JILL WEINLEIN

After graduating from UCLA, JIll traveled the world looking for unique destinations. She’s been writing about her travels for almost 30 years in various publications.

She writes a weekly restaurant review for the Beverly Press and Park LaBrea News. It’s inserted into the Los Angeles Times every Thursday and delivered to subscribers from Hancock Park to Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills to the Wilshire Corridor.

Making Memories at the JW Marriott Desert Springs

BY JILL WEINLEIN

From the moment you drive up to the palm tree lined JW Marriott Desert Springs resort, one feels as if they are on vacation. Situated on 450 acres of desert gardens with signature lakes, four swimming pools, mountain views, and two championship golf courses, it’s the largest resort in Palm Desert.

The redesigned guest rooms are sophisticated and well appointed. Many have a balcony with a table and two chairs to sit outside and enjoy the views. There are a variety of relaxation and enrichment activities for guests to enjoy all year long. The hotel is one of the best multi-generational family friendly hotels in the Coachella Valley.

The Marriott Hotels and Resorts reconnect people to nature. This particular property celebrates the desert’s diverse landscape. Green areas are inspired by the founders J. Willard Merritt and his wife Alice, as they enjoyed daily nature walks together. The JW Garden is a meditative, aromatic garden that features herbs that are staples of the hotel’s culinary program. One of the most beautiful gardens to visit is across from the Japanese Mikado Restaurant. This area features an olive grove, walking paths and a garden filled with endemic sage, desert marigold, milkweed, and wildflowers. These habitats help support desert fauna and ecosystems.

Inside the Lobby of the Desert Springs is a soaring atrium and Duffy style boats waiting to take guests on a cruise along the waterways. These boats deliver guests to docks throughout the resort as a mode of transportation. Stops include swimming pools, the onsite Spa and restaurants near the water.

There are an array of casual to fine dining venues at the resort. Aquifer 65 is one of the first you will see when you enter the main lobby. This bar and lounge also is where JW Sushi Bar makes fresh rolls to pair with creative cocktails, beer and wine.

Chef Eric Theiss leads the team in offering seasonal menus at other dining venues. Utilizing locally and organically sourced produce to curate his menus, guests can cross over a red Japanese bridge to the sophisticated Mikado for Japanese Steakhouse fare. Rockwood Grill offers all-day innovative cuisine among picturesque water and fountain views. Indulge on freshly-caught seafood and local produce at the award-winning Fisherman’s Landing restaurant.

Across from Fisherman’s Landing is the indoor JW Marriott Desert Springs Aviary filled with exotic and colorful talkative birds. The resort offers interactive bird chats and bird encounters guided by the staff.

Other birds on the property include the vibrant pink flamingos and smaller ducks that welcome guests near the entrance. The Chilean Flamingos get their pretty pink color from their canthxathin diet to keep them healthy and beautiful. An informative plaque at their island home informs guests about these popular residents.

During the day, the Oasis Main Pool is an ideal spot to soak up the California sunshine. It’s also a popular spot for a relaxing swim during sunset. Nearby, the Spa Desert Springs has an outdoor salt-water swimming pool just for guests 18+ years old.

It’s the largest spa in Palm Desert offering 38,000 square feet of tranquil space. There are 48 treatment rooms inspired by Palm Desert’s stunning physical, historical and social environments. The Spa’s luxurious amenities and upgrades include co-ed and gender separate relaxation lounges, an aromatic Lavender and Eucalyptus sauna, and a Spa Bistro with seating to enjoy a beverage and meal during your stay.

The Desert Springs Tennis Club offers 15 premier hard courts, 3 clay courts and 2 grass courts. Since pickle ball is the craze right now they recently debuted pickle ball courts and offer morning sessions. Private lessons are offered to those who want to learn or improve their game.

Refresh your golf skills on the two championship courses at Desert Springs Golf Club. Tee off amidst serene water features with black swans swimming nearby, towering palm trees and majestic mountain views. This beautiful Palm Desert course was designed by architect Ted Robinson, and welcomes players of all levels. There is also a miniature golf course to practice your putting skills.

With the holidays approaching and the temperature in Coachella Valley cooling down, now is the time to make memories at the JW Marriott Desert Springs. 74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA.  (888)538-9459.