Westin Desert Willow Villas: Your Ideal Desert Getaway

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

I love trying different resorts each time we go to the Palm Springs area, just to see what all is out there. But one that we could go to again and again is The Westin Desert Willow Villas. With spacious suites featuring fulls kitchens and separate living spaces, pools with waterslides and activities, and a game room that keeps the kids occupied for hours, it’s no wonder this is one of the best family resorts in the Palm Desert area.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes the Westin Desert Willow Resort so special and why you might want to pencil it in for your next desert getaway.

First Impressions & Setting

Westin Desert Willow Villas feels like a desert oasis. It’s a vacation-ownership resort but operates with resort-style amenities, so guests get a lot of space, comfort, and outdoor beauty. The landscaping, pools, and views of the surrounding mountains really lean into that desert serenity without sacrificing luxury.

So while there are owners there, you don’t have to be one. You can book it exactly how you book any other hotel—through the website or on your favorite travel app.

Westin Desert Willow Rooms & Villas — Spacious & Comfortable

One of the standout features is how spacious the accommodations are:

• They offer one- and two-bedroom villas, which is great for families with younger kids, or when the grandparents come along.
• The villas come with full kitchens or well-equipped kitchenettes, washers and dryers, which is awesome for longer stays or if you prefer cooking some of your meals.
• They also have the tried-and-true Westin Heavenly Beds & Baths. Plush, comfortable sleep stuff tends to count a lot on vacation.
• Balconies or patios are standard, so you can soak in the desert light / mountain views from your own space.

We booked a 1-bedroom villa which had a sofa bed in the living room and a small kitchen and dining area.

Pools & Outdoor Amenities — Major Relaxation + Fun

If you like lounging, swimming, or keeping active in the sun, this place delivers. In fact, I’ve ranked it as one of the top 5 resort pools in Palm Springs. When you stay here, you can enjoy:

• Multiple pools: there are multiple main pool areas (Mirage Pool, Ironwood Pool, Palo Verde Pool, plus a “Quiet Pool”) spread across different decks—some more energetic, others more serene.
• A 159-foot waterslide. Great for families or anyone who wants a bit of adventure with their swim. (Heads up: there’s a height minimum—single riders only, and need to be at least 48 inches tall.
• Cabanas (with fans & refrigerators) by the pools, whirlpool spas, a kiddie pool, etc. So there are spots for both downtime and playful stuff.
• A fitness center
• Activities like poolside Bingo, which my kids loved.

Dining On-Site & Nearby

Dining at The Westin Desert Willow Villas offers a range from casual pool fare to more relaxed sit-down options. Some of the onsite choices:

• Agave Grill & Bar — that’s their more substantial restaurant for dinner (burgers, hearty sandwiches, etc.), plus a full bar. Patio seating, nice ambiance.
• Sanctuary Pool Bar — perfect for a lighter bite, drinks, relaxing overlooking the golf course.
• Palo Verde Snack Shop — great for grabbing something quick (sandwiches, salads, cold drinks).
• Mountain View Marketplace — for early mornings; coffee, snacks, grab-and-go items. Handy for people who don’t want to venture off property for every meal.

One note: there’s no full room service, and complimentary breakfast is not currently included. So it helps to plan at least some meals onsite or nearby.

Things to Do On-Site or Very Close

You don’t have to leave the Westin Desert Willow Villas property to stay busy. The resort offers plenty to do–in fact my kids typically don’t want to leave. But when you do venture out, there are excellent options nearby.

On property / just adjacent:

• The resort is right by Desert Willow Golf Resort. If you like golf, this is huge: two championship courses, plus the Palm Desert Golf Academy is nearby. Access, views etc, are top notch.
• Outdoor amenities: sports, courts, walking, etc. Great for families or people who like staying active.
• Onsite game rooms with pool tables, shuffleboard, foosball, and more.

Nearby highlights:

• El Paseo Shopping District — upscale shopping, dining, galleries. Great for strolling and lunch.
• The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens — really close, good for all ages.
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — takes you up into the mountains for hiking, views, cooler air. If you’re up for a drive, very much worth it.
• Trails, gardens, and other desert experiences (sunsets, natural scenery) are abundant. If you like nature, there’s plenty around.
• Pioneertown — a bit further of a drive, but this quirky desert town is such a fun place to visit shops, grab a drink and maybe even catch a gunfight show in the Joshua Tree area.

What to Know About the Westin Desert Willow Villas

• The resort is rated very highly by guests; people tend to praise its cleanliness, amenities, and overall property condition.
• Be aware of a few logistic things: there is construction next to the golf resort lot that might cause noise during business hours.
• Some amenities (like certain pool areas, cabanas, etc.) may require reservation or incur extra cost. Always good to check ahead.
• No resort fees, and complimentary Wi-Fi in villas/public areas. Nice plus.

Final Thoughts on the Westin Desert Willow Villas Resort

If you’re looking for a desert escape that doesn’t skimp on comfort or amenities, Westin Desert Willow Villas is a strong pick. It’s roomy, well-appointed, good for families but also relaxing for couples, with both action and chill built in. When I plan a stay there, I always budget at least one day to enjoy the resort itself — pool lounging, dining onsite, maybe a round of golf — and then carve out time to explore the local desert character, shopping, and nature.

Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commission if used to make purchases. This doesn’t cost you a penny extra, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.