Not too long ago I “discovered” a gem in California’s secret desert, a perfect spa resort tucked into the beautiful and historic Anza-Borrego Desert – The Springs at Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course. Immediately my mind went to girlfriend getaways, romantic excursions, or a wonderful vacation for active outdoor lovers. In other words, it's my kind of place.
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| Beautiful "First Tee" image compliments of Stephanie Gonser |
Privately owned by the Wright family and run by my friend Dan Wright, this award-winning RV resort is bustling with amenities, classes, and special events that rival popular resort properties. For example, The Springs at Borrego has a large saltwater swimming pool – much better for your skin than the standard harsh chlorine-sanitized pools, hot mineral baths in several sizes from couples tubs to a standard size tub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an on-site Wellness Center offering massage, acupuncture and acupressure, tennis, pickle-ball, and of course, a lush 9-hole championship golf course.
Interested in yoga or Pilates? Yep, they have that. Water aerobics? Check. Qi Gong? Of course. Occasionally they’ll host group discussions or classes on hobbies like photography or writing. I’m telling you, this is a “resort” rivaling some of the most popular southern California resorts! Except, fortunately for us, it’s an RV resort!
Forget California close, all of the sites are spacious – 90 well-landscaped pull-thrus and 53 huge back-in sites. There are also rental RVs if you are coming with non-RV owning pals. And to enhance the overall luxury spa feeling, you’ll find large private bathroom/shower rooms.
The Springs at Borrego is two miles from the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Start your visit with a turn around the nicely done Visitor Center and stop at the desk to plan your days. They’ll help you decide which of the many hikes you should choose, where to see pictographs, how to find a hidden oasis – yes, a real oasis in the desert! – or where you can walk the historic Southern Overland Trail. And then there are the spring wildflowers. Typically making an appearance somewhere between mid-February and March, the blooms are dependent upon the year’s moisture, temperature, and wind.
Keep your eyes peeled as you drive through town and you’ll be treated to some very special art. 129
metal sculptures of pre-historic beings are assembled in an area called Galleta Meadows and are what the locals refer to as “Sky Art” created by California artist Ricardo Breceda. Stop and walk around, camera in hand, for an experience you won’t soon forget. Back at the RV resort, as the sun sizzles and sets, get ready to experience California’s only “dark sky community” serving up the Milky Way and other night sky sparklers at their new Astronomy Park. If you plan it just right you can enjoy a Star Party – a light dinner, drinks, and a presentation with guided stargazing by noted astronomers including Dennis Mammana and John Mosley using the Astronomy Park’s permanent 11-inch telescope. If you can’t make a Star Party you’re still in for a treat…looking up from your wide and wonderful RV site you’ll be treated to a stellar star show.
Located a couple hours from San Diego, three from Los Angeles and less than two from Palm Springs, I’m betting your stay at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course will be one to remember for a very, very long time. Winter and spring are a weather-wimp’s perfect time to visit with daytime temps in the 70’s and 80’s and 40’s and 50’s at night.
And don’t be surprised when you call for reservations and hear, “Thank you for calling The Springs at Borrego, this is Heaven.” While you’ll certainly come to believe that statement is true, Heaven is one of their kind and generous front desk staff members.
