For millennia, the Palm Springs area has been renowned for “taking the waters,” harnessing the therapeutic benefits of natural mineral-rich hot springs. This custom traces its roots back to the original Native American inhabitants, notably the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who deeply understood and revered the healing properties of these underground waters.
In contemporary times, Palm Springs remains a premier destination for relaxation and indulgence in spa treatments, drawing in discerning travellers and Hollywood luminaries alike. From iconic figures of the golden age, such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Liz Taylor, to modern-day celebrities like Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and the Kardashians, Palm Springs has long served as a haven for generations of stars seeking respite and rejuvenation.
The Best Palm Springs Wellness Retreats
What captivates me about Palm Springs’ retreats is its harmonious blend of elements: abundant sunshine, detoxifying hot springs, culinary delights, and the majestic backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. With many spas and resorts scattered across the nine desert communities, indulgence and relaxation options are abundant and diverse.
1. Spa Rose at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort
Nestled in the affluent Indian Wells area, this resort reflects the Tommy Bahama brand ethos – a fusion of island charm with desert luxury. Spread across 11 acres, the resort boasts 215 spacious rooms, well-appointed suites, and five villa suites. Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa opened its doors on November 23, 2023, following an extensive remodelling.
Palm tree logos and tropical ambiance permeate the resort, echoed in the room designs. The guest rooms, adorned with leafy green wallpaper and touches of grapefruit pink, offer spacious accommodations. Bathrooms are stocked with fluffy towels and bespoke Tommy Bahama amenities.
Curving pathways meander throughout the grounds, linking three saltwater swimming pools, two bocce ball courts, groves of citrus and olive trees, vibrant flowerbeds, fragrant herb gardens, the spa, and the lobby.
During the day, guests can relax by the tranquil pools, and as night falls, they can gather around crackling fire pits for a soothing end to their day.
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort
Spa Rosa debuted at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa when the resort opened in 2023. Located amid a lush citrus-filled landscape, this enclosed sanctuary offers breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains from its terrace.
Once you enter Spa Rosa, the reception desk welcomes you and takes you to the changing rooms. There’s a comfortable lounge to wait for an appointment while sipping fruit-infused water. The change room includes an eucalyptus steam room; outside, you’ll find the spa’s hot spring and pool. There are cabanas you can reserve for private treatments or to relax. Several cabana-style private areas provide sheltered spots for relaxing. Enjoy a treatment and spend the day in the spa’s serene courtyard.
But that’s not all Spa Rosa offers. Take one of the many unique experiences, including yin yoga, outdoor aerial classes, and shaman-led hikes.
Signature Treatments
I chose the Desert Raindrop Massage, which uses seven distinct aromatherapy oils from native desert botanicals. The oil drops cascaded down my spine and then was gently massaged into my back as part of the treatment. I enjoy the scent of this soothing treatment, which targets tension and overworked muscles and extends its therapeutic touch to the hands and feet.
After the session, my therapist recommended a brief stint in the eucalyptus steam room before enjoying the outdoor hot tub; it features partial walls that create a grotto-type environment complete with waterfalls.
Other treatments include a range of luxurious body treatments, including the Daydream to Life Ritual, the Island State of Mind Massage, the Santa Rosa Mountain Mud Body Mask, and the Precious Rose Quartz Facial.
One can genuinely immerse oneself in an oasis of tranquillity and emerge feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to take on the world.
Culinary Offerings
Guests can order from a spa menu or indulge in coastal-inspired cuisine at Grapefruit Basil restaurant, the resort’s main restaurant, which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After the spa treatment, guests can sip tropical cocktails at Chiki Palm Bar poolside while enjoying stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. For those seeking a healthy alternative, guests can handpick their oranges and lemons on the property for fresh juicing.
2. The Spa at Sec-He
In the very place where the Cahuilla Indians once savoured the mineral waters, the expansive Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza now rises in downtown Palm Springs. Here, you’ll discover the cutting-edge Spa at Séc-he and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is a highlight that is awaiting your exploration. It unfolds the band’s story across its main gallery, with a rotating display space and art gallery. Moreover, the museum boasts an education center and garden as a central hub for preserving cultural artifacts, narratives, and historical heritage.
See and hear stories of the Agua Caliente people in this exhibit.
The Spa & Facilities
Opening its doors on April 4, 2023, The Spa at Sec-He is a magnificent 73,000-square-foot expanse atop a hot mineral spring owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Adjacent to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Casino Palm Springs, it proudly stands as Palm Springs’ most exclusive hot mineral spring facility.
The Spa at Sec-He is massive; spending a few hours here isn’t enough. There is so much to experience.
Signature Treatment
Immersing myself in the tradition of “taking the waters,” I settle into my secluded mineral water tub, captivated by the thought of soaking in water that has bubbled beneath the city for over 12,000 years.
As my body adjusts to the comforting warmth, fifteen minutes in this 90-degree mineral pool brings soothing relief. Following this, indulging in another 20 minutes within the zero-edge mineral pool, enveloped by sunlight and the gentle caress of warm water, becomes an experience of pure bliss.
The spa facilities are beautifully designed to create a healing oasis and are adorned with cultural images and native art. There are communal lounge areas and two halotherapy salt caves connected to the pool area. One of my favourite places was the tranquility garden.
Tip: If you spend the day at the spa, use the menthol sauna and the eucalyptus aromatherapy shower. For a fee, you can add services like body scrubs, wraps, facials, and a heavenly scalp massage.
Culinary Offerings
They cater to spa guests and the public at Málmal Café within The Spa at Séc-he, a delightful fusion of health-forward and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Fresh seasonal ingredients are expertly blended into innovative recipes. Similarly, Pál Bar, located by the outdoor pools, offers carefully crafted selections for those seeking tranquillity. Mirroring the health-conscious ethos of Málmal Café, Pál Bar’s offerings feature locally and seasonally sourced ingredients. There are various juice blends and smoothes for those needing a boost or juice cleanse.
3. Agua Serena Spa – Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa
The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is a full-service resort just a 25-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs. It’s designed to help you forget about the outside world and relax. Guests can walk around the 45-acre desert gardens or dip in the pool.
This property is undoubtedly massive; many conferences and weddings take place here. It’s easy to get lost in the resort while visiting your room or facilities. Many resort sections are being renovated, so several areas and restaurants are closed. Guests hardly notice since there are seven pools, including one adults-only pool with cabanas, a spa, a business center, a kids’ club, four restaurants, two bars, three tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center, a salon, a golf shop, jogging and cycling paths, and a 36-hole golf course.
There are 530 guestrooms with mountain, fairway, or pool views. My room overlooked the golf course, with a lush green morning view. It’s spacious and filled with Hyatt amenities, like bathrobes, toiletries, and a coffee station.
The Spa & Facilities
Beyond traditional services like massage, facials, and body treatments, Agua Serena Spa introduces Float Pod Therapy. To complement these services, the spa provides fresh and nutritious food options and guidance from a nutritional expert to help guests cultivate healthy eating habits.
In addition to providing access to hotel guests, the spa operates on a membership basis for the community. Memberships cater to different needs, with one-month, three-month, six-month, and 12-month options. Members enjoy full access to spa facilities during operating hours, including the fitness center and complimentary parking.
In the men’s locker area, guests can unwind in the sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub, and cold plunge, complete with indoor and outdoor showers. Meanwhile, the women’s locker area features a sauna, steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi, and the same convenient shower facilities.
Signature Treatment
One of the signature treatments is the desert-inspired body treatment, a rejuvenation with the energizing treatment of Nopal Cactus and Medjool Dates. These ancient healers, alongside the refreshing scents of sage, grapefruit, and juniper, offer a refreshing escape for the senses. In just 50 minutes, the date sugar exfoliation is followed by a hydrating cactus moisturizer application, revitalizing and renewing the skin.
Along with body treatments, Agua Serena Spa offers facials, massages, yoga studios and classes, wellness consultations, and a 24-hour fitness studio.
Culinary Offerings
Although some food and beverage dining outlets are being renovated, full-service dining is maintained. Hyatt Indian Wells continues to offer full-service dining and poolside service.
Conveniently situated within the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Citrus Marketplace and Cafe welcomes guests with a diverse selection of specialty deli items and unique gift shop finds, perfect for travellers on the move. The cafe presents a range of signature food and beverage options featuring freshly harvested grapefruits, oranges, and lemons from the resort’s groves. Complete with a coffee bar, tea assortment, sandwiches, and delightful treats, visitors can relax in the modern, inviting seating area.
Lantana is your go-to for a taste of locally sourced fare, offering breakfast and an elevated dining experience featuring fish from California waters, steaks, and farm-fresh vegetables. For a mid-day respite, Agave Sunset Bar and Lounge offers lighter fare, including sandwiches and personal pizzas, complemented by a stellar happy hour featuring desert-inspired cocktails and beers. For poolside dining, Roadrunner Café awaits, perfectly positioned adjacent to the main swimming pool, ensuring a seamless and satisfying lunchtime.
4. Azure Palm Springs Resort
Desert Hot Springs in Greater Palm Springs is the epicenter of natural hot springs. These healing waters are drawn from the depths of natural aquifers and are renowned for their soothing and detoxifying properties. The Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis is one of the luxury getaways where you can experience the therapeutic benefits of these magical hot springs.
Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis is a luxury getaway that opened in March 2021. It offers a one-of-a-kind desert spa experience and boasts a range of amenities, including one of the largest mineral pools in Southern California.
The Spa & Facilities
Don’t let the resort’s understated look from the outside fool you. Once you have taken a tour of the property and discovered its many alluring extras, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find. There are four mineral water spas, a dry sauna, fire pits, and breathtaking mountain views.
Signature Treatment
If guests stay overnight, the spa suites contain personal mineral soaking tubs but no TVs or telephones. When visiting on a day pass or booking overnight accommodations, guests should ensure ample time before or after their treatment to utilize the pool and outdoor soaking tubs. Luxurious soaks are a hallmark of this resort.
Visitors can choose from over 30 spa treatments, including body wraps, facials, and massages. Additionally, they can explore holistic therapies designed to detoxify tissues or boost immunity.
Guests can customize their experience with signature add-ons such as a luxurious scalp massage, foot scrub, CBD booster oil, and collagen-firming mask to enhance their treatment.
The resort sets itself apart as a leader in the skincare and haircare industry by offering various treatments that emphasize holistic and Korean spa techniques.
Note: The Himalayan Salt room is open to overnight guests only.
Culinary Offerings
The resort boasts an on-site Azure Palm Café that serves healthy and delightful cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and light dinners. The café also offers an organic coffee bar, fresh-squeezed juices, beer, and wine.
For additional information about Mineral Spas in Palm Springs, visit Hot Water Guide to Desert Hot Springs.
Flight Information: Air Canada offers direct seasonal flights to Palm Springs from Toronto and Calgary. Parm Parmar was a guest of Visit Greater Palm Springs.