I’ve long referred to the JW Marriott Desert Springs as the “Disneyland of the Desert” — and honestly, that might be underselling it. The 450-acre resort is one of the Coachella Valley’s most iconic – not to mention massive – destinations, with 884 rooms, seven restaurants, two golf courses, five pools, a Starbucks, a putting green, a shopping arcade, and a sprawling Venetian-style lake complete with boats.
Over the years, it’s become one of my favorite spots to spend a lazy afternoon — coffee in hand, taking in the views, and occasionally even spotting a celebrity or two. (Fun fact: I met my childhood crush Luke Perry there – and still haven’t fully recovered!) And just when I think I know every corner of the place, I stumble across something new — like the fact that Frank Sinatra’s final performance took place on site, a detail I only learned last year.
So in this issue, I’m pulling back the curtain on five standout features that make this Palm Desert icon so unforgettable, from exotic birds and sunken tennis courts to one very historic ballroom.
xo, Lindsay
DESERT SPRINGS LAKE
The JW is the only resort in the desert where you can take a boat to dinner, thanks to a 239-million gallon lake that winds through the grounds. The unbelievably vast and picturesque waterway is populated by fish, fountains, flamingos, and a fleet of manned electric boats tasked with ferrying guests around the grand property, including to each of the seven on-site eateries. The colossal basin also delivers some truly breathtaking views. There’s nothing else quite like it in the Valley!
SINATRA BALLROOM
If these walls could talk! The resort’s aptly named Sinatra Ballroom is where the celebrated crooner’s final performance took place on February 25, 1995, as part of his annual Celebrity Invitational golf tournament. Singing a 6-song set that capped off with The Best Is Yet to Come, Ol’ Blue Eyes is said not to have missed “a word or note!” The ballroom, which spans an incredible 25,000 square feet, is the Valley’s largest and remains the stuff of legend today with 21-foot ceilings, a fittingly blue motif, and a striking dimensional portrait of Sinatra greeting guests at the entrance.
LOBBY VIEWS
The JW Marriott stuns from the moment one steps through the doors into the dramatic, eight-story atrium-like lobby — complete with an indoor boat landing and soaring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass that frame panoramic views of the lake and grounds, especially breathtaking at sunset as the water reflects the desert light. Pro tip: enjoy the scene with a Sinatra Smash (the lobby bar’s signature cocktail) in hand. (Free samples are even offered upon request.) Bonus: The grand space served as a wedding venue for Jessie Spano’s dad in a 1991 episode of Saved by the Bell.
FLAMINGO ISLAND & DESERT SPRINGS AVIARY
The Marriott is home to a charming menagerie of animals, most notably a flamboyant flock of exotic birds. Near the resort entrance, Flamingo Island draws the spotlight with more than 30 friendly Chilean flamingos strutting, splashing, and posing for guests. Venture just beyond the lobby and you’ll discover the Desert Springs Aviary — a lush, two-room sanctuary filled with vibrant personalities, including Max the cockatoo, Romeo the eclectus, and Scarlet the macaw — all known for their bright feathers and even brighter conversation skills.
GRASS TENNIS COURT
The resort’s 20-court Tennis Club is impressive on its own, but its crown jewel is the sunken grass stadium court, a true rarity in the desert. The mammoth arena even stood in for Wimbledon in HBO’s 2015 comedy 7 Days in Hell, filmed over the courseof two blistering 110-degree days in July. (Not exactly peak playing conditions!) While summer matches aren’t for the faint of heart, the club is a true gem during the season, so it’s no surprise the JW is regularly ranked among the top 10 tennis resorts in the world.
On The Market
This is a first for Everything Palm Springs — but I couldn’t resist sharing a property that’s as special as the resort we just explored.
My realtor partner, Amber Haaland, and I are representing a condo located just minutes from the JW Marriott at 48260 Center Court in Palm Desert — and it captures everything we love about desert living: location, light, and laid-back luxury.
If you or someone you know is dreaming of a move (or a desert escape that feels like a forever vacation), reach out! We’d love to share more!