Palm Springs: The Spa Oasis of California
Soak Up Summer Spa Deals
It was no surprise to residents of Palm Springs when the leading travel website TripAdvisor recently ranked the resort town as one of the top ten relaxation and spas destinations in the U.S. (That’s quite an accomplishment, considering the International Spa Association counts over 23,100 spas in the nation).
As its name will tell you, Palm Springs has always been defined by healing water treatments. This lush oasis in the Southern California desert was named “Se-Khi” or “boiling waters” by the area’s first inhabitants, the Cahuilla Indians. They resided by hot springs that percolated up from a natural aquifer at the foot of the snow-capped, 10,000-foot San Jacinto Mountains.
Today, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians shares these same healing waters with visitors at downtown Palm Springs’ Spa Resort Casino. In a relaxation ritual dubbed the Taking of the Waters, travelers rest their weary bones in private hot tubs filled with rich underground mineral waters as part of a luxurious sauna/steamroom/spa experience. Innovative treatments here include citrus salt scrubs, French manicures, even a cookie dough-scented body scrub.
And who says you can’t stay cool during a desert summer? From June 1 to August 31, 2010, the Spa Resort Casino is offering “Touch of the Tropics” treatments with pineapple, coconut, plumeria, and mango lotions and scrubs, and even flower leis. Packages start at $89 and include the Taking of the Waters ritual.
But it’s not just natural mineral waters that make Palm Springs one of the best spa destinations in the world. It’s the martinis and manicures, personal play lists on ipod during treatments, private poolside cabana massages and eco-chic treatments.
After undergoing $70 million in refurbishments, the famed Riviera Resort & Spa reopened in late 2008. Its 11,000-square-foot Asian-inspired indoor SpaTerre harbors eighteen treatment rooms, a large indoor pool for Watsu floating massage, and unique therapies like Balinese massage with herbal exfoliation followed by a cool yogurt splash. A seasonal favorite, Martinis & Manicures, begins June 22 every Tuesday evening. Sipping martinis and pampering your finger tips…a perfect spa evening.
At the celebrated Parker Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Yacht Club has also recently enjoyed a complete makeover. This spa center is a world unto itself, with towering ceilings, a blue and white nautical scheme, and an enormous body-temperature indoor pool, a cozy chill out lounge with yummy treats, a full gym, and even yoga classes. Its neo-hip country club vibe includes the liberal use of stiff drinks.
Not to be outdone, the Elements Spa at the Hilton Palm Springs has also spruced itself up with major renovations. This spa emphasizes its green thinking with ecological materials and organic products, and sells natural skincare lotions, soy candles, and mineral makeup. Stand out treatments include facials utilizing natural collagen-stimulating peptides and hydrolyzed soy proteins, and cooling and desensitizing herbs for sun damaged skin. The Great Spa Giveaway package starts at just $148 and includes a deluxe room and a $115 spa credit.
The Viceroy Palm Springs is known for its Hollywood Regency-style retro-chic atmosphere, as well as its snug Estrella Spa. Treatments here spill out into Palm Springs’ great outdoors with curtained poolside cabanas for reflexology and manicures. Signature treatments include the Lava Shell Massage, where Smooth shells are heated from the inside by combining natural ingredients of minerals, sea kelp, and salt water glide for unsurpassed bliss.
Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the boutique Andreas Hotel & Spa gives royal treatments for its guests. Known for its deluxe three-hour romance package, couples can soak in private spa suites, sip champagne and share chocolate strawberries fireside and then pure bliss with scrubs and massaged.
Stay cool and refreshed this summer at one of Palm Springs' spectacular spas. For more information on spas and hotels, go to www.visitpalmsprings.com.
