Southern California beaches may seem like the ultimate destination for travelers and vacationers, but for those of us who live here, getting away from the regular hustle and bustle of our everyday lives has us looking east to the desert. Just two hours away from San Diego or Los Angeles, Indian Wells is a literal desert oasis and is home to the Sands Hotel & Spa- a divinely decorated boutique hotel that will leave you feeling inspired.

Starting with the doorway to enter the lobby, the Moroccan-inspired decor seems to transport you a world-away. The theme extends to the outdoor areas and spa, and the restaurant and rooms incorporate the modern and eclectic style that Palm Springs is classically known for. As if there weren’t already a million things to love about the Sands Hotel & Spa, you can also get a great deal on your room if you book in advance or you can manage to make the trip out there during the week. Rates on Expedia can be as low as $150 a night for a standard room, and if there’s availability, an upgrade to a Junior Suite is well worth it to feel spoiled like a princess in your own outdoor bathtub.

The Junior Suite at Sands Hotel & Spa

The outdoor bathtub in the Junior Suite is definitely a highlight, but certainly not all it has to offer. The plush bedding, Acqua di Parma bathroom amenities, full-size bar, large closets, multiple terraces, and overall stylish decor of the spacious 400 sq ft suite had me wishing I could stay longer.

Every inch of the property and its rooms was thoughtfully and tastefully decorated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and if you stay at the Sands Hotel the toughest decision you’ll have to make each day is “where should I relax first?”. In one of their Junior Suites you can spend an entire day in ultimate comfort: wake up in bed, catch the morning news on TV from the living room sofa, sit back and read on the terrace lounge, soak in the tub on the suite’s other terrace, bask in the sun by the pool, let your stresses slip away in one of the Moroccan Spa’s treatment rooms, and grab a seat and a bite to eat at the Pink Cabana Restaurant. Yes, please.

The Pink Cabana Restaurant at Sands Hotel & Spa

The Pink Cabana Restaurant at Sands Hotel & Spa does four things very well: food, drinks, decor, and service. The diverse menus served throughout the day feature Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisines and are designed by renowned Chef Jason Niederkorn. My favorites were the Amlou Tartine I enjoyed for breakfast alongside my perfect pot of Moroccan mint tea, and the Harissa Chicken Sandwich and side of fries I chowed down on while lounging poolside.

The decor is inspired by classic Palm Springs racquet clubs, and the colorful interior is an inviting space for a snack, a drink, a meal, or even a group dinner or larger event. Big smiles greet you as you enter the restaurant, and the service is friendly, gracious, and attentive. Even if you are not a guest of the hotel, I recommend coming by to dine at the restaurant if you are ever in the Palm Springs area!

The Moroccan Spa at Sands Hotel & Spa

Just when you think the hotel couldn’t get any dreamier, you step foot into the Moroccan Spa and are instantly proven wrong. The space is decorated with a most inviting and soothing color palette of soft pinks and whites, marble surfaces, brass hardware, and glimmering silver tiles. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the property, the spa is an oasis within an oasis and offers a variety of treatments including massages, facials, and scrubs. I opted for the Sands Body Scrub, which was a gentle, exfoliating massage that left me feeling both relaxed and invigorated at the same time. It was the perfect way to start a late morning and just what I needed to quiet my mind after a busy couple of weeks.

Things to do near Sands Hotel & Spa

If you can somehow muster up the desire to leave the hotel (good luck!), there is plenty to do and see in the Palm Springs area. Check out my suggestions below, and let me know in the comments if there’s something you love that I left out!

• Explore the arboretum at Moorten Botanical Garden

• Learn about mid-century style on a Palm Springs Architecture Tour

• Grab a date shake at Hadley’s Fruit Orchards

• Go off-roading along one of the region’s many Jeep Trails

• Shop for vintage and mid-century finds at Palm Springs Antique Galleries

Are you planning to visit the Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells, California? Let me know any questions you have and I’ll answer in the comments!