Spring Break In The Spa Zone

Entering the Spa Zone

The butterflies are fluttering with joyous energy, the bees are buzzing, the hummingbirds abound, and a rainbow of colors envelops the landscapes and hillsides here in California. I was born in the spring, and consequently it's one of my favorite times of the year.

As a teenager growning up in Los Angeles, spring break always meant one thing, time to head to Palm Springs to partake in all kinds of fun shenanigans that usually landed us in some type of moderate trouble. Those were the days of no real cares in the world and a full week of playing in the sun.

These days - most people run for cover and hide from the sun. Not me, I'm still a desert sun lover. So when my daughter called and announced she was coming home for my birthday (for a week), my adventurous side reared its Zen head.

After two weeks of searching during a Mercury retrograde, I had all but given up, when there it was – The Spring – a natural hot mineral spring resort and day spa, in Desert Hot Springs. The pictures on the website said it all, and a quick call confirmed this was the place. To my surprise I could even get that fully equipped kitchenette that I had requested from the cosmic menu (for a small extra fee). This Zen find was rich with information on the website about the therapeutic aspects of their three naturally occuring mineral hot springs, as well as a nice history of the desert itself.

My daughter and I hit the road for our adventure, and after a few wrong turns and much laughter, we arrived at our destination - The Spring - just two and a half hours outside of Los Angeles - a gem nestled in what is called the Spa Zone of Desert Hot Springs - who knew there was even such a place – the Spa Zone?

We pulled into the driveway where we were facing a rather stark tall wall with some native plants nestled in it's contours. Danielle looked at me and said, "Mom it doesn't look too promising," and I just smiled. We rang the bell and entered a courtyard area into sheer bliss. Our room was ready and we were given a tour of the modest 1.5 acre property. The spa treatment rooms were located next to a sauna area where visitors can use one of two stone showers, near a table draped in a variety of herbal teas and fresh/clean drinking water with lemon.

There are 12 rental options available at the resort. Nine rooms - all with French doors  (some with kitchenettes) - located in an L shape around the courtyard facing the largest mineral swimming pool (90 degrees). There is one private room with a mountain view, as well as a deluxe villa off site, which if you book, comes complete with a electric golf cart to get back and forth to the resort. Comfortable lounge chairs are located just outside of each room, which is very convenient, along with other unique sitting areas splashed throughout the grounds. There is a fire pit area, several fountains, but one of my personal favorites is the somewhat indoor pool (103 degrees) that is located directly adjacent to the main swimming pool. It is enclosed by a wood gazebo with glass windows 360 degrees round, and two

sliding glass doors, which allow for a beautiful view, while being protected from the desert's unpredictable weather changes. This was also my daughter's favorite area because of the pools inclined walking ramp that provided a great resting place in the water - like soaking in a hot bath that never gets cold. The most populated mineral pool at 105 degrees was located slightly away from the other two pools. 

If it's privacy you want, just know that all the other guests are looking for the same thing and everyone is very respectful. While there were about 14 other occupants while we were there the rotation of pools, sauna, sitting areas and pampering treatments, seemed to keep everyone out of each other’s way.

The Spring's continental breakfast was not your boring croissant and orange juice, but rather hard boiled eggs, a variety of fresh fruits, a flavored, or plain yogurt selection, two relatively healthy cereal options, orange juice and several beautiful thin breads - rye, pumpernickel with cream cheese or butter, which is served from 8:00am to 10:30am in the community room area. This common area offers the visitor a living room atmosphere, complete with a morning newspaper and burning fireplace. Baskets of fresh apples were plentiful and scattered throughout the property for a crisp bite of freshness at anytime (not organic - but local.)

The Spring offers a wide variety of on property spa treatments, and has four private rooms in their beautiful sauna building.  I choose an hour and a half sandalwood (essential oil) clay wrap and massage treatment. I found the experience extremely nurturing and fabulous, however, one long-time repeat visitor, Eric, shared that he thought it was more of a woman's treatment because men have so much hair on their body.

I’m going to stop there because I don't want to ruin some of the other great magic that might just happen for you during your stay. Their slogan – It’s a beautiful day here at The Spring. I have to say, it truly was a beautiful (two full) day(s) of downtime bliss at The Spring ... You'll have to just go and check it out for yourself ... enjoy.

If you like the heat, ask them about their summer specials!

For more information visit – www.the-spring.com 

Note: The local Mexican restaurant had some of the best Mexican food I’ve eaten and blended a great margarita.