Sip, Soak, And Stay: Inside The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage's Refresh

Forbes

29-04-2025

After a two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage unveils its reimagined hillside oasis, setting a new standard of contemporary luxury across the property. To mark the occasion, the resort partnered with legendary champagne house Veuve Clicquot, debuting a limited-time poolside experience infused with its signature joie de vivre. The La Grande Dame Lounge and Solaire Terrasse Vista Pool Experience, available through May 31, invites guests to indulge in curated bottle service, crafted bites, lawn games, and panoramic views—all while sipping chilled Veuve Clicquot under the desert sun. They can also take in live champagne sabering demonstrations while luxuriating in Veuve-branded cabanas outfitted with flatscreen TVs, smart sound systems, and dedicated concierge.
Poolside Cabana
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Beyond the poolside perks, the real star of the show is the setting itself. Cradled between the wide sweep of the Coachella Valley and the rugged foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the property's surroundings offer grandeur that craftsmanship alone can't outshine. It's the kind of soul-stirring backdrop today's travelers are craving more than ever.
The Air Pool
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
According to the 2024 American Express Global Travel Trends Report, 76% of Millennials and Gen Z travelers prioritize immersive, transformative experiences over traditional displays of luxury. A 2023 Virtuoso Insights study further reinforces this shift, finding that 70% of luxury travelers now seek properties that offer a stronger connection to nature and local culture. Additionally, Booking.com's 2024 Sustainable Travel Report revealed that 68% of global travelers want their accommodation choices to reflect a deep appreciation for ecological settings. And in a recent study published by Terrapin Bright Green, guests exposed to biophilic design (spaces that integrate natural elements) were found to experience a 13% increase in well-being and a 15% boost in reported satisfaction. Today's discerning traveler doesn't just want to observe nature, they want to feel embedded within it. These findings signal a rising demand for destinations where the boundary between architecture and landscape is dissolved, promoting seamless integration within an ecosystem.
At The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, that marriage between design and environment isn't just a backdrop, it's the centerpiece of the stay. Beneath the surface, the land holds rare treasures: titanite crystals shimmering along the Mirage Trail—offering not just geological intrigue but creative direction. Their brilliance, drawn from deep within the desert, pulses through the property's aesthetic, anchoring the interiors in a presence that feels grounded and alive. Raw selenite, long revered for its cleansing, calming energy, is woven throughout the resort's common spaces. It appears in sculptural wall installations, custom light fixtures, decorative accents, and statement pieces showcased within illuminated display cabinets.
Guest Room Hallway
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Together, the titanite crystals and the luminous energy of selenite create a sensory interplay that nurtures clarity, restoration, and a gentle stillness often elusive in modern life. Though guests may not immediately recognize the metaphysical properties at play, they often feel it—a sense of unburdening, a softening of awareness, and a deeper resonance with their surroundings. Across the property, warm, earthy tones shape the mood. Sun-washed stone, soft clay, and warm sand blend with textured materials like handcrafted leather and stone-clad walls. Even the spa's chandelier pays homage to the land, its 222 crystals catching the light in a dazzling tribute to the desert's mineral wealth. Nature lovers find even more to admire as they explore the grounds. Towering Madagascar palms and colorful blooms line the path to the entrance, while sculptural clusters of Blue Glow Agave and Barrel Cactus create striking focal points nearby.
Step inside, and the lobby sets the stage immediately. A striking stone fireplace commands the room, inviting guests to slow down, gather, and soak in the ambiance. Around it, plush seating areas offer an easy place to settle in—whether you're waiting for check-in or just taking a moment to linger. Original artworks by Ran Adler, known for his intricate organic sculptures, thread the desert's lifeblood through the space, while paintings by Jennifer Bain, celebrated for their vibrant interpretations of nature, add a bold, colorful dimension to the resorts's curated art collection. A row of luxury boutiques lines the lobby, offering rare finds for travelers seeking a bit of retail therapy. Nearby, a discreet service desk tempts guests with a colorful candy station—small, unexpected touches that make the experience feel both polished and playful. Further inside, a curated collection from Dawson Cole Fine Art lines the main corridors, bringing world-class artistry into the walk from the lobby to the spa, meeting spaces, and throughout the property.
Main Lobby
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Front Desk
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Beyond the lobby, the terrace spills out onto a glistening reflection fountain, framed by a Tuscan coastal garden and sweeping valley views. Across the terrain, drought-hardy plants like Lady's Slipper orchids, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Baja Fairy Duster, and Giant Hesper Aloe bring color, movement, and life to the grounds—demonstrating how intentional design can work hand-in-hand with the land.
Reflection Fountain
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Guest rooms and suites carry that indoor-outdoor synergy forward. Standard rooms offer serene desert views and thoughtful amenities, while the Vista Residential Suites elevate the experience with expansive layouts, private plunge pools, and cozy fire pits—perfect for evening relaxation under the stars. For those seeking absolute privacy and a more personalized stay, the 1,700-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite claims the crown. Tucked into a discreet wing of the resort, its orientation guarantees full seclusion, with panoramic balcony views that stretch across the desert valley and roll toward the horizon. In the distance, the silhouettes of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains complete the scene.
Breakfast Balcony
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Ritz-Carlton Suite Dining Area
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Inside, vintage black-and-white portraits of Hollywood icons line the walls, a tribute to Palm Springs' Golden Era, when Rancho Mirage served as a lesser-known extension of the stars' desert escape. Studio-contracted actors, bound by the two-hour rule, sought refuge just far enough from Los Angeles to escape the flash of camera bulbs, yet close enough to be called back to set at a moment's notice. Today's travelers seeking a quick staycation can still tap into that timeless allure, trading packed itineraries for slow, sunlit afternoons. A sleek mini-kitchen, spacious living and dining areas, high-art and warm retro-modern touches make the suite feel more like a private desert residence than a hotel stay.
Guest Room Firepit
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Dining across the property mirrors the same level of craftsmanship and care. At State Fare Bar & Kitchen, the all-day menu celebrates California's agricultural bounty, highlighting fresh ingredients like Coachella Valley dates, citrus-dressed greens, and seasonal produce. The restaurant's open-air patio sets the perfect stage for sunrise juice flights or late-night cocktails under the stars.
State Fare Bar & Kitchen Bradshaw Room
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
State Fare Bar & Kitchen Back Seating
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Positioned at the highest point of the property, The Edge Steakhouse strikes a more distinguished note. Reopened as part of the renovation, it draws both resort guests and locals for its cinematic valley views and sharp culinary execution. Though famed for its prime steak and seafood selections, The Edge defies expectations with Michelin-inspired plant-based offerings like the popular Miso Glaze Mushroom Steak. The meaty texture and savory depth could easily rival any traditional cut. Add in a tightly curated international wine list, crafted cocktails or mocktails, and floor-to-ceiling windows—and you've got one of the most sought-after dining reservations in the valley.
The Edge Steakhouse
Don Riddle Images 2014 All Rights Reserved
The Edge Steakhouse
Don Riddle Images 2014 All Rights Reserved
The resort's wellness offerings are just as coveted. The 28,000-square-foot spa offers treatments that incorporate indigenous botanicals, crystals, and desert-inspired rituals. Signature experiences include the Spirit of the Mountains journey, which utilizes native herbs and mineral salts to balance and rejuvenate, and the Indigenous Clay Wrap, designed to detoxify and refresh the skin. Post-treatment, guests can retreat to plush lounges stocked with gourmet snacks, sparkling beverages, and throne-like chairs that invite smooth integration. For those wanting to prolong their bliss, the spa also features multisensory showers—infused with scents like lavender and eucalyptus—alongside steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, and plunge pools. Three distinct post-treatment areas, including men's, women's, and co-ed spaces, ensure solo travelers, couples, and families alike find their perfect reset. With 16 treatment rooms, a spa boutique, and a full fitness center, the spa makes it easy to leave behind the deadlines, distractions, and demands of everyday life.
Spa Center
Tara Howard
Spa Center
Don Riddle Images 2013 All Rights Reserved
Spa Lounge
Don Riddle Images 2013 All Rights Reserved
Beyond wellness, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage deepens its commitment to environmental stewardship. The resort's award-winning REACT (Ritz-Carlton Environmental Action Conservation Team) spearheads ambitious sustainability efforts across every department, earning the Most Outstanding Sustainability Program Award at the 2024 Marriott Engineering and Facilities Conference. Smart irrigation systems, real-time water monitoring, and a sophisticated building automation program ensure that the resort's lush landscapes thrive while conserving energy and resources.
Innovations like ORCA technology, an onsite system that breaks down food waste into an eco-safe liquid, help dramatically reduce sanitation trucking emissions and landfill contributions. The Ritz-Carlton's longstanding organic waste program partners with local farms to nourish Coachella Valley's soil. Local sourcing is also prioritized, with sustainable seafood from Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, Coachella Valley dates, FLOSS produce, and 65% of banquet wines sourced from nearby California vineyards. Even the Ritz-Carlton's branded bottled water and meats are procured within a 300-mile radius, emphasizing a hyper-local philosophy.
Gerald Ford Boardroom
Don Riddle Images 2013 All Rights Reserved
The resort's Green Meeting Initiatives also set a new gold standard for event sustainability. Guests attending conferences or retreats onsite encounter eco-conscious details like reusable vinyl insulated lunch boxes, 100% compostable corn plastic cups, and notepads made from post-consumer waste. Water refill stations, LED lighting with dimmers, glassware instead of disposables, and a table linen reuse program further minimize the property's carbon footprint. In partnership with local charities, gently used towels are donated to mobile shower units serving the unhoused, while special Giving Tuesdays dinners at State Fare Bar & Kitchen donate $5 per entrée to nonprofit partners like Olive Crest. From the resort's stellar commitment to the planet to its interstellar offerings beyond it, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage invites guests to expand their gaze.
Stargazing At Night
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
For those looking to connect with the cosmos, the hotel offers complimentary stargazing sessions on select evenings. Guests are guided through the night sky's wonders using an 11-inch computerized telescope. They can observe the glowing bands of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, Mars, the Orion Nebula during winter months, the Sirius star, and even the spiraling arms of the Andromeda Galaxy. Daytime visitors can also experience sungazing through a solar-filtered telescope, set up outdoors at select locations around the resort—a rare opportunity to safely observe the sun's radiance from one of the desert's most pristine vantage points.
Sungazing
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge enhances the stay with yet another layer of exclusivity. Guests with club access enjoy a private parlor, bottle service, bespoke culinary offerings, curated experiences, and a private concierge staff. Local artist Timothy Mulligan also lent his touch to the space, creating customized artwork inspired by the region's natural textures and tones. Even the entertainment feels enhanced, with artful game sets like polished tic-tac-toe, a luxury edition of Clue, and a sleek Connect Four that double as decor. Access is included with Vista Suites and The Ritz-Carlton Suite, delivering an elevated stay within an already rarefied escape.
Club Lounge Interior
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Club Lounge Kitchen
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
Of course, the magic of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage extends well beyond the resort's limits. Adventurous guests can book a Red Jeep Tour of the nearby San Andreas Fault, led by naturalists and geologists who decode the desert's dramatic landscapes. Cultural highlights include the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, honoring the heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Nearby, the iconic Sunnylands Center & Gardens, once a presidential estate, now welcomes visitors to wide-open desert gardens and guided tours celebrating both art and architecture.
Red Jeep Tours
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
For those craving a taste of the local harvest, the Palm Springs Certified Farmers' Market brings together growers, makers, and food artisans from across the region. Think Medjool dates, desert citrus, handmade olive oils, small-batch preserves—all just a short drive from the resort.
Poolside Cabana
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage
With its redesigned spaces, upscale dining, botanical beauty, environmental leadership, and thoughtful nods to local culture and history, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage isn't simply celebrating a renovation. It's unveiling a richer, more resonant chapter—and with a chilled glass of Veuve Clicquot in hand, it's a story worth savoring.
For more leisure and activities in the area visit here.
Disclosure: The contributor traveled to Rancho Mirage as a guest of The Ritz-Carlton, though all views expressed are entirely their own.