Relax, recharge and take the waters at the Spa at Sec-he in Palm Springs

Palm Springs, California is a desert oasis, known for its hot springs, amenity-rich resorts, top-notch golf courses, eclectic boutiques, vibrant food scene, and easy access to nature. It’s also a wellness mecca, offering numerous spas where you can soak and get pampered to your heart’s content. 

However, only one of these spas has a natural, mineral hot spring. Welcome to The Spa at Séc-He, one of the country’s most luxurious hot mineral spring spa destinations. And it’s conveniently located right in downtown Palm Springs. 

Owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and operated by the Agua Caliente Casinos, the spa is a state-of-the-art, 73,000-square-foot property, offering cutting-edge treatments and therapies amid a tranquil setting. 

History

The site of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring is where it all began, as this place has a history of healing. Séc-He, which translates to “the sound of boiling water,” is an ancient hot mineral spring and one of the most important cultural resources cared for and protected by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

This water is 12,000 years old and exists in a chamber 8,000 feet below the surface, where the earth heats it to temps nearing 180 degrees. It makes its way up via a natural pipeline, absorbing various minerals on its way, and cooling to about 105 degrees as it reaches the desert floor. 

For many years, Séc-He was the water source for drinking, irrigation, bathing and ceremonies, and was revered by the ancestors of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for its life-giving properties. They also knew the water, with its rich minerals, had valuable health benefits.

Through centuries, the Agua Caliente people shared access to this sacred hot mineral spring. They built bathhouses and the site became the first tourist attraction in what would become Palm Springs. Flash forward to the 1950s when the tribe built a world-class spa and visitors from around the world came to take the waters.

By the early 21st century, the existing infrastructure built to protect the spring needed to be replaced. This was done in 2015. Three years later, the Agua Caliente Tribe started building the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza to include a museum, The Spa at Séc-He, the Oasis Trail and Gathering Plaza. The overall intention of the Cultural Plaza is to “celebrate the hot mineral spring and the Tribe’s history, culture, traditions and modern-day life, ushering in a new era of luxury, tranquility and healing.”

The Experience

The Spa at Séc-He opened in April of 2023 to much acclaim. It is regarded as the premier destination for relaxation and rejuvenation in the Coachella Valley. I recently had the opportunity to experience the wonders of this place and I can sincerely say that of all the spas I’ve been to over the years, this one gets top billing.

I opted for the “Taking of the Waters Day Pass,” where guests get access to all spa amenities, including a private Taking of the Waters bath experience. The latter is a sacred practice and involves a fifteen minute soak in one of the 22 private mineral baths. This is a reserved session. 

As soon as I walked in, I could feel a wave of calm wash over me. After checking in, a staff member takes you on a tour of the place. I found this very helpful, as it’s a very large facility with many different areas, some for women, some for men, and some for both sexes. Everything’s done tastefully with a soothing design and décor. 

The spa’s offerings are impressive: full fitness center with all the bells and whistles for a complete workout, expansive men’s and women’s locker rooms with plenty of quality body products, aromatherapy showers, a eucalyptus steam room, menthol inhalation sauna, cold experience shower and plunge pool. Men and women also have separate lounge areas stocked with infused waters and snacks, though there’s a common area lounge that both can use.

Then there’s the Earthing Zone, a heavenly relaxation area on both men’s and women’s sides with Acoustic Wellness vibrational loungers and acoustic zero-gravity vibration chairs, along with Grounded Tranquility rooms, also with zero-gravity conductive chairs and healing blankets. These offer “no-touch” therapy with the intention of achieving a deeper state of relaxation.

I settled into one of these chairs, put a blanket on, donned a pair of headphones and proceeded to doze off to the sounds of soft rain. While the light vibrations enhanced my cocoon state. Being someone who often takes a long time to get to sleep, I was amazed at how quickly I was able to turn my brain off and let everything go. I awoke about thirty minutes later with drool on my face – proof positive that my nap was successful!

The spa also boasts two halotherapy salt caves, which are located in the common area lounge. Halotherapy utilizes the power of salt to help boost the respiratory and immune systems. Inhaling dry salt particles aids in removing bacteria and inflammatory properties. It’s relaxing and peaceful to be in one of these rooms. You can sit, lie down on the benches or lounge chairs, rest or even read a book. Though you might not realize anything’s happening to your body, you’ll probably feel a difference when you leave. In my case, I breathed deeper, like my lungs had been cleansed. And I felt at peace, almost as if I had just done a meditation session. 

The common area lounge connects all areas to the coed pool deck, which features a whirlpool, main pool with waterfall feature and zero-edge mineral pool with a beachy vibe. For an additional cost, you can book a luxury cabana complete with misters and plush day beds. Otherwise, there are plenty of lounge chairs around the various pools. 

It’s easy to spend an entire day at the spa, going from one room to another, one pool to another, one nap to another… In between, opt for one or more of the indulging treatments, from massages and facials to body scrubs and wraps. Choices abound with blends of essential oils, heated gemstones, light therapy, infrared heat and diverse skin technologies and methods that offer numerous benefits. Like improved circulation, decreased tension, stress and muscle stiffness, improved flexibility, better quality of sleep, and more.

For something different, there are zero-sensory float tanks and even IV and vitamin therapy to support your immune system, which is administered in the Live Well Clinic. The next time I visit, I plan to try the float tank, where you float in a solution made of Epsom salt and water. Like the Dead Sea, you effortlessly lay atop the water and experience weightlessness. This feeling allows your body to get a well-deserved break and fully relax your muscles. 

When you get hungry or thirsty, there are two cafés that specialize in health-forward offerings. Fresh seasonal ingredients and innovative recipes take center stage. Think delicious smoothies, juices, salads, wraps and sandwiches, protein packed entrees and guilt-free snacks. Eat al fresco by the main pool or at the inside venue near the lobby. 

You’ll be delighted to know that the spa is kept squeaky clean and the staffing ratio is excellent. Employees are friendly, professional and focused on the customer experience. 

Home – The Spa at Séc-he Palm Springs