Construction Begins On 17-Acre 'Surf Resort' In Palm Desert

PALM DESERT, CA — Construction has started on a new resort that aims to bring the beach to Palm Desert.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 23 for the 17-acre DSRT Surf Resort at the Desert Willow Golf Resort.

The resort's features are expected to include a four-story hotel with 92 rooms surrounding a 5-acre lagoon with surfable manmade waves. The lagoon will offer beaches and a surf center; a boardwalk and restaurant are also planned.

The lagoon is expected to accommodate up to 80 surfers simultaneously and feature waves for all skill levels. The resort's overall design is expected to blend contemporary and mid-century modern elements.

Designed by Orange, Calif.-based AO and developed by Del Mar, Calif.-based Beach Street, DSRT Surf Resort is touted as one focused on "sustainability."

Beach Street’s "Turf for Surf" initiative repurposes turf areas from Desert Willow’s golf courses. The developers said a portion of the water from the DSRT Surf Resort's triangular-shaped 5-acre surf lagoon at the heart of the new facility will be used to irrigate surrounding greenery and courses.

"We are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of DSRT Surf and participate in this major milestone," said AO's Bruce Greenfield. "The entire team has collaborated to create a unique, 360-degree experience that redefines surf culture in the Inland Empire, and we can’t wait to see it come to life."

Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2026.