Morning Hike and Spa at Miramonte Resort
Every morning should begin with a magenta sunrise silhouetting palm trees, just like the one I witnessed my first morning at the newly renovated Miramonte Resort & Spa. The sun splashing the skyline with bursts of purples, pinks, orange and yellow created an awesome moment.
Awesome moments at the Miramonte Resort & Spa. Photo by Jill Weinlein
Another great way to start the day is to take an early morning hike with Mark Jeffrey, the General Manager of the Miramonte Resort. He enjoys bringing along his friendly yellow Labrador, Derby.
Tell the front desk staff that you would like to hike with Jeffrey, and they will arrange a hike the following day, to the top of one of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto hills or mountains (based on his availability). This is the ideal way to see the beauty of the desert with a local and to gain a new appreciation of the Coachella Valley with over 45 trails within a 40 miles radius.
Photo of writer
While up at the top of one mountain with a lit cross, another hiker shared with us the fact that Frank Sinatra had this cross installed in memory of his mother.
After over 10,000 steps, a visit to The Well Spa sounded so inviting. Next to the main pool is an intimate standalone Tuscan theme spa, with a boutique, welcome area, relaxation lounge with citrus-flavored water and apples. There is a separate men’s and women’s locker room with a eucalyptus sauna, two showers, lockers and dressing room.
Relaxation lounge at The Well Spa. Photo by Jill Weinlein
The Well Spa has been named “Best Spa” by readers of Desert Magazine and “Top 100 Resort Spas” by Conde Nast Traveler. Upstairs are 13 treatment rooms for massage and facial treatments. Outside on the co-ed courtyard, are comfortable lounge chairs, and two semi-private salt water pools. One is hot with whirlpool jets and the other is a bit cooler.
Stories have been told that The Well Spa is named after a natural well discovered hundreds of years ago in the Coachella Valley. The water was known to relax and rejuvenate locals and travelers.
After a few hours at the spa, I was ready for lunch. Instead of dining at the Grove Artisan Kitchen in the main building, I chose to eat lunch on my Venetian style terrace and ordered room service. The large balcony in room 710 overlooks a wedding lawn and main pool area. Both days, I ordered the avocado toast with grilled asparagus, butternut squash, tomato and a poached egg on top. Delicious!
More than just avocado toast. Photo by Jill Weinlein
Executive Chef Paul Hancock prepares dishes with ingredients sourced from the local Coachella farms. The hotel planted four raised vegetable and herb boxes near a bubbling fountain for the chef to harvest “homegrown” fresh herbs.
Next to the hotel’s restaurant is the Vineyard lounge, which offers an impressive wine selection, hand-crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere. This is a social hub for locals and resort guests. Take your drink outside to sit at one of the heated circular fire pits scattered around the grounds.
Take a complimentary bike for a ride into town. Photo by Jill Weinlein
Ready for one more activity, I borrowed one of the cruiser bikes lined up next to the pool area and rode one mile to the Indian Wells Coffee Co. to get a honey,cinnamon latte with almond milk. The coffee is organic and roasted locally in nearby Joshua Tree. It’s so good! There are also pastry treats to purchase. Nearby is the city of Palm Desert, which has a number of stores along the El Paseo Shopping District.
Photo by Jill Weinlein
The Miramonte Resort & Spa is a luxury boutique property, smaller than the Grand Hyatt Regency and Renaissance Indian Wells across the street. The service is impeccable and the grounds will inspire you to unplug, slow down and take in the exquisite sunrises and sunsets.
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