It's the water, the sunshine, the solitude and the beauty - the blissful ingredients of the spas of the Coachella Valley.
You may be able to find a spa anywhere else you go, but creating an unforgettable adventure depends on the entire spa experience. Our desert playground setting rejoices in unforgettable spa-going encounters, in both luxury resort spas and indulgent day spas, that are embraced by mountains that take on mesmerizing hues from purple to orange, endless sunshine, tranquility that beckons nature, sweet-smelling citrus and palms reaching up to a cobalt- blue sky…and, very importantly, the magical waters that have soothed the human spirit here with their healing and sensual properties for hundreds of years.
Check with individual spas for day rates, current seasonal specials and package offerings.
The Spas
Agua Serena Spa, Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa
44-600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells 92210
(760) 341-1000; www.aguaserenaspa.com
Outdoor gardens set around a peaceful reflecting pool fill the tranquil environs with indulgent treatments like the “Painted Desert Mud Wrap“, “Fan Palm” massage or the “Champagne Body Sublime.” Also at the spa is The Medical and Skin Spa, dubbed “the face place,” to restore the beauty and health of your skin.
Sunstone Spa, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage 92270
(760) 202-2121; www.hotwatercasino.com
The 10,500-square-foot, full-service spa is known for its signature energy therapies, such as the “Rose Quartz Energy” massage or wind down with the “Garnet Calming” massage.
Spa at Mission Hills, Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
71-333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 770-2180; www.spaatmissionhills.com
The Spanish-Moorish feel spa sanctuary boasts a meditation room, gardens and plentiful unique treatments—from a Hawaiian “Lomi Lomi” message to a soothing coconut hydrotherapy bath.
The Well Spa, Miramonte Resort & Spa
45-000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells 92210
(760) 341-2200; www.miramonteresort.com
Voted one of “Conde-Naste Traveler's” top ten resort spas in the North America and the Caribbean, The Well's Tuscan-inspired spa village hosts both indoor treatment rooms and outdoor cabanas. Express yourself with the spa's signature “Pittura Festa” mud and clay body paints or submerge in a “Bagno Vino” wine bath.
Spa La Quinta, La Quinta Resort & Club
49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta 92253
(760) 777-4800; www.laquintaresort.com
The luxury spa's outdoor spa areas with gardens and courtyard sanctuary are perfect settings for alfresco baths and the spa's signature “Celestial Shower.”
Spa Esmeralda, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
44-400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells 92210
(760) 836-1265; www.renaissanceesmeralda.com
Head to the tranquil spa garden for garden massages; for complete restorative sleep, the spa offers a unique “ZBLISS” massage that combines touch, sound and aromatherapy. Short on time? Try the spa's “30-Minute Discovery” treatments.
Spa Desert Springs, Desert Springs, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa
74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert 92260
(760) 341-1874 www.spa.desertspringsresort.com
The lavish spa's state-of-the-art wet room with aromatic Hamman and “Desert Rain Shower” sets the tone for unique treatments, like its signature “Desert Journey,” that leads to ultimate relaxation. The spa's VIP suite is perfect for a gathering.
Spa Las Palmas, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
41-000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage 92270
(760) 836-3106; www.rancholaspalmas.com
The spa, that hosts a full spa menu and private spa pool area, has customized signature services, “Desert Sojourns,” just for you. Check for “Spa under the Stars” evenings for a special night-time spa experience with food, music and those amazing desert stars.
SpaTerre, Riviera Resort & Spa
1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs 92262
(760) 778-6690; www.psriviera.com
Balinese rituals take center stage in the spa with 18 treatment rooms and Watsu pool. Take a “Serenity Soak” with lavish tub filled with rose petals, aromatherapy salts and oils and ice cream bath balls. Add on a signature facial or the “Transformation Facial” to restore and repair.
Estrella Spa, Viceroy Palm Springs
415 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs 92262
(760) 320-4117; www.viceroypalmsprings.com
The grounds are reminiscent of Hollywood's “Golden Age.” Feel like a celebrity with the “Head to Toe Indulgence,” a four-handed massage of pure joy.
Palm Springs Yacht Club, Parker Palm Springs
4200 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 92264
(760) 770-5000; www.theparkerpalmsprings.com
For trendy, private and pampering spa treatments, head to the only yacht club in the desert tucked away at the Parker Palm Springs.
The Spa at Spa Resort Casino, Spa Resort Casino
100 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 92262
(760) 778-1772; www.sparesortcasino.com
Spa-going in the desert started on this site when the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians discovered these sacred mineral waters that are the signature part of the current resort spa. No matter what treatment you choose, you will delight in the “Taking of the Waters” here first—a five-step spa experience that spans steam and sauna to the legendary water soak.
Ace Hotel Spa, Ace Hotel & Swim Club
701 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 92264
(760) 866-6188; www.acehotel.com/palmsprings
The casual, simple spa follows the winning formula for the popular retro hotel. The treatments have a holistic flavor; try a massage in a Mongolian yurt.
Desert Hot Springs spa experiences
Healing hot water escapes await just up the hill from Palm Springs.
Desert Hot Springs is known globally for its natural mineral waters that flow freely from underground artesian aquifers and has won accolades for having the best drinking water in the country. As a result, many hotels and spas have enjoyed its natural bounty over the years, making them a Mecca for those seeking its healthy and healing attributes. The more than thirty spa selections range from small properties to larger resorts. Day rates and special overnight packages prevail; check with the individual property for current offerings. Visit them all at www.visitdeserthotsprings.com.
Here are just a few to get you started:
Two Bunch Palms Resort
67-425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs 92240
(760) 329-8791; www.twobunchpalms.com
They like to call it being “two-bunched,” but, no matter how you label it, spa-going at the legendary 56-acre retreat is total relaxation. No phones or voices above a whisper around much of the property, guests of the resort and spa are often seen dining in their robes. Soak in the mineral water-fed Grotto, submerge in an earthen clay mud bath or experience a Native American treatment ritual in an outdoor cabana.
The Spa at Miracle Springs Resort, Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
10625 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs 92240
(760) 251-2069; www.miraclesprings.com
Enjoy use of the resort's eight mineral pools and follow up with a value-priced treatment, like the spa's four-hour indulgence that combines massage, facial and mineral scrub.
The Spa at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel, Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
10805 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs 92240
(760) 329-6000; www.dhsspa.com
At this affordable resort, you can just enjoy a day of lounging poolside and sampling the eight sparkling hot mineral water pools, for around $3 to $8 per person, depending on the day. For a very reasonable price, you can rent a room, which includes two spa admissions.
The Spring Resort & Spa
12699 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs 92240
(760) 251-6700; www.the-spring.com
The intimate resort features three sparkling mineral pools and special programs and treatments for health, restoration and rejuvenation. Day use includes enjoyment of all the pools for two hours before a treatment, but guests may rent a room for half a day to enjoy the spa experience more fully.
