Très Chic
The hottest, most mineral-rich natural waters emerge at The Spring Resort and Spa where they are cooled, then deposited into three sparkling pools. Immerse yourself to prep for the Spring Buff, a treatment that includes exfoliation with special mitts to stimulate circulation and energy flow, capped by a soothing massage and luxurious hair washing. www.the-spring.com
Water welling up from Two Bunch Palms’ 600-year-old mineral spring is rich with lithium, a natural salt with mood-stabilizing properties. Relax in the stone grotto under a canopy of trees for a rejuvenating experience. Later, detoxify with a mud bath — float weightless in a tub filled with mineral-rich clay and peat moss. www.twobunchpalms.com
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AQUA SOLEIL HOTEL & MINERAL WATER SPA
Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa in Desert Hot Springs.
Private World
Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa’s radiant color scheme and full-service spa menu are a feast for the senses. Three hot mineral water pools are available round the clock, but guests seeking a more intimate experience can opt for one of several suites featuring a built-in, jetted, private version. www.aquasoleilhotel.com
A study in low-key Zen décor, spagoers favoring simplicity will feel at home at Sagewater Spa. Relax with Watsu, a balneotherapy consisting of shiatsu treatment in the warm pool water in which two therapists guide subtle movements as you float. www.sagewaterspa.com
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY EL MOROCCO INN & SPA
El Morocco Inn & Spa in Desert Hot Springs.
International Flair
Guests enjoy restorative soaks in the hot mineral water pools at El Morocco Inn & Spa along with suitably themed treatments. Try the circulation-boosting Marrakesh Melting Massage: It combines Swedish and deep-tissue styles, plus the Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi treatment. www.elmoroccoinn.com
Suffused with Old World ambiance, Hacienda Hot Springs Inn invites guests to break a sweat in its Finnish rock sauna, rinse off in an outdoor rainforest shower, and indulge in the Vinotherapy massage. It employs avocado and grape seed oils to restore the skin’s elasticity for a younger look. www.haciendahotsprings.com
At Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa, Italian influences pervade the quaint complex that houses two mineral water Jacuzzis and a large pool. Sample the Lavender Relaxation Escape — a combination of a lavender salt scrub, Italian rose mud wrap, and a soothing massage. www.tuscansprings.com
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY DESERT HOT SPRINGS SPA HOTEL
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel.
Funky Cool
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is a midcentury modern hotel composed of 50 rooms wrapped around a large central courtyard with eight shimmering natural hot mineral spring pools. A wide range of reasonably priced massage and body treatments are available, including hot stone reflexology. www.dhsspa.com
Three hot mineral water pools and a full-service spa in a midcentury setting at Lido Palms Resort & Spa soothe and restore, but visitors wanting a complete overhaul might consider its six-day/five-night holistic Detox Cleansing Fast Retreat. www.lidopalms.com
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY LIVING WATERS SPA
Living Waters Spa in Desert Hot Springs.
Clothing Optional
“Wear” nude and choose from seven balancing mists to activate your chakras at Anahata Springs Spa and Retreat. When guests aren’t basking in the hot springs-fed pool, they frequently request the Tantric Massage, a treatment of meditation and energy balancing for body, mind, and spirit. Wednesdays are for ladies only. 760-567-8067.
Living Waters Spa is a European-style spa where guests can soak in the healing mineral waters au naturel. Try the Finnish sauna and schedule an LWS Signature Massage — a series of long flowing strokes that combine traditional Western and Eastern techniques. www.livingwatersspa.com