Palm Desert is a city in California that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors and locals alike. But one of the most unique and appealing features of Palm Desert is its proximity to some of the best hot springs in the world. Hot springs are natural pools of water that are heated by geothermal energy from the earth’s crust. They are known for their therapeutic benefits, such as relieving stress, improving circulation, easing muscle pain, and enhancing skin health. In this article, we will explore some of the hot springs that you can enjoy in and around Palm Desert, as well as some tips and recommendations for making the most of your experience.

Desert Hot Springs: The Spa City

Desert Hot Springs is a neighboring city of Palm Desert that is famous for its abundance and quality of hot springs. The city sits on top of two aquifers: one that produces cold water that is so pure that it has won international awards for its taste, and another that produces hot water that is rich in minerals and free of sulfur. The hot water emerges from the ground at temperatures ranging from 120 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and is piped into various spas and resorts that offer soaking pools, tubs, and treatments for guests.

Some of the most popular and renowned spas and resorts in Desert Hot Springs are:

• Two Bunch Palms: This is the oldest hot springs resort in the country, dating back to the 1920s. It is also one of the most luxurious and eco-friendly, featuring 70 acres of lush gardens, a 600-year-old spring, a wellness center, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a variety of spa services. The resort is adults-only and has a clothing-optional policy for its mineral pools.
• The Spring Resort & Spa: This is a boutique hotel that offers three mineral pools with different temperatures, as well as a sauna, a steam room, a yoga studio, and a spa. The resort also hosts detox retreats that combine organic juices, teas, yoga, meditation, and other holistic practices.
• [El Morocco Inn & Spa]: This is a Moroccan-themed hotel that transports you to a exotic oasis with its colorful decor, canopy beds, lanterns, fountains, and hammocks. The hotel has a large mineral pool with a waterfall and jets, as well as private tubs that can be reserved for couples or groups. The hotel also offers massages, facials, body wraps, and other spa treatments.
• [Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa]: This is a Mediterranean-inspired hotel that features two mineral pools, one indoor and one outdoor, as well as a jacuzzi, a sauna, and a spa. The hotel has 16 rooms and suites that are elegantly furnished and equipped with fireplaces, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Italian cuisine.

There are many other spas and resorts in Desert Hot Springs that cater to different tastes and budgets. You can find more information about them here.

Palm Springs: The Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring

Palm Springs is another city near Palm Desert that is known for its hot springs. However, unlike Desert Hot Springs, where the hot springs are scattered throughout the city, Palm Springs has only one hot spring that is located in the downtown area. This hot spring is called the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, and it is sacred to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who have lived in the area for centuries.

The Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring is estimated to be 12,000 years old, and has a unique mineral composition that includes calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, and fluoride. The water emerges from the ground at 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and is said to have healing properties for various ailments.

The Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring can be accessed at [The Spa at Séc-he], which is a new complex that opened in 2023 on tribal land. The spa offers 22 private soaking tubs and an outdoor mineral pool where guests can experience the benefits of the spring water. The spa also offers spa treatment rooms, cryotherapy chambers, a fitness center, a salon, a cafe, and a museum.

The Spa at Séc-he is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm. You can book your appointment online or by phone.

Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Hot Springs in Palm Desert

If you are planning to visit any of the hot springs in or around Palm Desert, here are some tips and recommendations to make your experience more enjoyable:

• Check the weather before you go. The best time to visit hot springs is when the weather is cool or mild, as the contrast between the hot water and the air temperature will make you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Avoid visiting hot springs when the weather is too hot, as you may feel overheated and dehydrated.
• Bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a robe. Most spas and resorts will provide these items for you, but it is always good to have your own in case they run out or charge extra. Some spas and resorts may also have a clothing-optional policy, so check before you go if you are comfortable with that.
• Drink plenty of water. Soaking in hot springs can make you lose a lot of water through sweating, so it is important to stay hydrated before, during, and after your visit. Drink at least one glass of water for every 15 minutes of soaking, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you further.
• Limit your soaking time. Soaking in hot springs can also lower your blood pressure and increase your heart rate, so it is advisable to limit your soaking time to 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and take breaks in between. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or faint, get out of the water immediately and seek medical attention.
• Follow the rules and etiquette. Each spa and resort may have its own rules and etiquette for using their facilities, so make sure to read them carefully and follow them. Some common rules and etiquette are: shower before entering the water, do not use soap or shampoo in the water, do not eat or drink in the water, do not splash or make noise in the water, respect other guests’ privacy and space, and tip your therapist if you receive a spa service.

FAQs

• Does Palm Springs California have hot springs?

Yes, Palm Springs California has hot springs. In fact, Palm Springs is located near one of the largest natural hot mineral water aquifers in the world, which produces over 80 hot springs. Some of these hot springs are open to the public, while others are reserved for private use by hotels and spas. You can enjoy the healing benefits of these mineral-rich waters at various locations in Palm Springs, such as The Spa at Séc-he¹, which is sourced from the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, or Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel², which features eight mineral spring hot tubs and soaking pools.

• Why is Palm Springs so famous?

Palm Springs is famous for many reasons, such as its sunny weather, scenic landscapes, mid-century modern architecture, golf courses, art galleries, festivals, and celebrity culture. Palm Springs is also known as a popular destination for relaxation and wellness, thanks to its abundance of natural hot springs, spas, and resorts. Palm Springs attracts visitors from all over the world who want to experience its unique charm and beauty.

• Can there be hot springs in a desert?

Yes, there can be hot springs in a desert. Hot springs are formed when water is heated by geothermal activity below the earth’s surface and rises to the surface through cracks or faults. Hot springs can occur in any type of climate, including deserts. In fact, some of the most famous hot springs in the world are located in deserts, such as the Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan, the Great Artesian Basin in Australia, and the Desert Hot Springs in California.

• Is Desert Hot Springs worth visiting?

Desert Hot Springs is worth visiting if you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway. Desert Hot Springs is home to some of the purest and most therapeutic hot and cold mineral springs in the world, which can improve your health, reduce pain, and increase metabolism. You can soak in these mineral waters at various boutique hotels and spas in Desert Hot Springs, such as Two Bunch Palms³, which is renowned for its light, rhythmic massage and holistic treatments, or El Morocco Inn & Spa, which offers an exotic Moroccan-themed experience. Desert Hot Springs also offers stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains and the Coachella Valley, as well as opportunities for hiking, biking, golfing, and exploring nearby attractions.

Conclusion

Hot springs are one of the best ways to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Palm Desert and its surrounding cities offer some of the finest hot springs in the world, with different styles, amenities, and prices to suit every preference. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a wellness retreat, or a fun day out with friends or family, you can find a hot spring that will make you feel refreshed and revitalized. So what are you waiting for? Book your visit to one of these hot springs today and experience the magic of nature’s spa.