Mother’s Day Getaway at Renaissance Esmeralda

Last year Mother’s Day was spent #saferathome. Now that many moms have received their vaccination, it’s time to splurge and take her somewhere special. For those who prefer not to fly to Mexico or Hawaii, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is centrally located between Palm Desert and La Quinta in the city of Indian Wells. The views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, along with the warm weather, and the largest swimming pool in the region, make this resort an ideal vacation paradise for the entire family.

Approximate two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, is 23 acres of lush Mediterranean-inspired grounds surrounded by a championship golf course, beautiful gardens, waterfalls and surrounding lakes. This desert oasis was built in the late 1980s, as the Stouffer Esmeralda, with a nod to the legendary “Esmeralda Necklace” that was showcased at the property. This necklace was a symbol of elegance and luxury, with the promise to bring good health, happiness and blessings to all.

Marriott International acquired the resort in 1997 to launch the luxury Renaissance Brand. Not only did they redesign the swimming pool, they also refreshed the oversize guest rooms. Many feature a private balcony with scenic pool, mountain or golf course views.

The Renaissance Esmeralda features 560 rooms, including 103 suites that include the Presidential, Governor, Ambassador, Executive and Studio suites. Guest rooms range from 420 to 2,879 square feet and feature:

300-thread count sheets
Hairdryer
Double sinks set in a marble vanity
Spacious closet
Temperature monitoring system
LCD televisions
Refrigerator
In-room safe
Clock radio
Keurig coffee makers, offering coffee and tea

Enjoy breakfast with your mom as she chooses her favorite morning beverage and farm-to-table breakfast at the poolside Cava restaurant offering outdoor and indoor dining. The lemon ricotta pancakes are the resort’s specialty menu item.

Afterwards if mom is a golfer, the 36 holes of championship golf at the Indian Wells Golf Resort is adjacent to the resort. Discounts are available to resort guests through the purchase of golf packages. Tee times may be reserved through the Golf Resort directly. The “Shots in the Night” experience at Indian Wells Golf Resort opens a half-hour after Sunset Thursday through Saturday nights.

For the yoga mom, join her on the grassy lawn at the Olive Grove Yoga Central for one of the morning and evening yoga sessions at the resort. The schedule begins on Monday at 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Tuesday at 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. There is no class on Wednesdays. Thursday there is a 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. class and a 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. class. Friday the class is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and on Saturday there are two classes. The morning class is from 9a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and another class at 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sunday’s class is at 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

If mom deserves a relaxing day at the Spa Esmeralda, it’s currently open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located on the lobby level, the full-service spa features 11 indoor treatment rooms, eight treatment cabanas, and one indoor couple’s suite. There is a men’s and women’s steam room and relaxation lounges. A door leads out to a garden courtyard with a plunge pool in the spa garden.

A fun way to see Indian Wells is by bicycle. Ask the front desk for a cruiser bike and map to follow a 4-mile loop along paved bike lanes, citrus trees and some of the most expensive real estate in the Coachella Valley.

Afterwards, bask in the sun by the sandy beach pool. Since you are celebrating Mother’s Day, reserve a poolside cabana for the day. Not only will you have a private area, but the cabana staff will present a cooler filled with iced water and a plate of fresh fruit. Lunch and beverages can be ordered from the lounge chairs and delivered to the cabana.

Later in the day, the resort atrium offers The Place Lobby Bar to enjoy an evening cocktail or glass of wine with hummus and vegetables, a sandwich, burger, pizza or slice of flourless chocolate cake.

Activities within a short drive include: