Mediterranean-Style Bliss at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

On a recent visit to Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, my son and I were thrilled to find a Mediterranean-style, extremely family-friendly resort in Palm Springs. Omni Las Palmas is a lush environment with sweeping residences set around a beautiful river complete with palm trees and heavenly foliage. It’s also the only area resort to have its own water park with water slides and a lazy river called Splashtopia. The property has a variety of onsite and nearby dining options, as well as a spa, a golf course and tennis courts.

The Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Review for Families

Despite its status as a 4-star hotel, the property is quite elegant, immaculate and full of amenities for all ages. Located at the base of the Mount San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs is known for its sunny skies, year-round sunshine, stunning landscape, palm tree lined streets and starry nights. The backdrop of mountains around the resort property is particularly stunning.

We were happy to take a break from our daily NY routine for a taste of sunshine and laid-back California life. I was amazed by the breadth of things to do with my 9-year old and feel a return trip in our near future with the other half of our clan. Whether you go for a few days or a full week, you won’t run out of things to do with the kids.

Guest Rooms

We were instantly struck by the majestic feel of the resort, driven by its location in the desert. As we made our way to our room in one of the buildings a driving distance from the lobby, we saw the first of several magical sunsets we would see during our stay.

Please note that room position is important at this hotel; they have lakeside rooms, poolside rooms and standard rooms by the lobby, not far from the spa. Be sure your booking confirmation confirms which area of the property you’d like to be. Our room was comfortable, with one king-sized bed and plenty of space for our belongings. Guest rooms include a desk, cozy reading chair, mini-bar, free WIFI, a large flat-screen TV with cable/satellite, bathrobes, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, and an in-room safe.

The spacious bathroom included a tub with shower, a soft bathrobe, a vanity table and Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort Spa bath products. We also had a lovely patio with a charming table where we could sit in the morning, drinking coffee and eating pancakes ordered via room service. Pack-n’-Plays are available at no charge, and there are a limited number of suites for families who need space. The room was cool and breezy and had gorgeous views of the hotel’s centerpiece, the river surrounded by lush palm trees.

Splashtopia

Splashtopia is as fun for parents as it is for kids. We floated on the lazy river (the most crowded one I’ve ever been in, but fun, nonetheless), went up and down the two 100-foot water slides over and over again, and threw a bouncy ball in the big Splash Pool nearby. Kids must be 42 inches to go on the slides.

There’s a small sandy beach for young kids and a hot tub for everyone in the pool area, as well as a water-play area with fountains and sprinklers. In addition, the property hosts an adult-only pool closer to the main entrance of the hotel called the Tranquility Pool, where parents can sip cocktails and read quietly (Splashtopia is not the place for that!).

The Spa

The  hotel’s 20,000-foot spa offers a long list of face and body treatments. I had a 50-minute Therapeutic Massage, which was absolutely heavenly and a real stress reliever. My therapist used desert botanical oils that not only smelled good and felt divine. They also offer scrubs, facials, detoxifying mud rituals, and salon services (hair, nails, and make-up). This is primarily an adults only space.

Food

We had breakfast in the property’s restaurant, blueEmber, which serves all three meals, complete with a kid’s menu. Palms Café is a smaller café where you can go for quick, take away items. One early morning we had our coffee there. They also serve pizza, burgers and ice cream. The Splash Grill serves lunch at the pool, everything from sandwiches to salads.

The beauty of the hotel’s location is that there are a lot of family friendly restaurants in walking distance of the hotel. The River, a duplex full of restaurants and shops, is across the street. The resort is only a 15 minute taxi ride from Palm Springs International Airport, so you could enjoy a stay here without renting a car.

Want Help Booking A Family Vacation at Omni Rancho Las Palamas Resort?

Our Family Vacation Advisors can help arrange a stay here and answer any questions you have about the property as part of our complimentary accommodation booking service. Or, request complete trip planning assistance for a customized full itinerary.

 Relevant Links:

Best kid-friendly hotels and things to do in Palm Springs with kids

Fun things to do in Palm Springs with kids

A family resort in Palm Springs: Renaissance Esmerelda Resort & Spa

Editor’s Note: Holly’s trip was hosted by Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau. As always, our opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino.