Some days, you want to change up the scenery – like spending the day at a dreamy hotel poolscape – without spending the money on an overnight hotel stay. Or maybe you crave a luxurious spa day to rejuvenate, where you can spend an afternoon using a resort’s amenities after a massage or facial. ResortPass offers a resort experience without a stay, even bookable days at a hotel’s fitness center and experiences like day rooms, cabanas and daybeds.
Similar to Uber, Airbnb, ClassPass or the Swimply app (where you can rent someone’s backyard pool), ResortPass is a source for booking a day-cation, lounging away in a hotel pool setting or taking advantage of a resort’s amenities. Starting at $25, you can find locations in over 400 cities, in more than 30 countries, with a wide presence in North America and the Caribbean. Major metro areas with the most listings include Los Angeles, Scottsdale and Miami. ResortPass partners with many major hotel brands such as Hyatt, Marriott and Four Seasons, as well as charming boutique destinations. Prices and amenities vary by location.
We had an exceptional massage (with Jasmin) and facial experience (with Dianna who has been in the business for over 30 years) at the One Spa at Shutters Santa Monica. It was amazing to relax in the outdoor jacuzzi and lounge atop the ocean between spa services. I basically had the whole place to myself on an overcast, moody-sky Sunday.
One of the best places to use ResortPass is Greater Palm Springs, because of the plethora of sexy boutique hotels. We tried out ResortPass at two desert locations, both totally different experiences, so make sure you read the reviews and check out the spa or hotel amenities offered before booking, to ensure you have the experience you desire. Consider reading about the vibe of the pool beforehand, especially if you want an adults-only quiet setting, food delivered to your lounge chair, or are seeking a social party scene.
Avalon Hotel and Bungalows in Palm Springs
Spending time at Avalon Hotel and Bungalows was my idea of the ultimate day, as this chic boutique hideaway feels private and uber sexy, with intimate pools in view of mountain vistas and swaying palm trees. It was hard to leave. I began with a massage by Jackie, at the hotel’s Estrella Spa, where I was melted into utter Zen. The masseuse’s expertise shined, as she worked deep pressure points, loosened lymph nodes, and used heated cushion and aromatherapy oils. A complimentary glass of champagne was a nice post-treatment touch, especially as I could sip the bubbly in the grand outdoor hot tub, surrounded by the hugging mountain-scape.
After my massage, I stepped into the spa’s steam shower before heading out into an idyllic bougainvillea-framed area, to dip into a cold plunge bath followed by outdoor sauna. Lounging at one of the hotel’s three pools all day felt like the ultimate therapy, even while working poolside, ordering a Chicken Cobb Salad from the California menu at Chi Chi restaurant between work sessions. Less than half the lounge chairs were filled on a week day but the guests kept it classy and peaceful. Herbal teas and a phone charger when my cell died were also much appreciated conveniences too.
The Paloma in Palm Desert
I lounged for part of the day at this retro desert paradise, a historic mid-century escape just south of Downtown Palm Springs, also set against a backdrop of soaring mountains and palm trees. My massage was less than memorable, in a somewhat cold room, with a masseuse who was called in for what felt like a last-minute appointment, so I wouldn’t book the spa treatment here again because I wanted more of a spa feeling.
But the pool setting was worth the visit, as I could work on my laptop poolside with plenty of pool chairs midweek and a jacuzzi to pop into when I needed a work break. A scrumptious salad with craft cocktail was delivered from the historic mission-style Adobe, Sol y Sombra restaurant, to my chair, while I warmed in the sun and cooled off in the outdoor pool. The restaurant features Spanish-inspired tapas-style dining and drinks.
Overall, the whole colorful aesthetic with fun wall murals at this four-star property brings good vibes to any day. A day pass here includes complimentary parking and access to the pickleball court, mini golf and fitness center.
Check out these other Palm Springs ResortPass locations.
- The Saguaro Palm Springs – Starting at $27
- Ace Hotel and Swim Club – Starting at $38
- Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort – Starting at $38
- Omni Rancho Las Palmas – Starting at $54
- Avalon Hotel and Bungalows – Starting at $54
- Doubletree Hilton Golf Resort – Starting at $33
- Drift Palm Springs – Starting at $44
- The Paloma – Starting at $49
- The Riviera Resort – Starting at $49
- Arrive Palm Springs – Starting at $54
- Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort – Starting at $75
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