Set in the heart of Rancho Mirage in the Coachella Valley, the 240-acre Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa has one of the largest tennis complexes in the Palm Springs area, with 20 hard courts and 20 pickleball courts.
When Omni bought the resort in 2014, it doubled down on that asset by bringing in Cliff Drysdale Tennis to manage the on-court operations. Tennis thus ranks as a significant lure at a resort with an abundance of other amenities to recommend it, among them 21 holes of golf, a 20,000-square-foot spa, and a kid-friendly water park called Splashtopia. All of this is within easy reach of its guest rooms, which occupy some 30 two-story casitas—all have French doors opening onto outdoor patios—arrayed around lakes and gardens behind the historic main hotel building and its pool, a Hollywood hangout in the 1950s.
The courts are a shuttle ride or pleasant 10-minute walk from the hotel at the country club. Cliff Drysdale Tennis has installed Vicente Ferrer as Director of Tennis and Pickleball. Vicente Ferrer, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort, CaliforniaA graduate of nearly College of the Desert, he had deep roots in the area having also directed programs at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, site of the BNP Paribas tournament, and the Monterey Country Club. He and his team run a variety of weekly programs for adults supplemented by on two-day and three-day camps, drawing individuals, couples, and small groups. During spring break and over the major holidays, he adds junior activities, including camps. There are many special events surrounding the BNP Paribas Open in the spring. It also hosts several national championships each year. A raised patio off the pro shop and above the sunken stadium court guarantees a crowd of tennis players hanging out, especially during the mornings. There is a swimming pool and spa at one end, and the adjacent golf clubhouse has a bar and restaurant.
Court Complex: There are 20 hard courts, one of them a sunken stadium court with terraced seating on both sides. Six of the courts have lights. In addition, there are 20 pickleball courts. The pro shop itself is minimalist, with demo racquets, basic accessories, and some tennis clothing.
Court Fees: Hotel guests have complementary use of the tennis courts after the pro-shop is closed.
Off Court
Golf Courses: There are 21 holes in total, made up of three nine-hole courses—North, West, and South—that can be combined to create three distinct 18-hole courses. All three are distinguished by palm-lined fairways, Ted Robinson bunkers, and views of the San Jacinto Mountains and interspersed with six lakes. There are no greens fees in summer, and during that June-September period, adult club rentals are just $19, kids clubs are free.
Spa and Fitness Center:Â Located next to the hotel, the Spa has some 50 treatment rooms as well as an outdoor pool exclusively for the use of spa guests. Within the spa is the Fitness Center, with Cybex stations, free weights, various types of Cardio equipments, and yoga classes.
Nothing is more appealing in the desert—especially to kids—that the vast water park called Splashtopia. Large and centrally located, in consists of two 100-foot slides, a lazy river, fountains, sprinklers, a Jacuzzi and various other water features as well as a grill—all of it exclusively for the use of hotel guests. They occasionally screen movies there, too. And there is another adults-only large pool in the plaza behind the hotel.
Dining: In addition to Splash Grill at Splashtopia, guests can dine at Blu Ember, just off the main pool at the hotel, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner of California cuisine, while the nearby Palms Cafe satisfies a need for Peet’s coffee and lighter breakfast and lunch fare. The R Bar opens late afternoons and evenings for pizza and burger fare, large screen TVs, and assorted cocktails.
Accommodations
The basic rooms all have 450 square feet of space and differ primarily in their location and view: Lakeside, Poolside, Plaza, Vista. All have balconies or walk-out patios and come furnished with either a king or two double beds. Various suites are available as well.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, though most appealing from October to May
There is a resort shuttle service to the golf shop as well as to the tennis center.
226 Reviews on “Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa - Cliff Drysdale Tennis”
Excellent
4.6
226 reviews
On Court Experience
0.0
Off Court Experience
0.0
Overall Tennis
0.0
Overall Pickleball
0.0
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
0.0
Tennis Instruction
0.0
Pickleball Instruction
0.0
Adult Tennis Camp Experience
0.0
Accomodations
0.0
Resort Amenities
0.0
BL
I did a three day tennis vacation just for myself here, scheduled around clinics and match play already done at the club with locals, and two private lessons. This amounted to about 3 hours of court time for the first two days, and an hour and a half morning clinic on the last day. I was very sore even by the end of the first day but I soldiered through. I got a lot of good private lessons about various aspects of my game and mentality that I will be taking away. The match play was doubles for two hours mixed with players about my level, and the clinics were hour and a half focused around doubles points. This is exactly what I was looking for, and the resort itself had jacuzzi tubs and dining that I needed to recover in between sessions. I will definitely do this again.
LB
Great option for a girls’ trip where you can play a lot of tennis with excellent skilled pros, but then also have enough to do on your time – wine tasting, spa, pool, fitness center and outdoor space to enjoy, different activities on property.
RM
DL
I really enjoyed the stay in the resort. Our coaches Alex and Mary are very solid skilled and super nice. They asked what we need before, listened during the clinics, and provided feedback. I really enjoy the semi private clinics on the last day when my other group members left to catch their flight. I got a lot of nice feedback.
DF
It was a wonderful experience, the pros were wonderful and the instruction and clinics were outstanding!
SL
KB
RS
The camp was truly outstanding. The coaches were exceptional, providing expert guidance and creating a fun supportive environment. The facilities were top-notch, with well-maintained courts and a fantastic box at the tennis for an incredible viewing experience. I highly recommend this camp for anyone looking to improve their skills and enjoy a memorable tennis getaway.
KB
MG
I would say it’s a nice resort but there was an issue when we asked to extend our stay. It was approved and then communication was somehow lost and we were locked out of our room and told to leave. Front desk was less than friendly or accommodating. I think her name was Ashley. Katie our trip director took great care of us. The rooms are old and outdated. Very stuffy. The restaurants did not cater to all diets. Not much if any vegan options. Disappointing for a CA resort
WS
The Cliff Drysdale Indian Wells camp was amazing!! The staff was excellent and the accommodations were great. 10/10
LG
RW
The tennis pros were amazing, the clinics were fun but really helped my doubles game. The private lessons were also great due to the flexibility. I was asked what I wanted to work on and my wish was granted enthusiastically l!!!
LG
Strengths: great weather, excellent facilities and knowledgeable coaching staff. Good opportunity to meet other players. Weaknesses: food on site is ok, but nothing too exciting and the resort is a bit of a drive from Palm Springs/Desert for a change of scenery
AB
The hotel was pretty dated and musty.
MB
We loved our experience at Indian Wells with the Cliff Drysdale tennis camp. Joe, LuLu and Luke were energetic, knowledgeable and fun. We learned a lot. They always took extra time to hit with us and they were all genuinely a real pleasure to be around. Going to the tournament at Indian Wells and watching all day from the Suite with the whole crew was so much fun and we would recommend doing more tournament trips like this. We loved that there was a group outing for dinner too where we got to know everyone more. I think the only weakness was the food quality at the group dinner at La Spiga. Also the Omni was a great location near the tournament and had great courts but the accommodations are not as luxurious as I would expect.
EM
DR
WS
This was my favorite trip with Cliff Drysdale and one of my favorite vacations ever! The Staff was amazing and the trip programs were outstanding. I would prefer a nicer resort (for ex., La Quinta) as the Omni is a little dated and not very convenient to Indian Wells.
CW
Tennis with the Stars was one of the very best vacation experiences I have ever had! California is gorgeous! Thank you to all of the positive and extremely talented young coaches who ran the programme! BIG HEARTS!
We want to see your racquet sports vacations! When you’re documenting your trip, tag @TennisResortsOnline on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and use #TROAdventures for a chance to be featured on our page.
226 Reviews on “Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa - Cliff Drysdale Tennis”
I did a three day tennis vacation just for myself here, scheduled around clinics and match play already done at the club with locals, and two private lessons. This amounted to about 3 hours of court time for the first two days, and an hour and a half morning clinic on the last day. I was very sore even by the end of the first day but I soldiered through. I got a lot of good private lessons about various aspects of my game and mentality that I will be taking away. The match play was doubles for two hours mixed with players about my level, and the clinics were hour and a half focused around doubles points. This is exactly what I was looking for, and the resort itself had jacuzzi tubs and dining that I needed to recover in between sessions. I will definitely do this again.
Great option for a girls’ trip where you can play a lot of tennis with excellent skilled pros, but then also have enough to do on your time – wine tasting, spa, pool, fitness center and outdoor space to enjoy, different activities on property.
I really enjoyed the stay in the resort. Our coaches Alex and Mary are very solid skilled and super nice. They asked what we need before, listened during the clinics, and provided feedback. I really enjoy the semi private clinics on the last day when my other group members left to catch their flight. I got a lot of nice feedback.
It was a wonderful experience, the pros were wonderful and the instruction and clinics were outstanding!
The camp was truly outstanding. The coaches were exceptional, providing expert guidance and creating a fun supportive environment. The facilities were top-notch, with well-maintained courts and a fantastic box at the tennis for an incredible viewing experience. I highly recommend this camp for anyone looking to improve their skills and enjoy a memorable tennis getaway.
I would say it’s a nice resort but there was an issue when we asked to extend our stay. It was approved and then communication was somehow lost and we were locked out of our room and told to leave. Front desk was less than friendly or accommodating. I think her name was Ashley. Katie our trip director took great care of us. The rooms are old and outdated. Very stuffy. The restaurants did not cater to all diets. Not much if any vegan options. Disappointing for a CA resort
The Cliff Drysdale Indian Wells camp was amazing!! The staff was excellent and the accommodations were great. 10/10
The tennis pros were amazing, the clinics were fun but really helped my doubles game. The private lessons were also great due to the flexibility. I was asked what I wanted to work on and my wish was granted enthusiastically l!!!
Strengths: great weather, excellent facilities and knowledgeable coaching staff. Good opportunity to meet other players. Weaknesses: food on site is ok, but nothing too exciting and the resort is a bit of a drive from Palm Springs/Desert for a change of scenery
The hotel was pretty dated and musty.
We loved our experience at Indian Wells with the Cliff Drysdale tennis camp. Joe, LuLu and Luke were energetic, knowledgeable and fun. We learned a lot. They always took extra time to hit with us and they were all genuinely a real pleasure to be around. Going to the tournament at Indian Wells and watching all day from the Suite with the whole crew was so much fun and we would recommend doing more tournament trips like this. We loved that there was a group outing for dinner too where we got to know everyone more. I think the only weakness was the food quality at the group dinner at La Spiga. Also the Omni was a great location near the tournament and had great courts but the accommodations are not as luxurious as I would expect.
This was my favorite trip with Cliff Drysdale and one of my favorite vacations ever! The Staff was amazing and the trip programs were outstanding. I would prefer a nicer resort (for ex., La Quinta) as the Omni is a little dated and not very convenient to Indian Wells.
Tennis with the Stars was one of the very best vacation experiences I have ever had! California is gorgeous! Thank you to all of the positive and extremely talented young coaches who ran the programme! BIG HEARTS!
Vicente and Luciano are the best!!