Review Author

Ruby Gregg

HOTEL SNAPSHOT

Located just off Highway 111 in California’s Palm Desert, the Sands Hotel & Spa feels as though it was plucked from the bustling, culturally rich thoroughfares of Morocco. Arriving to the rose-hued, Moorish-style facade, the adults-only oasis trades typical desert beige for vibrant textiles—while still delivering a quintessential California modernism vibe. 

Design & Character

Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard successfully integrates Moroccan-meets-mid-century design into the hotel’s character, which can be felt in every inch of the property. Arched motifs, geometric black-and-white tilework, and mosaic mirrors nod to Palm Springs’ Golden Age glamour. 

The Rooms

Each room at the Sands holds its own distinct personality, yet together they share a cohesive design language and feeling. Guests can choose from junior suites, deluxe queens and king suites, and even their presidential suite, Le Riad, complete with two outdoor patios and a private balcony with a full kitchen and an indulgent soaking tub—designed for effortless entertaining and laid-back desert living.

Every detail of the room I stayed in felt intentional: glossy white-and-blue checkered showers, blue embroidered headboards balanced by yellow animal-print chairs, and Slim Aarons photographs that channel the spirit of Palm Springs—together creating an instant California state of mind.

Food & Drink

You won’t need to leave the hotel grounds—or even your poolside cabana—for a delectable bite. Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard outfitted the Pink Cabana restaurant and bar in his signature tropical retro-chic fashion, capturing the charm of Palm Springs’s tennis and racquet clubs from the 1950s and ’60s. From flamingo pink ceilings with dark wood beams, to white and green multicolored flooring, and wicker seating with plush botanical cushions, the space perfectly frames the centerpiece green-and-gold tiled bar just so.

The eatery’s elevated menu is befittingly inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean and North Africa. Signature dishes—including the smoked salmon tartine and Iberian pork chop as well as the savory local mushroom tagliatelle—are enough to tempt you to spend every meal within the hotel’s storied pink walls.

The beverage selections are equally curated, highlighting unique wines from Southern European climates, specifically selected to complement the cuisine. From refreshing seasonal cocktails to a sophisticated array of aperitifs and digestifs, the Pink Cabana effortlessly lives up to its reputation as a premier destination for vinophiles.

Spa & Wellness

For a moment of peace and quiet, guests can experience the Sands’s intimate spa, featuring just three treatment rooms. Choose from a menu specializing in traditional Western techniques and Moroccan-inspired rituals such as a deep tissue massage, the Marrakesh Radiance Facial, or the Moroccan Indulgence Ritual. 

The Amenities

Beyond the grand entryway, the heart of the property reveals itself—a year-round poolside sanctuary. Here, private cabanas and sun-drenched lounges sit in perfect proximity to the Pink Cabana, ensuring that a refreshing dip and a libation are never more than a few steps apart. 

Transition seamlessly from day to night at the hotel’s outdoor firepits. Located on the patio, guests can gather for an early cocktail or late night chat under the stars. 

However, what makes the Sands a memorable retreat is its meticulous attention to detail. An upgrade from the traditional hotel fridge, you’ll discover the ultimate minibar—a curated collection of top-shelf spirits and pre-mixed craft cocktails. Plush robes await, Diptyque bath products line the bathroom, and every detail feels conscious—setting the tone for a stay that feels as celebratory as it is considered.

Fast Facts

Location: Indian Wells, California

Address: 44-985 Province Way, Indian Wells, CA 92210

Vibe: Mid-Century meets Morocco. An adults-only (18+) “jewel box” hotel designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Rooms: 46

Pricing: From $239 a night 

Dining & Cocktails: The Pink Cabana serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a curated list of wines and standout cocktails. 

Amenities & Services: Pool, Spa

Gathering Spaces: The Olive Grove—a romantic, outdoor space for ceremonies and quiet lounging, the Fire Pit Lounge, The Pink Cabana patio

Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport, PSP