Fountains, pools, mosaics, cactus: La Quinta Resort and Club is the quintessential Desert refuge. Set in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains — with fruit trees abounding — the lush grounds require a map and even an app to get around. I toured in a golf cart and was lucky to have a tour guide, or I most certainly would have gotten lost. With tiled walkways, waterfalls and a resident artist, La Quinta welcomes generations of guests, many of whom have visited the resort since they were kids. Popular for reunions, romantic getaways and family trips, the resort also has a bustling business and conference clientele. Weddings, anniversaries and weekend getaways (pets included) make the resort a vibrant and diverse setting for many to relax, enjoy the gifts of the desert and get some time at the pool, spa or on the courts and links. While I was visiting, Ford was unveiling their new line of electric vehicles and a huge truck was attempting to navigate the narrow roads between the bungalows. Ted Talks happen here and you might even cross paths with a tennis pro like Maria Sharapova!
HISTORY
Built in 1926 — in the roaring twenties — with historic adobe architecture, La Quinta today has 620 casitas and suites, 98 one- two- and three-bedroom villas, 41 climate-controlled swimming pools (heated in the winter and perfectly chilled in the summer) and 53 hot spas, a spa and fitness center, and three restaurants.
The resort is built on 45 acres of land and has been dubbed “The Queen of the Desert.” The first 9-hole golf course in the Coachella Valley was built here. La Quinta became a hideaway and playground for the Hollywood set including Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and Shirley Temple. In the 1930s, Frank Capra wrote “It Happened One Night” on the grounds, and six tennis courts were added, enticing the likes of Lana Turner and Gary Cooper. Gas and tire rationing contributed to the hotel’s closure in the spring of 1942 for the duration of the Second World War, and the cottages were locked and the pool was drained. When the resort reopened post-war, a private airstrip was installed to further attract the Hollywood jet-set. Celebrity weddings took place, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his entourage discovered La Quinta in the 1950s. In the 1980s, the most challenging desert golf course was created and the La Quinta Hotel Golf Club opened with two 18-hole championship courses. PGA West opened Pete Dye’s TPC Stadium Golf Course, followed by the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course, and the resort continued its tradition of hosting major golf tournaments. The 90s added Spa La Quinta, a 28,000-square-foot retreat with 37 treatment rooms and yet another golf course. The PGA West Greg Norman Course gave La Quinta Resort & Club guests 90 holes of championship play, each with challenging but fair design.The 2000s added more dining options and as the resort looks towards its centennial, new additions are in the works.
THE GROUNDS & GUEST EXPERIENCE
When you check in, you get a La Quinta tile on your bed; a lovely touch and reminder of the rich history and Mexican-inspired architecture. As you make your way to your casita or suite, fountains and fruit trees greet you and guests are welcome to pick the citrus. Pre-covid, there was a daily beverage offered made from the crop; hopefully that tradition will return. Hiking trails surround the sprawling grounds and as you navigate around the beautiful property you will see many at work gardening, landscaping and keeping the outdoor spaces pristine. I came across Jack Flanigan (@jwflanigan) painting a scene under a tree. I stopped to chat and discovered he is the resident artist, and his delightful interpretations of La Quinta scenes are worth a gander.
THE ACCOMMODATIONS
You can step back in time in one of the charming casitas, some with vintage architecture and thoroughly modern accommodations, some with fireplaces, private yards, pools, hot tubs and patios. Suites and villas come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose a location near the spa or poolside, intimate retro or deluxe offerings. PAWS La Quinta Canine Experience offers dog-friendly in-room and resort amenities. Starlight casitas have an upper deck outdoor fireplace and patio and are especially popular for the pet-friendly set; just make sure Fido is well behaved! The PAWS program provides a guest dog bed, treats and is for pooches up to 75 lbs.
La Quinta shut down in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to comply with all state regulations. They have instituted a touchless cleaning system, have removed all menus, wrapped controllers and offer sanitizing stations and masks for guests. During the Covid shutdown, the Bachelorette reality show was shot at the resort!
Some current special partnerships include:
- A roving Veuve Clicquot champagne golf cart that travels around the resort for guests
- Breathwrk, a breathing practice app with content streamed into the guest rooms
- Perfect Pint, a local ice cream purveyor
- Sun Air Jet packages
GOLF
There are five amazing golf courses at La Quinta, and tee-times are open to guests and the public. The Stadium, Mountain, Greg Norman, Nicklaus Tournament and Dunes Courses each offer challenge and beauty. Three Golf Clubs boast stunning views, pro shops and at the Greg Norman Clubhouse you can experience indoor and outdoor dining at Wallaby’s West in an Australian ranch-style clubhouse, with event space for up to 120 guests. There are golf packages and inclusive deals, and you can become a member and enjoy exclusive benefits, discounts and access. Improve your game with some of the world's finest golf instruction facilities at PGA West Golf Academy, including club fitting, video analysis and on-course instruction.
TENNIS
Voted one of the top tennis resorts in the world, follow in the footsteps of celebrities and famed players — from Novak Djokovic to Maria Sharapova — and play in the sunken tournament-style center court, expertly led by a team of USPTA-certified instructors. The 21 tennis courts and surrounding landscape complement one another, and when I visited the resident artist was capturing a tennis court scene with his palette and canvas. There are weekend clinics, classes and daily clinics during the BNP Paribas Open and holidays.
La Quinta Resort is proud to offer eight pickleball courts for resort guests and members. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States and the staff of certified IPTPA professionals are available to introduce you to the game. Lessons and clinics are popular, and open play time is available.
DINING & SHOPPING
There are a number of dining options at La Quinta, from the grab and go Marketplace — a cafe/ deli — you can order online and pick up, or partake on the palm tree covered terrace and enjoy the fountains and views of the mountains.
The Adobe Grill provides an authentic Mexican dining experience with a traditional Oaxacan motif and double-sided fireplace. More than 100 types of tequila make your margarita customizable. Ceviche, pozole, mole, fajitas and other special options including this chilled soup that caught my eye on a hot day: Gazpacho de Sandia — Chilled Watermelon Soup: Honey, Tequila, Mango, Mint, Jalapeno, Sea Salt!
Twenty6 is a modern American bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; classic comfort food with an imaginative twist. Using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, Twenty6 offers breakfast omelets and bowls, salads, burgers and more for lunch, and salmon, swordfish, chicken and ribeye for dinner; check out the full menu. The bar menu sports fancy cocktails and mocktails like the desert-inspired Spiced Prickly Pear Soda: Prickly Pear Puree, Lime Juice and Sprite, and of course there is a robust list of wine and beer.
Morgan’s in the Desert is the fine dining establishment at the resort, showcasing contemporary American cuisine inspired by the bounty of the Coachella Valley. From the Farmer’s Market Soup to the Braised Beef Short Rib (Parmesan Polenta, Dusted Tobacco Onions, Seasonal Vegetables, Port Wine Demi Glace), you’d better hope you save some room for dessert. The Coachella Citrus features Coachella Citrus Curd, Italian Meringue, Key Lime Gel, Key Lime Zest, Orange Sable Cookie and sounds like a perfect end to a day at La Quinta.
Resort shops and boutiques at La Quinta Resort & Club are upscale. From resort wear and home furnishings to bath and beauty, you’ll find designer items, swimwear and gifts.
SPA, FITNESS & POOL
Rejuvenate and recharge at the Spa La Quinta. Enjoy massage, yoga and facials. There is also a state of the art gym and many classes to choose from. Rent bikes, tennis gear or pamper yourself at the salon with nail care, hair service and makeup; there are even special prices for kids’ treatments! The bougainvillea was in bloom the day I visited, and the mosaic fountains have such a calming effect that make La Quinta a quintessential desert oasis, perfect for diving deep into your yoga practice. Vegetarian menus can be prepared by the award-winning culinary team and delicious and nutritious juice cleansing and detox options are also available. And remember with 41 pools to choose from you will never tire of the aquatic options.
If you are looking for a getaway or staycation with vintage cred and plenty of modern day pizazz, a La Quinta holiday can cover many bases. From tennis and golf to poolside pleasures and spa pampering, you can find a fiesta or mellow retreat any time of year. From luxury packages to weekend getaways, this place has been dazzling visitors for almost a century. November to April is the high season, and special deals are available other times of the year. Beat the heat with the annual Summer Chill program which highlights chilled pools, signature chill treatments at Spa La Quinta, chill beverage food and offerings, a roaming Champagne cart, “dive-in” movies (classic films on a big screen at the main pool) and more.
La Quinta Resort & Club
49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta
Tel: 760.564.4111
www.laquintaresort.com
