During Greater Palm Springs Spa Month (Sept. 1-30, 2026), resorts, spas and wellness destinations across Greater Palm Springs including Grand Hyatt Indian Wells (pictured) will feature special offers and promos. *Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs*

September is right around the corner, which means it’s almost time for Greater Palm Springs Spa Month, now returning for its second year. From Sept. 1-30, 2026, Greater Palm Springs Spa Month will feature special offers at premier resorts, spas, and other wellness destinations across all nine cities that make up Greater Palm Springs (Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage).

I recently joined Visit Greater Palm Springs for a special preview of Greater Palm Springs Spa Month, and during those three days I city-hopped around the desert to enjoy spa treatments and wellness experiences at participating properties; dined at spots that served fresh, healthy meals with desert-forward ingredients; and experienced fun local activities that showcased what the desert has to offer.

The Best Spas in Greater Palm Springs: Where to Experience Desert Relaxation

Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, Greater Palm Springs Spa Month offers the ideal opportunity to treat yourself to some much-needed self-care and relaxation while supporting local businesses and discovering more of the world-class wellness destination, which has everything from five-star luxury resorts and renowned golf courses to mineral hot springs, Michelin-recommended restaurants, and more.

Although I’ve been to the desert many times, each visit is always an entirely different experience, just as this trip was. I loved getting the opportunity to explore cities where I hadn’t spent much time like Indio (which I had only been to for the Coachella Music Festival in the past). I also enjoyed discovering several local restaurants and businesses, and I even got to check a few items off my bucket list (which included having date shakes at Shields Date Garden and riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway).

The Best Resorts in Greater Palm Springs

There’s so much to see and do out in Greater Palm Springs that you’ll always have a reason to come back. Read on for more details and highlights from my recent visit of experiences and destinations you won’t want to miss:

Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells)

Spa Rosa is an award-winning spa located at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

During my trip I stayed at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells and visited their award-winning spa, Spa Rosa. The resort tastefully captures Tommy Bahama’s island spirit and blends it with the beauty of the surrounding area to create the ultimate tropical desert retreat.

Spa Profile: Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

I enjoyed every aspect of the resort, which features beautifully-designed guest rooms decorated in playful colors and prints by Tommy Bahama, its signature Grapefruit Basil restaurant, poolside Chiki Palm bar, a Tommy Bahama gift shop, and amenities that include three saltwater pools, lush gardens, outdoor fire pits, private cabanas, and of course, Spa Rosa.

The stunning 12,000-square-foot spa features tropical details throughout including banana leaf print walls, an outdoor terrace with a private spa pool and jacuzzi overlooking the Santa Rosa Mountains, and a wide range of spa treatments inspired by the healing powers of the desert.

Spa Rosa offers massages, facials, body treatments, wellness rituals, and other curated experiences inspired by the desert. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

I experienced the 80-minute Lomi Lomi Massage, which is one of my favorite types of massages with long, flowing strokes inspired by traditional Hawaiian techniques. It was the perfect treatment for unwinding and relaxing after the 2-hour drive from Los Angeles.

Booking a spa treatment in the afternoon or evening is also one of my top travel sleep hacks because it helps shift the nervous system into a calmer and more relaxed state, which makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.

Spa Rosa is among the many wellness destinations that are participating in Greater Palm Springs Spa Month so be sure to check out the official website to discover various specials and more.

Taking of the Waters at The Spa at Séc-he (Palm Springs)

The Spa at Séc-he is a state-of-the-art, 73,000-square-foot luxury day spa complex located in downtown Plam Springs.‍ ‍*Photo by Kamala Kirk*

Perhaps the most comprehensive wellness destination in the desert is The Spa at Séc-he, which is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and is owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. You could easily spend an entire day at the 73,000-square-foot spa complex, which has everything you could ever want and need all in one place.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Séc-he

In addition to separate men’s and women’s locker areas, the spa has numerous indoor and outdoor relaxation lounges with multiple swimming pools, salt caves, a fitness center with cryotherapy and float tanks, a private spa suite for larger groups, a cafe, and an extensive spa treatment menu.

Another unique amenity at The Spa at Séc-he that you won’t find anywhere else are the 22 private mineral baths, which combine 105-degree ancient water and minerals that come from deep in the ground underneath the spa. They offer numerous wellness benefits and are great for relaxing the body, decreasing muscle and join pain, as well as helping to improve various skin issues.

The Spa at Séc-he is built directly over the ancient underground Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, offering guests the opportunity to soak in rare mineral waters that are 12,000 years old. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

During our visit, we enjoyed a tour of the facilities led by Spa Director Daniel Spencer, who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to anything spa and wellness-related, and then we got to experience the “Taking of the Waters,” a 15-minute experience in one of the spa’s private mineral bath suites.

After a quick rinse-off in the shower followed by a brief cold plunge, I was ready for the mineral baths and thoroughly enjoyed my experience, which left my skin feeling soft and my body relaxed from head to toe. Even if you don’t have a full day to spend at the spa, you can book a quick mineral bath and be on your way — it’s easy enough to fit into one’s schedule even with limited time.

If I lived in the desert, I could see myself being a regular at The Spa at Séc-he to take advantage of all their offerings (they also offer a Be Well Balance Fitness Membership that includes access to their amenities and mineral baths for those who want to make it a regular part of their routine).

Blue Zone-Inspired Spa Treatments at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (Palm Desert)

The Spa at Desert Springs at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert has added a menu of Blue Zone-inspired spa treatments that focus on longevity, balance, and mindful living. *Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs*

One of my other favorite resorts in Greater Palm Springs is JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, which has so many incredible amenities (including its own waterways and boat rides) and the Spa at Desert Springs, the largest spa in the city.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Desert Springs

Recently, the spa introduced a spa treatment menu inspired by the world’s Blue Zones, which are five regions around the world where the healthiest and longest-living populations live. The Spa Zones are designed to complement the Blue Zone-inspired bistro menu at the spa, and are rooted in natural ingredients and restorative rituals. Offerings range from a Grapeseed Scrub and an Olive Oil Massage to a Revitalizing Rice Clay Wrap, among others.

While I didn’t get the chance to experience the Blue Zone spa treatments during this visit (I definitely want to come back for that Olive Oil Massage on a future trip), on our first night we had dinner at the resort where we sampled the Blue Zone bistro menu (it’s only available for lunch at the spa, but they made an exception for our group so that we could try it). Keep on reading to lean more about the Blue Zone bistro menu.

Healthy Culinary Experiences at Local Spots

Blue Zone-Inspired Dining at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (Palm Desert)

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s Executive Chef Michael Klicos has created a plant-forward Spa Bistro menu inspired by the world’s Blue Zones. *Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa*

Designed to complement the new Blue Zone-inspired spa treatments available at the Spa at Desert Springs, the resort’s Executive Chef Michael Klicos has put together a Spa Bistro menu that is inspired by the world’s Blue Zone communities, where meals are rooted in whole foods and seasonal ingredients.

Dishes are influenced by flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean with foods that are full of flavor while emphasizing freshness, quality, and nourishment.

The menu is available for lunch every day and includes offerings such as whipped Feta with hot honey, rice wrapped in grape leaves (dolmades), fresh hummus served with Indio Valley date tapenade and cold-pressed olive oil, warm pita, and marinated olives — and those are just the appetizers.

The Spa Bistro’s Blue Zone-inspired menu features globally-inspired wellness dishes, vegetables, healthy grains, and fresh seafood options. *Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa*

We also had fresh salmon, a California kale salad (which featured abundant ingredients including artichoke hearts, red peppers, couscous, and sheep’s milk Feta), a yellowfin crudo, and sweet potato japchae (with broccoli, cabbage, and carrots drizzled in a miso honey vinaigrette).

Every single dish was delicious but despite having multiple servings of each, I didn’t feel painfully full afterward, which I credit to the clean and wholesome ingredients I consumed.

Usually when I eat a big meal it can make it hard to sleep afterward, but the fresh meal combined with my relaxing massage earlier in the day made for the perfect combination and I woke up the following morning refreshed and ready to start my day.

Date Shakes at Shields Date Garden (Indio)

Shields Date Garden in Indio is known for their world-famous date shake that has been served for decades. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

Greater Palm Springs is also famous for producing dates (the area grows over 90% of date crops for the entire country), which thrive in the heat and sun. There are numerous date gardens in the area including Shields Date Garden in Indio, a 17-acre date farm that offers self-guided tours of its grounds and has a cafe, theater, gift shop, and a vintage-style soda fountain and counter bar top where you can sit down and order one of their popular date shakes.

Made with a combination of vanilla ice cream and proprietary Date Crystals, the shakes have a rich caramel flavor that is unlike anything you’ve ever tried. It’s the perfect treat for cooling off in the desert heat, and I loved the shake so much that I went back on my final day before driving home to enjoy one more shake for the road. Yes, it’s that good.

Fresh Fare in a Garden-Inspired Setting at FARM (Palm Springs)

FARM in Palm Springs offers patio seating in a lush garden setting reminiscent of the South of France. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

Greater Palm Springs has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, making it a great place for foodies and those who want to try something new. I typically dine at the restaurants in whatever resort I’m staying at so it was nice for a change to eat off-site and try a few local spots.

One of the places we went to for breakfast was FARM in Palm Springs, which serves farm-to-table, French-Provencal fare in a lush garden setting with cute farm-themed art. They’re known for their crepes (both sweet and savory) and I ordered the citron crepes with lemon, butter, and sugar. They also make great omelettes, French toast, salads, and sandwiches depending on what you’re in the mood for.

The carefully crafted menu at FARM incorporates fresh, authentic dishes made from the finest ingredients. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

Owner Liz Ostoich also owns several other local establishments including The Front Porch (located in front of FARM and serves craft cocktails with various bites), Clandestino (focus on fresh seafood), and Tac/Quila, a hip Mexican eatery. More places to try on a future trip!

California Cuisine Infused With Island Spirit at Grapefruit Basil (Indian Wells)

Grapefruit Basil at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa offers a fresh take on California cuisine infused with Tommy Bahama’s signature island-inspired spirit. Photo by Kamala Kirk

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort also has its restaurant, Grapefruit Basil, which features its own fresh take on California cuisine infused with the island-inspired spirit of Tommy Bahama. With chic tropical decor and an indoor-outdoor setting, the restaurant serves creative dishes that incorporate ingredients grown on property.

A few dishes I tried included the house-made foccaccia with butter and orange blossom honey, beet salad, and lobster capellini pasta — everything was delicious. They also have an impressive selection of playful cocktails with a tropical edge, along with their signature drink: the Grapefruit Basil with Grey Goose, fresh basil, and ruby red grapefruit.

Authentic French Pastries at La Provence Cafe & Patisserie (Palm Desert)

La Provence Cafe & Patisserie in Palm Desert brings the charm of a traditional French cafe to the desert. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

On our last morning, we had breakfast in Palm Desert at La Provence Cafe & Patisserie, a French-style bakery and cafe. It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland with its whimsical decor that includes colorful booths and wallpaper, along with a grand display of macarons, cakes, and other sweet treats.

La Provence Cafe serves authentic French pastries, artisan breads, and an assortment of classic breakfast and lunch offerings. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

All of their cakes and pastries are made daily from scratch and in-house, and they also make panini sandwiches, salads, avocado toast, omelettes, and more.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover they also have a location in Beverly Hills, so at some point I’ll have to check that one out since it’s close to where I live.

More Fun Activities

Candle-Making Class at Chicano Candle Co. (Indio)

Chicano Candle Co. offers candle-making classes at its candle bar located at The Place in Indio. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

One of the fun activities I enjoyed during my visit was a candle-making class with one of the founders of Chicano Candle Co., located at The Place in downtown Indio. The Place is a unique neighborhood market with multiple creative brands under one roof. Each company has its own retail area so visitors can conveniently stroll around and shop at each business.

A Chicano- and LGBTQ-owned brand, Chicano Candle Co. was founded by Vincent and Adolfo, husbands and business partners who make small-batch, hand-poured candles, reed diffusers, and wax melts in fun and creative scents (they have everything from wood and powder to chamoy).

Adolfo led us through the process of selecting and mixing scents (they have around 120 different options), along with blending them into a coconut wax blend. Their candles are non-toxic, safe for pets, and come in beautiful and reusable containers complete with a custom label.

It was fun to chat with Adolfo and learn more about the brand, which celebrates the Latino community and is inspired by his and Vincent’s Mexican heritage and family traditions.

With more than 100 scents to choose from, guests can explore a curated collection of non-toxic fragrance oils and blend their own custom luxury scents. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

In addition to selling ready-made candles and other scented products, they offer candle-making classes both at their candle bar and they can also do private events and activations.

Our class took around an hour and our candles were ready for pickup later that afternoon. It’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed solo, as a date night or with a group of girlfriends. I’m already looking forward to making another candle next time I visit!

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Palm Springs)

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway os an iconic landmark in Palm Springs that transports visitors to a high-altitude evergreen forest in a 10-minute ride. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

Another must when visiting the desert is riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. I’m not sure why it took me so many years to finally do it, but this was the trip where I finally got to check that off my list! It was only a 10-minute tram ride and took us up two-and-a-half miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon.

The views were incredible on the way up, and when we reached the top (8,516 feet) we were greeted by more beautiful views and temperatures that were about 30 to 40 degrees cooler than at the bottom (which was extra refreshing since it was in the middle of a summer heat wave).

The tram ascends more than 2 ½ miles along the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon and offers incredible views of the desert and forest. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

There are also two restaurants, a gift shop, observation decks with telescopes, a visitors center, two documentary theaters, a natural history museum, and for those who want to linger longer, over 50 miles of hiking trails in Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

We went on a one-hour hike around the park that led to various scenic overlooks and offered forest views. There’s also a ranger station and picnic tables for visitors who want to take a break — I saw someone reading a book while lounging in a foldable beach chair in the middle of park, and it looked like he was having a great time.

It’s also highly recommended to ride the tram in the winter — visitors can go skiing and rent snowshoes, offering a fun and entirely different experience. It’s a family-friendly destination and offers a great opportunity to get closer to nature while enjoying the area’s beautiful scenery.

At the top, hikers and nature enthusiasts enjoy access to more than 54 miles of trails through Mount San Jacinto State Park. *Photo by Kamala Kirk*

A Few Noteworthy Mentions

More than 50 spas and wellness destinations across the desert are participating in Greater Palm Springs Spa Month. In addition to the ones already mentioned in the article, below are a few more places offering various specials that you should check out. View the complete list here.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (Rancho Mirage)

The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is offering a 20% discount through Sept. 30. *Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage*

The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is offering locals a 20% discount every day of the week this summer (excluding holidays and select treatments), from now through Sept. 30.

Spa Profile: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Rancho Mirage

Spa guests can enjoy access to the adults-only Vista Pool, 25-minute “express” treatments, and Afternoon Bliss, a restoring facial tailored to individual needs with a limited number of treatments per day. Buddy passes are also available with the purchase of a 50-minute or longer treatment. View the spa menu here.

Spa Esmeralda at Renaissance Esmeralda (Indian Wells)

Spa Esmeralda at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is offering several exclusive specials during Greater Palm Springs Spa Month. *Photo courtesy of Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa*

Spa Esmeralda at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites guests to slow down, recharge, and embrace the desert’s restorative spirit with exclusive offerings during Greater Palm Springs Spa Month. Offerings include:

Desert Escape Duo | $250

Created for those looking to make the most of their spa day, the Desert Escape Duo pairs a 50-minute treatment with a complimentary 30-minute enhancement. Guests can choose from a 50-minute massage, facial or body scrub, followed by one of three enhancements: a mini back, neck and shoulder massage, express facial or mini body scrub.

The $250 Spa Month-exclusive experience includes a 20% service charge, full spa day access, and a glass of sparkling wine. The offer is available Sept. 1-30, with limited weekend availability. Reservations are required.

Spa Day Retreat | $25

For guests who want to linger a little longer, Spa Esmeralda is offering a Spa Day Pass for just $25 throughout Spa Month. The pass provides access to the spa’s relaxing amenities, including the co-ed Spa Garden Jacuzzi, men’s and women’s steam rooms and relaxation lounges, locker rooms with showers, complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary self-parking. Spa treatments can be booked separately.

Spa Garden Emerald Cabana | $350

Friends can elevate their Spa Month experience with a private Spa Garden Emerald Cabana, available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located within the tranquil Spa Garden at Spa Esmeralda, the cabana accommodates eight to 10 guests and features cushioned shaded seating, an outdoor shower and bath, ceiling fan, fruit platter and bottled water.

Cabana guests receive robes, slippers, and lockers, along with all-day access to Spa Esmeralda’s facilities, including the steam room, whirlpool, relaxation lounge and aromatherapy showers. Resort pool access is also included, and groups receive 10% off all 50- and 80-minute spa services. Food and beverage service is available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (outside food and beverage is not permitted). Reservations are required.

Azure Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa in Desert Hot Springs is offering $20 off an Oasis Day Pass when you book two or more spa services. *Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs*

Greater Palm Springs Spa Month returns Sept. 1-30, 2026, and features many special offers at different hotels, spas, and other wellness spaces across the desert. For more information, visit their website.

[Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs, individual properties, and Kamala Kirk]

Greater Palm Springs Spa Month

From Spa Treatments to Blue Zone-Inspired Dining, Discover These Wellness Experiences and More During Greater Palm Springs Spa Month in September 2026