MASSAGE THERAPY

Let your worries melt away in Palm Springs

By Iona Brannon

Hot rock treatment on the gemstone heating pad at Agua Caliente Sunstone Spa

Outdoor private soak at Spa Esmeralda

Outdoor body treatment at Spa Esmeralda

It’s clear how the city of Palm Springs has built its reputation as a vacation getaway with great restaurants, entertainment and architecture. Being in the laid-back city is enough to put some at ease, but for those that need help to slip into blissful relaxation, there are many spa treatment options in the greater Palm Springs area that can take you there.

LAVENDER DREAMS AT SPA ESMERALDA

Nestled within the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells is the Spa Esmeralda. The staff immediately sets the tone by offering guests a cool lavender or peppermint essence towel. Lovers of lavender will have plenty to appreciate during the Lavender Dreams treatment. The treatment leaves you smooth and sleepy after a salt scrub, warm wrap and luxurious lavender oil scalp massage. Once your treatment is over, leisurely lounge in the serene outdoor jacuzzi spa or enjoy a steam in the locker room’s wet sauna. Even the showers in the spa have aromatherapy spray you can spritz during your wash. Want to experience the famous mineral waters? Book a mineral soak in one of the spa’s secluded outdoor tubs. spaesmeralda.com

Prickly Pear treatment at Agua Caliente Sunstone Spa

THE SIGNATURE MASSAGE AT AZURE PALM HOT SPRINGS

Azure Palm Hot Springs, though a newcomer in the desert spa world, is quickly building its credibility as a tranquil getaway. Their Signature Massage is the perfect blend of Swedish and deep tissue massage. The herbal steam towel treatment and Desert Sage aromatherapy will soothe your senses, and the Magic Mint Scalp Massage will have you leaving on a high note. To make the experience even more indulgent, you can book a night and have your own private mineral water tub with a stunning window view of Desert Hot Springs, or opt for the day pass alone to take things down a notch. You still get access to the Finnish sauna, two indoor spas, multiple mineral spring soaking tubs and Southern California’s largest hot mineral springs pool. azurepalmhotsprings.com

Spa suite in-room mineral water tubs at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis

THE JETPEEL FACIAL AND HALOTHERAPY AT AGUA CALIENTE’S SUNSTONE SPA

Regularly rated as one of the top spas in the United States, Sunstone Spa is part of the Agua Caliente Casinos. An ode to its name, gemstones are incorporated across the spa. The massage oils are infused with crystals, and the treatment beds have heated gemstone pads. There is even a gemstone massage that incorporates custom-carved sunstones. The Rancho Mirage spa has recently introduced the JetPeel technology as a facial treatment. The JetPeel, favored by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore, gives a refreshing, deep cleanse while exfoliating and helping with lymphatic drainage. Another interesting treatment that the Sunstone Spa offers is Halotherapy, a salt therapy treatment that claims to be beneficial for congestion, allergies and asthma. Outside of treatments, there’s plenty to pamper yourself with in the 10,500-square-foot spa. The lounge rooms have anti-gravity grounding chairs, and the men’s and women’s spa areas each have a jacuzzi, dry sauna and eucalyptus steam room. aguacalientecasinos.com/spa

100-foot mineral spring pool at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis