Author: Danny Scott and Alice Scott
Relax at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Flamingo Island at the entrance to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is one of the hotel’s many recreational attractions. Who doesn’t love flamingos? It’s the perfect place to study the entire flock as they alternate standing on one leg and twisting their flexible necks in all directions – sometimes looking as if they could tie them into a Christmas bow.
In early December, elves hang bows around Desert Lake Resort and decorate from the inside out. The Christmas tree sparkles, with poinsettias, green garlands and ornaments filling every corner. Behind the lobby curtains, a life-size gingerbread house is under construction, and front and center, a Santa Claus chair gleams beside the dock, ready for photos with or without him.
Reserve a spot and board a boat to sail along the resort’s waterways, passing by black swans and white-capped gulls. Enjoy a round trip, or choose to disembark one-way at the famous Mikado’s Wharf or Fisherman’s Wharf and stroll back along the tranquil lake.
Resort landscape and golf course
Whether it’s from the lobby, the Oasis pool, breakfast at the Rockwood Grill, or overlooking it all from your room’s eighth-floor balcony, there are plenty of views from every angle. Aerial views take on new meaning when a large flock of egrets fly past you. The same balcony also serves as the gallery for the 18th hole at the Palms, where the fairway borders the lake and appears much narrower from above. The green is cushioned by a generous bunker that catches most rolling balls.
golf course
We were looking forward to the final hole at the Palms, and the round proved to be both fun and beautiful. The course has just reopened after supervision and looks brand new. As the name suggests, navigation layouts typically require aiming at the palm of your hand in the distance.
Palm trees and water appear along with fountains, waterfalls, various waterfowl and flowers, including brilliant orchid trees. Some lots feel remote, while others are lined with villas and Palm Desert mansions. Holes 1 and 2 are located near the Desert Springs Marriott Villas, while hole 3, located off the elegant entry drive, is a par-3 over the water – perfect for birdies. The finishing holes gradually form picturesque lakes and waterfalls, with the par-3 17th hole being particularly photogenic. From balcony height, the finale looks very different; the fairways are wide enough, but the approach requires keeping them straight and dry.
After your round, the carriage path leads past the resort pool complex and over a bridge where you can linger in the practice area. The resort fee includes unlimited use of the driving range and putting green. Another 18-hole course, the Valley Course, is also on site. Both championship courses were designed by Ted Robinson, known as the “King of Water Features.” The Santa Rosa Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for all.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Amenities and Services
As a bonus, the 18-hole mini championship putting course in front of the resort (closed for routine maintenance during our stay) is also included in the resort fee, along with bikes, golf courses and more.
The pro shop is fully stocked with gear and features the resort’s beautiful hummingbird logo. If nothing calls your name, the Colonnade Shop is at the end of the hall.
Enjoy endless options to relax or explore at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, the greater Palm Springs area.
More golf opportunities
The greater Palm Springs area has an abundance of golf courses that golf enthusiasts flock to. One fun spot recommended by Mike Duncan and Golf Troop is Eagle Falls, just north of Interstate 10 at Golf Club Drive in Indio. We came here with modest expectations but were pleasantly surprised by its beautiful layout.
A signature feature of Golden Springs Resort Casino, it is owned and operated by the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians. Native land requires native vegetation that blends in with the original casino financing conditions. It was designed by Clive Clark and includes some clever bunker placement, such as the one in the center of the fairway on the 4th hole. The complex facing the seventh green has the character of a “Tobacco Road”.
We didn’t see an eagle on the scoreboard (although near the 15th) or in the sky, but the waterfalls were always there – a cascading waterfall on the par-3 16th and a spectacular finish on the 18th.
flock to
Locals and global travelers flock to the JW Marriott Desert Resort & Spa to relax and experience the wonders of the resort and the serenity the desert has brought to Hollywood stars for decades.
The resort is located at 74-855 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert, 12 miles from Palm Springs International Airport. Car rentals are available at the airport and on site. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
