news & events
stay abreast of all the latest news and events at hyatt grand champions resort, villas and spa.
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hyatt grand champions newsletter
Stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest going on at Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa. Our newsletter contains information on spa specials, dining offers, special packages and more. Read the newsletter.
calendar of events
Stay up to date on the latest and greatest happenings at and around the resort. Click here to view our calendar of events.
hyatt grand champions resort villas and spa unveils new lobby bar and newly designed penthouse suites
Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa is pleased to announce the completion of a $2.2 million renovation of its luxury penthouse suites and lobby bar on October 1. The renovation includes a transformation of 26 penthouse suites, as well as the complete redesign of the lobby bar, named Agave Sunset. With its updated contemporary furnishings, revamped bar and continued high-quality service, Hyatt Grand Champions captures the essence of a true desert getaway.
“This exciting transformation reinvents the resort with a contemporary design that’s inspired by the natural beauty of Indian Wells,” remarked Allan Farwell, General Manager of Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa. “The newly remodeled penthouses provide a more stylish and contemporary ambience, while still maintaining a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Agave Sunset will present the ultimate view of our fabulous property and the gorgeous sunsets.”
Agave Sunset – Conveniently located in the lobby of Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa, Agave Sunset is the perfect oasis to escape the summer heat or unwind after an afternoon game of golf. Opening on October 1, the newly remodeled and re-concepted lobby bar features signature desert-inspired cocktails, an impressive wine collection and their very own private label Agave Sunset Tequila. This super premium, private label tequila is single barrel tequila created by Herradura especially for Hyatt Grand Champions Resort.
The comfortable atmosphere of Agave Sunset features cool desert tones in both the indoor and outdoor areas. The bar features inviting banquettes and chairs for guests to sit comfortably in the plush lounge. A modern drum light, creatively suspended from the ceiling, gives the space a contemporary and casual feel. The walls of palladium windows look out onto the sunny patio, perfect for viewing the resort’s golf course.
Luxurious Corinthian leather seating and multiple wall mounted LCD flat screen televisions create a relaxed setting perfect to enjoy signature dishes off the new Street Taco Menu, such as Achiote Goat with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro, and Chilled Lobster with a Mango Cabbage Slaw.
Guests can also enjoy an Indian Wells sunset while toasting with one of the many signature tequila cocktails including Sunset Margarita made with Hyatt Grand Champion’s own Agave Sunset Tequila, Fresh Lime Juice, Agave Syrup, a Cointreau Float, Sweet Lemon-Salt rim and Grenadine “sink.” Other feature cocktails include House Made Sangrita, a traditional Mexican aperitif served with signature Agave Sunset tequila, and the Watermelon Smash made with Muddled Watermelon, Jalapeno, Mint and Tequila. The extensive Tequila List features more than 40 tequilas and 10 mezcals from the Jalisco region of Mexico, including the exclusive Agave Sunset Tequila.
Guests will now enjoy a serene view of the Hyatt Grand Champions property in the relaxed atmosphere of the Agave Sunset Terrace. The bar features Sunset Houron Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., offering the perfect dining experience capturing the resort’s award-winning golf course and the famous watercolor sunsets of Indian Wells as a backdrop. Guests can also enjoy the smooth jazz stylings of The Art of Sax every Friday and Saturday nights.
Penthouse Luxury Redefined - The Penthouse Suites at Hyatt Grand Champions is designed with ultimate luxury in mind. The 945-square foot suites provides spacious accommodations with a cozy lounge area with sectional seating, four-person dining room, living room with granite wet bar, large bathroom, powder room and a 270-square foot outdoor balcony area with chaise lounges.
The luxurious bathroom includes natural stone flooring complimented with soft earth tones to reflect the desert climate. Along with a deluxe soaking tub, the bathroom has a frameless glass shower and dual ceramic vessel sinks with modern polished chrome hardware. The wood vanity features an under-mounted LED light strip for nightlight and accent dimmable lighting throughout.
The lounge area of the Penthouse Suite has a large plush sectional seating area that can double as a sofa bed and features a 47” LCD wall-mounted television. The wet bar in the living room features granite countertops and an integrated refrigerator for guest’s convenience. The bedroom is partitioned by French doors with an etched privacy glass. The living room is shaded by a solar shade panel window treatment that will block the sun and open up to a spacious outdoor balcony area for a panoramic view of the resort and golf courses.
hyatt grand champions resort, villas and spa announces private label agave sunset tequila
Handpicked by the Hyatt Grand Champions team from the Jalisco region of Mexico, Agave Sunset Tequila is now available exclusively at the Indian Wells resort. Double distilled at the 145-year-old Herradura distillery, Agave Sunset Tequila presents a smooth and smoky flavor with an even and rounded finish.
Agave Sunset Tequila is a double barrel reposado tequila that is aged for a total of 12 months. This variety is first “rested” or aged for 11 months, which is an additional nine months longer than reposado category standards. Following the aging process, the tequila is then moved to a new barrel for one month, where it obtains its deep copper color and exceptionally smooth taste.
For the Indian Wells resort, it was not just about choosing the perfect tequila, but more about being a part of the process. After a series of visits to Mexico in 2010, the director of food and beverage Steven Carl at Hyatt Grand Champions sampled an array of aged barrels before selecting the most suitable tasting tequila envisioned for Agave Sunset.
“It was such a great experience to be a part of the whole process. From chopping down our own agave plant to tasting tequila right from the barrels, we really had a hand in the creative process of the tequila production,” said Carl. “We are incredibly proud of Agave Sunset Tequila, and consider it a privilege to have a privately labeled product from one of the oldest and most respected tequila distilleries in the world.”
Available in the Palm Springs area resort’s new lobby bar, Agave Sunset, the Agave Sunset Tequila will be featured in an array of signature cocktails including the Sunset Margarita made with Fresh Lime Juice, Agave Syrup, a Cointreau Float, Sweet Lemon-Salt Rim and Grenadine “Sink.” Other featured cocktails include House-Made Sangrita, a traditional Mexican accompaniment served with signature Agave Sunset Tequila, and the Watermelon Smash, made with Muddled Watermelon, Jalapeno, Mint and Tequila. The extensive tequila list at Agave Sunset features more than 40 tequilas and 10 mezcals from the Jalisco region of Mexico, including the exclusive Agave Sunset Tequila.
With the oldest standing original distillery in Mexico, Herradura has been producing a majority of Mexico’s tequila product since 1870. Herradura uses a natural fermentation process with an open barrel distillery process. Adjacent to the factory are fields of mangos and pomegranate trees. A natural breeze allows the naturally occurring yeast from the plants to flow into the factory and into the open barrels for a natural fermentation process.
hyatt grand champions resort, villas and spa a top palm springs resort, welcomes jennifer di francesco as director of agua serena spa
Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa is pleased to announce Jennifer Di Francesco as the newly appointed Spa Director for Agua Serena Spa. Named for the pools of glistening waters surround the spa, Agua Serena at the Palm Springs spa resort is the place for guests to be transported to a world of complete relaxation. With more than 20 years of experience in the spa industry, Di Francesco has spent her career perfecting the art of spa at top resorts in California. As the newly-appointed Spa Director, she is responsible for on-site operations and ensuring guests are receiving the best spa experience offered in Indian Wells.
“We are very pleased to welcome such a highly acclaimed spa expert to Agua Serena Spa,” remarks Allan Farwell, General Manager of the Palm Springs resort. “Her knowledge of the spa industry and forward thinking is a huge asset to the success of the Spa.”
Prior to her role at Hyatt Grand Champions, Di Francesco was the Director of Spa Operations for The Well Spa at Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells, where she led the opening. During her time there, the spa received numerous awards, including the “9th Best Spa in the United States” by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. In addition to her role managing the day-to-day operations, she was a key member of the regional spa team for Destination Hotels & Resorts.
As Spa Director of Agua Serena Spa at the Palm Springs resort, Di Francesco looks forward to applying her extensive experience and spa knowledge,” remarked Di Francesco. “Many spas do not have the breadth of services that Agua Serena has. It is a pleasure to be at a 30,000 square-foot facility that offers extensive fitness, beauty, therapeutic and medical esthetic services.”
Di Francesco’s career began as a hands-on therapist performing facials and body services. Since then, she has been instrumental in opening three luxury spa facilities in the Coachella Valley, including The Well Spa, The Spa at Mission Hills at the Westin Mission Hills Resort and the Spa La Quinta at La Quinta Resort & Club. In each position, she was responsible for overseeing the design of the facilities, as well as the creation of signature spa services. Currently, Di Francesco hosts a weekly radio show every Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Power 100.5, a local Palm Springs radio station. On her radio show, “Total Wellness Tuesdays,” she discusses medical skin care, Pilates, organic farming acupuncture and other wellness topics.
“It will be my goal to capture the quintessential features of Agua Serena, which embodies a balanced and inspired atmosphere to find ultimate tranquility from within,” said Di Francesco. “This is the essence of this spa and will be highlighted in everything we do moving forward.”
After receiving her licensing for Massage Therapy and Esthetics from the College of the Desert in California, Di Francesco was a post graduate trainer for the International Dermal Institute and a spa trainer for Kerstin Florian Skin Care. In 2005, she became a member of ISPA’s Education Committee and was a speaker on behalf of the organization in 2006, where she created presentations on spa management, resource partner relations and spa retail as a resource for the entire ISPA membership community.
indian wells golf resort awards & accolades
Not resting on its laurels, Indian Wells Golf Resort continues to garner awards and accolades from the golf industry's top golf publications.
Golfweek magazine honored Indian Wells Golf Resort with several of its prestigious golf course awards. Recently, both golf courses at Indian Wells Golf Resort were listed on Golfweek's ranking of the "Best Courses You Can Play" in the state of California for 2009. The Players Course came in at No. 10 and the Celebrity Course at No. 14 out of the 25 top courses in the Golden State. Indian Wells Golf Resort was one of only two 36-hole facilities with both golf courses receiving the award. This marks the second year in a row that both courses earned this award, with the Celebrity moving up one spot from 2008 to 2009 and Players moving up a remarkable 10 spots from 2008 to 2009.
Awards and Accolades, at a glance:
- "Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play" in California, '08 – Players Course No. 20, Celebrity Course No. 15
- "Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play" in California, '09 – Players Course No. 10, Celebrity Course No. 14
- "Golfweek's Best Municipal Courses You Can Play" in the Nation, '07-'08 – Players No. 3, Celebrity No. 7
- "Golfweek's Best Municipal Courses You Can Play" in the Nation, '08 -'09 – Players No. 7, Celebrity No. 6
- "Golfweek's Best Tour Courses You Can Play" – Celebrity Course No. 18
- "Golfweek's Best New Courses You Can Play" in the Nation, '07 – Players Course No. 30
- Golf Magazine: California's Top 30 Public-Access Golf Courses – Players No. 13, Celebrity No. 16
- Golf Digest Golf Guide: Players Course earned 4 ½ stars out of 5 in "Best Places You Can Play"
- 2009 Golfweek's Best Resort Courses of Distinction
- IW Club placed 1st in the 2008 Golf Inc. magazine Clubhouse Competition
- IW Club, 1 of the "13 Best New Restaurants" – Palm Springs Life
Click here to read more about Indian Wells Golf Resort.
luxury villas now available
Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa announced the addition of 24 luxury Villas offered with specially trained butler service.
The one- and two-bedroom Villas, a $20 million project, completes the resort’s inventory of 43 Villas offering very private accommodations with exceptional service and amenities.
Click here to read the full press release.
Click here to view images of the new Villas.
food-to-go
Stop by our convenient lobby location for a freshly baked pastry and cup of Starbucks to take along on your busy day. Planning a full day of sightseeing? Choose from a great selection of delicious sandwiches, fruit, chips, sides, water and even cookies! For an afternoon treat, snack on a piece of gourmet chocolate, made by Chef Alex, in-house daily.
The Espresso Deli also offers a full-line of coffee drinks, teas, refreshing beverages, tempting treats and other specialty items. Sip your favorite drink while relaxing in our comfortable cafe; check your email with our WiFi service, read the newspaper or catch up on the news of the day on the flat screen TVs.
For additional information, or to place an order, call the Espresso Deli & Cafe at 760-674-4050. Please Click here to view the full menu.
100 best spas of the world
Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa is included in the recently released “100 Best Spas of the World,” Third Edition by Bernard Burt and Pamela Price. The authors traveled the world in search of ultimate spa experiences and include Hyatt Grand Champions’ Agua Serena Spa and The Medical and Skin Spa housed within Agua Serena in this latest collection of top spas throughout the world.
The spas included in the book offer a combination of unique treatments, packages, facilities and programs. The authors considered a variety of criteria in their selection process such as spa design, experience, overall treatments, products, ambiance and cleanliness. Descriptions of the featured spas include facts that make the spa outstanding, as well as sidebars including essential information about the spa such as location, contact information, rates, accommodations, getting there and what’s nearby.
“Selecting a world-class spa in the Palm Springs area was not a challenge since the Hyatt Grand Champions’ Agua Serena Spa met all of our Spa Criteria, as described in the book,” states Author Pamela Price. “Such criteria includes the Spa Journey – meaning, would you go out of your way to experience this spa? I feel with the option of The Medical and Skin Spa housed within Agua Serena, spa enthusiasts have the ultimate choice of selecting one or both journeys.”
Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa can be reached at 760-674-4100 or by visiting www.aguaserenaspa.com. The Medical and Skin Spa can be reached at 760-674-4101 or by visiting www.medicalandskinspa.com.
about agua serena spa
The Agua Serena Spa is a state-of-the-art 30,000 square foot facility, offering guests an intimate oasis like no other in the desert. Featuring 18 treatment rooms all with terraces, and of which eight include refreshing outdoor showers, the treatments range from traditional massages, facials and body wraps and scrubs, to progressive therapeutic services such as hot stone therapy, Shiatsu, Thai massage, reflexology and aromatherapy. Agua Serena is staffed with exceptional massage therapists, estheticians, fitness consultants and personal trainers.
the medical and skin spa at agua serena
The Medical and Skin Spa provides a full-range of non-invasive medical esthetic and skin rejuvenation treatments including the latest in skin tightening using TITAN™, the world’s most advanced skin tightening system. Doctor Foxx personally administers BOTOX®as well as the most advanced dermal fillers including Restylane® and RADIESSE™. Doctor Foxx is a member of the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. The Medical and Skin Spa is pleased to announce that it has won SPA magazine’s coveted SILVER SAGE READERS’ CHOICE award for Favorite Medical/Wellness Spa.
TAG approved
As a proud supporter of the LGBT community, Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa is delighted to announce its recognition as a TAG approved hotel. This honor follows the hotel’s receipt of a “Best in Gay and Lesbian Travel” award from PlanetOut Inc. in 2006. The Hyatt Grand Champions celebrates the diversity of its staff and guests, and welcomes all LGBT travelers and partners with pride. Escape to our luxurious desert oasis, where superior service isn’t a perk – it’s simply a way of life.
palm springs international airport voted top ten most stress-free airports in nation
SmarterTravel.com is out with a list of U.S. airports it ranks as least-stressful and most appealing to travelers. Scoring high are airports in Palm Springs, Seattle, Providence and Austin, among others.
In their top 10 list, things that made certain airports stand out were hassle-free security, interesting time-killers, such as art galleries and salons, free wireless Internet, and that old airport standby, bars and restaurants, according to the website's editors.
Somewhat hard to imagine if you haven't been there, the Palm Springs International Airport in California, actually has an outdoor courtyard with patio seating, a wine bar, a Starbucks, and play spaces for both kids and pets. Artwork by glass artist Dale Chihuly is another nice touch.
news and awards
From cutting edge new initiatives to industry awards to recent reviews, visit this page for the latest news at our luxurious Palm Springs hotel.
awards
- AAA Four Diamond Resort (23 consecutive years!)
- 2008 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award
- Southern California Meetings + Events Magazines' Best of 2009 Readers' Choice Award finalist for Best Desert Resort
- American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts (one of only two properties in the Desert)
- Virtuoso Partner Resort (one of only two properties in the Desert)
- Altour Luxury Hotel Program
- Signature Travel Network
- Ensemble Hotel Program (only property in the Desert)
- Travel Leaders Luxury Hotel Program
- Andrew Harper Collection (Villas) (Only property in the Desert)
- MeetingsMedia Best of the West 2009
- 'Best Meeting & Conference Hotels in the U.S.' by Groups International
- '100 Best Spas of the World,' Third Edition by Bernard Burt and Pamela Price
- Elite Certified status by Elite Meetings International
- IW Club Honored As 'Clubhouse Of The Year' By Golf Inc 2008
- Both Courses Ranked in Golfweek Magazine 'Top 30 Best Municipal Courses' in the Country - Players Course Ranked #3 and Celebrity Course Ranked #7
- 2009 Spa Magazine's Silver Sage Reader's Choice Award - Favorite Medical/Wellness Spa - Agua Serena Spa
- 2010 Association Meetings Inner Circle Award Winner
- 2010 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award
- 2010 SpaFinder Magazine Readers Choice Awards - Top 10 Best Medical Programs - The Medical and Skin Spa at Agua Serena Spa
- 2011 Best of the Valley Awards - Best Bar: Agave Sunset
- 2011 Best of the Valley Awards - Best Spa: Agua Serena Spa
- 2011 Condé Nast Traveler Top 125 Golf Resorts