24 ways to Replenish, Relax and Rejuvenate
1. Take a Walk: Amidst palm and tamarisk trees I meet my sister in the main parking area, it’s 12:30 pm. After an easy pre-registration, we set out on a walkabout with resort map in hand to navigate around this serene place.
2. Discover the Waters: A lush landscaped path meanders about the property, behind each turn we discover several spring-fed pools of varying shapes, sizes and temperatures. These are the oldest natural mineral hot springs in the country.
3. Find the Labyrinth Do a meditation walk on their labyrinth. This is a Wellness resort so there are many fun, free activities as well as creative classes to experience. Saturday nights they offer a sound bath – a must-do heavenly ear experience!
4. Feed the Ducks When the friendly reception staff hand you your room key, they also give you a small baggie filled with pellets, quickly followed by, “not for you – for the ducks!” Continuing on our discovery walk we hear the quacking before we see their small flock of spa ducks. Beside a meandering stream and greenery, the scene is positively bucolic.
5. Soak & Sip We have time for a soak before our first treatment at 3:15pm. There’s a variety of pools to choose, we easily find our ideal afternoon pool temperature. Do soak deeply and often in the luxuriating, healing waters! Taking the waters is up there in my pursuit of health and happiness.
6. Relax in the Shade Discover an inviting alcove hidden about. With so many places to rest, sit or recline we pre-check where our pre and post treatment options might be. Remember in the desert do like the locals -stay hydrated. Water, plain or deliciously favored, is everywhere for our sipping pleasure – drink deeply the water is pure and sweet!
7. Get Dirty with Canadian Peat Moss There’s a great menu of Wellness treatments but I choose mud. We booked our treatment in advance, this popular soak is unique to Two Bunch, so I have not experienced this. Elevated in a tub of warm peat moss, I revel in the texture as I sink into earthy peat moss and enjoy the magnificent views in a private space. After treatment we refresh in a warm shower and notice super soft skin – for days! Bundled up in our robes, we lay outside on chaise to watch shadows fall across the mountains. Spa Happy!
8. Gangsters and Hollywood Elites This retreat gained notoriety as a bootleg hideout for Al Capone and his gang in the 1930’s. His safe, long emptied, still stands proudly in a corner of the main spa building. In the 50’s Hollywood discovered and continues to visit this discreet Spa. These healing springs now enchant and rejuvenate wellness seekers.
9. Our Room We unpack and settle into our room which includes a private patio and green area. There’s just enough time to bundle into fresh Spa bathrobes for a catnap.
10. Feast at Essence Restaurant After short walk back past Al Capone’s fabled room for 6 pm dinner reservations, we’re indulging in fresh homemade bread and sipping ginger-infused lemon sparklers. Main course is deliciously flavorful and generous. Staff is super – attentive and helpful. The 180 view of Mt. San Jacinto is spectacular at every hour but as darkness falls lights appear at the peak, bonus view of the Palm Springs Tram. Unique fun to be in a chic ambiance where guests may dine in bathrobes, workout clothes or casual attire.
11. Fire Meditations and Stargazing Nothing’s better after a satisfying meal than a brisk walk before sitting around a quiet warm fire pit for contemplation by the flames. The desert sky is clear and stars are brightly visible, our imaginations wander around the moon, stars and galaxies beyond.
12. Spa Sisters Catchup Best part with a traveling companion is to share the experience which expands to general impressions and catchups, including books reading or on the list.
13. Desert Stargazing It’s a treat to see so many stars in clear skies, so I wake up in the middle of the night to walk outside our patio for an awesome star show. I use the SkyView App to keep me informed and oriented.
14. Wake Up Sunshine A good night’s sleep in comfortable beds – It’s a glorious morning! Check the weather and get moving.
15. Move Qi Daily rituals begin with Qigong (pronounced chee gong) stretches and flows. As a Certified Qigong Instructor I do daily stretch and flow routines no matter where I am or what other activities are planned. Qigong is a Longevity Art. Moving one’s Qi, life force energy, keeps joints fluid, mind focused and mood elevated inside a flexible body.
16. Savor Coffee in our room Next ritual is good fresh coffee made in a compact Expresso maker in our room.
17. Walk the Gardens in Morning Light Our bungalow area has a lovely cactus garden to admire before our soak. Garden aficionados appreciate beautiful living spaces for flora and fauna too!
18. Early Soak in hottest spring pool It’s still early for a resort so we have our pick of pools. We like the hottest spring fed pool hidden away near Al Capone’s room.
19. Be Inspired – Share our Dreams & Pack It’s already past 9 am now, so we pack up before noon check out. Time stretches when you’re having fun.
20. Mud Wrap and Massage at 10:15 am Mellow for the morning treatment I still had no idea how luscious my skin would feel after all this mud and clay mask pampering. Clay and mud have been used to detoxify and purify for eons. Just look at the exquisitely preserved human bodies found in peat-bogs of northern Europe; their skin is still intact thanks to the PH in peat-bogs. As I age so does my skin so these treatments are so worth it!!
21. Shower and Replenish skin with spa products After washing off the mud, we get a massage. In Spa reception area there are wonderful products to test and purchase for more divine replenishment after luxurious treatments.
22. Check out happy It’s 12:30 pm I’d arrived only 24 hours ago and feel calmer and younger today. After an easy breezy checkout, we have time for more fun banter with friendly staff.
23. Savor Lunch Hungry, we’re ready for good food, flavors and surroundings at lunch before heading back to the coast. Spectacular to see this snow-capped view in daylight and indulge in another healthy meal and fresh cold-brewed coffee.
24. Photos and Farewell Rejuvenated we take a few more pictures before good-byes. Time is precious but so is friendship, great memories and healthy aging. Relaxed and indulged after 24 hours, next visit I’ll aim for 48 or more.
Two Bunch Palms is located in Desert Hot Springs, California. Equally comfortable for small groups and families,we saw three generations soaking, this Wellness Spa is also a popular romantic getaway .
