Hyatt Grand Champions opens $60m expanded resort

Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, California will officially open its $60m expansion on 1 January next year.

The resort has added 142 guest rooms - for a total of 478 - a 50,000sq ft meeting facility, 30,000sq ft spa and a new pool.

The 34-acre resort also offers 36 holes of Championship Golf, a 20,000sq ft ballroom and mountain-view villas with private backyards and whirlpools.

The spa facility has been built on the edge of a man-made lake and boasts 18 treatment rooms, a swimming pool, Watsu pool, steamroom, sauna, plunge pool and gym surrounding a reflecting pool. It has been designed using indigenous materials including sandstone, rock, sand, water and wood and in 'therapeutic colours' - pale greens, blues and white.

As well as massages, facials and wraps, the spa will be offering a range of medial treatments created by Dr Bob Keller, founder of the Skin Institute of America. These include cellular regeneration, pharmaceutical skin restoration, laser treatments, cosmetic facials and body peels.

Work started on the expansion project in August 2001 and with the exception of closing for two months during the summer of 2002, has remained open for business the whole time. Details: +1 760/341 1000