Driving along the winding road that leads to the Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, in Palm Desert, feels like following the road to Mandalay.
The avenue is lined with palms and overflowing flowerbeds. A lake surrounded by bougainvillea reflects trees and sky. The lawns are wide and gracious and populated by a few exotic birds.
As the sun sets behind Mt. San Jacinto, carts return from the golf and tennis club, women in colorful skirts glide in from the pools, children play in the fountains – it really seems like paradise.
The lobby is kind of an ecosystem. A multi-tiered courtyard with greenery cascading from surrounding balconies, and light streaming through floor to ceiling glass, it’s a vast but inviting space.
The sound of flowing water and live music fills the air, accompanied by the more general hum of voices and activity.
Blue and gold macaws from South America, a Moluccan cockatoo from Australia, and a plumed mystery bird, named Phillip, from New Guinea, observe visitors as they pass flowerbeds and waterfalls on their Escher-like descent to the dock. There a boat picks them up and ventures through archways and out to the lakes, for a tour or taxi service to one of the restaurants.
Beyond Starbucks and the mahogany bar an outdoor patio features a firepit, breathtaking landscape, meandering stream and the company of some friendly ducks. Not to mention courteous service, delicious treats and one of the finest Mai Tai’s in the valley.
The Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa sits on a 400-acre site near some of the best shopping, entertainment, recreation and cultural activities in the Palm Springs area. The resort includes 5 restaurants, 2 golf courses, 20 tennis courts, European Spa, fitness and basketball courts – all in one of the most luscious settings on earth. This is the kind of place that makes Palm Springs residents with they were on vacation!