If you’re looking for the perfect combination of blue skies, spectacular mountain views, top rated spas and the world’s best tennis players all in one location, you’re in luck. Women’s tennis descends on the desert for the first Premier Mandatory event of the year, and we’re giving you all of the details you need to join in on the fun. Our guest contributor and California native CoCo Vandeweghe gives you the insider guide to Indian Wells and the BNP Paribas Open in this edition of the WTA Travel Guide.

WATCH THE MATCHES

The BNP Paribas Open has won the award for WTA Premier Event of the Year the past three years, and last year’s event saw over 456,000 of tennis’ biggest fans walk through the gates to see some of the sport’s biggest stars compete for the title.

Sitting 120 miles southeast of Los Angeles, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden boasts the 2nd largest stadium in the world, with Stadium 1 holding 16,100 spectators. Everything you need for a day of fine dining, world-class tennis and activities for all ages can be found right on site. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden hosts several fine dining restaurants, including world-renowned Nobu, The Chop House and Piero’s Pizza Vino. Details for each restaurant can be found here.

Qualifying runs March 7 – 8, with matches beginning at 11:00am and is free to the public. Main draw action is March 9 – March 20, with day sessions beginning at 11:00am. Night sessions begin March 10 and start at 7:00pm. Looking for tickets? Click here.

If you’re visiting between March 13 and March 16, make sure to head to Stadium 1 at 10:30am each morning for Serve it Up, where lucky fans can come on court and meet a player.

WHERE TO STAY

Within the Coachella Valley, Indian Wells boasts some of the finest hotels and spas in the world. The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa is an AAA Four-Diamond award winning resort, and features seven swimming pools, including a kids’ pool with a water slide, and an adult pool with private cabanas.

If a smaller boutique hotel is more your style, then check-in to the Indian Wells Resort Hotel for classic, Indian Wells charm. Founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the hotel features tennis courts, access to world-famous golf courses, and a complimentary continental breakfast.

Nesting on 11 acres of gardens, Miramonte Hotel & Spa is the ultimate destination for relaxation. Named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 100 Resort Spas, the The Well, features 13-treatment rooms, and a menu of both indoor and outdoor treatments. After the spa, head to the Miramonte Pool, which was named “Best Mountain View Pool” by C Magazine.

Looking for a hotel where your kids can have fun and you can relax amongst the mountains? Look no further than the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa. This sprawling property features spacious guest rooms, an award-winning Italian restaurant, fashion boutiques, a pool with a sandy beach and waterfalls, and Camp Oasis, a kids’ day camp.

WHAT TO DO

No trip to the desert would be complete without grabbing your golf clubs and playing a round of 18-holes. The Indian Wells Golf Resort features a course named by Golfweek as one of Top 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California, and is within walking distance of all four hotels listed above.

For a list of additional activities, including shopping, hiking and cultural outings, click here.

COCO VANDEWEGHE’S FAVORITE SPOTS

CoCo Vandeweghe has been a frequent visitor to the desert long before she ever picked up a tennis racquet, so she was an obvious choice for this month’s guest contributor. Here are California-resident CoCo Vandeweghe’s must-do activities in Indian Wells.

“I’ve been going to the desert since I was five months old because my grandparents had a house there and any break we got, we would come over from Long Island. I love playing the BNP Paribas Open because it is close to home and my family all comes out to support me.

For my birthday this year, we went horseback riding in the desert, which I highly recommend. Also, if you’re looking for a little more ‘horsepower’ then check out all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rentals and cruise through the desert to check out the mountain views. And, for a cruise amongst the palm trees, rent a bicycle and hit the road, which is one of my favorite activities to do with my sister.

For a mix of a good breakfast and some cool golf and tennis memorabilia, head to Randy’s Cafe, which is a local favorite.”