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Desert Hot Springs
Where Nature and Elegance Unite
by mark sissons
Wellness flows naturally in Desert Hot Springs, a sanctuary nestled between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains. Here, some of the purest healing waters bubble just beneath the surface, and the desert sizzles with energy. Whether seeking deep relaxation, desert adventure, or a secluded retreat, this destination delivers.
Before it became a renowned wellness hub, this land was sacred to the Cahuilla tribe. It remained largely untouched until the early 1900s, when settlers arrived, lured by the 1877 Desert Land Act. Among them was Cabot Yerxa, who struck liquid gold in 1913, uncovering both hot and cold mineral springs on his 160-acre homestead. His Hopi-inspired pueblo, now Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, stands today as a tribute to early desert settler life. By the 1940s, his friend L.W. Coffee recognized the town’s potential as a wellness haven, branding it as a spa retreat.
Magical “Miracle Water”
Something about Desert Hot Springs feels different. Its mix of powerful elements—water, wind, sun, mountains, and an active fault zone—creates an energy vortex that revitalizes the body and mind. The naturally heated hot springs, reaching up to 105 degrees, have drawn wellness seekers for generations, offering benefits like improved circulation, stress reduction, and radiant skin. Many hotels tap directly into these pristine underground springs, allowing guests to sip some of the purest drinking water on Earth.
Indulgence with a Twist
Beyond its healing waters, Desert Hot Springs is known for its effortless fusion of indulgence, freedom and innovation that sets this place apart. Boutique spas cater to total relaxation and stress-free experiences, while some incorporate cannabis-friendly amenities, including on-site consumption and dispensary delivery. For the uninhibited, clothing-optional resorts provide a chance to soak up the sun—tan lines optional.
Eco-conscious travelers can enjoy guilt-free relaxation at Two Bunch Palms, a carbon-neutral wellness resort powered by solar energy. This award-winning retreat blends sustainability with luxury, offering mineral-rich pools and holistic therapies like guided meditation, detoxifying salt scrubs, and chakra-aligning treatments.
Nature and Adventure
Let your mind wander and body move through stunning desert landscapes where the Mojave and Sonoran deserts meet at Mission Creek Preserve. Hike the scenic 2.4-mile Swiss Canyon Trail in the Sand to Snow National Monument, or for a greater challenge, tackle the 12-mile Long Canyon Trail leading into Joshua Tree National Park before rewarding yourself with a well-earned hot spring soak.
For a slower pace, explore the lush wetlands and creosote-dotted hillsides of Mission Creek Preserve, a haven for nature lovers. Alternatively, relish breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from Mission Lakes Country Club.
Before leaving, capture the essence of Desert Hot Springs with a visit to the vibrant Palm and Pierson Mural or the iconic Desert Hot Springs Water Tower. A step back in time at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum offers a glimpse into Native art and artifacts collected by theosophist-artist Cabot Yerxa on his travels.
SOAK, SIP, SURRENDER, REPEAT
Desert Hot Springs visitdhs.com
