by Dennis Richardson
(For a video tour of Grand Hyatt Indian Wells and an interview with Chef Angelo Sosa, watch here and here.)
At the end of 2024, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells kicked off their official up-brand with a grand re-opening party, complete with self-guided tours for invitees, a glitzy party, and vibrant performances and meals. The celebration saw decadent highlights of the property’s two signature restaurants led by celebrity chef Angelo Sosa, a showcase of their spacious and brand new villas & penthouse views, and ideal usage of the plentiful and massive spaces available for any occasion. In typical Hyatt fashion, this event included small businesses who helped add some flair to the evening, amping up the party even more!
All photos courtesy of Grand Hyatt Indian Wells.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Trinity Investments are proud to announce the completed planned rebranding of Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa to Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas. The rebrand was timed to the culmination of a $64 million property-wide renovation and ushers in a new era of luxury for the iconic desert resort with redesigned guestrooms and luxury villas, an expanded lobby experience, elevated accommodations, refreshed meeting and event spaces, two new dining concepts and a reimagined pool complex with extended cabana offerings. A resort steeped in Indian Wells’ tennis history, the property is also a short drive away from the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which plays host to the BNP Paribas Open, the first of nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments each year.
“Grand Hyatt hotels showcase bold and vibrant design and architecture, creating captivating destinations within a destination. The newly renovated and rebranded Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas will introduce guests and members to an elevated level of hospitality,” said Susan Santiago, President, U.S. and Canada, Hyatt. “Located in a key destination for leisure and business travelers looking to experience the best of Coachella Valley, the refreshed resort will help guests celebrate magnificent moments and create memorable experiences throughout their stay.”
Elevated Guestrooms, Suites and Villas
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells’ refreshed design, overseen by the renowned Southern California firm, IndiDesign, will reflect the serene beauty of its locale and offer an upscale resort experience. Inspired by the dramatic geography and date farms that surround the property, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells’ new look and feel combines a neutral color palette and tasteful wood accents with mid-century modern design elements. The property’s newly enhanced 531 accommodations, including 39 spacious suites have completed renovations, while 43 one- and two-bedroom private villas, are set to debut by November 2024.
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will provide large guestrooms, with 550 square feet of luxurious living space. Guests can choose from various configurations, including one king bed, two king beds, rooms with full-sized bunkbeds, and more. Each room features a multi-functional living space, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a private patio or balcony. The resort’s newly renovated suites also offer spacious accommodations designed for families and groups. These suites include a separate living area with a sleeper sofa, a wet bar with a full-size refrigerator and microwave, and dual private balconies offering breathtaking views of the golf course, pool, resort grounds and surrounding mountain backdrop. Suites on the ground floor feature patios, offering convenient pool access.
As the premier offering at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells, the resort’s luxury villas will be transformed to seamlessly blend into the desert locale with sophisticated interiors that layer artisanal details like natural tones and muted hues with new landscaping to provide an intimate sense of place. Hand-crafted furniture will be mixed with modern decor and artistic lighting fixtures to bring character into each living space. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells’ new villas will offer an array of exclusive features and premium amenities for guests, including a private backyard with a hot tub, plunge pool or firepit, kitchenette with refrigerators, access to an adults only spa, and golf cart escorts around the property. Guests will also have access to an exclusive arrival experience and dedicated villa concierge to provide effortless service throughout their stay.
Inventive Dining Concepts
Aheads of its grand opening this fall, the property will offer a late summer preview introducing two new restaurant concepts – Tía Carmen and Carmocha – in collaboration with the acclaimed Chef Angelo Sosa. Renowned for his bold cooking, Chef Sosa brings over 25 years of experience that has taken him from three-star kitchens in Europe and beyond. A protege of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Chef Sosa has worked with some of the industry’s most renowned restaurateurs, including Alain Ducasse, Stephen Starr and Masaharu Morimoto. He has opened several restaurants in New York City, San Diego, and most recently Phoenix, with Kembara, as well as the first location of Tía Carmen. Like the original location, Tía Carmen at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will pay homage to Chef Sosa’s aunt (tía) Carmen, and celebrate the local landscape, farmers and community of the Southwest reflecting a mix of tradition and modernity, this time with modern Californian flair.
Carmocha is a new concept that reimagines global small plates from the perspective of Angelo’s tía Carmen if she had traveled around the world and came back from her journeys to put her own spin on some of the dazzling array of international flavors she experienced. For a casual dining option, the resort also enhanced its lobby marketplace, providing several all-day culinary offerings for either grab-and-go or sit-down settings with a coffee bar and selection of teas, sandwiches, and treats as well as wine, beer and more.
Destination-Driven Pool Experience
The anchor of the resort guest journey is its popular pool experience, and the new Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will unveil enhancements to the spacious outdoor recreation area with expanded cabanas fit for large groups and families, as well as new dining options including a food truck, Palmadoro’s, serving pizza and signature Italian bites, and a refreshed café, offering poolside favorites. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells’ pool experience also features the largest waterpark in the Greater Palm Springs desert, HyTides, which includes nine expansive pools, a set of 30-foot high (150-feet in length) dueling waterslides, a 450-foot lazy river and family-friendly favorites, such as an expansive splash pad.
Grand Gatherings
A top destination for events in Greater Palm Springs, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will offer 88,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. Recently revitalized ballroom, meeting rooms and boardrooms will give way to terraces and lawns with breathtaking views, ideal for weddings, special events and corporate retreats. With offerings that are nothing short of grand, the resort’s renovated Mezzanine level includes meeting and events space, allowing guests to create memorable gatherings for any moment or milestone.
Unparalleled Wellbeing Offerings
As a hospitality company focused on care, Hyatt takes pride in setting a new standard of wellbeing for travel, making sure every touch point is crafted to support all facets of wellbeing. Therefore, the property will introduce new programming and offerings to care for guests.
For a relaxing wellbeing retreat, the 30,000-square-foot Agua Serena Spa will unveil new enhancements this Fall. The property also recently collaborated with Kalologie MedSpa to open their newest location on property in Indian Wells. Situated adjacent to Agua Serena Spa, the new facility includes four private treatment rooms and an IV lounge with a variety of renewing services, including IV hydration therapy, B12 energy boosts, and more.
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will also offer tennis and pickleball courts and two adjacent world-class golf courses. The resort is a short drive from the Palm Springs International Airport, placing guests just minutes from the best shopping, culture, and entertainment offerings in the Coachella Valley area.
About Grand Hyatt
Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities and resort destinations, each Grand Hyatt hotel is uniquely designed to be a captivating destination within a destination. Grand Hyatt hotels deliver welcoming and elevated service, first-class accommodations, and an abundance of options within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture and bold and vibrant design. Grand Hyatt hotels boast inventive restaurants, luxury spas, fitness centres, and business and meeting facilities. For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit grandhyatt.com. Follow @GrandHyatt on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #GrandHyatt.
by zuke oshiro
In Chinese astrology, the Snake holds a revered place among the twelve zodiac animals, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and elegance. The Year of the Snake in 2025, beginning on January 29 and ending on February 16, 2026, marks a period associated with transformation and insight.
Historically, the Snake is seen as a powerful and enigmatic sign, deeply connected to intellect and mystery. Those born under the Snake are believed to be resourceful, contemplative, and graceful, often carrying an aura of sophistication. In the Chinese zodiac cycle, the Snake is the sixth animal, following the Dragon and preceding the Horse.
The Snake’s influence in 2025 brings opportunities for self-reflection and strategic planning. It’s a year that encourages embracing change and harnessing inner strength to achieve personal and professional growth. In Chinese culture, the Snake’s attributes often symbolize renewal, making 2025 a promising time to shed the old and welcome new beginnings.
Aligned with the Wood element in the Chinese Five Elements system for this cycle, 2025’s Year of the Wood Snake emphasizes growth, adaptability, and a nurturing approach to challenges. This combination amplifies the Snake’s wisdom with a harmonious and grounded energy, fostering a year of thoughtful progress and collaboration.
As with all zodiac years, the Year of the Snake offers lessons tied to its unique qualities, reminding us to balance caution with courage and to trust our instincts as we navigate life’s complexities.
by Lucy Crivelli Frey
Attending a NALIP (National Association of Latino Independent Producers) event always feels like being with family, a celebration of our culture, creativity, and how far we’ve all come. This year’s 25th-anniversary gala was no exception, marking a significant milestone for an organization that has consistently championed Latino voices in entertainment. It was an honor to not only witness the night but also catch up with the incredible artists, actors, producers, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of media and storytelling globally.
The red carpet was a standout moment. You could feel how excited everyone was to see each other and close out the year together. From their stories to their style, these weren’t just moments of recognition but appreciation for the role NALIP has played in creating opportunities like this for all of us to connect.
NALIP has been a beacon for the Latino community for 25 years, working to create pathways for underrepresented voices in film, television, and digital media. Their efforts go beyond celebration, they provide programs, resources, and mentorship opportunities that support emerging talent as they navigate an industry that often overlooks them.
The night ended in the most Latino way possible, with a dance party! Colleagues, friends, and collaborators under one roof celebrating together. And it wasn’t just a celebration; it was a statement of solidarity and hope for what’s to come in 2025.
To continue supporting NALIP’s vital work, we can start by amplifying their initiatives and the voices they uplift. Whether it’s attending their events, donating to their programs, or sharing the stories of the artists they spotlight, every bit of support contributes to a broader movement for inclusion and equity in entertainment.
Here’s to many more years of breaking barriers, telling our own stories, and shining brightly in spaces that were once closed to us.
Photography provided by @tip.supply
by Anthony Stafford
Cowritten by Dennis Richardson
Earlier this year, we featured Hyatt Regency Irvine and showcased the property’s $55 million transformation. That transformation propelled this hotel into a powerful position: a perfect example of modern day hospitality, and something that we just know will be a trendsetter for years to come as others follow in their footsteps. To learn more about the overall experience, rooms & suites, amenities and features, check out our initial coverage here or in video format here.
All Photos Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Irvine.
Luxurious and elegant, yet approachable, Hyatt Regency Irvine embraces forward-thinking ideas to solutions, while eliminating much of the noise and friction that travelers and guests have grown accustomed to with most hotel experiences. During our recent follow up visit, we had an opportunity to see the newest additions to the property that were not quite complete during our first tour: the acclaimed Regency Club, pool & cabanas, the pavilion, lawn, Warehouse 72, and outdoor escapes that feel like you’ve stepped out of the urban sprawl and into a pocket of wilderness. Not only are these bonus attractions for celebrations, events, and special occasions, but Hyatt Regency Irvine is giving guests a thrilling reason to come to back with its own seasonal events!
While in a great location not too far from Disney, beaches, and other attractions, the property accomplishes a feeling of “home” and makes it difficult to even think about leaving. We start with some of the food options, as Hyatt Regency Irvine smartly provides 3 main locations within steps of one another for families to decide on meals, and all of them plenty of options. For the a-la-cart-friendly and picky eaters — while also money-saving — The Market is always a great grab-and-go stop that saves on time with its own hot picks and seasonal offerings. The Regency Club has something for everyone, while somewhat of a surprise and ensuring all-day options that never get old. And finally, Warehouse 72 steps things up even further while still a fitting destination for families and adults alike. Read on, and/or watch here for the full rundown of the latest.
Classics Reimagined & Cultural Favorites at Warehouse 72
Walking into Hyatt Regency Irvine, the natural flow of the property encapsulates and carries you, like wind through a tunnel. As you stroll from the lobby and into the distance where Warehouse 72 awaits, the eyes wonder even further, through the patio doors and onto the pool’s giant screen. This seamless and natural flow is unstoppable, but then you snap back. While each breathtaking sight at the property leads to another, Warehouse 72 fits right in with Hyatt Regency Irvine‘s aesthetics and design. The hotel’s third party signature restaurant, welcomes guests within an open, elegant, and lively atmosphere. Borrowing from the hotel’s tech prowess, Warehouse 72 features two of its own stunning LED screens that envelop guests and virtually transport them to a number of stunning artistic destinations on display.
Immediately, we began to see the vision of what Warehouse 72 can accomplish as an attraction beyond their incredible dishes. The screens set the stage for quiet and romantic evenings of bliss, tactful business summit afternoons, and even the thrills of exciting sport nights at the wraparound bar. A transformative space, Warehouse 72 offers reimagined American classics, and boldly delivers on international favorites from its appetizers and entrees to its desserts.
Appetizers we tried include a flavor-bursting Kampachi Crudo featuring Peri Peri sauce, grilled pineapple, soy-citrus emulsion, crispy garlic, smoked sea salt, and the innovative House-Made Fried Mozzarella: Hand-stretched mozzarella, fresh marinara, Parmesan, and micro basil. Guests can’t go wrong with entrees like their melt-in-your-mouth Pork Belly Kimchi Fried Rice: Crispy pork belly, fried rice, kimchi, gochujang, and green onions; or tender and juicy Peruvian Roasted Jidori Chicken: Peruvian marinated Jidori half chicken, spiced crispy marble potatoes, grilled broccolini, aji verde, micro cilantro, and fresh lime.
To put dessert simply, there’s nothing else like Warehouse 72’s Frozen S’mores! Playful, fun, and absolutely delicious, these s’mores are hard to imagine based one their name alone, but the surprise reveal is worth it in the end. Great for kids and adults, it was one of our highlights of the evening. And if you’re a lover of butterscotch, the Butterscotch Budino is a blissful treat made of butterscotch custard, caramel, dark chocolate pearls and chantilly cream. For more kid-like fun with an adult twist, we recommend the seasonal “Fall on Flavor” cocktail, topped with toasted marshmallow puree, or the “Purple Gremlin” for a mocktail that’s full on flavor and more than just a mixed juice.
Well-Rounded Regency Club
Gone are the days of relying on the old continental breakfast to push you through the morning, and here are the days of something much more robust. Regency Club offers a rotating menu of meals and snacks from morning to evening. During our visit, breakfast ranged from scrambled eggs, mindful sausage options, and pancakes, to biscuits, gravy, oatmeal, and a variety of pastries. After breakfast, guests can look forward to a midday snack offering like cookies and trail mix. Dinner features bold and flavorful staples from across the world that the hotel’s guests will know and love.
Finally, dessert is always a plus as Hyatt Regency Irvine treats, guests to tarts, cakes, cookies, and more. The beauty of Regency Club is that it has such a low barrier cost, making it worth it for everyone. In fact, there are promotions for the bunk suites, offering club access for the duration of a stay. The Regency Club was such a hit, that we found the breakfast rush to be quite surprising and almost overwhelming.
They say the early bird gets the worm, but in this case we think the early bird gets peace. The Regency Club was clearly popular on our first morning, with many people coming in – yet plenty of seats left. On day 2, Regency Club was nearly at capacity, with barely any seats available during the height of the breakfast rush — typically the last hour or so before breakfast ends, and everyone is rushing to get their share. We realized that a very large family was the primary reason for the near-shortage of seats, and still the room never felt entirely cramped.
Thankfully, the Regency Club has an outdoor patio with additional seating, making it perfect for those hectic and bustling mornings. Regency Club boasts in assortment of options for the health and diet-conscious, with milk available in a mini refrigerator, soft drinks available in another mini refrigerator, taps for beer, a cocktail menu, and the embrace of technology, featuring a café that can do it all. From hot chocolate and lattes to espressos and hot tea, there’s always a reason to come back to the club and refuel or take a culinary journey.
Resort-Style Pool & Cabanas
Interestingly, the property never feels too massive to navigate. We never felt lost or needed to ask for directions, and in the event that something has been forgotten in the suite, it never feels like a burden to go back for it – even while at the pool. The pool itself is a marvel to look at. It gradually and seamlessly slopes from its shallow end to the deeper end, making it easy to look after children, while also easy to access. The pool is flanked by a jacuzzi and 2 waterslides that lead into a shallow smaller pool, which kids are able to play in outside of the waterslide hours of operation.
In addition, there are plentiful lounge, chairs, and the most spectacular private cabana available for rental. On one hand, there are your standard cabana, though we argue that there is nothing standard about them. And on the other hand, are the premium cabanas, which feature fire pits and extended gated space, making perfect for group events like parties. Cabanas feature a television, dedicated speakers with remotes to control music and tv volume, ceiling fans & light control, curtains for privacy, and incredibly comfortable outdoor furniture that we wish we could take home.
The big star of the pool area is the massive 24-by-17-foot LED screen that is great for evening viewing, but still great and easy to see during the day — a challenge that General Manager Sid Ramani was determined to overcome. He found that many hotels with outdoor screens started family movie times too late in the evening due to the time that the sun sets, while many families are ready to pack up and return to their rooms after a long day. Other nice touches include RFID-equipped towels stored in a dedicated machine where guests simply swipe their room key for access. This system keeps the towels linked to the guests room. And one done using them, the towels simply get dropped off into the nearby dropbox, making it easy for guests to avoid additional charges. In the event that towels are taken to a guests room, they will be notified to return their towel within a certain time window — and their RFID technology makes them findable in the event that housekeeping removes them.
In the future, guests can expect a dedicated outdoor dining area to pick up fresh meals and snacks, with more than enough seating to enjoy a quick recharge without leaving the pool entirely.
Pavilion, Lawn, and Additional Outdoor Areas
The pavilion and lawn add to Hyatt Regency Irvine’s already extensive event space. The property is capable of holding multiple events all at once, and as we learned, it has performed well under pressure as a dedicated concert venue while hosting thousands of guests. Its outdoor pavilion stands tall and elevated, making it a great hideaway from California’s elusive rainy days, while the gorgeous lawn is picture perfect for any occasion. From weddings and concerts, to holidays and sporting events, it’s evident that Hyatt Regency Irvine knows its potential, and more than meets the moment every time.
Warehouse 72’s patio with a view of its LED Screen along the back wall.
The property’s vast expanse of space maintains a running theme from suites to recreational areas: intention. From the outdoor patio of Warehouse 72 to a special “off-trail” section near the pool containing fire pits, seating, and protection from the sun, Hyatt Regency Irvine delivers indoor and outdoor satisfaction. Despite being in the business district of Irvine, this these touches successfully transport guests to feel secluded and away from the restless city. Guests can expect the ability to roast marshmallows and make s’mores, as well as additional functional use during special events.
Reasons to Visit + Upcoming Events
Speaking of events, if you’re looking for the perfect opportunity to visit Hyatt Regency Irvine and potentially stay for a weekend, here’s what coming up that will be great for the whole family!
November 1st: Spooky Splash Cinema (4 pm – 7:30 pm)
To embrace the spooky spirit of the season, the newly renovated hotel is hosting a Halloween-themed Spooky Splash Cinema, showcasing Hotel Transylvania on the hotel’s one-of-a-kind poolside 24-by-17-foot LED screen. Open to hotel guests and the local community, Spooky Splash Cinema event will be a festive celebration filled with Halloween fun, cozy fall vibes, and delicious seasonal offering:
- Guests can sip on warm hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, spiced hot apple cider, or indulge in the signature Pumpkin Pie Spiced Bourbon Cider Smash.
- Little ones can enjoy a seasonal menu including Fried Fingers and Tots—crispy chicken fingers with tater tots and “tomato blood”—Baby Goblin Pizza with pepperoni and sweet baby peppers, and Mini Ghost Sliders, perfect for trick-or-treaters.
- For the grown-ups, the hotel will serve a fiery Ghost Pepper Burger, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and ghost pepper aioli; the Vampire Pizza with roasted garlic, spicy Italian sausage, and pepperoni; and the ultimate Ghoul Loaded Fries, a hearty dish of cross-cut fries with bacon, sour cream, cheese, and chives.
- Seasonal brews will include Kern River Pumpkin Ale, Apple Pie Spiced Hard Cider on draft, and Bavarian Festbier Oktoberfest Lager from the local favorite Rad Beer. The full bar will also be open, offering an extended selection of canned beers, wines, and seltzers.
Where: The Pool Complex at Hyatt Regency Irvine: 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614
Price: $22 (adult); $14 (child); ticket includes access to the event, complimentary popcorn bag and soda
New Program: PTO – Please Travel Often
Designed around the most common vacation lengths to help travelers make the most of their time off, Hyatt Regency Irvine’s new PTO program offers three tailored packages based on:
- 3-night stays (extended weekends)
- 7-night stays (weeklong escapes)
- 14-night stays (extended vacation)
Whether traveling solo or with family and friends, Hyatt Regency Irvine offers the perfect setting to wrap up 2024 vacation time in style. As Irvine’s premier hotel following a property-wide $55 million transformation, it offers modern, sophisticated design, a spacious pool and cabana experience, a 24-hour fitness center, and a signature restaurant and bar. Located near South Coast Plaza, Irvine Spectrum Center, Newport Beach, and Disneyland, it’s the ideal base for Southern California adventures.
Extended Weekend (3-night stay):
- Accommodations at the Bunk Bed Suite: Perfect for children and adults alike, this suite includes a dedicated kids’ room with queen and full size bunk beds. A separate adjoining bedroom includes a plush king bed. Families have the privacy and convenience of two bathrooms, inclusive of a shower and a bathtub, and can unwind in the inviting living area, complete with a sleeper sofa. Outside, the suite features an expansive balcony furnished with a dining table and seating up to four.
- Itinerary Highlights:
- Bowling at Irvine Lanes
- Wagon Tour or Fruit Picking at Tanaka Farms
- Comedy Show at Improve at the Spectrum Center
- Great Park in Irvine: Features include the Farm and Food Lab, offering hands-on gardening experiences; the Great Park Gallery, showcasing local art and exhibitions; and the iconic Great Park Sunset Balloon Ride, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area
Week-long Escape (7-night stay):
- Accommodations at the Hospitality Suite: The hotel’s largest accommodation features one king bedroom, two bathrooms, and a spacious living area with a queen sleeper sofa. Oversized windows, a large dining/conference table, foosball and entertainment nook, and other luxury amenities complete the suite experience.
- Itinerary Highlights:
- Entertainment at Barclay Theater
- An 18-hole round at Oak Creek Golf Course
- Bommer Canyon hiking or biking adventure
- Woobridge Lake: Features include the expansive North and South Lakes; waterside activities like fishing, picnicking, trail running and walking; the Katie Wheeler Library; and the Irvine Historical Museum
- Various dining reservations and experiences in the area
Extended Vacation (14-night stay):
- Accommodations at the Extended Stay Suite: This spacious 990-square-foot suite features two queen bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a separate living area with a flexible layout and a queen sleeper sofa for additional guests. With two private balconies, a full size, fully equipped kitchen, and a four-person dining table, this suite caters to the discerning needs of families and groups seeking refined accommodations that offer private areas with the option to also spend time together.
- Itinerary Highlights:
- K1 Speed experience
- Ice skating at Great Park Ice
- Luxury treatments at iSpa
Irvine Spectrum Experience: Home to various top retailers and shopping destinations, craft and cooking stores, movie theaters, culinary concepts, the infamous Giant Wheel and Irvine Carousel, daily entertainment, and much more.
Coming Soon: Holiday Suites
With the holidays on the horizon, Hyatt Regency is working on suites that will fit the festive mood to welcome families near and far. Details are not quite yet ready yet, but look out for an update here and at their official website soon!
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