History & Heritage
Discover the story of Sam’s Family Spa — from its thermal springs roots to the modern oasis guests love today.
Welcome to Sam's Family Spa
Family-Friendly Spa Retreat
Designed with the family in mind you can hike or wildlife watch with the kids or sit quietly by the lake. Built in 1971, Sam’s Family Spa is a place to have fun, enjoy your family and relax in our hot mineral pools.
A Short History of the Sam's Family Spa
Our Mineral Hot Springs
Located on 40 acer of desert land with a scenic view of the mountains. We are proud to furnish you with 4 partially enclosed pools that have flow through Natural Hot Mineral Water, from our 3 wells. The first well is 300 feet deep and 105°. The second is 280 feet deep and 127°. The third well is 265 feet deep and is 142°.
Each morning we drain the fresh mineral water, from the ground, in all 3 wells to create your Naturally Heated Mineral Spa Experience, after your enjoyment for the day we drain all of our pools into our holding lakes. From those lakes we water all of the plants on the property through our irrigation system.
Mineral Content—Parts Per Million
- Silica 16.0
- Alum Oxide Trace
- Calcium 51.3
- Magnesium 6.8
- Sodium 230.0
- Sulfate 4.105
- Chloride 120.5
- Bicarbonate 69.0
- Hydrogen Ionconc PH 8.
Our Origins
Where Our Journey Started
Sam’s Family Spa was established as a family-focused hot springs retreat and has welcomed travelers, snowbirds, and wellness seekers for decades. Built around natural mineral springs, the resort grew from simple origins into a full-service destination featuring pools, RV sites and lodging.
Location & Setting
- Address: 70875 Dillon Road, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241 Pine Cliff Resort+1
- The resort sits on 50 acres of desert oasis, complete with natural palm groves, water features, and lush landscaping. Sam’s Family Spa
- It’s part of the Greater Palm Springs region, delivering a balance of desert serenity and access to urban amenities, hiking, arts, and more.
Sam’s Family Spa - History & Evolution
Origins and Founding
Sam’s Family Spa was built in 1971, designed as a place for relaxation, family enjoyment, and soaking in natural mineral waters.
The name “Sam’s Family Spa” stems from the founder “Sam” — the resort has long embraced a family-oriented mission.
Over the decades, the property has evolved from simple hot springs to a full resort with RV sites, motel/tiny-home lodging, spa amenities, pools, gardens, and more.
Heritage
A Legacy of Wellness and Warmth
For over five decades, Sam’s Family Spa has stood as a testament to the vision of Sam — a place where nature’s healing waters meet heartfelt hospitality. What began as a modest retreat in the California desert has grown into a cherished haven for families, travelers, and wellness seekers alike, preserving the timeless tradition of relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Story of Sam’s Family Spa Hot Water Resort
Nestled in the heart of Desert Hot Springs, California, Sam’s Family Spa has been a beloved destination for relaxation, healing, and community since its founding in the mid-1970s. The resort was established by Sam and Gloria Alhadeff, who envisioned a natural desert oasis where travelers could experience the therapeutic benefits of mineral-rich hot spring waters in a family-friendly environment.
The Natural Hot Springs Legacy
Desert Hot Springs sits atop one of the most famous geothermal aquifers in the world, producing pure, odorless mineral spring water naturally heated deep underground. This unique geological feature lies along the San Andreas Fault, where geothermal activity infuses the region’s underground reservoirs with minerals known to rejuvenate the skin and relax the body.
Unlike many other desert spas, Sam’s Family Spa features four mineral-fed hot pools, each maintaining its own soothing temperature between 99°F and 104°F. The resort also offers a large freshwater swimming pool, all set within a lush, garden-filled landscape — a true oasis amid the Coachella Valley’s arid terrain.
Building a Family Legacy
From humble beginnings as a modest RV campground, Sam’s evolved into a full-service resort with RV sites, motel rooms, tiny homes, and park model rentals. Families came for the hot springs — but they stayed for the sense of community. Over the decades, Sam’s has earned a reputation as a multi-generational gathering place, where visitors return year after year to reconnect, unwind, and feel at home under the desert sun.
The Alhadeff family’s vision emphasized affordability and inclusivity — a welcoming haven for snowbirds, road trippers, and international visitors alike. Today, the resort continues that legacy of warm hospitality and simple desert luxury.