Borrego Springs, California: Several readers have emailed asking if hotels they remember from their past visits to the area are still in operation, so DT and I set out to do a little investigating. Two readers asked about the La Casa de Zorro Resort. For fifty years, La Casa de Zorro was the premier destination in the desert. In 2008, it was purchased, remodeled and renamed the Borrego Ranch Resort & Spa. We decided to visit the Borrego Ranch Resort & Spa... mostly because "spa" insinuated they would possibly have pedicure facilities.
Borrego Ranch Resort & Spa
The Borrego Ranch Resort & Spa closed in January! Out of business.
Another reader emailed an article in the Los Angeles Times, about a group of investors from San Diego buying-up Borrego Springs properties with dreams of putting a little life into the valley and a lot of cash in their pockets. These investments (one was the Borrego Ranch Resort & Spa) are not working out very well. Change seems to be slow in Borrego.
Or possibly, unwanted?
We also had a look at another property purchased by the same San Diego-based investment group. Montesoro is a 3,200 acre private gated community of luxury homes on a fabulous Tom Fazio-designed golf course. We picked up a flyer from a realtor selling homes (starting at $895,000) in the development. The golf course Spanish-styled adobe homes are absolutely stunning and have gorgeous views across Borrego Springs to the mountains beyond. Montesoro also has rental condos for vacationers.
The last property we toured (not owned by the San Diego group) was the pretty Borrego Springs Resort. The property didn't look very busy, but the facilities seem outstanding and well-maintained. They have a gorgeous golf course (27 holes), spa, swimming pools, fine-dining, tennis and luxury accommodations.
The golf course at Borrego Springs Resort
Driving around Borrego Springs, it is easy to see growth has been planned. Streets, water, sewer, power - all the infrastructure for neighborhoods is in place. But no one has purchased the land or built their dream house.
The main street through Borrego Springs
Many people living in Borrego Springs travel to San Diego or the Palm Springs area every week or so for groceries and supplies, mostly because the only grocer in town is so limited and expensive. The grocer must know people in the community go elsewhere for their supplies. Why wouldn't the grocer step it up a bit and offer more/better goods to keep the money in the community?
Center Market in Borrego Springs
What will happen to Borrego Springs? Will it remain a sleepy little desert town - bordered completely by a state park? Will it become the next Palm Springs? Or will Borrego Springs be left in the dusty desert wind? It will be interesting to watch. Meanwhile, we hope to enjoy the natural beauty and general entertaining quirkiness of this amazing part of America.
Because there is just awholelotta interesting things to see and do in Borrego Springs. Today we discovered even more metal sculptures out in the middle of nowhere!
Looks like this lucky bird is having pork for lunch!
Oops! Possible menu change!Until my next update, I remain, your Borrego Springs correspondent.
RV PARK: The Springs at Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course. One of our very favorite RV parks on the west coast. Sites are large and each has a nice cement patio and picnic table. Cement 50 amp pull-throughs will full service. There are also different varieties of citrus trees all over, so you will never be lacking for a cocktail garnish in the winter. Slow wifi. Fabulous warm pool and many hot tubs - all from their own hot springs! Fitness center, library, community rooms. Regulation 9-hole golf course. Recycling. Huge fenced dog park! We are paying $64 per night for a "premium" site.