Rated 5 Paws and landscaped by natural desert beauty, our resort is a pleasurable retreat for dog-friendly dogs, people who enjoy canine companionship and those wishing to live a healthier lifestyle. Pet health and wellness consultations offered by holistic veterinarian, Paula Terifaj, DVM.
Our therapeutic waters attract spa enthusiasts from around the globe. Pool (90° F year-around for a comfortable swim) and our bubbling spa (104° F) are guaranteed to melt away stress. Our mineral rich waters gave birth to the city of Desert Hot Springs 1941 - winning its acclaim as California's Spa City.™
Nestled in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park, Desert Hot Springs has also become a natural attraction for nature lovers, trail hikers and rock climbers. Invite your hound on an invigorating morning nature walk. Later on, hang out to catch a movie in our Lazy Dog Lounge and munch on popcorn.
Our pet nanny is on duty from 12 - 6pm to care for dog guests while you play and visit the desert’s many fine tourist attractions. Remember, this is your carefree vacation! Golf, tennis, theatre, concerts, museums, shopping, world class restaurants and more... await your discovery in the nearby star-studded town of Palm Springs.
All eight cozy guest rooms offer stunning views of the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains. Each room has an adjoining café kitchen and opens to our secluded pool/spa courtyard through French doors. Our private Dog Park overlooks full range mountain views and dazzling city lights by night. A campsite fire pit will keep you warm at night while you gaze at the stars, tell stories and let your inner dog howl at the moon. At the DogSpa, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!
Relaxing spa treatments available at several exclusive people resorts within walking distance.
What can happen when a talented contractor meets an imaginative veterinarian who discovers an abandoned hotel begging for a new life? Add a skeptical yet trusting friend with a sagging 401K and you guessed it - a complete hotel makeover for dog lovers to pack up their dogs and suitcases for a fun hassle-free vacation!
Dr. Paula Terifaj is a 1986 graduate from the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, California. She started her veterinary practice in 1988 as the owner of Founders Veterinary Clinic in Brea, California. As for dogs - it was love at first sight! She admits that the riveting memoirs of James Herriot's book, All Creatures Great and Small, inspired her to follow in his footsteps. Confesses to always looking for her next adventure...
Bob Beliveau - a native from New England - was in search of a warmer climate and fresh, new perspectives. The desert's healing sun and mineral waters made his choice to 'go west' quite easy.
Born with a high level of adventure and exploration, he didn't like the direction his life was going. So he pressed the reset button and ditched his corporate job in the software/high tech industry to travel and explore other opportunities.
Following his natural interests led him to become a holistic health practitioner and wellness lifestyle consultant for the past 15 years. He enjoys lively discussions on virtually any topic and is an avid social media fan - just visit his Facebook page!
At the DogSpa Resort, you'll find him in the kitchen or romping around the property offering his warm assistance to make your stay both enjoyable and memorable.
He confesses to wearing Kangoo Jumps - running and rebounding shoes - for a fun core-cardio workout.
Eric Christensen is a former software engineer and all-time computer geek. He keeps us operational by overseeing administrator duties - like paying the bills! Admits his true love is cats and only likes dogs. Confesses to counting the days - or maybe years - until his investment pays off...
