The easy life at The Sands RV and Golf Resort
There is something for everyone to enjoy at this fantastic Palm Springs location
After a trio of investors purchased The Sands RV and Golf Resort in 2006, they began a capital investment program that totaled more than $1 million by the end of 2008. On our recent visit to this 507-site resort, their efforts were very evident. The heated pool, sauna, showers and locker room were all upgraded and are quite impressive. Every building received a facelift or overhaul, as did the golf course greens and fairways.
A park-wide Internet system was installed and security cameras were placed throughout the park. Other areas that were upgraded were the gymnasium and the one-acre fenced-in dog park. Capital investment notwithstanding, the golf course is the shining gem of this facility. Golf is taken very seriously here, by both men and women. The Par 32 nine-hole executive golf course is meticulously maintained and very popular, as evidenced by the large number of people playing the course.
But there is a lot more to The Sands than golf and renovations. The Oasis Hall contains two stately rooms that are fitted with contemporary furniture, giving the feeling of elegance. You feel as if you are in the lobby of a posh hotel rather than an RV resort. The first room contains three pool tables, an indoor shuffleboard table, a large-screen TV and card tables. In the next room, one can read, get on the Internet, use the lending library or watch their favourite program on another large-screen TV. Just outside the hall is the large heated pool with the San Jacinto Mountains in the background.
Outdoor and indoor fun
There may be snow on top of those mountains but the pool and spas are warm. The pool is great for swimming or for water aerobics, and both activities are popular here. The bath house and sauna are just off the pool area. Adjacent to the pool is an area for activities such as horseshoes. Residents can also join the Palms Springs hiking club for guided hiking excursions twice a week, sometimes for an overnight trip. Near by are two tennis courts. The recreation building has space for jams, tap and line dancing and computer classes. Crafts, a chapel program, bingo and yoga are also offered.
Guests can occupy sites for park models or permanent trailers, of which there are 227, or they can stay in their own fifth-wheel, travel trailer or motorhome on the remaining 280 sites. Three recently renovated rental units are also available. The resort can obviously handle a large mix of units and they come from many different places. Thirty-five to 40 per cent are from Canada, with a large number from Oregon, Washington State and, surprisingly, California. They especially like the Palm Springs area, with its many attractions, restaurants and shops. They also come to enjoy the sunshine and some of the purest drinking water in the USA in Desert Hot Springs.
The resort takes advantage of its location by organizing tours to shows and plays in San Diego and Los Angeles. Starting in October, The Sands will present Matt Jenkins, a park resident and one-man dance band, to entertain the residents along with other performers.
Events and activities
When we asked a resident what they liked about The Sands, he replied “The attitude of the staff and the friendliness of the other guests.”
The staff is not very large but they were everywhere to be seen during our tour. There is even a 24-hour courtesy patrol. Residents displayed their friendliness with a Golf Cart Parade at Christmas time, when they showed off their “little” rigs and collected money and food for a local food pantry. Only friendly people would accomplish something like that! Management gets into the act by hosting an Appreciation Day for the residents.
As we left the resort, we stopped briefly for one more look at the golf course, and a last glimpse of the mountains. What a perfect setting for a perfect place.
Directions:
Take I-10 to Palm Drive. Head north to Dillon Road, turn right (east) onto Dillon Road to 16400 Bubbling Wells Road. The resort is on the right.
Contact information:
Office telephone: 1-800-772-7808
Golf course telephone: (760) 251-1173
Website: www.sandsrvresort.com
Email: [email protected]
Good Sam Club memberships are honoured.
Reviewed by Anthony F. And Marguerite Breda on February 2, 2010
