“The secret of our success as a thriving desert city lies not only with a winning combination of abundant sunshine, majestic scenery, elegant neighborhoods, superb resorts, and year-round recreation,” says Indian Wells Mayor Ed Monarch. “It is also a testament to the active participation of our cohesive city government, which is centered on providing the best of everything to its residents.”

Long recognized as a top tourist destination, the city’s deep commitment to a quality lifestyle is also affirmed by a growing number of young professionals and well-heeled baby boomers and retirees that choose to make the vibrant enclave their permanent residence.

The leadership of an experienced City Council, a dynamic hospitality sector, and many civic-minded and charitable endeavors continue to position Indian Wells as a city in the vanguard of innovation — one that serves as a major philanthropic partner to neighboring resort cities and valleywide organizations and provides outstanding levels of service to its residents through sound financial practices.

Indeed, Indian Wells enjoys the benefits of being one of California’s wealthiest and financially well-managed cities. In fact, in fiscal year 2004-05, the city’s general fund revenues increased to $12.5 million, a 19 percent increase from the previous year. The city’s financial stability affords residents unparalleled benefits, including discounted access to superb restaurants, spas, and cultural events.

Health and public safety also remain a top priority. Contracted with Riverside County for law enforcement and fire services, Indian Wells enjoys one of the lowest crime rates and best response rates in the valley. The city has initiated many innovative public health and environmental initiatives through active partnerships with the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District and Waste Management of the Desert. Additionally, this year Indian Wells donated $5 million to Eisenhower Medical Center’s Campaign Eisenhower fundraising initiative and, in conjunction with the hospital, plans to establish the city’s first urgent-care center, designed to provide immediate treatment for common illnesses and injuries.

Indian Wells residents also reap the rewards of aggressive public works and real estate development projects, ranging from recent roadway improvements on Miles Avenue and Fred Waring Drive to the construction of Mountain View Villas, a comprehensive senior housing community. As the city continues to develop progressive strategies for responsible growth, two new upscale residential communities — Toscana and Montelena — are nearing completion, and a blueprint for Miles Crossing, an exceptional mixed-use development to feature a five-star Fairmont hotel and first-class retail village, is on the boards.

An early playground for the rich and famous, this vibrant city continues to receive worldwide acclaim for its sweeping range of sporting and cultural pursuits. Notably, Indian Wells is home to and host sponsor of the prestigious Pacific Life Open (March 6-19, 2006), the world’s fifth largest tennis tournament, which brings more than 250 of the world’s top tennis players and 280,000 spectators to the state-of-the-art Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the second largest tennis stadium in the world.

The city plays host to yet another annual signature event — the Frank Sinatra Countrywide Celebrity Invitational (February 24-25, 2006), a festive weekend of golf and social activities held at the historic Indian Wells Country Club and luxurious Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa.

From amateurs to pros to presidents, golfers enjoy the challenges of the scenic links at The Golf Resort at Indian Wells, featuring two championship 18-hole golf courses. With famed golf course architects Clive Clark and John Fought at the helm, Indian Wells is currently in the beginning stages of an ambitious $45 million renovation project — $20 million of which will be directed toward course remodeling — to upgrade the infrastructure and keep the course up to par with surrounding luxury hotel properties. Further enhancements will include a refitted practice area, construction of a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse with banquet facilities, and a reconfiguration of the resort entry to improve connectivity to the city’s spectacular resorts.

Adding to the draw of world-class tennis and golf, Indian Wells’ four upscale resort properties lure guests with the promise of timeless diversions, sparkling pools, and a multitude of luxury amenities. Recently acquired by Lowe Destination Development, the exclusive Miramonte Resort and Spa is adding to the recent spate of neighboring resort upgrades. The resort is in the midst of refurbishing all guest rooms and, in 2006, will expand conference facilities. The Tuscan-inspired resort is also home to The WELL, a 12,000-square-foot spa haven offering a mélange of rejuvenating body services.

The 34-acre Hyatt Grand Champions Resort and Spa features a variety of deluxe accommodations, seven free-form swimming pools, full conference facilities, diverse dining options, and the Agua Serena Medical and Skin Spa. Visitors seeking a more intimate milieu will surely find it at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, overlooking the panoramic Santa Rosa Mountains. The resort — founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz — retains old Hollywood nostalgia, but has been updated with the most modern conveniences. And, amid tropical gardens and exquisite accommodations, guests at the four-star Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa can unwind in the resort’s elegantly appointed wellness spa or enjoy a romantic evening of dinner jazz and dancing in the award-winning Sirocco restaurant and Las Estrellas Lounge.

The growth of the desert’s cultural scene is further underscored by the city’s widespread participation in several activities, including the Indian Wells Desert Symphony (November 2005-April 2006), Desert Town Hall Speakers Series of Indian Wells (January-April 2006), and the Palm Springs International Film Festival (January 5-16, 2006).

Valleywide nonprofit endeavors also benefit from Indian Wells’ generosity through the city’s robust Community Assistance Program. This year, Indian Wells will distribute more that $210,000 in grants to 29 community-based organizations.
With its forward-looking governing principles, vibrant community life, and broad spectrum of recreational and cultural activities, it is no surprise that Indian Wells has been designated “California’s Premier Desert City.”

No doubt tennis great Roger Federer echoed the sentiments of many after his 2005 Pacific Life Open victory when he said simply: “We love this place!"