Pickleball and more
Sky Valley RV Resort is a top family destination
Sky Valley is the first resort the Manthei family created and it has a gentle gracious air about it. This is a place to relax and enjoy. That is, until you get to the pickleball courts!
Pickleball? Pickleball! It’s the newest rage at RV resorts. Named for the creator’s dog, it is played on a court one third the size of a tennis court or identical to a doubles badminton court. The players use oversized ping pong paddles to hit the ball instead of rackets.
This game allows seniors to get some exercise and to compete at the same time. People in their eighties compete in and win tournaments (there’s hope for me yet!). Playing it enhances range of motion and, as one might guess, joy of living. Become more agile and stay agile. Pickleball, water volleyball and water aerobics will help you stay young—big time. Competition will also keep your mind alive. Sky Valley RV Resort has several new pickleball courts and they are well used.
These courts are open to residents of Caliente RV Resort as well. Tournaments are limited to 40 competitors and are well attended by spectators.
A family affair
Sky Valley Resort in Desert Hot Springs is a family resort with heated pools and a mineral spa. One can choose three ways of staying here; in an RV space (big rig friendly), a park model or in a manufactured home (mobile home). They also have rental units. There is plenty to do and see here. A billiards room and a large library are available, as are ping pong tables, shuffleboard, horseshoe and tennis courts. For those who are more active, there is a walking course and a hiking club. You can
also keep in shape at the gym. Those of you who wish to get your hands dirty can join the gardening club.
Take advantage of the forty years of experience that the Manthei family have in the resort industry. Sky Valley is continually being improved upon but some things just can not get better, like the homes surrounding quiet ponds and the very friendly and helpful staff. This is a resort for grandparents and their grandchildren to spend quality time together. Catering to people of all ages, the activities available are extremely varied. Sky Valley even has a separate family pool.
Take the kids on an adventure
No worries about exuberant little ones. Take them to the Living Desert or to Palm Springs for an aerial tram ride. Introduce them to the wilderness at Joshua Tree National Park where outlaws and gold miners once roamed. Grandparents can take the kiddies geo-caching. If history is your bag try the General Patton Memorial Museum. If all of this tires you out, you all can use the spa, filled with warm mineral water, to put a little spring back into your step. Follow this up with a massage and then with a fine meal at the on-site restaurant to sate your appetite. Staying in touch with home is easy with free WiFi, and the chapel program will help with the big picture.
Many of the current guests came here for the first time because a friend or family member recommended the facility. They are now repeat customers.
For your first visit, you will receive a 20 per cent discount. Returning visitors can also receive up to a 30 per cent discount depending on the time of year they stay.
Sky Valley Resort is further away from the centre of Desert Hot Springs and slightly more remote, but close enough as to allow you to take advantage of all that the Palm Springs area has to offer: fine shops, restaurants, theatre, museums and medical facilities.
Directions: Exit I-10 at Palm Drive, go north to Dillon Road, turn right (east) and go 8.6 miles on Dillon Road. The resort is on the right.
Major credit cards are accepted.
Reviewed January 14, 2010
