JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert Debuts Spa Treatments and Culinary Offerings Inspired By the World's Blue Zones

Okinawa is one of the world’s five Blue Zones where people live longer, healthier lives according to researcher Dan Buettner. Photo by Ryo Yoshitake

Blue Zones are a hot topic right now, especially with more people interested in pursuing healthier lifestyles and longevity. For those not familiar with Blue Zones, the term was originally coined by explorer and longevity researcher Dan Buettner, a bestselling author who has written books on the topic.

Buettner has spent years exploring various parts of the world where people reportedly have longer lifespans, and as a result of his extensive research, he identified five regions around the world (known as blue zones) that are home to the world’s healthiest and longest-living populations: Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; and Okinawa, Japan.

Recently, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California debuted a new culinary and spa treatment menu inspired by Blue Zones — so you can experience some of the benefits without having to travel across the world.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is a luxury getaway in Palm Desert, California that is home to the 48,000-square-foot Spa at Desert Springs. Courtesy of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Inspired by the Blue Zones, the new bistro menu at the spa was created by Executive Chef Michael Klicos and features plant-forward dishes that are flavorful and showcase an assortment of vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats with proteins such as smoke salmon, tuna, and more.

The dishes incorporate minimally processed ingredients that have been thoughtfully sourced including brown rice, seeded lavash, and sprouted grains, among others.

Offerings include a Mediterranean Bowl (couscous, Coachella Valley dates, lacinato kale, roasted red pepper, roasted artichoke, feta, and lemon-oregano vinaigrette) as well as an Okinawa Bowl (sweet potato glass noodles, carrot, broccoli, cilantro, and miso honey vinaigrette), and more.

The Spa at Desert Springs recently debuted new spa treatments inspired by the world’s Blue Zones. Courtesy of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

The Spa Zones are new treatment offerings that are designed to complement the cuisine and inspired by Blue Zones as well. Rooted in natural ingredients and restorative rituals, these experiences focus on hydration, recovery, and balance, and are often paired with calming finishes such as herbal teas, baths or moments of rest.

Spa treatment offerings include a Grapeseed Scrub, Microgreens Facial, Olive Oil Massage, Revitalizing Rice Clay Wrap, and a Sensible Sun Facial. View the Spa Zone treatment offerings here.

For more information and to book a treatment, visit JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa’s website or call 750-341-1874. For special deals on your next stay, click here. Follow on Instagram: @jwmarriott_desertspringsresort

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk