By: Kym Whitney

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta Resort & Club stands as an iconic and enduring oasis in the Palm Springs desert region. This historic gem, boasting the distinction of being one of only two resorts named after a city, sprawls across 45 lush acres adorned with vibrant flowers, fragrant citrus trees, stately cypress trees, and majestic cacti. The landscape is further enhanced by glistening pools and enchanting courtyards, all framed by towering palm trees.

Part of the Hilton Curio Collection, this resort offers a range of distinctive accommodations, including 617 guestrooms, 161 villas, and an impressive 41 climate-controlled swimming pools. In 2014, a multi-million-dollar restoration project breathed new life into the resort, giving it a fresh, contemporary look that harmonizes with its rich history and tranquil desert surroundings. The lobby underwent a bold transformation in 2017, unveiling a bright, open-concept design that pays homage to the resort's storied past while providing modern amenities.

La Quinta Resort & Club is a visual delight and a hub for championship-caliber golf and tennis facilities. It boasts award-winning dining options, expansive spa and fitness facilities, various boutiques and shops, and some of the region's finest indoor and outdoor meeting spaces.

Accommodations at the resort are equally impressive, with 617 guestrooms and 161 villas housed in charming Spanish-style casitas, offering views of either the gardens or the mountains. A recent resort-wide renovation enhanced the guest casitas with modern amenities, including large HDTVs, mini-refrigerators, Keurig coffee makers, charging stations, upgraded fireplaces, and artwork that reflects the resort's history.

Resort Casitas, ranging from 400 to 460 square feet, feature private terraces and pools. They are divided into four subcategories: Resort Casitas, Deluxe Casitas, Starlight Casitas, and Hideaway Casitas. Villa Suites, spanning 1,200 to 1,600 square feet, offers one, two, and three-bedroom options. Suites have nine subcategories, each featuring resort-style living, fully equipped kitchens, spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas, and luxurious bathrooms. Some suites even offer private pools and spas, including the lavish 2,000 square-foot Hacienda Grande.

Dining at La Quinta Resort & Club is a culinary adventure. Morgan's in the Desert is the signature dining venue with an impressive wine list offering contemporary American cuisine sourced from the Coachella Valley's finest ingredients. (Insider Tip: order the scallop crudo appetizer and the Snake River Farm pork chop). TWENTY6 is a modern bistro serving updated versions of classic dishes, while Adobe Grill offers authentic regional Mexican cuisine in a vibrant indoor/outdoor setting. (Insider Tip: order the tableside guacamole, braised beef short ribs, and combination fajitas). Centre Court Café at the award-winning tennis club provides casual options, and The Marketplace offers a selection of breakfast pastries, snacks, and more.

The Spa La Quinta awaits those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. This 23,000-square-foot sanctuary at the Santa Rosa Mountains base offers 38 treatment rooms, private whirlpool baths, steam rooms, and an adjacent 4,000-square-foot fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art Precor exercise equipment. (Insider Tip: We highly recommend the Spa La Quinta Citrus Escape and the Wine Down Massage).

Recreation options abound at La Quinta Resort & Club, from climate-controlled pools and hot spas to golf and tennis facilities. The resort offers 90 holes of golf, including courses designed by legendary golfers such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg Norman, and Tom Weiskopf. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy 21 courts with various surfaces, including 8 pickleball courts.

The Plaza, a centerpiece of the resort, features boutiques and restaurants surrounded by colorful flowers, waterfalls, and winding pathways. Guests can explore shops like Polo Ralph Lauren and Citrus, featuring exclusive Trina Turk designs.

For meetings and events, the resort offers beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens ideal for various occasions. Highlights include spacious ballrooms, outdoor venues, and the historic La Casa area, once Greta Garbo's private vacation villa, now a picturesque setting for weddings and special events.

If you seek a desert escape, the journey from Newport Beach to La Quinta Resort & Club is a gateway to a world of natural beauty, historical charm, and relaxation. With its iconic history, championship golf and tennis, award-winning dining, and world-class spa facilities, La Quinta Resort & Club offers a perfect oasis to unwind and create lasting memories.

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