Desert Hot Springs has been a healing destination for more than a century and is home to a wellspring of hot springs. Pumped from natural aquifers that lie deep within the earth, these healing waters are famed for their detoxifying and soothing properties. And when it comes to the ultimate wellness vacation, nothing beats a day at the spa. So, how about combining the wellness and rejuvenating experiences of hot springs and a spa by staying at spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs? These many luxurious and minimalist spa hotels have these natural hot springs right within their confines, making for rejuvenating experiences in the desert like no other. What’s more, they tap into this precious resource and offer travelers a chance to reap all of the healing waters’ therapeutic benefits.
If that wasn’t enough, staying at Desert Hot Springs is a great way to explore the Palm Springs valley. Did you know that just 20 minutes south of the town lies The Living Desert Zoo, one of the World’s Largest Zoos? What’s more, amazing Californian cities such as San Diego and Los Angeles are a mere 2-hour drive from here. To that end, here are the 11 best spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs.
Table of contents
- Two-Bunch Palms Desert Hot Springs Resort and Spa
- The Spring Resort and Spa
- El Morocco Inn and Spa
- Miracle Springs Resort and Spa
- Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa
- Sea Mountain Nude Resort & Spa Hotel
- Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa Inn
- Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Spa
- Azure Palm Hot Springs
- Sagewater Spa and Resort
- The O Spa + Resort, Adults-only
- Where to Stay in Desert Hot Springs
- Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Desert Hot Springs
- Recommended Activities in Desert Hot Springs
Two-Bunch Palms Desert Hot Springs Resort and Spa
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The adults-only and world-famous Two Bunch Palms Desert Hot Springs Resort and Spa is one of the best spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs. Firstly, it’s home to centuries-old mineral springs that boast mood-enhancing and therapeutic properties. Secondly, the spa has an excellent staff of therapists and healers. Sustainability and rejuvenation are top priorities here as you can enjoy soaking in the multiple tubs and pools. Did you know that this is the first carbon-neutral resort in the country? Yes! The water here is low in sulfur, high in lithium, and known for its mood-enhancing properties. That’s because it has a 600-year-old spring beneath, while the soaking tubs allow you even to control the temperature of the water. If that wasn’t enough, the spa also offers complimentary wellness classes, such as Qigong and Gentle Yoga.
The resort is set on beautiful and extensive grounds and is Desert Hot Springs’ only resort with an on-site restaurant. In fact, the resort was famed as Prohibition-era business and gangster Al Capone’s “Fortress West.” Today, it’s a fortress against stress where you can relax and enjoy luxury. It’s also one of the Top Gay-Friendly Hotels In Palm Springs, which means gay travelers looking to unwind will love it here.
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The Spring Resort and Spa
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Travelers who’d rather stay at low-key spa hotels will love The Spring Resort and Spa. This intimate but luxe resort is home to thermal waters that are famed for their deep detoxifying and cleansing agent. Three mineral swimming pools bubble up to a balmy 170 degrees Fahrenheit and then cool to a gamut of temperatures. Pro tip: Do test them all out to find the perfect temperature that you prefer, Goldilocks-style. Later on, stimulate the senses by choosing from a host of spa services or via a peaceful sound bath meditation. Besides the spa treatments, you can also join a pressed juice cleanse that’s designed to clear the body of toxins. Or, you could also sign up for a luxury group retreat program.
Built way back in 1957 and then refurbished, this low-key but utterly charming and bucolic locale accommodates up to 13 guests, making for an exclusive place to stay. What’s more, the rooms and suites even have small kitchens and grocery delivery services so you can whip up meals that you want. Finally, some of the rooms and suites even have private soaking tubs.
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El Morocco Inn and Spa
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The spa at the El Morocco Inn and Spa is one of the best spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs. With its Moroccan-style furnishings and exotic decor, it feels like you’ve landed in a luxurious haven in Morocco. A trip to this full-service classic spa is all about classic services such as body scrubs, massages, and clay wraps. What’s more, the Jacuzzi-style spa and the luxurious mineral swimming pool are open 24 hours a day. So, you can enjoy an indulgent soak whenever you’re in the mood, and a midnight dip with your significant other is particularly romantic. You’ll even find treatments ranging from salt scrubs and dry brushing to reflexology and essential oil massages.
Besides the above, this desert hideaway makes for a truly intimate and authentic experience. Think a careful collection of Moroccan architectural elements and artwork. So, you’ll find handmade canopy fabrics, a pair of antique entry doors, goatskin lamps, and what not. 13 exquisite rooms, traditional Moroccan hand-washing ceremonies and tea, and complimentary “Morocco-tinis” at happy hour make this place absolutely worth staying. Did we mention that it’s also one of the Most Romantic Hotels in Palm Springs? Yes!
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Miracle Springs Resort and Spa
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The Miracle Springs Resort and Spa natural springs regularly win the “Best-tasting Water in the World” at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition! The crystal waters in the eight spas and pools at this luxury resort are pumped from aquifers that are more than 300-feet-deep. Moreover, they’re cooled to a comfortable 90-104 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for pure relaxation. If that wasn’t enough, the spa also offers an array of decadent facial and body treatments, including wraps, polishes, scrubs, and hot stone massages. The rest of the resort is equally impressive, with the 110 rooms and suites looking out to the springs or the majestic mountains surrounding Desert Hot Springs. There’s also a championship golf course, a landmark restaurant, and the resort has even been listed as one of Vogue’s ‘Desert Elite Escapes.’
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Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa
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Tuscan Springs Hotel & Spa is one of the best spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs. Besides being a day spa, the La Bella Spa decadent on-site spa boasts 16 treatments rooms, all done up in Italian-inspired decor. What’s more, the place also offers a slew of facials, body treatments, and massages. If that wasn’t enough, it even has a large natural hot mineral water pool and two natural hot mineral water jacuzzis. Staying at this hotel is like visiting the Italian countryside. This intimate boutique hotel is akin to a Tuscan-inspired getaway, with all 16 rooms and suites featuring either desert or mountain views. Moreover, some rooms even have private terraces and kitchens, which are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a romantic night indoors.
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Sea Mountain Nude Resort & Spa Hotel
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How about combining a spa getaway with some cheeky action? Behold the Sea Mountain Nude Resort & Spa Hotel. This clothing-optional resort is the perfect little getaway to relax and recharge, with the added advantage of being adults-only too! Besides day visits being available, the on-site spa offers a slew of massages, body scrubs and treatments, mani-pedis, and so much more. Just like many other Desert Hot Springs hotels, it also has a mineral water pool where you can let the calming waters of the aquifer soothe your senses. Boasting an adults-only, party atmosphere, this resort even has rooms and suites, a gorgeous freeform pool, a sauna, and an excellent on-site restaurant offering a delicious continental breakfast.
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Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa Inn
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Boasting an organic approach halfway between a retreat center and a spa is Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs. One unique thing about the resort is that there are no clocks! So, the staff will come to remind you about all and any massages that you’d have scheduled – you don’t need to remember them! And, of course, there are the soothing and serene hot spring waters. What’s more, you can even schedule a private yoga session at this adults-only resort. The rest of the resort is also organic to boot, especially breakfast. Think hard-boiled free-range eggs, bread, fruit, gluten-free granola, and local coffee. Did we mention the cannabis and canine-friendly atmosphere? Yep!
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Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Spa
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Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Spa might just possibly be the largest property in all of Desert Hot Springs, and that too with lots of room and suites choices. The spa might be small and intimate, but it offers a decadent selection of services. Think everything from body scrubs and treatments to facials and massages. What’s more, the Spa at Soleil also uses organic products from Body Deli. Stepping into this Desert Hot Springs property is like traveling back in time with celebrity-themed rooms and suites. Imagine staying in rooms called “Marilyn Monroe,” “Audrey Hepburn,” or the “Rat Pack!” If views are what you’re after, there’s nothing like the Mountain View Suite, which has a private balcony with sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The best of them all is the Soleil Suites, which have private, in-ground, and jetted mineral water pools. Talk about decadence!
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Azure Palm Hot Springs
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Soak and rejuvenate at the lush desert oasis that is Azure Palm Hot Springs, one of the best spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs. This resort offers a unique desert spa experience and is home to the only Himalayan salt room in the Coachella Valley! If that wasn’t enough, it also has the largest mineral pool in SoCal! Aside from that, you’ll also find a dry sauna, four mineral water spas, and even fire pits with stunning mountain views. The refreshing mineral water bubbles at 174 degrees, which you can adjust once you slip into the many hot tubs or pools around. Moreover, the full-service spa even offers facials, body treatments, and massages.
The rest of the resort is equally impressive; think plush rooms and suites, lots of alfresco lounging spaces, and an on-site cafe serving healthy bites crafted. Other on-property amenities and perks include a gift shop with local crafts, skincare specialties, and vacation essentials, and a yoga studio.
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Sagewater Spa and Resort
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The 1950s property that is the Sagewater Spa and Resort has been smartly renovated with minimalist decor. The spa offers an exhaustive list of treatments, including facials, deep-tissue, and hot stone massages, the Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, and even reflexology treatments. What’s more, there’s even the signature Sagewater Fusion, which is a medley of different treatments; think reflexology, polarity, Swedish, Shiatsu, and deep-tissue, among others. If that wasn’t enough, you could even book an intuitive reading with their in-house clairvoyant! If you’re staying here, then you’re in for a real treat. All rooms boast fully-equipped kitchens, but the crown jewel is the swimming pool. Kept at a constant 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it uses water from a nearby spring.
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The O Spa + Resort, Adults-only
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Topping the list of the best spa hotels in Desert Hot Springs is The O Spa + Resort. The adults-only resort is home to three natural mineral spring pools. The spa offers a bevy of services, including body scrubs and treatments, massages, facials, and even mani-pedis. What’s more, there’s even an outdoor Turkish waterfall to wash yourself pre or post-treatment. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even a whirlpool and an indoor mineral water jacuzzi. Moreover, there’s even a steam sauna, a heavenly swimming pool, and three private poolside cabanas. Energetic travelers will love the bocce ball and Pétanque court too. If that wasn’t enough, this is SoCal’s first hotel to offer cannabis room service in all of its 13 rooms, of which some have kitchens.
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Where to Stay in Desert Hot Springs
Tucked in the barren but beautiful Coachella Valley north of Palm Springs is the flourishing and thriving oasis of Desert Hot Springs. It’s home to some of the purest cold and hot mineral springs in the world, all thanks to an underground aquifer underneath it. In fact, many resorts and boutique hotels feature their own mineral spas and pools. Desert Hot Springs is a very small town spanning just three blocks in length and width. Moreover, the spas and resorts are spread out all over the place. The main thoroughfare is Palm Drive, along which you’ll find most of the resorts, hotels, as well as restaurants, bars, and eateries.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Desert Hot Springs
- Capri Restaurant, Bar & Lounge: This restaurant located in Miracle Springs Resort & Spa serves a mix of American and Italian comfort foods; Think mocha mud pie, smoked ribs, canoli, and frutti di mare. The patio is the perfect place to dig into these delights, sip your cocktails and take in the mountain views and vistas.
- Kam Lun Chinese Restaurant: This might be a low-key family spot, but it is, without a doubt, one of the most popular spots in town. Shelves full of Asian art and collectibles and pink walls make for a pretty background as you dig into war wonton soup, egg rolls, and lo mein.
Recommended Activities in Desert Hot Springs
- Palm Springs Best Views Half Day Hike: This amazing hike to the summit of Murray Hill is one of the best ways to explore the Palm Springs valley on foot, and that too with excellent views. You’re provided a backpack, a snack bar, and water so you can hike comfortably all the way to the top and see the best views in the Coachella Valley.