Nestled at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains in California’s Coachella Valley, La Quinta Resort & Club is a desert icon with nearly a century of storied hospitality.
Opened in 1926 by San Francisco businessman Walter H. Morgan, the resort began as a secluded retreat for Hollywood’s elite – Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, and Frank Capra among them. Today, it remains a sanctuary of timeless luxury, blending Spanish Colonial charm with modern comfort across 45 lush acres.
The resort’s architecture is a love letter to the desert: red-tiled roofs, whitewashed adobe walls, and bougainvillea-draped archways frame winding pathways and citrus groves. Inside, the aesthetic is warm and earthy with terracotta floors, hand-painted tiles, and wrought-iron accents evoke a sense of rustic elegance. The resort comprises approximately 800 rooms, including vintage casitas, spa villas, and expansive suites. Each accommodation is individually styled, many with private patios, outdoor fireplaces, and hot tubs.
I stayed in a Spa Villa Suite, which felt like a private residence. The colour palette was serene, sand, cream, and soft sage with plush textiles and dark wood furnishings. The bathroom featured marble countertops, a deep soaking tub, and anatomical toiletries infused with desert botanicals. Thoughtful touches like bathrobes, slippers, and locally inspired artwork added to the sense of place.
La Quinta’s amenities are as impressive as its history. The resort boasts 41 pools, 23 tennis courts, and five championship golf courses, including the famed PGA West. Spa La Quinta offers 37 treatment rooms and a menu of wellness rituals rooted in desert traditions. Dining options range from casual poolside fare to Morgan’s, the signature steakhouse named after the resort’s founder, where seasonal ingredients and classic technique meet in a refined setting.
Beyond the resort, guests can explore the nearby La Quinta Cove hiking trails, browse boutiques in Old Town La Quinta, or venture to Palm Springs for mid-century design and desert modernism. The resort also hosts regular events, from yoga retreats to culinary weekends, making it a dynamic destination year-round.
Why stay? For the sense of escape. La Quinta Resort & Club offers a rare blend of privacy and grandeur, where history hums beneath the surface and every corner invites relaxation. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a wellness retreat, or a sun-drenched base for desert exploration, this legendary resort delivers with grace, warmth, and enduring style.