Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa: A Celebrity Hideaway

According to the latest TomTom Traffic Index report, “Los Angeles is the most congested city in North America. On average, journey times there take 33 percent longer than when traffic in the city is flowing freely and 77 percent longer during evening rush hour. Rounding out the top 10 most congested cities are Vancouver, Miami, Seattle, Tampa, Fla., San Francisco, Washington, Houston, Toronto and Ottawa.”

No wonder you want to flee the maddening crowds, including the hoards of international tourists dashing to the US for cheap deals on everything from hotels to haute fashion brands. Shopping in the US outlet stores these days is like Hong Kong in the 1960s. Many of you are savvy to escape from LA by going against the traffic. Here’s a great escape: Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs. While everyone is running to the night life and excitement in Vegas, you can be floating in a lagoon flowing with the top-rated mineral springs in the world.

In the desolate town of Desert Hot Springs, the rich and famous have retreated to a secret getaway for decades. Two Bunch Palms, a beautiful oasis, is an historical landmark setting for total relaxation, especially for Hollywood Honcho types. In fact, it was literally the clandestine hideaway for the infamous “gangsta” Al Capone. This desperado built the original stone fortress as his notorious hideout and exotic playground on a sacred Indian site. The most precious commodity, the mineral-rich, high-lithium-content  healing waters, is surrounded by “two bunches of palms”–a.k.a Two Bunch Palms. The healing waters induce a soporific effect that calmed the nerves of the most hardened outlaw. Before modern spas were fashionable, this was the most sought after place to chill out and ‘do nothing’ except enjoy the priceless benefit of the healing waters. Everyone would flock to this steaming hot pool lagoon in the middle of nowhere to rejuvenate. It was like nowhere else on earth.

Without the slick trademarks of many new imitators, the signature treatments remain exceptional, such as the rich mineral mud baths, created from the unusual green clay. This vein of green clay was found next to the artesian well on Miracle Hill and has been tested by biochemists at NASA’s Aces Research Center. The Hydra-Terra qualities have been found to store energy and to catalyze reactions, helping to restore the natural skin tone and balance, absorb toxins and create a rejuvenating effect on the skin. This clay is infused with the natural spring waters, and has soaked for millennia in high heat. Subsequent tests reveal rich mineral content in the natural spring’s lagoon, which is especially high in lithium and has a  soothing, almost magical effect on the nervous system.

The spa treatments are some of the best in the world, and worth the effort. Forget about the fancy-schmancy hotels with fine crystal chandeliers to please corporate clients and “fake” spa atmosphere, promising to help you de-stress.

Try the Watsu, a water therapy treatment in a private pool that will set the tone for the rest of your stay. And don’t forget the Epicuren Facials; there are only a few spas left that use these products, which are absolute best! In addition they are leading the trend for utilizing the Himalayan Salt crystals, which are known for their exceptional healing qualities. Getting a massage with the smooth heated stones aligned on your chakras is an exceptional way to soothe the nerves and let go of the city vibes.

Most of the action, day and night, takes place around the Grotto. The landscape also boasts a picture perfect pond with friendly fish and turtles who will chase after you so you better buy some fish food in the office! This is truly a romantic place, especially at night, with star-gazing and incredible sunsets and moon risings. Forget leaving the property, there is no place better to experience nature and peace. Many say it is located on an energy vortex.

With the latest upgrades, the resort has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability within the wellness-resort industry.

Under new ownership, their savvy business acumen are at the forefront of  the hospitality industry. Not only have they upgraded the design of all rooms and suites, but the restaurant is au courant in decor, as well as farm to table fresh fare.“From better potable water conservation practices for irrigation, non-toxic and more natural cleaning and treatment products, recycling throughout the property, sell more sustainable retail goods, renovating our rooms with energy efficient windows, doors and hot water heaters or generate our electricity from 100% renewable sources, the company strives to meet its sustainable goals and be an inspiring thought-leader and example in the marketplace.”

Without question, the resort’s efforts will pay off not only for the property, but as a leader in the future of the wellness industry. No wonder they were awarded Corporate Brand Dedicated to Sustainability by the Green Spa Network 2015 Awards.

Many reality-based television shows have been rediscovering the natural beauty of the resort. You may have caught a glimpse of some of the most picturesque spots on the Bachelor or Average Joe or VH1 and even MTV Dismissed. The most notable movie, The Player, features the lead character’s exclusive Hollywood hangout as a focal point of the film. This natural environmental treasure can be experienced by just making a reservation.

Don’t forget to feed the friendly ducks, turtles and fish who will greet you at the peaceful lake. They may not let you pass by without reminding you that they expect to get a treat!