The World’s First-ever Tommy Bahama Resort has opened in Palm Springs, California
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, located in Indian Wells, California, seamlessly combines island living with desert luxury, introducing a novel concept of elevated leisure and wellness to visitors in the Greater Palm Springs area. According to Doug Wood, the CEO of Tommy Bahama, the resort embodies the brand’s iconic style, represented by resort clothing, the palm tree logo, and a tropical ambiance, translating effortlessly into this new property, the brand’s first-ever resort, opened on Nov. 1.
During the grand opening event, the popularity of the Tommy Bahama brand was evident not only in the guests’ clothing choices but also in inquiries about the presence of Tommy Bahama himself at the party. Though the fictional Mr. Bahama did not make an appearance, the resort’s ambiance, including hand-painted murals in the lobby, lush green palms in guest rooms, and signature prints like “Calypso Palms” in the Rosa Boutique, would surely have met his approval. Imagining his presence, one might envision him enjoying a classic Tommy Bahama beverage, the Grapefruit Basil cocktail, while strolling through the Olive Grove or relaxing by the patio fire pits.
The Rooms
The $20-million renovation transformed the former Miramonte Resort & Spa into a haven set against the picturesque Santa Rosa Mountains on 11 acres. The resort features three saltwater swimming pools, bocce ball courts, citrus and olive trees, flower and herb gardens, the spa, and the lobby, all interconnected by winding paths. The rooms, adorned with leafy green wallpaper and touches of grapefruit pink, boast custom Tommy Bahama amenities.
Five luxury villa suites underwent a complete redesign, featuring Tommy Bahama furniture, decor, wallpaper, and bedding. Each suite offers a distinct experience – from the Tiger Suite with the Los Altos furniture collection to the Palm Suite adorned with tropical wallpaper and leather-wrapped bamboo. The Pineapple Suite showcases weathered driftwood, woven rattan, and textured metal from the Cypress Point collection, while the Paradise Suite features palm trees, jungle cats, and natural wood finishes. The ultra-luxurious Grand Marlin Suite, spanning 1,078 square feet, is filled with custom pieces from the Tommy Bahama Palm Desert furniture collection, tropical floral wallpaper, and woven raffia details.
Food and Drink
The resort’s signature restaurant and bar, Grapefruit Basil, named after the renowned Tommy Bahama cocktail, pays homage to the citrus trees scattered across the property. With a light-filled dining space opening to both the lobby and the outdoor Olive Grove patio, Grapefruit Basil offers coastal-inspired dishes, inviting guests to indulge in both indoor and al fresco brunch and dinner.
Adjacent to the lobby, the lively bar features craft cocktails with clever names and a bar menu offering delectable small plates, including flatbreads, a charcuterie board, and hummus. Notable choices include crisp arancini and scallop sliders. For a relaxing evening, patrons can enjoy cocktails in the Olive Grove, pairing them with dishes from the bar menu. Favorites include the Coachella Cadillac, Grapefruit Basil cocktails, and the delectable espresso martini-style drink, Dancing in the Dark.
The Pools
Guests looking for a poolside escape can unwind at the Chiki Palm pool, complete with cabanas for a day of luxury. Cabana rentals include lounge chairs, complimentary pitchers of margaritas or domestic beer, soft drinks, and a sun care kit from Spa Rosa. Another option is the Hideaway Pool, tucked away for a serene atmosphere, featuring a heated whirlpool and sun deck.
Spa Rosa
At the heart of relaxation, Spa Rosa boasts a 103-degree hot tub with partial walls creating intimate nooks, each with waterfalls and room for one or two. The spa offers a serene courtyard where guests can spend the day after indulging in treatments such as the guided Daydream to Life Ritual, Island State of Mind Massage, Santa Rosa Mountain Mud Body Mask, and Precious Rose Quartz Facial, reflecting Tommy Bahama’s island spirit.
Experiences, Amenities, and Location
The resort offers various experiences, including bike tours, neighborhood walks, aqua fitness and yoga classes, morning hikes, and visits to local farmers markets. Guests can gather around fire pits in the Olive Grove for nightly acoustic guitar music. A weekly event schedule is available online and at the registration desk.
Located 20 miles from Palm Springs in Indian Wells, the resort is part of the Greater Palm Springs area. Guests can arrange golf at the adjacent Indian Wells Golf Resort or visit the renowned Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The resort’s 24-hour fitness center includes treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights. The Rosa Boutique in the lobby offers a wide selection of exclusive Tommy Bahama resort merchandise and luxury accessories.
Accessibility and Sustainability
The resort prioritizes accessibility with elevators in the buildings, paved pathways, multiple parking lots, and rooms that can be equipped with roll-in showers and bathroom grab bars. Wheelchair lifts are available at all hot tubs and pools.
Tommy Bahama is a proud partner of Kind Traveler, supporting the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert for the well-being and sustainability of the local community, as stated by a resort spokesperson.
Looking Forward
With the success of the Tommy Bahama brand in the desert, including restaurants and stores in Palm Desert and Palm Springs, the resort in Indian Wells marks the ideal venue for the brand’s first-ever resort. Doug Wood envisions bringing the Tommy Bahama Resort & Spa concept to Florida, Hawaii, or the Scottsdale area in the future. The resort promises a unique blend of island-inspired luxury and desert relaxation, inviting guests to experience the Tommy Bahama brand in a new dimension.