Golf Courses: There are two 18-hole golf courses, both designed by Ted Robinson, and an unusual 18-hole championship putting course.
The Palms: Built in 1987, these 18 holes wind around the resort’s waterways.
The Valley: This course shows such classic Ted Robinson features as effective water usage, multi-tiered greens framed by palm trees, and undulating fairways.
The Greens: Located adjacent to the lobby bar at the hotel, this 18-hole putting course stands out for its use of classic features of full-length courses, including sand bunkers, water hazards, strategically placed trees, and rolling “fairways,” all played with only a putter. Par 54, 1,435 feet.
Spa & Fitness Center: Located along the lake, a couple of hundred yards from the hotel lobby, the 38,000-square-foot Spa Desert Springs has adopted a “California casual” decor of split-face limestone and Brazilian ipe wood throughout its interior. Both the men’s and women’s areas have saunas, steam rooms, and hot and cold plunge pools, and outdoor whirlpools, the latter overlooking the resort’s Ted Robinson-designed golf course. A door from each leads to a Spa Bistro, which serves light snacks. New to both areas, however, is a Turkish hammam: a spacious steam chamber infused with essential oils and set at 105 degrees (which allows for a longer relaxation period than a traditional steam room). Digitally programmable Kohler Desert Rain showers with five heads let guests fully choreograph their shower experience. The men’s side also has a 50-inche flat-screen TV. Outside, there’s a saltwater pool with views of the golf course and homes lining the lake.
The spa treatments draw heavily on the healing ingredients and customs of the surrounding Sonoran Desert—including locally harvested citrus and dates, cactus flower, and aloe. However, it remains eclectic in also adopting European customs of using mud as a detoxifier, Ayurvedic warm oil and crushed herb treatments, Turkish sea salts, and more. There is also a new emphasis on “spa together,” in which couples and groups can enjoy treatments together. Finally, they have added a 600-square-foot Spa Sanctuary, a private suite destined to cater to VIPs and the Hollywood elite. It has a private entrance and butler.
Those wanting to workout have the Fitness Center, a complete workout center with lines of treadmills, exercycles (recumbent and upright), and elliptical and standard StairMasters plus a full suite off LifeFitness machines, free weights, and dumbbells. It’s is a partly mirrored room with windows on outside entrance. TVs hang from ceiling in front of workout machines and each of the cardio stations has its own television. There are also a variety of classes, including morning power walks (3.5 miles in about 45 minutes), spinning, yoga, and mat Pilates. There’s also a shop with spa products and workout gear, a salon and hallways leading to women’s locker in one direction, men’s in the other. These each have tile showers, sauna, steam, and menthol steam and hot and cold plunge pools. A door from each leads to the Bistro, which serves light snacks, and to an outdoor lap pool bordered by lounge chairs. There’s another small fitness center, with a handful of cardiovascular machines, at one corner of the tennis building where it has windows on the outside.
Children's programs: There is a wide variety of kid's recreation and programming available.
Dining: The main restaurant is the Rockwood Grill, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a garden terrace just off the lake. It is supplemented by the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, seafood at Fishermen’s Landing, sushi in the Lobby Bar, a poolside grill, and a Starbucks.
490 Reviews on “JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa - Peter Burwash International”
We came for an anniversary 15 years ago and we return a few times every because it is so exceptional. I walk in the door of the tennis facility and they know me by name . It’s the best travel experience ever !!!
We have been going to the Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, CA for 23 years. The staff has been exceptional and have become very good friends over the years. Our children have gown up in the tennis program and have great memories. Jim Leupold the program director is at the top of his game. He makes you feel welcome and important to be visiting DS resort. Each year during the busy season (winter months) Jim brings in younger tennis pros who are fun and work off the same playbook that Jim has developed over the years. We highly recommend the Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Jim Leupold’s tennis program.
I’ve now attended the mixed surface “grand slam” tennis mixer led by instructor Jim Leopold twice, once during the 2020 BNP Paribas Open and again this year for the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. Jim is a great instructor and does a great job at getting the players excited and comfortable playing with new faces. Honestly, the mixer he runs is a top reason why I come to the palm springs area for vacation…It’s just that fun! My dad and I have started making a trip out of it, and we’re talking about making this an annual trip. I highly recommend signing up for the mixed surface mixer. See you on the clay courts!
This was our 14th year to return to Palm Desert and the excellent tennis program at the JW Marriott Desert Springs program directed by Jim Leupold. His clinics and drills are fast-paced, informative and always fun.
Since I discovered the JW Marriott resort in Palm Springs, I’ve come twice a year and love it more each time. We’re all tennis players, and for us this resort and tennis program represent the best in the region. So lucky to have this on the West Coast. We love the trifecta of tennis surfaces with clay courts, hard courts, and the holy grail among the tennis community, the grass courts. In March our family came for BNP Paribas/Indian Wells, and stayed at the JW Marriott for fun mixers and classes offered through the Peter Burwash International Tennis Academy. This program run by Jim Leupold is top notch and we always feel like family coming home as soon as we arrive. He even remembers my kids’ names! We learn a lot, are constantly challenged, and together with the pools, golf, and good conversation we never want to leave. And coming from Portland, Oregon the weather and palm trees aren’t too shabby either. Thank you to Jim, and your amazing staff. Looking forward to our next stay this fall!
I visited the resort during the Indian Wells Tennis Classic and took part in 3 clinics. The clinics were informative, enjoyable and very well run. The instructors were friendly and efficient and made the clinics very pleasant. I have taken clinics here at least a half dozen times and always look forward to the next opportunity.
My wife and I attended a four-day tennis camp at Marriott Desert Springs in December 2022. We were so impressed with Tennis Director Jim Leupold. He is a spectacular teacher- simplifies technique and unfolds pretty amazing results in a very short period of time. Great setting. Outstanding court selection – hard courts, clay and grass. Can’t wait to return!
Previously coming here for great tennis instruction for my wife, this time we both participated in Pickleball clinics and play. Coach Linda was patient, knowledgeable and encouraging. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Mark and Paula Hemingway The tennis below refers to my wife only.
Fabulous place to say and play tennis, golf or just relax
I absolutely love going back here year after year. Abundant courts of hard, clay and grass with great drill sessions and focused clinics every day! The instruction is absolutely top notch and the match finding utilizing locals when needed has been great for years. The entire resort has views for days and a perfect climate 10 months a year, with the summer 2 still being playable in the morning. Spa used to be world class and is still excellent but a little outdated. All the restaurants on property are delicious, definitely go for the pomegranate martinis at the Blue Star Lounge, flatbreads there are excellent as well. Golf experience here is top tier as well, especially the natural grass Putt-Putt course.
Jim Leupold runs a great program at this Hotel. He is the most knowledgeable tennis pro I have worked with in my years of playing tennis. I am a recreational USTA player heading to Nationals with my team in the fall. The tips and drills I learned in his clinics are invaluable. The facility beautiful and everyone working there is very friendly. I highly recommend this facility.
I’ve taken drills with PBI at the JW for the ten years we’ve been visiting Palm Desert. Jim runs a first-rate program!
I had a wonderful experience at the tennis center. Jim, the Pro was friendly and one of the most knowledgeable I’ve ever experienced. He made players of all levels feel comfortable, and his instruction was top notch!
A fabulous walk availability from the hotel. My husband uses the car to golf and I can walk to the tennis courts! Everyone is friendly!
The Staff and Tennis Director At The Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert is exceptional. We have a group of ladies that come every year for the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament and Jim and his staff does an excellent job providing, matchplay, clinics and private lessons for us during the busiest time of the year and the communication is incredible especially when you consider there are hundreds of people all wanting tennis times during that time of the year. Such a High end experience and training and we look forward to coming back every year because the experience is so wonderful.
this is the best tennis destination in the American West. Without question.
Outstanding tennis facility Tennis pros are the best
Very high quality facilities & instructors.
It’s the best! My husband and I have been coming to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort for 15 years because of the great tennis program offered by PBI on the campus of this lovely resort. The instruction is the best we have found anywhere. The instructors are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and skilled in their teaching techniques. The drills are so helpful in developing my game and when I compete in matches when I return home, I think, “What would PBI tell me to do.” Before COVID, they offered arranging match play with others. For several years my tennis partner of 25 years and her husband have joined us here for the instruction. Before COVID they offered a very entertaining weekly show put on by the tennis pros. We’ve already booked the month of February 2023 to return to PBI and the Desert Springs Resort.
Jim Leupold and his staff do an excellent job with the tennis programs. The community is lucky to have the facility. Even in an area where there are numerous tennis facilities, JW Marriott Desert Springs is at the top. No where else to play on hard courts, clay and grass!
Jim leupiold and his team of instructors are fantastic. I especially liked roger darrohn. I can’t say enough great things about them. They are incredibly knowledgeable, are fantastic teachers and make tennis fun. The only downside is that the Marriott does not support such a fantastic resource in the way that it should. The Marriott short staffed the pro shop and as a result the pro shop was open only limited hours during the Indian Wells tournament which is a big oversight. I give Jim and his team a huge 10 out of 10!
I have to say that this is one of the best tennis experiences I have ever had. The staff is really professional and everyone went to great lengths to accommodate my schedule with both private lessons and their very helpful daily tennis clinics. The instructional staff was very perceptive as far as my ability level was concerned and formulated their training in a way that gradually improved my serve and overall playing skills. Patient and consistent work has really paid off in greatly improved tennis ability and, importantly, enjoyment of the game. This was my third year of tennis at Desert Springs and of course I will be back in 2023. My compliments to Jim and his really exceptional staff at Desert Springs as they really do have a great program and the personnel to deliver on the promise of a great tennis experience.
Great tennis program. Jim has a drill for every problem. He has helped my serve, volleys, and is great with doubles strategy. Highly recommended.
The tennis instruction is top notch as they are all great pros and very capable and accomodating!!
Good clinics for all levels. The pros are consistent in their approach which is good. Always provide good tips without trying to re-work your entire game. Every time I come back from the JW, I bring back a few tips that help my game.
Truly a beautiful resort with something for everyone. We are Villa 2 owners, regulars at the daily tennis clinics. Under the watchful eye of the pros, personalized instruction and great fun for everyone on the courts. Grass, clay, hard and pickle ball courts are available We appreciate the tennis staff responsivenesses and professionalism throughout the year. Adults and kids are offered many daily resort activities, poolside and kids activity center. Shuttles run regularly, however resort is very walkable if not staying in JW Marriott.
A great resort with very nice accommodations, several pools, golf, fitness, pickle ball and tennis. There are 20 tennis court and the Tennis director, Jim Leupold is an amazing instructor.
The best program and staff! We did the PBI camp 2 years ago and there was so much instruction and personal attention. I have never had a camp this good anywhere else.
Jim and his team are awesome, we have enjoyed the clinics and had a great time, can’t wait to return!
Jim and Jon are amazing! In under a week of daily clinics, we felt like our game improved immensely. The clinics are fun and effective. We hope to be back soon!
I had two private lessons with Jon Kooy. He was a fantastic instructor who built on the areas I wanted to work on as well as introducing me to new reproducible drills for when I left. Really enjoyed my time playing here and will certainly be back and will be requesting Jon!
I have enjoyed the tennis program at this resort for several decades. Appreciate the staff, the tennis program and what I’ve learned. Jim Leupold is wonderful.
The clinics are so helpful, Jim Leupold is a tennis yoda!
Outstanding tennis facility and coaching. Jim and staff are professional, on time, high energy and you leave feeling better about your game every time. I have participated in the tennis camp, private lessons and clinics…..all have been outstanding. Any chance I get to be in the Palm Springs area Jim is my first call to get on the schedule!
Due to Covid, I wasn’t able to experience the JW Marriott to it’s full extent, but what they were able to provide I was very pleased with. Jim (Tennis Director) provided great clinics and worked with my son where we look forward to future lessons and events. I would highly recommend visiting JW Marriott and it’s Tennis center if you want to have a truly excellent time in Palm Desert.
I travel for a living and have had tennis lessons all over the world. The PBI program here is the best I have ever participated in. We vacation here yearly and it is always top notch. Jim Leopold is the tennis director — he and his staff are outstanding. You can tell that Jim loves his job in his core– he loves to teach people how to play and enjoy tennis.
I attended a 5-day tennis camp here in March 2021. It was a fantastic experience! Jim Leupold, the head pro, is a wonderful teacher and coach. Although I was already an advanced player on arrival, I learned a lot of tennis “basics” because the camp broke everything down to the essentials. I highly recommend the resort and the camp for players of any level!
Three days of tennis during a recent seven night stay at the Marriott Desert Springs; Burwash program there was exceptional, staff top-notch. Shea Donahue was professional and efficient in scheduling the lessons, and our teaching staff of Zack Juhre, Ben Gottenberg, and Jon Koenigs were top-notch, hardworking, and engaged in every aspect. Special kudos to Roger Darrohn who worked with my fifteen year old daughter for four hours that week, teaching her strokes and strategy and keeping her engaged with great sociability and humor. I met Jim Leupold at the end of my stay and it was clear why his staff is so devoted to working for him and this excellent facility. We did not have a chance to work with Hanane Toumi, but I have no reason to doubt that he is comparable to his outstanding peers. All three surfaces were available during our stay, and the grass looked like Wimbledon on Day 1. I’ve been playing tennis since 1979, and this facility and staff are as good as it gets.
The staff, Jim, Zack, Ben and the rest are awesome! We have been here many times and they always make us feel at home. The GRASS COURT is outstanding in condition. all courts we were on were in excellent condition. I will always pick this place if I have the option!
excellent tennis facilities especially if in need of a partner or wanting to attend clinic. staff were exceptional and would highly recommend.
I rounded up 20 of our local club members who wanted to experience playing on clay and grass. After setting things up with JIM LEUPOLD, we came out on a Saturday morning and had a wonderful time. Mid-day we took a break to enjoy the highly entertaining show/clinic that they put on for our amusement and edification. It was clear that Jim and his staff are excellent trainers. I would very much like to participate in some of their clinics in the future. Overall we had a great experience and are looking forward to coming back again soon.
It was great returning to the PBI Tennis Program at the JW Marriott this year. Jim, Dan and Dora took good care of us as they always do. While I was recovering from recent knee replacement surgery and took several 30 minute lessons to help me back on the court, my wife was able to take the morning clinics and brush up on various parts of her game. I strongly recommend the program for anyone looking for good instruction, at any level, from really nice people.
I participated in Jim’s February 2020 tennis camp. He and his staff created a fun and informative camp. I really enjoyed the chance to play on grass and clay in addition to the usual hard court play. I received good instruction and individual tips to help my game.
The clinics are excellent as is the teaching staff. I have always gotten something to enhance my tennis games from a clinic at this tennis facility.
We are a family of four with two teenagers. We all just recently took-up the sport of tennis. Jim, Shea, Zack, and the entire team at this PBI club where great with their approaching us at our current skill level and helping us advance. We learned very much over our four-day stay and had so much fun. The team was patient, and consistently upbeat and positive. This is a great destination and experience for tennis enthusiasts of every age and every skill level.
I can’t say enough from my experience at the JW Marriot Desert Springs Tennis Program. Jim Leupold and his staff were simply AMAZING! I have only been playing 2 years and I learned so much this past week. I play with 3 different leagues and I know after this week I have some amazing new tools to play better tennis. The staff was Professional, Friendly, and Effective in teaching new skills. Thank you so much Jim, Shay, and Zach. I will be back! Jenn Fails
We were very fortunate to get private lessons from Shea- really excellent tuition that improved our game. We were impressed by her deep knowledge of the game and her ability to make us (amateurs) look really good… There are lots of drills and clinics to sign up for and plenty of courts (different types too!) Would love to come back again.
I would highly recommend the PBI Tennis Camp at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa without hesitation. I am a professional sport coach (not of tennis), coaching at the international level and I have competed as an athlete (again, not in tennis) at the international level. Needless to say, my standards are sky high! I am a 3.0 level player and have been playing just over a year. This is my first tennis camp. I am thoroughly impressed with Jim, Steve, Ben, Zack and Shea and the extremely well thought out PBI methodology! Not only did I return home and immediately see an immense improvement in my game and the games of my tennis friends I travelled to PBI camp with, I also have made changes in my coaching which are reflective of the PBI method! This is HUGE! The PBI methodology is so sound it transcends the sport of tennis and is applicable to other sports as well! Just go! Grab some friends and go! You’ll thank me!
Jim Leupold and his Impeccable staff (Shea Donohue and Zack) are absolutely first rate. …collectively they provide.a perfect blend of tennis savvy and sociability. I had the chance to take private lessons with all three instructors over a recent stay, with the primary aim of addressing a wonky two-handed backhand. Each instructor had concise, clear, discernible tips about how to improve upon the swing and address deficiencies. Apart from the caliber of instruction, you simply have three delightful,personalities. I had no idea that Jim was the tennis teaching icon that he is because he is so humble, and his connections and experience in the tennis world are pretty staggering. Shea D and Zach were tennis and pickle ball (a game I had never tried before) instructors for me…. both are new to the resort (Zack just two weeks in) and provide encouragement and enthusiasm in equal measure. I initially stumbled on to the tennis facility at the JW Marriott Desert Springs quite by accident. I was staying at the Ritz a few years ago, which does not have tennis on property, so they sent me over to the Marriott. In was an utter revelation on first sight- beautiful sunken in grass courts as a centerpiece, surrounded by elevated hard and clay courts with a top quality pro shop. It gets better with each visit. If you love tennis you are doing yourself a disservice by not experiencing the amazing staff and facilities at the Marriott.
Took three instructional lessons with Jim Leupold. Fantastic teacher!