Find health, harmony, good rates at area spas

Kathy Strong | Special to The Desert Sun | July 15, 2010

They are healing, healthy, relaxing and hard to pass up: mineral springs getaways with summer-staycation prices, just minutes away in Desert Hot Springs.

The more than 20 boutique resorts in the city, all imbued with award-winning mineral waters, are getting lots of well-deserved attention these days. Celebrities, national magazines and those "in the know" are touting the upscale resorts. The area's ancient underwater springs, enriched with valuable minerals, provide the resorts with pure, healing waters that flow like silk over your summer-scorched skin.

From an exotic Moroccan- themed inn to a hilltop clothing-optional hotel, there's a wide-range of choices for your healing stay, and each one is rolling out summer specials for desert dwellers who want to experience the relaxing mineral spring-fed pools, spas and water-cooled grottos for an easy, close-to-home escape.

Here is just a sampling:

The Road To Morocco

Transport yourself to an exotic desert oasis this summer for romantic nights and indulgent days, Casablanca style. This luxury boutique stay is filled with authentic Moroccan treasures, rich flowing fabrics, Casablanca romance and, of course, the incredible award-winning mineral waters.

The tranquil oasis grants 12 distinct guest rooms decorated in hand-crafted brocades, flowing canopies, sitting alcoves, copper sinks - and even some round beds.

The "El Morocco Staycation Package Special" includes two one-hour "Marrakech Melting Massages," along with two overnight stays for $348, all week long. The stay also includes free movies and snacks, a bountiful breakfast with desert treats in the Kasbah and an evening happy hour with intoxicatingly refreshing Morocco-tinis by the pool.

Information: (760) 288-2527; www.elmoroccoinn.com.

Instant bliss

"Spa Magazine" called The Spring Resort & Spa "instant bliss." This summer, bliss is more accessible with a special package that includes two-hour-long aromatherapy massages and two weekend nights in a deluxe pool-side room for $430.

Situated on a promontory with dramatic views of Palm Springs, the resort is located in an area called "Miracle Hill." The miracles come not only from the views, but also from the three sparkling mineral water pools and the resort's healing spa menu. Check out special healing programs that concentrate on health, restoration and rejuvenation.

Information: (760) 251-6700; www.the-spring.com.

Italian-inspired comfort

This tucked-away resort offers 16 Italian estate-style rooms and two natural mineral water Jacuzzis and a large pool. The resort offers a generous array of spa treatments and a complimentary breakfast.

Tuscan Springs has a staycation discount of $30 a day less off regular room rates, which range from $165 for a garden room with kitchenette to $245 for the deluxe mountain-view Jacuzzi room. You can also enjoy a discount on spa treatments.

Stay one night and buy any one of the spa treatments and get the second one of the same or lesser value free. For just the day spa (without the room), enjoy one spa treatment at the regular rate and get the second one of the same value or less for half off.

Information: (760) 251-0189; www.tuscansprings.com.

European-style getaway

Living Waters Spa, listed on TripAdvisor as one of the top-10 clothing optional resorts in the world, has one of the highest repeat business rates as well. The completely private resort promotes a safe and relaxing swimsuit-optional environment for first-timers, as well as superior spa treatments and couples massage workshops.

The resort, with both poolside guest rooms and condos, is offering week-long condo stays for $499 through August or two nights (weekends included) poolside with a couples massage for the same price.

Information: (760) 329-9988; www.livingwatersspa.com.

back