Sands Hotel & Spa is a shimmering desert escape in Indian Wells

Martyn Lawrence Bullard works his maximalist magic on this pink palace with a fabulous pool
Jaime Kowal
Amira Hashish30 March 2022

Where?

In Indian Wells, between Palm Desert and the resort town of La Quinta. Close to the Coachella Valley, the hotel is around a 30-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs.

Style

As fabulous as you would expect considering renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is responsible for the look and feel of the space. He has worked his maximalist magic on the 46 guest rooms, pool area, spa and Pink Cabana restaurant.

Jaime Kowal

A Moroccan influence is merged with the mid-century vibe that is synonymous with the desert. The pink palace is filled with shimmering tiles, patterned headboards, striped cabanas and all the trimmings. It is beautifully done and bundles of fun.

Tim Street-Porter

The hotel’s luxury lies in the comfort and quality of its interiors and accessories; from the Acqua di Parma bath amenities to full-size in-room mini bars with vintage crystal stemware. Waterworks brass fixtures, Revival New York bed linens and Carrara Marble countertops add to the sumptuous nature.

Which room?

We were quite taken by the Deluxe King. It has an oversized bathroom with a separate bathtub. The room also has a seating area with a sofa lined with Moroccan textiles. Ask for a room with a terrace which has a view of the palm tree lined Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountain landscape.

Tim Street-Porter

Extracurricular

Sands is the place to take a pitstop for some R&R and park the itinerary. However, if you are keen to venture beyond the hotel, allow for a 30-minute drive to downtown Palm Springs where there are restaurants and shops in abundance.

It is also worth paying a visit to the nearby vintage fashion haven that is The Fine Art of Design. Factor in a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park either side of your visit. It’s about 45-minutes away by car.

Food & Drink

The Pink Cabana is the stuff of Instagram dreams. A modern take on the great Tennis and Racquet Clubs of the 50’s and 60’s in Palm Springs, it is a delightfully over the top homage to its roots. From breakfast to dinner, this is an all day destination with a gorgeous bar to boot.

The Mediterranean cuisine has  a Moroccan influence, just like the hotel. A post dinner tipple by the al fresco firepits is also a cosy way to finish the evening.

Tim Street-Porter

Best For…

A desert escape where you can while away the hours poolside before retiring to your very lovely bedroom.

Tim Street-Porter

Details

Rooms from around £160 per night; 44-985 Province Way Indian Wells, CA 92210; +1-760-321-3771; sandshotelandspa.com.

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