Shadow Mountain

Quorum Article - December 1998

Shadow Mountain Resort & Club is an historic destination hotel and resort centrally located on San Luis Rey in the heart of Palm Desert. It is the only desert resort within easy walking distance of the attractions of El Paseo. It is just two blocks from the new "Gardens" shopping center. The developer was aviation pioneer Cliff Henderson, in partnership with Hollywood alumni, such as Edgar Bergen.

Occupying just 24 acres, Shadow Mountain features an 18 hole golf course and a huge 12 feet deep "figure 8" swimming pool in which Esther Williams et al performed their famous "water spectaculars." It has been named one of America's Top 50 Resorts by Tennis Magazine for 20 consecutive years. "The granddaddy of America's desert tennis kingdom .. where instruction and vacation are a perfect match." Physical activity is emphasized. There are an additional 3 heated swimming pools, 5 whirl pool spas, saunas and exercise room. There is virtually unlimited complimentary tennis on 16 championship courts, 6 of which are lighted, where "matchmaking" is a way of life.

The resort's acclaimed Desert Tennis Academy provides a full range of daily coaching clinics and lesson programs from easy half hour stroke sessions to grueling 3 - 5 hour programs, led by Director of Tennis Michael McFarlane and Head Pro Ken Kuperstein.

The development is intimate and hosts hotel, restaurant and conference facilities especially suited to medium to small groups. Of particular appeal are its "hotel" studios and its one, two and three bedroom condominium/villa units. Most of the condos are included in the hotel rental program. They are have fully equipped kitchens and include daily maid service. This is a unique feature of the operation of this development, since it combines privacy and independence for hotel guests together with an investment opportunity for condo owners.

Sizes of these units range from 425 square feet to 2000 square feet. Prices range from $40,000 to $200,000. The Club and its facilities are owned and managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, owners of 25 other properties in America, including the Hotel del Coronado. The company also manages the Shadow Mountain homeowners association.

General Manager is Steve Frisbee. Property Manager for the Association is Cindy Calquhoun. Judith Napolitano is sales manager for the conference facilities and group events. Maintenance and engineering (including pool maintenance), together with food and beverage, housekeeping and front office functions are all staffed in-house. Landscape maintenance is contracted with Lundeen Pacific.

The relationship between Destination Hotel & Resorts and the homeowners association is as close as it is unusual, since it involves the operation of the condo management program as a featured part of the resort. "We don't simply try to balance the opposing needs of resort guests versus homeowners," said Frisbee. "Instead we look for opportunities to match up mutual benefits - tennis being the best example since resort guests provide our homeowners with a steady stream of new players."

Resort guests are encouraged to participate in homeowners social activities, such as Friday night dinners and Monday Game nights. Judith Napolitano, Group Sales Manager, said that management tries to market specifically to individuals and groups "that fit the resort's ambiance, which is that of a relaxed and unpretentious retreat." Frisbee added, "We turn down business (and profits) when a group doesn't fit our environment."

Cindy Calquhoun, Resident Manager of the hotel and the person directly responsible for the HOA property management said the Board and homeowners are very supportive of the resort programs, although the Board does not participate in the hotel operation. "The resort programs add vitality and rental income to those owners renting. Our Mission Statement for our owners and resort guests is - 'Your Home Away From Home' -something they all have in common."