"It is good to have an end to the journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
- Ursula K. Le Guin

The luxurious desert city that has it all!

If this will be your first visit to Indian Wells one of the first things you will notice about this tranquil desert city is that it evokes an inimitable sense of relaxation with its breathtaking mountain views and perfectly manicured neighborhoods. Once you have spent some time here, you will easily understand why Indian Wells has long been recognized as one of the world's top resort and conference destinations. Located just 20 minutes from legendary Palm Springs, Indian Wells boasts a dazzling array of distinctive amenities that include four world-class hotels, three sublime spas, a multitude of sparkling pools, a renowned golf resort and tennis stadium, wide range of cultural programs, and myriad year-round recreational activities.

This year, as the City of Indian Wells celebrates its 40th anniversary, there are even more reasons for visitors to be excited. Once again, Indian Wells is the site of the prestigious Pacific Life Open tennis tournament where over 250 of the world's top tennis stars will compete in March 2008 at the state-of-the-art Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Before that, during Thanksgiving weekend 2007, Indian Wells will host the famed LG Skins Game, to be played on the fabulous new Celebrity Course at the Indian Wells Golf Resort.

The Celebrity Course opened to the public in November of 2007 and offers a winning combination of aesthetic beauty and strategic intrigue amid Indian Wells' incomparable desert setting. Designed by Clive Clark, one of the most acclaimed architects in modern golf, players can now enjoy 18 spectacular holes that offer playability, challenge, diversity, risk and reward, and total enjoyment for all.

With wildflowers and flowing water features in the form of waterfalls, creeks and ponds creating a colorful backdrop, each hole is designed to be somewhat sheltered to elicit feelings of serenity and solitude.

Moreover, to coincide with 2007 LG Skins Game, the transformation of the legendary Indian Wells Golf Resort will be complete with the opening of the much-anticipated Players Course. Designed by prominent architect John Fought, the championship, 18-hole course will present a brilliant contrast to the Celebrity Course, will challenge all types of golfers, and will play host to the LG Skins Game in 2008.

For players who want to improve their golf skills but don't have time to play the other courses, Fought has also designed a 9-hole, state-of-the-art putting course that will take approximately 45 minutes to play and offer nighttime accessibility. Also opening in late fall 2007 and located on one-half acre adjacent to the driving range, the miniature 9-hole course will feature a lake with lush landscaping, a water feature flowing into a waterfall, and different pin locations. Comfort stations, a snack bar, and dining facilities will be located close by.

In addition, the IW Club, the golf resort's new clubhouse, will also celebrate its grand opening some time after the LG Skins Game. Designed by Phoenix-based Douglas Fredrikson Architects, the new 53,000 square foot clubhouse will evoke a contemporary 'Desert Modern' theme, inside and out. Large expanses of glass and exterior limestone and granite accents will offer a pleasant contrast to interior features that include warm wood detailing, stone floors, leather accents and luxurious appointments.

The IW Club will also feature a golf shop, Callaway Performance Center, sports bar and grill, fine dining and outdoor dining, meeting space, ballroom, multi-purpose room and grand lobby for pre-function activities. Other onsite golf resort amenities will consist of a new Fairway Grill, fire pit, water features, and lawn areas for events.

In addition to exceptional golf and tennis facilities, four world-class hotel properties also distinguish the Indian Wells experience:

The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa is known the world over for its luxe accommodations, beach-inspired swimming pool, and lushly landscaped rose garden, the site of several memorable weddings and corporate events. Entertainment and dining choices at the resort include Glo, a new lobby bar with dramatic lighting features; Stir, a chic new lounge with nightly live entertainment; and Cava, an innovative restaurant with fresh California cuisine and an extensive selection of California wines.

Other world-class hotel properties in Indian Wells include the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort and Spa,Indian Wells Resort Hotel, and Miramonte Resort & Spa. Each resort is located within close proximity to the Indian Wells Golf Resort and several other desert attractions including The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens.

Set in the heart of the Coachella Valley, Indian Wells truly affords a taste of the sweet life for those who visit or make this idyllic desert city their home.

For more information, visit www.indianwells.com. To learn more about the fabulous attractions and activities in the Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities, log on to www.palmspringsusa.com.