Palm Springs has long been an adored summer escape for Valley dwellers. But just a few miles outside of Palm Springs–and a four-hour drive from Phoenix–is Rancho Mirage, home to the family-friendly retreat of Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.
Surrounded by towering palm trees, a mountain backdrop, great golf and sparkling pools, the 444-room Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is the quintessential Palm Springs stay. It is one of those special summer vacation spots where you can play for days without having to step foot outside the property, finding an endless array of activity for the whole family during the duration of your vacation.
A mega hit with the kiddos is Splashtopia. The on-site waterpark features a 425-ft. lazy river, two waterslides, a splash play zone (even the tweens will love it!) and cliff-side hot tub, providing hours upon hours of fun in the sun. There is even a beach-entry sand area for tots to build castles and dig moats–and a shade structure above it offers protection and peace of mind for parents. (Pro tip: Grab a spot poolside during the lunchtime lull; otherwise, you might be lining up for a spot when Splashtopia opens at 9 a.m.) For a more relaxing environment, the adults-only Azure pool offer a peaceful respite for reading on the cozy daybeds or sipping frozen drinks while soaking up some rays.
Golf is another draw for Omni Rancho Las Palmas guests, thanks to the resort’s three courses. Altogether, golfers can tee up for 6,400 beautiful yards and 27 holes of championship golf–and the six surrounding lakes and views of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains in the distance aren’t shabby, either.
Come mealtime, Omni Rancho Las Palmas is home to five different dining destinations, ranging from casual poolside cuisine and frosty cocktails to iced coffee and grab-and-go bites to the resort’s signature restaurant, bluEmber. The restaurant dishes up California New American cuisine, with a seat on the patio being the best in the house for mountain and fairway panoramas. There are plenty of kid-friendly options to choose from, too, and everyone in the family can get on board with bluEmber’s crispy Brussels sprouts and Hawaiian ahi tuna poke.
To book your summer vacation at Omni Rancho Las Palmas, visit www.omnihotels.com.