grand Slams (reaching nearly a half-million attendees in 2024).
Set at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Indian Wells is also the perfect escape from colder weather. While a light jacket may be needed at nighttime, the days are warm and temperate. Neighboring Palm Springs also adds to the area’s world-class golf, dining and spa activities, making this resort area the perfect winter escape.
How to get to Indian Wells
The city of Indian Wells is just over 30 minutes from Palm Springs. If you’re venturing in from out of the region, Palm Springs International Airport offers tons of non-stop flights from such cities as New York City, Seattle, Denver, and even Toronto and Vancouver. Once in the area, it’s easiest to get around with a car or rideshare services, but there are some public transportation options as well.
Indian Wells is also ideal for a road trip, as it’s within driving distance of some major American Southwest cities. It’s just over a two-hour drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, and just over four hours from Phoenix or Las Vegas.
If you are driving, general parking at the BNP Paribas Open is free, with BMW vehicles receiving complimentary preferred parking passes (which must be reserved in advance).
Where to eat near Indian Wells
With a storied past stretching back to Hollywood’s golden days, the Indian Wells area is home to classic dining venues and newer modern staples.
Japanese and sushi hotspot Nobu initially opened as a pop-up at the BNP Paribas Open but is now open year round.
Vicky’s of Santa Fe features American fare coupled with live music.
For a taste of Europe in the California desert, visit the recently opened casual cafe & gourmet market Baby’s Marche.
Intimate, farm-to-table Farm creates Provençal-style dishes (including breakfast).
Johnny Costa’s Ristorante serves up traditional Italian cuisine.
For the oldest restaurant in Palm Springs, head to Mexican restaurant Las Casuelas.
Le Vallauris is a must visit for French food with a twist, while dining on a beautifully tree-shaded patio.
What to do (besides tennis) near Indian Wells
Beyond the tennis courts, the area around Indian Wells offers both outdoor and cultural activities. Explore the region’s stunning natural beauty with a hike in the Coachella Valley Preserve, or take a scenic drive through Joshua Tree National Park. Catch the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto for breathtaking panoramic vistas. For a unique desert experience, visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, home to a diverse collection of animals and desert plants.
Culture enthusiasts will love the Palm Springs Art Museum, featuring impressive collections of modern and contemporary art. While in Palm Springs, you can also shop for unique souvenirs and local crafts along El Paseo.
For a more relaxed pace, unwind at one of the many luxurious spas in the area, enjoy a round of golf at one of the area’s 100+ championship courses, or simply soak up the sun by the pool.
Where to stay near Indian Wells
Image courtesy of ARRIVE Palm Springs
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Recently transformed by a complete renovation, the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas is perfect for couples and families alike. Rooms and suites emphasize tranquility, with open layouts and private balconies. The resort also features one- and two-bedroom villas with relaxing fireplace-adorned living areas, and unobstructed mountain and golf course views. Its restaurants span five eateries with cultural fare to convenient bites. The indoor–outdoor 30,000-square-foot Agua Serena Spa is the perfect rejuvenating escape.
“The swanky pool area boasts some of the most impressive cabanas, and outdoor loungers,” Fora Advisor Caroline Weilert noted. “Meanwhile, kids will love the main pool, a hub of excitement with waterslides and splash pads that turn every day into an adventure.”
Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
Set against the backdrop of the Coachella Valley, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is a restful yet sophisticated stay. Guest rooms and suites at the Renaissance feature mid-century modern furnishings in a desert-chic environment. With a spacious and comfortable atmosphere, the resort offers the largest swimming pool in the Coachella Valley, a world-class golf course and several restaurants.
Fora’s Marriott LUMINOUS partner perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ingleside Estate
This boutique 30-room hotel harkens back to the golden age of Palm Springs. Unique and private, the Ingleside Estate is an adults-only, pet-friendly haven that combines Spanish-style terracotta and dark woods with imported linens and designer furnishings. In addition to beautifully modern guest rooms, there are two-bedroom casitas on the property as well. The property even features Melvyn’s Restaurant & Bar, an old-school California eatery that once served the likes of Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe.
Fora Reserve perks include a $50 dining credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
ARRIVE Palm Springs
Modern and lively, ARRIVE Palm Springs is an adults-only 32-room boutique hotel featuring fire pits and a packed event calendar (filled with everything from DJ evenings to drag queen bingo). Each room features cactus-flower and palm-print wallpaper, rose-colored velvet beds, and Malin + Goetz bath products. The hotel also houses an all-day brunch restaurant by the pool, a coffee shop and an ice cream parlor offering 16 flavors each day.
Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows
Old-school Hollywood glamour meets Art Deco escape at The Colony Palms. With just 57 rooms and suites, this boutique hotel’s history stretches back to the 1930s. Each guest room combines vintage-inspired furnishings with modern comforts (like Nespresso machines and Le Labo toiletries). The property even features casita bungalows, including the 3500-square-foot, two-story Hermann Residence. From American and European cuisine at the Colony Club restaurant to its palm tree-lined pool and intimate spa, The Colony Palms is a laid-back yet upbeat retreat.
Fora Perks include a $25 dining credit, an upgrade whenever possible, and guaranteed 2pm late check-out.
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs
Within walking distance to downtown Palm Springs, the hacienda-style Avalon Hotel & Bungalows blends sophistication with trendy. This boutique hotel features rooms that are elegant and luxurious, with patios or balconies looking out at courtyards and gardens. The property even houses nine one-bedroom villas and 13 two-bedroom villas, with enough space to sleep four and six respectively. The Avalon also offers a California-inspired restaurant, a spa and three outdoor pools.
Fora Reserve perks include a $100 hotel credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Parker Palm Springs
The swanky and whimsical Parker Palm Springs is one of the area’s most unique properties. Designed by Jonathan Adler (and updated twice a year), the property’s rooms combine retro stylings with luxurious furnishings.
“The property is iconic with the quintessential feel of the 1950's with a lush and desert feel that has a surprise around every corner,” says Fora Advisor Sylvia Baldwin.
Some rooms feature private courtyards with hammocks, while their 12 stand-alone one-bedroom villas feature large, separated living areas with private patios surrounded by hedges. From croquet lawns to giant chess boards, the property also features three pools, a decadent spa, and six distinct eateries to choose from.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.