Coachella Valley is soon to be known for more than its beloved music festival. Designed by AO and developed by Beach Street, construction continues on the 17-acre DSRT Surf Resort in Palm Desert.
The project first broke ground in May, marking a significant opening to the up-and-coming resort. Deep in the desert valley, the DSRT Surf Resort will feature a four-story hotel, restaurant, boardwalk, beaches and the highly anticipated, cutting-edge surf lagoon. “We are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of DSRT Surf and participate in this major milestone,” says Bruce Greenfield, one of the AO leaders that attended the groundbreaking ceremony in May this year. “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.”
AO, an architectural firm based in Orange County, Calif., leads the charge in the innovative design for this project, which ensures a cohesive, well- organized design. The team plans to position the surf lagoon itself as the property’s central attraction, placing the other features strategically around it.
The surf lagoon, powered by Wavegarden Cove technology, will be an expansive five acres, shaped in a triangle similar to the design of a baseball field. It can accommodate up to 80 surfers at one time and offers consistent, customizable waves suitable for all skill levels.
“Architecturally, modern elements blend with mid-century nods, while sustainability initiatives like the Surf for Turf program repurpose water, honoring the Coachella Valley’s resilient flora and celebrating surf culture,” says the firm. “DSRT Surf epitomizes luxury desert hospitality, championing sophisticated, sustainable design and immersive experiences.”
A particularly noteworthy part of this project is the focus on sustainability, as Beach Street’s “Turf for Surf” initiative suggests. By repurposing water and turf areas from Desert Willow’s golf courses, the lagoon will achieve a net zero water use and save over 10 million gallons of water annually.
With its sights on opening in Spring 2026, the surf resort is certain to make waves on the West Coast.
This article first appeared in the November 2024 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
