Top things to do at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Top things to do at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: swim and relax across five outdoor pools and take a gondola ride on the resort waterways; book time at Spa Desert Springs for treatments and use of the spa facilities. Other highlights include two on-site Ted Robinson golf courses, 12 outdoor pickleball courts, a range of on-site restaurants (Rockwood Grill, Mikado, Fisherman's Landing, Aquifer65 & JW Sushi Bar), and family-friendly activities such as miniature golf and a Kids Club.
In this guide
Pools, lagoons and gondola rides
The resort has five outdoor pools plus hot tubs and whirlpools set around lakes and landscaped grounds. Pool hours are commonly listed as 8:00 AM–10:00 PM, though the hotel may confirm seasonal changes.
Gondola rides travel along the resort's waterways and give a different view of the grounds and lakes; staff can confirm schedules and booking at the concierge or pool desk.
- Five outdoor pools (including a family pool and a chilled 'Oasis' pool)
- Hot tubs and whirlpools around the pool areas
- Gondola rides across the resort lakes — check concierge for times
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Pool hours | Commonly 8:00 AM–10:00 PM (verify with front desk) |
| Family pool | Dedicated family-friendly pool area |
| Spa saltwater lap pool | Adults-only area (spa access rules apply) |

Spa Desert Springs and fitness
Spa Desert Springs is a large on-site spa spanning about 38,000 square feet with roughly 47–48 private treatment rooms and amenities that include an Aromatic Hammam, Finnish Sauna, Turkish Steam Room, relaxation lounges and a Spa Bistro.
The spa operates on a set weekly schedule (for example, Friday–Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; other days vary and the spa is closed Tuesdays). The spa's outdoor saltwater lap pool is intended for adult spa guests only; children are not permitted inside the spa.
The resort's full-service fitness center at the spa is about 4,000 square feet and includes cardio and strength equipment plus an 800-square-foot yoga/Pilates studio. Guests receiving spa services and resort guests typically have access; check the property for details and any class schedules.
- Spa size: ~38,000 sq ft with ~47–48 treatment rooms
- Signature treatments, spa bistro and relaxation lounges available (reservations required)
- Spa hours vary by day; spa reservations usually require 24-hour cancellation
| Spa detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Hours example | Fri–Sat 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; other days vary; closed Tuesday |
| Age policy | Spa areas are adults-only; guests under 18 not permitted in spa |
| Cancellation | Spa bookings generally require 24-hour cancellation to avoid charges |

Golf, tennis and pickleball
The resort offers two Ted Robinson-designed championship golf courses — the Palm and Valley courses — located essentially steps from the hotel; the property is often described as a true golf destination in Palm Desert.
For racquet sports, the resort provides a Tennis Complex and 12 outdoor pickleball courts, which are available to guests. The concierge or golf/athletics desk can provide court availability, lessons, and equipment rental options.
- Two on-site championship golf courses (Palm and Valley)
- Tennis Complex on property
- 12 outdoor pickleball courts
| Activity | On-site availability |
|---|---|
| Golf | Two championship courses; clubs available for guest use |
| Pickleball | 12 outdoor courts |
| Tennis | Resort Tennis Complex |
Dining and bars
On-site dining options cover a range of styles: Rockwood Grill (American) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with patio water views; Mikado Japanese Steakhouse offers teppanyaki and a sushi bar; Fisherman's Landing serves seafood and casual lunch/dinner; Aquifer65 & JW Sushi Bar operates as a lobby lounge for cocktails and Japanese small plates.
Poolside food and drink are available at Oasis Poolside Bar & Grille. Starbucks® on property serves coffee and grab-and-go items. Hours vary by venue — for example, Rockwood Grill serves breakfast from 6:30 AM–11:30 AM and dinner in the evening — so check the restaurant pages or call ahead for reservations and current hours.
- Rockwood Grill — breakfast, lunch, dinner; water-view patio (hours vary by meal)
- Mikado Japanese Steakhouse — teppanyaki-style dinner (closed Mon–Tue; Wed–Thu & Sun 5:00 PM–8:30 PM; Fri–Sat 5:00 PM–9:00 PM)
- Aquifer65 & JW Sushi Bar — lobby lounge with sushi and cocktails nightly
- Fisherman's Landing — casual seafood, open daily 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Oasis Poolside Bar & Grille — casual poolside bites and drinks
| Venue | Typical hours / notes |
|---|---|
| Rockwood Grill | Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (breakfast example 6:30 AM–11:30 AM) |
| Aquifer65 & JW Sushi Bar | Evening lounge hours; sushi bar opens around 4:00 PM |
| Mikado Japanese Steakhouse | Select evening hours; closed Mon–Tue (call for reservations) |

Family activities and kid-friendly amenities
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is family-friendly and welcomes children of all ages. The property offers a Kids Club, miniature golf, family pool areas, and children's recreation programs; availability and schedules can change, so confirm current offerings with the concierge.
Many dining venues and pool areas accommodate families. Note that the spa and its saltwater lap pool maintain an adults-only policy and do not admit children.
- Kids Club and children's recreation programs
- Miniature golf on property
- Family pool area and casual poolside dining at Oasis Poolside Bar & Grille
- Concierge can arrange nearby family outings like The Living Desert or day trips
| Family option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kids Club | Activities and programming — check concierge for hours |
| Miniature golf | On-site; good for all ages |
| Family pool | Dedicated areas for children; main pools remain open according to posted hours |
Meetings, weddings and event spaces
The resort has extensive event facilities, including large ballrooms and outdoor lawns. The Sinatra Ballroom and Springs Ballroom are two principal indoor venues, and the property offers dozens of meeting rooms and flexible outdoor event spaces.
Wedding options include lakeside and lawn venues, and some packages can incorporate a gondola arrival. Event capacities and layout options vary by space; contact the hotel's events or sales team for current capacities, rental details and site visits.
- Sinatra Ballroom (large ballroom; among the property's principal event spaces)
- Springs Ballroom and multiple salon rooms for smaller breakout sessions
- Outdoor venues: East Front Lawn, JW Pavilion, The Pointe (lakeside pier) — some reachable by gondola
| Venue | Capacity notes |
|---|---|
| Sinatra Ballroom | Largest indoor ballroom; multiple configuration options |
| Springs Ballroom | Large ballroom with terrace options |
| JW Pavilion / The Pointe | Outdoor venues including lakeside and poolside event space |
Rooms and suites overview
The property offers a wide selection of guest rooms and suites across eight floors, with 884 guest rooms and suites reported after a 2020/2021 renovation. Room types include options with balconies, sofa beds and pool or lake views.
Room names to note include Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View; Signature Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony; Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View; Signature Room; Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom; Vice Presidential Room; plus accessible Room, Balcony (Mobility/) and Room, Balcony (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-In Shwr).
- Room types include rooms with balconies and several suite levels (Executive Suite, Signature Suite, Presidential Suite, Junior Suite, Vice Presidential Room)
- Some rooms feature sofa beds for added guest capacity; confirm bed types when booking
- In-room Wi‑Fi is available (check whether your booking channel includes complimentary access)
| Room example | Notes |
|---|---|
| Executive Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View | Lists 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed (up to 4 guests) |
| Presidential Suite, 1 Bedroom, Pool View | Larger suite option (listed square footage and bedding vary by listing) |
| Signature Room | Available with 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed options |


