Wondrous Waters

Soak, relax, and rejuvenate in California's Spa City

Lisa Marie Hart Arts & Entertainment

 

The naturally hot mineral waters beneath Desert Hot Springs offer pure magic. Here’s where you can soak in the benefits.

Three mineral pools, a full-service spa, and a café join recently redecorated rooms boasting bright pops of color for an upbeat vibe at Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa. In the Soleil Suites, slip into your own private, jetted mineral water pool. 14500 Palm Dr., Desert Hot Springs. 760-329-4481; www.aquasoleilhotel.com  

Escape to El Morocco Inn & Spa, a Casablanca-inspired retreat, to unwind in two mineral pools. Hanging lanterns, colorful curtains, and Moroccan music add exotic ambiance to the sauna, fire pits, hammocks, chess garden, and nightly happy hour. Day spa passes are available. 66810 4th St., Desert Hot Springs. 760-288-2527; www.elmoroccoinn.com

Rustic, quaint, and intimate, Hacienda Hot Springs Inn beckons with a mineral pool and Jacuzzi. Explore lushly landscaped grounds to find a lagoon, waterfalls, outdoor shower, and Finnish rock sauna. The friendly manager takes pride in the vintage book library, barbecue, and extensive spa menu. Day spa passes are available. 12885 Eliseo Rd., Desert Hot Springs. 760-251-2885; www.haciendahotsprings.com

Step softly into Lido Palms, a healing oasis that hosts detox cleansing fast retreats. Tranquility pervades its two mineral pools, sauna, and spa with an organic product line. Relax in a room with a kitchenette, Tempur-Pedic mattress, and slate floor, or barbecue poolside before a soak in the 15-person mineral hot tub. 12801 Tamar Dr., Desert Hot Springs. 760-329-6033; www.lidopalms.com

Evoking an air of freshness with its crisp white décor and midcentury modern architecture, Sagewater Spa is lauded for its genuine hospitality and the blissful serenity of its crystal-clear waters and in-room massages. Seven simple rooms feature Frette linens, Aveda products, and kitchens with organic coffee. 12689 Eliseo Rd., Desert Hot Springs. 760-220-1554; www.sagewaterspa.com

Move from the three mineral pools to the Finnish sauna, hammocks, sunbathing nooks, and outdoor fire pits at The Spring Resort & Spa, an understated 13-room hideout with a pair of two-bedroom villas. A calming Zen aesthetic complements juice cleanse packages and retreats, seasonal yoga classes, and detox spa treatments. 12699 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs. 760-251-6700; www.the-spring.com

Mediterranean flair reigns at Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa, a charming, family-owned haven. Sixteen rooms surround three mineral water pools in a quaint complex that mirrors an Italian villa. Day spa passes are available. 68187 Club Circle Dr., Desert Hot Springs. 760-251-0189; www.tuscansprings.com

Two Bunch Palms, an iconic 77-acre resort, dates to 1930 — as does its famed mineral water grotto. Recent renovations please loyal guests who love the labyrinth, duck and turtle pond, trails, tennis courts, yoga dome, fitness classes, mud baths, and farm-to-table restaurant. Day spa passes are available. 67425 Two Bunch Palms Tr., Desert Hot Springs. 760-329-8791; www.twobunchpalms.com

Desert Hot Springs Spa Tour

For a sneak peek at some of these (and other) top mineral springs spas, reserve a ticket to the sixth annual Desert Hot Springs Spa Tour. The event takes place on Jan. 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. An exclusive VIP ticket includes a private cocktail reception at Two Bunch Palms, a guided coach tour, a goody bag, an after-tour reception at Miracle Springs Resort & Spa, and a chance to win a spa prize. Guided and self-guided  tickets are also available. Proceeds from ticket sales go to Camp of Champions, a nonprofit group offering programs for Coachella Valley children. Call 760-464-6327 for tickets. For more information, visit www.visitdeserthotsprings.com.