From Wave Lagoons to Adults-Only Retreats, These Are the Best Pools in the Desert

Greater Palm Springs offers 24 exceptional pools ranging from family waterparks to adults-only retreats to romance-focused infinity pools. The desert’s year-round sunshine makes these pools a lifestyle destination, not just a vacation amenity. The 24 best hotel pools in Greater Palm Springs include Omni Rancho Las Palmas’ Splashtopia Water Park with twin 100-foot slides, Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage’s adults-only mountain-view deck and JW Marriott Desert Springs’ five-pool complex accessible by boat.

It’s a pool-hopping paradise, where every cannonball, mojito and sun-kissed selfie adds to the memory reel. And this year, the scene just got even splashier with new additions and a wave lagoon unlike anything in the desert. So grab your swimsuit, a good book and that friend with the best poolside snacks. These are the 24 coolest pools in Greater Palm Springs that are always in season. For more boutique options with stellar pools, check out what Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels has curated across the valley.

 

RANCHO MIRAGE

1. Slides, Shade & a Gaming Cabana? Yes, Please.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa delivers one of the desert’s most complete aquatic experiences across three distinct pool areas. Splashtopia, the resort’s two-acre water park, features two 100-foot waterslides, a 425-foot lazy river, a cliff-side hot tub, a sandy beach and water-play zones with fountains and sprinklers. The Conchilla Valley Pool is the family hub, with cabanas, a splash pad and a gaming cabana for teens. The adults-only Azure Pool offers oversized daybeds and a quieter retreat from the waterpark energy. When hunger hits, the Conchilla Valley Pool Bar and Grill serves cocktails and California-coastal cuisine, while Splash Grill turns out burgers and tropical drinks steps from the slides. 

Note: A planned renovation project is underway at the resort. Pool areas are expected to remain accessible, but guests should confirm availability of specific amenities directly before visiting. 

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
41000 Bob Hope Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.568.2727

 

2. Romance With a View

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage delivers on every count: elegant ambiance, sweeping panoramic views and manicured grounds perched above the Coachella Valley. Two pool decks anchor the experience. The Air Pool is open to all ages with poolside bar and restaurant service from the Air Pool Bar, which serves everything from light bites to cocktails without leaving your lounge chair. The adults-only Vista Pool offers some of the most breathtaking views of the mountains and desert floor in the valley, making it a natural draw for couples and honeymooners. Cabanas at both pools come loaded with flat-screen TVs, ceiling fans, mini-fridges and a personal attendant. It’s refined, romantic and effortlessly memorable. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
68900 Frank Sinatra Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.321.8282

 

3. High Rollers, Meet Your Pool

At Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, summer is the season to skip the hotel stay and dive straight into a day pass. The resort offers three distinct options, making it easy to tailor the experience to your mood. The WetBar pool resort sprawls across 50,000 square feet with a crystal-clear swimming pool, bubbling spa, eight luxe private cabanas and a freshly launched summer cocktails and food menu. Day passes are $75 per person on a first-come, first-served basis starting at noon, no reservation needed. The Forbes Five-Star Sunstone Spa offers its own $75 day pass by reservation, with access to a private pool, halotherapy and menthol dry sauna. And The Spa at Séc-he, ranked among the top three spas in North America by Spas of America, takes it further with its Taking of the Waters Day Pass: mineral baths, halotherapy salt caves, eucalyptus steam room, zero-gravity vibrational loungers and a resort-style pool, from $135. Whether you’re here to splash, sip or fully decompress, Agua Caliente makes the self-care day pass an art form. 

Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
32-250 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
888.999.1995
760.202.2121 (Sunstone Spa reservations)

 

4. For the Family Who Plans to Stay a While

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa was built for families who want to do it all. Set on 360 acres, the resort offers three pools, with Las Brisas as the family centerpiece: an expansive, palm-framed pool deck anchored by dual 30-foot waterslides (one enclosed, one open) that deliver equal amounts of screaming and laughing. Parents can claim a cabana, order a frozen cocktail from the Caliente Bar and finally crack open that book on the to-read list. When the kids need a break from the slides, the Caliente Bar serves poolside bites and beverages to keep everyone happy and hydrated. For a quieter retreat, the adults-only Las Hadas pool offers a more peaceful escape from the main pool energy. 

Note: The resort is undergoing renovations through July 31, 2026. Guests should confirm pool accessibility directly before visiting. 

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
71333 Dinah Shore Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.328.5955

 

PALM DESERT

5. A Boat Ride to Your Plunge

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa earns its reputation as one of the desert’s most distinctive resort experiences before you even reach the pool. Electric boat tours glide through the property’s scenic lake waterways daily, offering 20-minute rides past flamingoes, swans and koi for $5 per person, a fitting preview of what awaits. The resort features five outdoor pools, with the main Oasis Pool kept at a perfect 84 degrees year-round and framed by mountain views, swaying palms and championship golf courses. Cabanas, daybeds and lounge chairs are available to reserve, and the Oasis Poolside Bar & Grille keeps food, cocktails and seasonal live entertainment flowing all day long. Whether you spend the afternoon on the water or in it, this Palm Desert resort delivers. 

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
74855 Country Club Dr
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.341.2211

 

6. Art, Cocktails & Poolside Cool

With an angular porte-cochère, marble-floored lobby and rotating art gallery, Hotel Paseo blends midcentury modern design with a California-cool aesthetic. Yellow sun umbrellas and splashes of blue add punches of color to the white canvas of the pool area. Guest rooms surround the space on all sides. The hotel offers cabanas for rent for extra-leisurely comfort, but get there early, as space is limited to just a few. The Lemon Drop Pool Bar provides food, drinks and live entertainment, while the hotel’s on-site Larkspur Grill serves elevated, casual All-American fare. Beyond the pool deck, another major draw is the property’s proximity to El Paseo, Palm Desert’s mecca for shopping and dining. Stroll the nearby art galleries and take in everything this iconic street has to offer.

Hotel Paseo
45400 Larkspur Lane 
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.340.9001

 

7. Hanging Ten in the Desert

You read that right. DSRT Surf is bringing one of the most anticipated new experiences to Greater Palm Springs. Located at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, the 5.5-acre Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon will generate up to 1,000 ocean-like waves per hour with simultaneous rights, lefts, beginner rollers and performance barrels, allowing newcomers and seasoned surfers to share the water at the same time.

Beyond the surf, guests can enjoy surf lessons and a Surf Academy, along with a leisure pool, pickleball courts, yoga and locally sourced food and beverage offerings. The project is currently under construction and is expected to open later this summer, with an official opening date still to be announced. A luxury hotel and private villas are also planned for future phases. Consider this your hot tip: once opening details are released, everyone will be talking about it.

DSRT Surf
38550 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
For reservations and inquiries, visit dsrtsurf.com. 

 

INDIAN WELLS

8. Waterpark Dreams, Grown-Up Amenities

Families, rejoice. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas has officially leveled up pool day. Home to HyTides Plunge, a full-blown water park, the resort delivers everything your kids have ever dreamed of. Expect 30-foot dueling waterslides, a lazy river, a splash pad with spray zones and a soaking bucket primed for squeals. But don’t worry, it’s not all high-energy chaos. Shaded lounge chairs, private cabanas and nine sparkling pools give grown-ups plenty of chill zones. Order a mojito and watch your kids clock their tenth lap around the lazy river without ever leaving your lounger. Ideal for a weekend or a full week, this all-ages playground makes a splash every single time.

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
44600 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA 92210
760.776.1234

 

9. Beach Vibes, No Ocean Required

You don’t need the coast to get genuine beach vibes in Greater Palm Springs. At the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, guests can experience one of the area’s most beloved sandy beach-entry resort pools. Throw down a towel or pull up a lounge chair and settle into a one-of-a-kind poolside escape. The sprawling pool complex extends from the “beach” to a lineup of cabanas, daybeds and the excellent H2O Pool Bar. And don’t worry: they serve way more than just water.

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
44400 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA 92210
760.773.4444

 

10. Island Energy, Desert Address

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa brings the brand’s signature barefoot elegance to Greater Palm Springs in a big way. Set on 11 acres of olive trees and fragrant citrus groves, the resort features three saltwater pools, including the signature Tommy Bahama Pool with private cabanas and the quieter Hideaway Pool for those seeking a more relaxed escape. Cabanas come with complimentary margaritas and a sun care kit, proof of resort service at its finest. Shaded daybeds, soaking pools and sweeping Santa Rosa Mountain views round out the experience. The new Grapefruit Basil restaurant serves coastal-inspired dishes and seasonal craft cocktails, while the poolside Chiki Palm bar keeps the drinks flowing all afternoon. At Spa Rosa, desert botanical treatments and eucalyptus steam rooms take the stay from relaxed to fully revived. Wear your most colorful swimsuit. This place demands it. 

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa
45000 Indian Wells Lane 
Indian Wells, CA 92210
442.305.4500

 

LA QUINTA

11. 42 Pools. Enough Said.

Elegantly combining luxury with Spanish-style charm, La Quinta Resort & Club feels celebratory no matter the calendar date. With 42 sparkling pools (including a main deck, a secluded adults-only pool and dozens of private plunge, casita and lap pools), this 45-acre resort is the ultimate destination for a bachelorette weekend. Enjoy poolside drinks with your bride tribe and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain ranges while floating in the desert sunshine. One visit and it’s easy to see why La Quinta Resort & Club is hailed as one of the best resorts in the region.

La Quinta Resort & Club
49499 Eisenhower Drive
La Quinta, CA 92253
760.564.4111

 

CATHEDRAL CITY

12. Tee Off, Then Cool Off

The pool at DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort Palm Springs is anything but average. An Olympic-sized pool and two hot tubs sit framed by palms and the Coachella Valley’s stunning mountain backdrop. The 5,000-square-foot sundeck gives the whole setup a resort-level feel. After a morning round of golf or pickleball, the crew can splash around or settle in for some poolside R&R. A poolside menu keeps poolside bites and beverages close at hand, while plenty of seating ensures adults with cocktails and energetic kids can each find their own corner. It’s spacious, scenic and built for a full day of play.

DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort Palm Springs
67967 Vista Chino
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.322.7000

 

13. Poolside Art Hours

With its flamingo-pink umbrellas, cozy loungers and fire pits that glow after dark, The Paloma Resort is a vibrant, vintage escape you’ll want to post about before you’ve unpacked. This mid-century-inspired property feels like a cool cousin to the Beverly Hills Hotel, the kind that got into art and moved to the desert. At the chic on-site restaurant Sol y Sombra, poolside cocktails encourage serious lingering. It’s a pool scene that makes you want to cancel your dinner reservations and stay horizontal until sunset.

The Paloma Resort
67670 Carey Road
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.864.1177

 

PALM SPRINGS

14. Sky-High Sips & San Jacinto Views

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is the only rooftop hotel pool in downtown Palm Springs, and it earns that distinction. Perched seven stories above the valley atop Palm Springs’ tallest building, the pool offers unparalleled views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the sprawling desert below. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Palm Springs Windmills. The design philosophy blends seamlessly with the natural scenery, making guests feel immersed in the landscape rather than just looking at it. Cabanas and daybeds are available for daily rental, and lounge chairs line the deck for those who prefer to claim their spot without a reservation. Non-hotel guests can also access the rooftop by booking a cabana or daybed. High Bar, the rooftop poolside bar, serves classic and retro cocktails, Coachella Valley craft beers and crisp California wines alongside poolside bites. Every Saturday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., a deep house DJ series transforms the deck into an open-air lounge for golden hour through dusk, with no cover charge. New this summer, High Bar’s island cocktail menu arrives served chilled in fresh young coconut, with options like the Tropical Gin Spritz, the Spicy Island Paloma and the Watermelon Elixir, available in both signature and zero-proof versions. Settle in as the mountains do their thing. 

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
100 West Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.904.5015

 

15. Where Design Meets the Deep End

If you’re the type to coordinate your swimsuit with your spritz, Thompson Palm Springs is your poolside playground. This palm-studded paradise brings two sparkling pools to the scene. One is steps from the action and one perched up high, exclusively for adults, with knockout views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Swanky daybeds, high-design everything and DJ sets turn lazy pool days into curated social moments. Plush loungers line the rooftop pool, and there’s always a cocktail within arm’s reach. Between the mid-century glamour and skyline sunsets, every moment feels camera-ready. And yes, someone is always watching (in the best possible way).

Thompson Palm Springs
414 N Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.1234

 

16. Pool Parties, Retro Flair & Really Good Cocktails

A hotel born from hipster dreams, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs has a continuously buzzing pool scene, beloved by festival-goers and weekenders escaping LA. With a distinctive boho style and retro flair, the Ace carries a musical energy with weekend DJ pool parties that have become a Palm Springs tradition. A poolside bar keeps the libations flowing. Try the Cosmic Time, made with vodka, Lillet Blanc, lemon, rosemary and raspberry. When you need a quieter moment, a separate zen pool is waiting. Come for the DJ, and stay for the vibe.

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs
701 East Palm Canyon Drive 
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.325.9900

 

17. Wes Anderson Called, and He Wants a Cabana

Parker Palm Springs is ultra-luxe and dripping in nostalgia, with a mid-century vibe and a contemporary twist courtesy of interior designer Jonathan Adler. The 13-acre grounds feature three pools, each with its own distinct personality. The Silicon Valley Pool is the family-friendly main event, with spacious sundecks, padded loungers and striped umbrellas outfitted in the kind of glamour that could only be described as Wes Anderson in a swimsuit. The adults-only Gene Autry Pool offers a quieter, more intimate escape, enclosed by tall hedging with its own poolside service. And the indoor Palm Springs Yacht Club pool, tucked inside the resort’s full-service spa, is the calm, distraction-free sanctuary for those who want to disappear entirely. The Parker says it best: “A variety of pools for every mood.” 

Parker Palm Springs
4200 East Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.770.5000

 

18. All Pink Everything

Trixie Motel brings pink-and-chic energy to Palm Springs in a big way. The boutique motel is the vision of Brian Firkus (known by his drag persona, Trixie Mattel) and David Silver. With help from the Property Brothers, the duo transformed this space into a one-of-a-kind desert destination. The pool area leans fully into the aesthetic, awash in vibrant shades of pink. Iconic heart-shaped floaties complete the Barbie-esque vibe. The pool is reserved for guests but can be booked for private events like bachelorette parties, bridal showers and maximum TikTok content. Your For You Page will never be the same.

Trixie Motel
210 W Stevens Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.808.0014

 

19. Color Therapy in Pool Form

Designed in the boldest desert hues imaginable, The Saguaro Palm Springs is that colorful hotel you’ve seen everywhere on Instagram. Architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat infused the property with a palette drawn from indigenous desert flowers, and the result is a vivid, joy-inducing place that’s impossible to scroll past. The buzzing pool scene anchors the entire 244-room property, with poolside daybeds and cabanas bookable in advance (and worth every second of planning). El Jefe Desert Cantina serves fresh-fruit margaritas, tacos on the lawn and a happy hour (Monday–Friday from noon to 6 p.m.) for maximum poolside fueling. On weekends, the legendary Drag Brunch brings the performances straight to you.

The Saguaro Palm Springs
1800 East Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.323.1711

 

20. Three Pools, Zero Pretension

Nestled across four lush, privately landscaped acres in downtown Palm Springs, Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs is a quiet stunner. The Kelly Wearstler–designed interiors carry through to a thoughtfully layered pool situation. You’ll find three heated outdoor pools, all framed by citrus trees, manicured gardens and shaded cabanas. The Chi Chi restaurant serves California-clean cuisine with bold flavors, and its poolside setting makes brunch one of the best decisions you’ll make all weekend. The vibe here is intimate, design-forward and blissfully off the beaten path. It’s a true downtown escape with spa treatment rooms and two hot tubs to seal the deal.

Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs
415 South Belardo Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.318.3012

 

21. Award-Winning, Adults-Only & Absolutely Worth It

Villa Royale has been a Palm Springs icon since 1947, and it hasn’t lost a single ounce of its appeal. Set across 3.5 acres, the property blends Spanish Colonial charm with the warmth and character that defined Palm Springs just before its iconic midcentury modern era, feeling more like a private desert estate than a traditional hotel. Named a USA Today 10Best winner for best hotel pool, this adults-only retreat sits at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains and radiates eclectic Old California elegance at every turn. Three heated pools (including a stunning main pool and a cold plunge) feature free cabanas, lounge chairs and attentive poolside service. The 36 uniquely designed rooms are layered with character, art and vintage details that give each one a sense of old Palm Springs romance. The beloved Del Rey restaurant and bar serves tapas-style dinners and moody craft cocktails on the terrace, while complimentary continental breakfast sets the tone each morning. With no kids, no televisions and no distractions, you’ll find pure bliss. 

Villa Royale
1620 South Indian Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-327-2314

 

22. Mid-Century Cool, Saltwater Style

Del Marcos Hotel is one of the most photographed buildings in Palm Springs, and for good reason. Originally designed in 1947 by architect William F. Cody, this 17-room adults-only retreat sits just one block from downtown Palm Springs in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood. At its heart is a heated saltwater pool surrounded by mountain views, poolside chaises, tables and umbrellas. Complimentary beach cruiser bikes and a complimentary continental breakfast sweeten the deal. If you’ve been looking for a quieter, more design-forward escape from the big-resort scene, this is your place. The architecture alone is worth the reservation. 

Del Marcos Hotel
225 West Baristo Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262 
760.325.6902

 

23. Ranch Chic, Michelin Approved

Originally built in 1952 as Hollywood actor Don Castle’s retreat, Sparrows Lodge has become one of Palm Springs’ most treasured adults-only escapes. The 20-room property is rustic in the most elevated sense. Think exposed beam ceilings, horse-trough soaking tubs, Swiss Army blankets and not a television in sight. The pool sits at the center of the front courtyard, ringed by plush lounge chairs, palm trees and afternoon misters. A poolside hot tub completes the setup. When hunger calls, The Barn Kitchen (a Michelin Guide recommended restaurant) serves refined rustic American cuisine made with locally-sourced Coachella Valley ingredients. Campfire s’mores at the fire pit round out the evening. It’s a summer camp for discerning adults, and it never gets old.

Sparrows Lodge
1330 East Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.2300

 

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

24. The Soak That Changes Everything

Located in Desert Hot Springs, home to some of the world’s purest hot and cold mineral springs, Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis is a non-negotiable for anyone who needs a reset. A soak here goes beyond simple relaxation. The mineral-rich waters and serene desert setting melt away stress and leave you feeling completely renewed. While massages, body treatments and facials are all available, the real star is the natural mineral spring water itself. The resort features five mineral pools ranging from 85 to 104 degrees, a temperature for every mood and every aching muscle. This is self-care in its most elemental form.

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis
67589 Hacienda Avenue
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
760.251.2000

 

THE FULL ROSTER: FIND YOUR POOL

No time to read? Here’s the cheat sheet:

For the family with little ones: Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (#1) or Grand Hyatt Indian Wells (#8). For the bachelorette crew: La Quinta Resort & Club (#11) or Trixie Motel (#18). For the honeymooners: The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (#2) or Villa Royale (#21). For the design obsessives: Thompson Palm Springs (#15), Avalon Hotel (#20) or Del Marcos Hotel (#22). For the adults-only escape: Azure Palm Hot Springs (#24), Sparrows Lodge (#23) or Del Marcos (#22). For the Insta feed: The Saguaro (#19), Trixie Motel (#18) or DSRT Surf (#7, coming Summer 2026!).

Greater Palm Springs is made up of nine cities, each with a distinct personality and a pool worth diving into. For trip planning, visit Visit Greater Palm Springs and explore boutique pool properties through Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels.