10 Reasons The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort is Fun For the Whole Family

The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Spa is located in Palm Desert, California near Palm Springs. Due to all the amenities, there is really no reason to leave the property once here. The resort is the type of place you will find makes a pleasurable stay for the whole family. There is literally something for everyone. Consider booking your stay with Marriott Rewards points.

Just a little over a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles, the desert makes an easy weekend escape that feels worlds away from city life. It might be the air, the endless sunshine, the poking palm trees and dramatic mountain landscape that hugs this impressive mega-property, but once you pull in, don’t expect to want to get in your car again.

The property is currently finishing its largest scale renovation since it opened with a lobby refresh, updated guest rooms and suites, meetings and events spaces, and soon, a spruced-up spa.

Upon arrival, it’s impossible not to pull the car over because your welcoming committee consists of a true Palm Springs spirited color – pink Chilean flamingos who are just some of the exotic residents who call the lush 450-acre property home. The resort, complete with a wildlife sanctuary, also boasts two Ted Robinson-designed championship golf courses, an 18-hole putting course, and tennis courts of clay, grass, or asphalt. Find calm in the 38,000 square foot spa with an adults-only outdoor saltwater pool while your family participates in bird chats, fitness sessions, lawn games, evening movies, and magic shows. Besides all of this fun, here are more reasons why the JW Marriott Desert Springs is the perfect getaway to make all ages happy.

Ten Reasons the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is fun for the whole family

1. Take a free sunset boat ride from the lobby

To reach your dinner reservation or just cruise around, hop on one of the free boats in the lobby that can take visitors to dinner from 5 pm on. The waterway lagoon of sorts passes under a few bridges around the immaculately landscaped property and can drop guests off on a number of docks around the property. For outdoor family-fun, dine at the casual Rockwood Grill next to the water and share dishes like an Angus Burger, Wedge Salad, and Beer Battered Fish Tacos. Justify the calories with one of their healthy signature beverages with anti-oxidants and memory-boosting ingredients.

2. Admire rescued birds from around the world

Besides the gaggle of pink flamingos out front, an aviary filled with rescued birds from around the world is on-site showcasing each songbird’s story. One bird looks like a variation of a toucan and some announce their presence by squawking at you.

3. Numerous pools set at the perfect temperature

Several pools await, such as a grand kid-friendly pool, heated pools, an adults-only saltwater pool and Jacuzzi at the spa with intoxicating views. Try not falling sound asleep within minutes at the spa pool where it’s too easy to be lulled by the peaceful magic setting.

4. Breathtaking room views with balconies

Newly renovated rooms (884 guest rooms including 101 suites) have been modernized with sleek mid-century Modernist-style furniture and marble bathrooms with rainfall showers. The clean rooms reflect the desert environment but the real standout is the balcony room views facing the sprawling San Jacinto mountains with palm trees poking around the sparkling pools. The sunset casts a color splash across the pool and the dramatic desert landscape.

For those who wish to go big, the 1,768 square-foot Chairman’s Suite includes a plush king bedroom with walk-in closet, oversized whirlpool bathtub, stylish living room suite, and a formal dining area. A Butler’s service entry to a kitchenette, hydration stations to eliminate plastic, and a 350-square foot balcony overlooking the 18-acre lake are part of the suite’s perks.

5. Live music in the lounge and restaurant each night

No need to go out when top talent is right in the Blue Star Lounge and the lobby’s Aquifier65 lounge. Before retreating to our room, we sipped cocktails in the expansive atrium while being mesmerized by the vocal talent of Max Brendenburg and Niki Cremmen.

6. Numerous dining options like the special T and T Innovation Kitchen

Besides champagne brunch and outdoor seating with American fare at Rockwood Grill, guests can soak up the sun on a daybed at Oasis Bar and Grille, dine and drink in an upscale environment at Blue Star Lounge bar, or go casual at Fisherman’s Landing Bar & Grill. For a lot of laughs, share The Pink Flamingo Milkshake made with lollipops, donuts, cotton candy, chocolate covered strawberries, macaroons, and sprinkles. The pink extravaganza can easily be shared with 2-3 guests and can be ordered with or without alcohol.

For a memorable night, book a seat at Mikado, a Japanese Steakhouse with teppanyaki where knife-wielding skills come with fire and steam and flying bites. The Teppan tables are sure to impress with steak, chicken, and seafood prepared in front of you. The ultimate sushi bar can be found here too.

For those who want an elevated dining experience with an ever-changing five-course menu crafted each night by the chefs, inspired by time and temperature, book T & T in advance for Fridays and Saturdays only. Find the unusual speakeasy-type entrance tucked away through the back of the Rockwood Grill kitchen.

7. Premier golf and tennis

Desert Springs Golf Club features two 18-hole championship golf courses overlooking the Santa Rosa Mountains. Highlights include GPS equipped golf carts and an on-site TaylorMade Performance Center for club fitting and swing analysis. Professional PGA instruction can be booked for individual and group lessons. Golf rates before 1 pm average around $160 while after 1 pm drop to $100.

Ranked the #10 top tennis resort in the world, Desert Springs PBI Tennis Club is a short walk away and offers private lessons on various types of courts (clay, grass, and hard). The resort fee of $43 a day (that included self-parking and not valet parking for an extra $39 per day) allows an hour of tennis court time (but a $5 fee for the balls). Each Saturday a tennis show features hilarious skits choreographed to music sharing helpful tennis tips and tricks. Inclusive to all abilities, the club also offers Wheelchair Tennis Clinics that specialize in adaptive sports training. Also, two courts are lined for pickleball. Pop in for a daily clinic or drill session.

8. Mini golf and outdoor games

The resort fee includes a big golf course for mini-golf and a game area near the boats for kids (or adults) to play life-size interactive lawn games like Connect 4 and cornhole.

9. Spa and wellness

The resort fee at Spa Desert Springs includes a day pass at the spa, but not for services, so if you just want to escape to the quiet pool with an enchanting adult setting or try out the steam room or dip in the outdoor jacuzzi, the spa pool area was my favorite spot for relaxation. Find a 24-hour fitness center here and daily fitness classes, including yoga, cycling, and kickboxing. An onsite nutritionist, Regina Basterrechea, offers personalized wellness sessions. Pamper away by booking in advance a CBD Herbal Relief Massage or Organic Wellness Facial.

10. Shopping on site

If you forget something at home, need a reason to spend money, or just want to entertain the kids, a shopping alley with numerous boutique shops featuring eclectic goods can be found. Swimsuits, tops, fudge, chocolate, ice cream, necklaces, organic beauty products, motorcycle gear, homecare products, and more are at your disposal.