Tastes change in pools just as they do in furniture, architecture, or fashion. A couple decades ago, it was unthinkable to put in a pool without a connecting spa. I know a couple in the Valley who turned their pool 180 degrees to improve the view (actually, they tore it out and put a new one in pointed a different direction; no one can turn a pool) while quite a few houses I’ve seen have installed narrow lap pools in their side yards where the dog walk used to be. My own tastes run to the simple and unadorned: simple rectangles, 10-12 yards long, no diving board, 10’ deep at one end and 4 feet at the entrance.
Whatever your tastes, there is no surviving a summer in the Valley without the occasional dip, the long soak, a luxurious float. Listing all the options available would take many pages, but here are a few of my favorites.
Two Bunch Palms, Desert Hot Springs
Remember the Tim Robbins-Greta Scacchi late night pool scene at this fabled adults-only resort in Desert Hot Springs? Man, if that water wasn’t already hot…. Two Bunch Palms is wonderfully discreet and hidden, though it enjoys the fabled hot springs water from Miracle Hill. Ok, this isn’t just a jump in the pool and then crawl on to your inflatable flamingo. The $285 day pass includes a 60 minute spa treatment, lunch, and a full day to relax in the waters. Park the kids at the sitters and treat yourself.
The Kimpton Rowan, Palm Springs
Ok, you might think, “A rooftop pool and bar….what’s the biggie?” Well, as far as I know, this is the most awesome roof top pool and bar in the Valley, with unobstructed views of the Mountains to the west.
During the summer $68 per person, gets your own poolside cabana, a 90 minute BBQ buffet, and all the pool time you require. Take a day off and go during the week and just you and a few others in the know will have it all to yourselves.
JW Marriott Desert Resort and Spa, Palm Desert
Yes, it’s gigantic. Massive. 450 acres, a 38,000 square foot spa, and 5 swimming pools. And the largest of them is surrounded by a lake.
Courtesy JW Marriott
JW Marriott
But don’t be intimidated. Think of this as the desert’s aqua Disneyland. For a very reasonable $49 per person, including children, you get your choice of three outdoor pools, lounge chairs, free WiFi, towel service, seasonal DJ, free self-parking, and the option to order pool side service from the Oasis Poolside Bar & Grille. Private cabanas start at $326 per day. One of the extras (especially nice on sub-100-degree days) is the freedom to roam the entire property. It’s a resort vacation packed into a single day.
Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage
Courtesy Rancho Las Palmas
On a smaller scale, but just as luxurious and plenty of options, are the three pools at Rancho Las Palmas (there is a fourth pool, but is reserved for spa guests). Splashtopia is the main attraction with a 424-foot lazy river and two, 100’ water slides. There are sandy beaches, private cabanas, a cliffside hot tub, and pool side service from the Splash Grill and Blu Ember restaurants. For those not entertained by kids having (and voicing) the time of their lives, there is the nearby Azure Pool. New this year, is the Conchilla Pool, a family- friendly pool with a gaming area that includes communal tables, ping-pong, foosball, air hockey, and other arcade games.
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Like the JW Marriott, the Grand Hyatt is a huge resort complex, but not so big that you’ll have to fire a signal flare when it’s time to go home. What is truly impressive are the 8 pools, starring the HyTides water park that features a lazy river, splash pad and, arguably, two of the most fun water slides in the Valley. There are two whirlpools, ample pool lounge chairs, free WiFi, outdoor game area, and poolside service from two of the resort’s restaurants. Adult passes are $100 while children 4+ are $50.
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
This is truly one of the most under-looked and under-appreciated day pass water experiences in the Valley. It’s sort of wonder, too, because the four star Renaissance offers the largest pool in the Valley, along with sandy beaches, lounge chairs, poolside service from its restaurants…and all for $33 per person per day. The Spa Esmeralda is also a lovely way to de-stress with one of its great treatments and tranquil gardens.
*Note: While many hotels and resorts in the Valley specify that their pools and other amenities are exclusively for hotel guests only, day passes can be obtained to most resorts through ResortPass (www.resortpass.com)
