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.
486 Reviews on “JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa - Peter Burwash International”
Jim is the best instructor I’ve ever had who focuses on strategy and explaining everything in a way that finally makes sense!
Jim is the best coach!
We have been going to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa for the last 20 years, having first discovered it attending a conference. Now we come for the superb tennis experience first and foremost, with excellent pros, fun clinics and friendly fellow tennis enthusiasts. The spa, the location, the resort itself and the food is great as well!
My friend and I have gone to the JW for over 10 years to do the clinics everyday then head to PNB pro tennis tournament . We look forward to the competitive clinics. We are paired with people at our level and the instructors guide us through drills to hone our doubles skills. Every year we walk away with concrete ways to continue to improve. I so appreciate the head Pro Jim Leupold and the staff he puts together to teach us. I recommend this resort to all tennis players at all skill levels. You will learn and have fun and make new tennis friends.
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and especially the tennis facilities run by Jim Leupold and his PBI staff are exceptional. I have travelled to many resorts around the globe and have played tennis at many idealic facilities, but can honestly say that the JW Marriott facilities and Jim Leupold are the catalysts that bring me back annually for the past 8-9 years (sometimes bi-annually). Do yourself a favour, visit the JW Marriott and Jim at least once – I bet you’ll become hooked like I have become.
Lots of tennis courts Long walks to car and around hotel due to large size Can be difficult to find pool chairs
The Marriott Desert Springs on a macro basis is an incredible experience in all respects! I personally believe that one of the real treasures of the resort is the lawn and Tennis! I have been to many tennis resorts around the country and the Tennis Center at the Marriott is one of the very best I’ve ever been to! Facilities are tremendous the atmosphere is highly positive, The quality of the tennis Director and his staff is unparalleled in my opinion! And I personally believe that given all these exceptional qualities, it makes the lawn and tennis center the jewel of the Marriott resort!
I have told my tennis friends that you have to go to the Desert Springs Marriott where tennis director Jim Leupold puts on terrific clinics, and events like the social tournament where you play on all three surfaces (hard, grass and HarTru) with different partners. Such a blast, and by the end of the day you have a large group of people to call on for matches during your stay. I always pack extra shoes and clothes because I spend hours on the courts for days. The surrounding view of the mountains is just spectacular. During the peak season Jim has a number of really good young pros that he brings in to help with clinics and events. I have been going there in the fall for more than a decade and its highlight of my desert stay.
Playing tennis at the JW Marriott during the Indian Wells tournament was such a magical experience. If you’re planning a trip to Palm Springs you HAVE to play tennis at the JW Mariott. The grounds are gorgeous, the staff were wonderful and so helpful, and the pros were high energy, very knowledgeable, and helped me improve many aspects of my game. We played on the hard court, clay, and grass courts…how incredible to have the option of all 3! Seriously though, the pros… John, Josh, Jon, and of course Jim were amazing and I’m already planning my trip back for next year!
We went during the Indian Wells Tennis tournament in March. Loved that the hotel had a complementary shuttle service running to and from the tournament. Spent two days at the tournament, and spent another two days playing at tennis facilities at the resort. They had a nice selection of classes, and their tennis pros gave phenomenal private lessons. Everyone there was incredibly nice and accommodating. Definitely recommend!
This resort is amazing! The weather was incredible and the tennis courts are in great condition. I was able to arrange quality tennis as well as amazing time with the pros. I learned a tremendous amount as well as had a really good time. And the surrounding area is incredible also with lots to do!
Each year, we at Wilson Tennis need to choose a location to host our global marketing photoshoot, an event where we capture content with our top athletes. Choosing the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is the easiest decision we make all year! From a facility perspective, they have everything you need. Hard courts, clay courts, and of course, the picturesque grass courts. They have catering, shipping, storage, and printing services that their team successfully manages throughout the week. Their restaurants and hotel rooms on site are first class – we actually don’t leave the grounds all week because of all the great amenities on site. Most importantly, though, is the team that works in the Tennis Center, led by Tennis Director Jim Leupold. Jim and his team are so great to work with. Leading up and especially during our event, they always have a solution to anything we throw their way, and believe me, we throw A LOT their way. They are incredibly accommodating, professional, and best of all, friendly! Jim always makes a point to give a lesson to anyone on our team who asks, and even insists on doing it himself. Our week at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is by far our favorite work trip of the year, and so of course we have no hesitation recommending their resort and tennis center for any event you may want to host there. They’ll make any work event feel like a true vacation. Please, please just don’t take our week!
I have retired to the Valley and have taken lessons at all the clubs and resorts and Jim Leopard is the very best teacher in the entire Valley and also the best teacher I have ever had. He is clear, precise and 100% present when teaching, which is very rare in the tennis teaching world! Dora who works at the front desk is a joy to interact with and always so helpful in person and on the phone! The resort is lovely and the setting is amazing! This should be your only tennis destination in the Coachella Valley! The Best.
Jim Leupold and his tennis staff set the bar for professional and effective tennis instruction. I’ve never found better for the 2.5-4.0 level player. Courts are immaculate with all three surfaces (grass, clay, hard court) available for play. If you love tennis, this is your paradise.
Lots of good clinic offerings on the regular. I attended the tennis camp and found it to be enjoyable. I think grouping players by whether or not they have topspin would be a good idea. I got stuck with the ladies who wanted to chit chat instead of drill with intensity. It would be better to group those who want to hit a lot of balls and have topspin together so they aren’t frustrated with the social types with no topspin. I did voice my opinion and got moved to a better group so that made my experience much better.
I took a 4 day tennis camp for 4.0 level and above through PBI International. Jim and his staff were outstanding. The staff was so helpful, friendly, and met everyone where they were in their journey. I really appreciated how fun they made the camp; we were constantly in motion either practicing a new stroke or playing games. The evening dinner together was lovely. It was a nice chance to get to know the other “campers” and spend time with the instructors who are all such lovely people. I highly recommend this camp. I don’t think there are any “weaknesses” as the time was well used; for the weekend tennis warrior, but be prepared for a LOT of tennis! 🙂
Second time for a tennis camp at JW Marriot Desert Hot Springs and it didn’t disappoint. Great tennis clinics, despite the rainy weather. Would highly recommend.
I attended the first World Tennis Camp (Cliff Drysdale and Peter Burwash companies). In order to attend this special camp, one had to be 4.0 and above. The staff was superb, clearly energetic, experienced in teaching, and very organized. We each filled out a survey of desired results and they clearly read them and organized accordingly. We also were able to play on hard/clay/grass. Some of the attendees over-rated themselves (I am a high 4.5 and some of the 4.5 rated players were under 4.0). Nevertheless, there were enough strong players for even a 4.5 player. I would attend again! (Please come if you are a strong player and want to have a great time!)
Great staff! Suberb instruction! Loved every minute of my time there.
My favorite part of the resort stay was our pickleball lessons and the tennis camp. My husband took beginner lessons with Linda Paulding. I took the intermediate lessons and played with Linda and another couple staying at the resort.
Josh led an excellent pickleball drill on serve/return. Knowledgeable, fun, best instructor ever! Highly recommend him
Today for our introduction to pickle ball, we were fortunate enough to be coached by Linda Paulding! Coach Linda was incredibly good at teaching us how to play this super fun game. I have no experience with tennis either and she made a very easy for me to feel comfortable and learn the rules of the game while having a lot of fun! I really appreciated having such a phenomenal teacher! I can’t wait to go back and have another lesson from LINDA! So grateful she was my first instructor as otherwise I think I would have been simply lost. I very highly recommend Linda!
Fabulous resort with outstanding tennis and amazing meals. The clinic was instructional and fun! Thanks, John and Joshua! The dinner was romantic and delicious. Champaign toast was so thoughtful! What a great way to celebrate our 30th anniversary weekend! Thank you, JW Marriott team! A perfect 10!
I have played tennis my whole life and the head pro Jim, is the best instructor I’ve ever worked with. He has a gift of explaining concepts and finding ways to improve my game. I love the clinics!!
I visit the desert for a few months during the winter and was so pleased to have been introduced to the Desert Springs tennis program. I’ve found the instruction to be first rate and the location very convenient to my needs while residing on a part-time basis in the desert. I’ve been going to Desert Springs for some years now and I could not be more pleased with my experience. Of course no program can be complete or competitive without good instruction and that is where Desert Springs really shines. Jim Leupold and his staff of professionals really add a great deal to the tennis experience and they have made a real difference in my tennis. I’ve gained skill and confidence while playing that have made a huge difference in my ability. I can recommend Desert Springs and the tennis staff without reservation – it’s a great place with great people!
Nothing can compare with this resort. It is beautifully situated on an incredible pieces of property. It is unique. A true desert experience, amazing views, sports, relaxation and glamor if you need it. The Spa is excellent. There is enough to do at the resort that you don’t ever have to leave the property. And yet you never feel crowded, the place is spacious and well designed. You feel inspired just being there. The Tennis is absolutely my favorite. Jim Leupold is an exceptional Leader, Manager and Tennis Pro an, all round great individual. I recommend the offerings at the tennis center, incredible lessons, personalized attention and amazing courts in a great setting. My tennis has improved one hundred fold because of the quality of the teaching. My only point of weakness would be regarding the appearance of the court surface and the green chain link and canvas. It could do with sprucing up! It does not look as this has been refreshed in a long time. The current state of these things does nothing to promote the brilliant tennis program on offer at the Marriott. The tennis experience is US Open quality 100%. Jim Leupold gives his professional heart and expertise to maintain the offerings there, I have witnessed his friendliness, and helpful and informed attention as he reaches out to everyone who walks in the door. It doesn’t make sense that the look of the courts is not top level , he is top level and so is the resort, the tennis courts should represent that too! Come on, Marriott!
I’m at resort somewhat out of season so not many games around and I had to partake in clinics which I don’t usually do. Fun nonetheless. Jim L and Scott are both outstanding.
Loved the tennis here. Less warm ups needed in clinics. I would be willing to sign up ahead to have more tailored choices. I would not mind ability to have private lessons earlier in the day but I need to plan around tennis ahead of time. I understand the need to schedule at the last minute but it may be a good idea to have a few of my vacation days set up ahead! Thanks for the great program.
I came to tennis camp with 3 girlfriends and we had a blast! We met lots of new people and our pros were super fun and taught us some new concepts I hadn’t learned anywhere else. Highly recommend.
Every year I take private lessons from Jim Leupold. He is excellent. He is patient as well as knowledgeable. My tennis improves each and every time. Plenty of courts for you to play tennis in addition to lessons. There is also plenty of clinics to take.
Jim and staff at JW Marriott Desert Springs are world class. I can’t recommend the tennis facilities and instruction enough. It was simply the best time immersed in tennis for 3 days.
Jim Leupold and staff were awesome. This camp exceeded every expectation I had. I really hope they put on another camp soon!!
Jim Leopoldo is a fabulous genuine coach and player. His instruction techniques are easy to follow and learn from. He has a great sense of humor which make lessons even more fun! Dora runs an amazing pro shop. Her selection of clothing is unsurpassed! Love chatting with her every morning. Miquel the groundskeepers remembers my name and is always happy to see me. Love the surroundings. I have only positive things to say about my team. I come every Feb and it is my home away from home for 2 weeks!
Best tennis and Picklball anywhere! Highly recommended!
I return every year for an outstanding week of drills, clinics, tournaments, and round robin play. The facility is first rate with hard courts, clay courts, and grass courts. The pro staff is the best with Jim Leupold leading a wonderful group who always make my week memorable and I go home with my game improved and new drills to work with for the following year. I enthusiastically recommend this resort without any reservations.
I have been returning annually for 8 years to play and learn from Jim Leupold who is the director of tennis. He is amazing talent, and a super nice person as well. In fact, everyone from court maintenance staff to the front desk staff and all the pros are super nice! All of the tennis court surfaces are available to play on and , the pickleball courts are amazing (they even offer grass badminton). The tennis programs and lessons (and all the pros) are with PBI International so it’s top notch. I have been spoiled playing there.
Well worth attending the PBI (Peter Burwash International) tennis venue. Probably the best around (i.e. tennis venues and big tennis houses).
The pro, Jim Leupold, is the best tennis instructor in all of the Coachella Valley. If you want to improve your tennis take his class!
great place, great people. have brought others into resort and program.
You have a choice of multiple hard courts, 3 clay had-tru courts and 2 grass courts. Multiple clinics everyday Wonderful friendly staff Superb hotel, spa and workout facility Time share condos are also fantastic
The focus of this review is about the tennis program – 1. The tennis program is very effective and flexible for beginners through highly skilled players 2. Players have many options for participating – from solo lessons to groups of 8 3. Courts include hard court, clay and grass 4. The program can develop a “private tennis camp” for your group (which we will try to get done in the next year) 5. The tennis executive director – Jim -(a) can accomplish a great deal for each player if he is given information in advance and (b) he is an outstanding coach //
I happen to be a privilege person who lives at the Marriott desert springs estates. The entire experience here at the Estates at Desert Springs, where I own a home is incomparable one of the greatest tennis centers in the country a fantastic management team spearheaded by the general manager, the greatest in my opinion, after 60 years of playing tennis the greatest tennis center in the country it is an absolutely fantastic incredible unbelievable wonderful experience, living here at the Estates and having the greatest resort in the world at my disposal! And I should add that Jim Leupold, the tennis Director is probably the best tennis Director in the country and I have been to many many many tennis centers