Doug Wood, CEO of Tommy Bahama, told Travel + Leisure that the resort “pairs island living with desert luxury to offer an entirely new concept of elevated leisure and wellness for visitors to the Greater Palm Springs area.” Having spent a weekend at the new resort, I can attest that Tommy Bahama’s signature style, characterized by resort wear, a palm tree emblem, and a tropical atmosphere, fits in perfectly in its new Indian Wells, California, location. Opening on November 1st, it is the brand’s first-ever resort.

The brand’s popularity was on display at the resort’s grand opening celebration, as shown by the attire choices of many attendees and the several questions raised about whether Tommy Bahama would be there. Unfortunately, the fictitious Mr. Bahama, the inspiration for the brand, would not be seen. However, if he had, he would undoubtedly have approved of the hand-painted murals in the lobby, the wallpaper in the guest suites with lush green palm trees, and the iconic print, “Calypso Palms,” which is on display in the new Rosa Boutique. He may have rested by one of the patio’s fire pits or strolled around the resort’s Olive Grove while sipping a Tommy Bahama staple, the Grapefruit Basil drink.

MIRAMONTE RESORT & SPA Tommy Bahama

The brand’s carefree spirit is realized in the first-ever Tommy Bahama resort, which is now open in Indian Wells, California. This community is part of the Greater Palm Springs area.

The resort features three saltwater pools, bocce courts, and classic Tommy Bahama architectural elements.

Spa Rosa’s services are excellent, the Chiki Palm pool’s cocktails are a must, and Indian Wells Golf Resort is nearby for golfers who want to work on their swing.

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa guest room

The Chambers

The $20 million resort is situated on 11 acres against the Santa Rosa Mountains and was once known as the Miramonte Resort & Spa until 1988. Three saltwater pools, two bocce ball courts, citrus and olive trees, flower and herb gardens, the spa, and the lobby are all connected by winding walks. Custom Tommy Bahama amenities can be found in the rooms, which are decorated with wallpaper that is a lush green color with hints of grapefruit pink.

The Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa guest room

Tommy Bahama has completely renovated five opulent villa suites, including the furnishings, wallpaper, and bedding. The Palm Suite contains rattan accents, leather-wrapped carved bamboo, and tropical wallpaper, while the Tiger Suite showcases the brand’s Los Altos furniture collection. The Paradise Suite has natural wood finishes, palm trees, and elegant jungle animals. The Pineapple Suite has aged driftwood, woven rattan, and textured metal from the Cypress Point collection. The opulent 1,078-square-foot Grand Marlin Suite is furnished with exclusive Tommy Bahama Palm Desert furnishings, tropical flower wallpaper, and woven raffia embellishments.

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa brunch table

Eatery and Beverage

Citrus trees can be seen all around the resort, and the name of its trademark restaurant and bar, Grapefruit Basil, is an homage to the renowned Tommy Bahama drink. The bright dining area extends to the lobby and the Olive Grove terrace for both indoor and al fresco brunch and supper. The comprehensive daily brunch buffet reminds visitors that brunch isn’t only for the weekends, especially while they’re on vacation, and the menu contains dishes with a coastal flair.

At Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, a cocktail

The bar, located across the lobby, was bustling and had various creatively called craft drinks, along with a small plate menu that included hummus, a charcuterie board, and flatbreads. The scallop sliders and the crunchy arancini ended up being my favorites. My spouse and I enjoyed drinks at a table in the Olive Grove the evening following the grand opening celebrations—a few items from the bar menu made for the ideal supper. Excellent praise was given to the Coachella Cadillac and the Grapefruit Basil drinks. To round off the evening, I had the wonderful Dancing in the Dark, an espresso martini-style drink. 

At Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, there is group meditation.

The Pools

I decided to visit Chiki Palm Pool on a lovely Friday afternoon and sipped prosecco while lounging in a lounge chair behind a pink-and-white-striped umbrella. I had the halibut tacos (which I strongly suggest!) for lunch after getting a facial at the Spa Rosa in the morning. Even though the music and the lively environment around the pool were enjoyable, I couldn’t help but wish I could return to the spa for a peaceful hot tub soak.

Visitors can reserve cabanas at the Chiki Palm pool for a luxurious day by the pool. The cost of renting a cabana includes:

• Two reclining chairs.
• Soft drinks.
• A pitcher of margaritas or domestic beer.
• A sun care kit from Spa Rosa.

Nestled in a different resort section, the Hideaway Pool boasts a sun terrace and hot whirlpool, creating a tranquil setting. 

Rosa Spa

The 103-degree hot tub mentioned earlier has little spaces with waterfalls and space for one or two people created by partially built walls. In addition to many cabana-style private places for lounging with a bubbly drink, there’s a swimming pool. After receiving treatment at Spa Rosa, visitors may unwind in the tranquil courtyard of the spa for the remainder of the day.

“With treatments like the guided Daydream to Life Ritual, Island State of Mind Massage, Santa Rosa Mountain Mud Body Mask, and Precious Rose Quartz Facial, the resort’s destination spa provides a fresh menu that represents Tommy Bahama’s island spirit,” Wood claims. 

Bocce court on the Olive Grove Patio at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. © 2018 Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. All rights reserved.

Location, Amenities, and Experiences

Activities offered to guests include bike tours, walks through the neighborhood, yoga and water fitness sessions, early morning treks, and trips to the nearby farmer’s market. Every night, visitors may congregate around fire pits in the Olive Grove to enjoy the entertainment, which features acoustic guitar music. There is a weekly calendar of events at the registration counter and online. 

Indian Wells, which is regarded as a part of the Greater Palm Springs region, is located 20 miles from Palm Springs’ downtown. The nearby Indian Wells Golf Resort offers the Players facility, Clive Clark’s Celebrity Course, and a putting facility for golfers. Conveniently located is the highly regarded Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which hosts concerts and athletic events in addition to the yearly BNP Paribas Open. All year long, the facility is accessible to the general public.

The 24-hour exercise center at the resort has free weights, ellipticals, and treadmills. Visitors should explore the Rosa Boutique in the foyer, which features an extensive array of high-end Tommy Bahama resort accessories and sundries, including a branded yoga mat, purses, hats, grapefruit basil candles, and Tobago Bay knitwear. 

Up to two well-behaved dogs per room are permitted at the resort (for an extra $100 per stay). The site has a space for dog walks, and amenities like a dog bed, bags, and bowls are included.

Sustainability and Accessibility

The resort is quite accessible, with plenty of parking lots, paved walkways, elevators, and rooms that can accommodate roll-in showers and bathroom grab bars. Wheelchair lifts are available for all the pools and hot tubs.

According to a resort representative, Tommy Bahama is “a proud partner of Kind Traveler to support the important work of The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert in furthering the well-being and sustainability of the local community.”

Gazing Ahead

This is the perfect location for the first Tommy Bahama resort because of the popularity of the brand in the desert, where there are already Tommy Bahama restaurants and retail locations on El Paseo in Palm Desert and on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. “Opening the resort concept was a logical next step, and guests can now introduce friends and family to the Tommy Bahama brand experience,” Wood stated to T+L. Regarding what lies ahead, he stated, “We are currently searching for opportunities to bring the Tommy Bahama Resort & Spa to the Scottsdale area, Florida, or Hawaii.”

Conclusion

• Tommy Bahama has opened its first-ever resort in Indian Wells, California, offering a unique blend of island living and desert luxury in the Greater Palm Springs area.
• The $20 million resort, situated on 11 acres against the Santa Rosa Mountains, features three saltwater pools, bocce courts, and opulent villa suites with custom Tommy Bahama amenities.
• Guests can enjoy the Grapefruit Basil restaurant and bar, indulge in spa services at Spa Rosa, and participate in various activities such as bike tours, yoga sessions, and visits to the nearby farmer’s market.
• The resort prioritizes sustainability and accessibility, with wheelchair lifts for pools and hot tubs, partnerships with Kind Traveler to support local communities, and plans for potential future locations in Scottsdale, Florida, or Hawaii.