Luxury Debuts at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

The affluent enclave of Rancho Mirage is poised to shine even brighter with the much-anticipated opening of the new Ritz-Carlton

Located on a 650ft bluff overlooking the world-famous Palm Springs and a picturesque valley, while elegantly enveloped within the 10,000ft Santa Rosa Mountain range, the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage offers one of the area's most awe-inspiring views.

Set to open in November 2008, the stunning new resort is thoughtfully designed to complement its desert mountain location by featuring natural elements of stone, wood and fire - which reflect the local landscape, hues and culture.

The US$500million, five-star development features a completely new 244-room resort, a multi-million dollar La Prairie Spa, celebrated culinary partner Joachim Splichal and a 150-unit luxury residential community.

“The magnitude of this project is unparalleled in the Southwest and within The Ritz-Carlton brand,” states general manager, Brad Jencks. “Panoramic views, natural elements of stone, wood, fire and water -- combined with our renowned service and standards -- will offer guests a true experience of relevant luxury,” he offers.

Virtually every aspect of the multi-million dollar project considers the property’s prominent site elevation and the area’s temperate climate. 

Its hillside location provides spectacular and unparalleled views of the Coachella Valley and the rugged Santa Rosa mountains, while its climate – renowned for 350 days of sun-kissed skies per year – inspires a dramatic property blueprint distinguished by plentiful gardens, patios, pools, terraces, courtyards and fire pits. 

The resort is designed to blend seamlessly into the native desert landscape and draw guests outdoors, where design influences are captured in the resort’s cooling water and desert fire features.  

The hotel’s façade will be a seamless reflection through the integrated use of multi-hued stone and rich, highly-saturated colours that mirror the inherent beauty of the area’s desert surroundings. 

Stacked-stone columns, bronze-lined doors and oversize windows and deep-toned wood eaves add texture to the facades. Abundant landscaping and dramatic lighting throughout the resort will further enhance the resort’s luxurious atmosphere and sense of place. 

With a focus on indoor/outdoor living, the resort will present a stylized, sophisticated interpretation of the desert environment.

About the hotel

In keeping with The Ritz-Carlton’s strong culinary tradition, sophisticated dining venues under the guidance of Joachim Splichal will complement the savvy of the resort’s French-born Executive Chef, Eric Branger. 

Hailed as one of the nation’s ‘Legendary Chefs’ by Bon Appetit and named Bon Appetit/Food Network ‘Restaurateur of the Year’, Joachim Splichal is acknowledged as a contributing force behind the growth of Los Angeles into one of the world’s premier dining capitals. 

Chef Splichal is creating menus that are exclusive to The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage and will lend his expertise and leadership to both the culinary and front-of-house staff of the locations.  Pinot Mirage will expand upon Chef Splichal’s well-known Pinot restaurants, and will feature an exhibition kitchen where diners can follow the preparation of their epicurean experience. 

An intimate wine bar, Split, features more than 100 half bottles of unique, organic and bio-dynamic wines.  An inviting Lounge 6Fifty, offering an expansive list of wines by the glass, signature cocktails and an avant-garde  tea service, will beckon guests in an ambiance reflective of the natural elements enveloping the resort from “650 feet” above the Valley floor. 

Embracing the setting’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle, The Edge is a contemporary, chef-driven steakhouse situated cliff-side and offering unparalleled views of the Valley. A sophisticated, yet casual dining destination, The Edge will offer guests a menu as dramatic as the views, making it the first choice for evening cocktails and stargazing poolside.

About the facilities

Another noteworthy amenity of the resort will be the new 24,000 square-foot La Prairie Spa.  One of only a few spas in the world bearing the luxury brand’s name, the unrivalled two-story spa will house a fitness centre with yoga and movement studios, as well as 16 private treatment rooms. 

Laboratoires La Prairie is a world-renowned beauty company with luxury treatment skincare products available in 82 countries around the world.  The discerning brand’s signature services and treatments will represent the company’s dedication to indulgent elegance.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage will feature two refreshing, signature pools dotted by cabanas and a spa courtyard pool.  Among the development’s 72 pools, there will be a series of reflection pools, relaxation pools and private plunge pools.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is the address for productive and memorable meetings in a setting unequalled in terms of natural wonder and accessibility.  Offering more than 18,000 square feet of state-of-the-art indoor function space and over 40,000 square feet of outdoor venues designed to take full advantage of the resort’s cliff-side setting.

The region’s reputation as a recreational playground – with more than 100 golf courses and 500 tennis courts, the Valley has been called the “golf and tennis capital of the world” – makes on-property recreation a primary focus. 

Guests and residents will enjoy the services of a golf/tennis concierge who will handle all arrangements at the area’s most prestigious golf and tennis clubs.  Guests will also enjoy a wide array of cultural and recreational activities including over 20 miles of mountain hiking trails – led by either a pre-programmed, portable GPS unit – or by the resort’s Hiking Butler.  Star-gazing with the Constellation Concierge is sure to be a favourite activity.                         

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage offers a true luxury desert experience in an unparalleled location, yet still provides convenient access to world class shopping, dining, and a pristine mountain-top setting.

Bookings for the opening in November 2008 will begin in Spring. Visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/RanchoMirage/Default.htm