Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa Indian Wells, Indian Wells, California

What to expect: Graced by fountains, lakes, and waterways, the resort’s lush grounds offer views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and tranquil holidays under sun and stars. Families and couples come here for golf, swimming, and relaxation. Amenity highlights: A swimming complex consists of three interconnected heated pools, a toddlers’ pool, and two five-person spa tubs sheltered by trellised gazebos. A fine-dining Italian restaurant with a notable wine list offers dinner fare such as porcini risotto and mixed grill of quail, duck, and pheasant. An expansive, multi-level bar/lounge attracts jazz fans from throughout Coachella Valley with live music six nights weekly. Insider tip: The weekend Street Fair at the College of the Desert, 5 miles from the resort, consists of approximately 250 vendors and dining stalls and is open early morning to noon. A health spa includes women’s and men’s steam rooms and relaxation lounges, a garden courtyard with eight-person spa tub and plunge pool, and cabanas for outdoor treatments. Services include massage, body scrubs/wraps, facials, waxing, and hair/nail care. (Surcharge for spa use without treatment.) A complimentary fitness center contains cardio/weight machines, free weights, and women’s and men’s saunas and steam rooms. Supervised children’s activities (surcharge) are offered for ages 5-12. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas and near the pool complex. The resort offers 560 guestrooms, all with balconies, in a seven-story building. Bedding includes pillowtop mattresses and down pillows. Decor and furnishings include dark-wood furniture, upholstered headboards, and leather dressing benches. Bathrooms contain twin-sink marble vanities and shower/tub combinations. Televisions offer pay movies, video-game consoles, and TV Internet access (surcharge). High-speed Internet access (surcharge) is available, and a business plan offers high-speed Internet access and unlimited local and national long-distance telephone calls (daily surcharge). Smoking is not permitted inside hotel rooms.