The Indian Wells Open is my favorite U.S. tennis event, bar none. The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is a stone’s throw from the venue, and its beautiful desert grounds are a welcoming respite from the throngs trying to get a glimpse of Rafa (who will play on the evening of March 7th). Why is Indian Wells so special? There’s a paradoxical mellow and electric vibe there. A short drive from Palm Springs, California and set in the comparatively verdant Colorado Desert, it’s a place for meditation, introspection, self-care — and world-class tennis. The Indian Wells Open, AKA the BNP Paribas Open (BNP Paribas sponsors the event) is the most popular tennis event in the world aside from the four major slams, but the venue, Indian Wells Tennis Garden (owned by Larry Ellison since 2009), is so nicely designed that it never feels as crowded as it is. Food options are remarkably good (think Nobu sushi), and VIP and corporate boxes are close enough to the action (unlike at many venues) with excellent catering and service.
The view from a VIP box at Indian Wells Tennis Center.
And when it comes time to rest your head, there’s no better place to be than the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, which acts more like a Grand Hyatt in terms of services and amenities. Rooms are large, plushly comfortable, and blessedly quiet. There are more than 40 large one- and two-bedroom villas with nice private patios for those traveling in groups.
A spacious villa living room at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
The pool is a kids’ paradise, with side-by-side curvaceous waterslides. (Don’t worry, grownups, there’s a serene adult pool just for you.) Get yourself a cabana and order the Taste of Coachella, a flight of local beers and homemade snack mix.
A margarita at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
Don’t miss Agua Serena Spa’s outdoor showers, desert stone massage, cutting-edge skincare treatments, and — my personal favorite — outdoor showers, inviting any time of year. There are also daily classes, including pilates and yoga, and many other options ranging in intensity from low to high.
There are five restaurants and bars, both casual/to-go and more upscale sit-down, all with outdoor seating options.
A breakfast omelette at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
As you can glean, the Hyatt Indian Wells is a great base for desert exploration any time of year, but when the tennis tournament is on, the hotel is on point with its twice-hourly free transportation to the venue (so you don’t have to worry about parking. And almost everyone there shares your love of tennis, so you can swap stories and strategies.
The desert in winter as seen from the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, near ... [+]
Another great thing about this tournament is that, even if you don’t have tickets for the marquee events, you can walk into any court during the first week of early-round play and get up close to see your favorite players. This year, will Nadal rise up from injury to take the crown from defending champ Carlos Alcaraz? Will Ryabinka manage to win again this year, or might Swiatek or Sabalenka foil those plans? (I’m pulling for Jabeur.)
Up close for a night match at the 2023 Indian Wells/BNP Paribas Open.
If you’re a tennis lover, buy your tickets for next year right after the winners are settled for 2024, and book the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa at the same time. You’ll have something to look forward to all year long: great tennis and fantastic hospitality.
