Best Pools for Relaxing in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is hard to beat in terms of laying out by the pool & relaxing. I lived there for six years, & return every winter to get out of the Oregon cold….so let’s just say, I’m pretty familiar with the Palm Springs pool scene! Practically every hotel, & most home rentals, offer pools ~ which makes the desert a mecca for those seeking some much-needed Vitamin D. But which ones are the best for chilling out?? That’s what we’ll dig into here, as we tour the “Best Pools for Relaxing in Palm Springs!”
Adults-only Del Marcos Hotel is one of my top choices for poolside relaxation in Palm Springs. Photo: Del Marcos.
In terms of relaxation, an Adult’s-Only hotel is the way to go. While this doesn’t always guarantee a quiet pool ~ there’s a much better chance of it! Hotels like the Del Marcos (pictured above), sexy Villa Royale, & intimate Old Ranch Inn are just a few of the great adult’s-only hotels in Palm Springs…
Get Ready for Palm Springs…
Best Palm Springs Pools for “Chilling”
The Riviera/Margaritaville is a fantastic place for a girl’s weekend ~ especially if laying out with a drink is your #1 goal. With two different pools: the 5-O’Clock Somewhere Pool & Lone Palm Pool, there’s always a place to chill out & enjoy the view. Even the names of their restaurants invite you to “chill-ax:” Come Monday Cafe, 5-O’Clock Somewhere Bar, & License to Chill, where you can grab a cold brew or frozen beverage.
Check prices at the Margaritaville here.
Lounge poolside at the Margaritaville Resort (formerly The Riviera).
No hotel has more “Mad Men” vibes than Adults-Only, mid-century modern Del Marcos. If you’re looking for a getaway without the kids ~ & a chic, intimate pool: check in here. The property’s 1960’s-feel, combined with well-designed, indoor-outdoor living spaces make this both a comfortable as well as nostalgic stay. Walk next-door to sister property La Serena Villas & try the gorgeous rooftop Azucar restaurant.Â
With only 17 rooms, the Del Marcos is the ultimate chill, adult’s only retreat. Photo: Del Marcos.
3. The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
The Avalon Hotel used to be called the Viceroy. And Viceroys, which were created by celebrity designer Kelly Wearstler, always give off a bit of movie-star vibes. This hotel is small & intimate ~ but they’re still family-friendly & pet-friendly. Upscale cabanas & sunny loungers invite you to kick off your shoes & soak in the sun, read a magazine, & sip a bellini…
“Chill” & “adult” is the vibe at TWO of the Avalon’s THREE pools. And all are hidden behind nice privacy hedges.
4. Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs
Kimpton Rowan’s sexy rooftop restaurant & pool are an amazing place for an upscale day of relaxation. The overall vibe is “trendy chill,” but with great people-watching ~ a nice mix. Tucked up against the mountains, views are breathtaking. And their location right by the main corner in town is great for walking….everywhere.
Kimpton Rowan is tucked right against the mountains with a STUNNING rooftop pool. This is a great place to chill out. Photo: Rowan Kimpton.
Margaritaville Resort
Budget-Friendly with 2 Large Pools- Two large pools; Lone Palm = more relaxing
- Pool size = LARGE!
- Family-friendly
- Pet-friendly
- Poolside cabanas & day beds available
- 398 rooms
Del Marcos Hotel
Retro Adult's Only Retreat- Heated saltwater pool
- Small to mid-sized pool
- Adult’s Only
- Pet-friendly
- Loungers, fire pits, & cabanas available
- 17 rooms
The Avalon Hotel
Intimate Property with 3 Pools- 3 pools: 1 for family, 2 for adult’s only
- Pools are small to mid-sized
- Family-friendly
- Pet-friendly
- Hammocks, fire pits, self-shading loungers, & hot tubs
- 70 rooms & bungalows
Kimpton Rowan
Sleek & Sophisticated Getaway- Rooftop pool & bar with mountain views
- Mid-sized pool
- Adult’s Only
- Pet-friendly
- Private cabanas available + in-room spa services
- 153 rooms
Other Honorable Mentions….
- Old Ranch Inn ($199+/night): Adult’s only, intimate 8-room boutique hotel that’s lovingly run by its owners. Their small pool is always heated, & surrounded by flowers; hotel is walkable to downtown & restaurants. Great for romantic getaways or solo retreats.Â
- Villa Royale ($206+/night): An adult’s only, Art Deco-inspired Palm Springs getaway. Their rooms have *style* ~ & with 3 different pools, you’re guaranteed to find a quiet spot here. Perfect for a sexy couple’s weekend.
- Casa Cody ($249+/night): Historic bed & breakfast. Surrounded by pink bougainvillea, Casa Cody’s pools are oh-so-intimate. You’ve got the Mountain Pool & the Market Pool, as well as an on-site Spa to keep you relaxed. Great for girl’s getaways…
- Talavera Palm Springs ($450+/night): Another adult’s-only, intimate little paradise. With just 11 rooms, all-suites ~ this property is similar to the Old Ranch Inn: but more upscale. Great for a luxe bohemian getwaway.
A lush & tropical setting at Talavera Palm Springs.
Best Pools for Relaxing in Other Desert Cities…
1. La Quinta Resort ($279+)
Even though this article is titled “Palm Springs” ~ I’d be remiss to not mention the La Quinta Resort. NO other hotel in the entire desert has MORE pools than the La Quinta Resort….they have over 35 pools of all different shapes & sizes! This virtually guarantees that you can ALWAYS find a “chill” pool (as long as you avoid the two main pools, which are popular with families).
The La Quinta Resort has MORE pools than any hotel in the desert, which makes it a TOP choice for “chilling.” Photo: La Quinta Resort.
11. The Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort ($220+)
One more great “chill” pool is in Indian Wells. My friends & I used to do yoga on the lawn here (back when it was the Miramonte), & their Well Spa is one of the most relaxing in the desert. It’s recently been re-branded as a Tommy Bahama property ~ & their beautiful, large outdoor pool epitomizes relaxation. This is a great spot a relaxing desert retreat.
The Miramonte Resort is now the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort. Photo: Miramonte.
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I took a much-needed solo trip to the La Quinta Resort and loved their pool areas. I was always able to find a quiet, relaxing pool tucked away from the main pools. Just what I needed!
Thanks for your comment, Laura! The La Quinta Resort is truly one of the best places for a relaxing pool day. Cheers! xoxo