PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
AFTER A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR RENOVATION, JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA IS READY FOR ITS CLOSE-UP. HERE, SPA DIRECTOR DAWN FERRARO DIGS IN.
Congrats on the renovated spa! Can you tell me about the changes? What was it like beforehand, and how is it different now? Thank you; we were thrilled with the enhancements! We have new beautiful carpeting, paint and wallpaper throughout the facility as well as a new, bright lobby with an exquisite chandelier and white tile floors. Our locker rooms received a fresh lift and new furniture pieces. Our Sanctuary Suite is in process of a complete makeover, which we are very excited to complete soon.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
How would you describe the look, feel and overall vibe? The look and feel is definitely elevated. We are transitioning from natural tones of ivory, beige and soft orange colors to bright white paired with multiple blue shades to match the hotel renovation. This is to emphasize the ‘springs’ of Desert Springs Spa. The redesign has been inspired by the stunning physical, historical and social environments of Palm Desert. The water and plant life is referenced throughout the design with cool, refreshing tones to create a serene energy. Guests will be instantly transported into an oasis of relaxation from the moment they step into the spectacular new lobby. The refreshed locker rooms and spa shop are also inspired by the healing powers of water.
What are some standout treatments? Our Desert Journey 90-minute service is a guest favorite, and incorporates date, brown sugar and tangerine elements. It includes a body scrub, warm stones, a paraffin foot treatment and a relaxing massage. Our newest facial is the FDA-approved Pro-Collagen Red Light Facial. Proving incredibly popular with guests, The Spa at Desert Springs is the only property in the desert to offer this red-light phototherapy treatment that works on fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen, elastin production and tissue oxygenation. Guests have been thrilled with the results!
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Is this the kind of spa you can hang out in all day? Can you highlight what's great about the facilities? This is the perfect spa to hang out all day! When guests ask, I love to suggest that they begin with a fitness workout either with one of our classes or in the fitness center before enjoying the gender-separate and coed relaxation lounges. Guests can enjoy an aromatic hammam, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish steam room and the Spa Bistro. There’s also the opportunity to connect with the beauty of nature by swimming or lounging by the outdoor heated saltwater lap pool, which overlooks the 450 acres of vibrant desert gardens, breathtaking mountain views and signature lakes that the property is known for. Our services begin at 10:30AM. Guests can start with a massage, followed by a healthy poolside lunch and smoothies from our Spa Bistro. After some sun time, they can end their day with a facial or body scrub. For those looking for a truly indulgent VIP experience— which comes complete with a personal butler—there is the exclusive Spa Sanctuary Suite, which can be booked for two to 10 guests. The luxurious suite has a private entrance and fully embraces the ‘spa together’ concept so groups can enjoy a spa within a spa. There’s also a personal changing room, treatment tables, desert rain showers, a high-definition TV, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a courtyard with whirlpool, cascading waterfall, loungers and spectacular views of the mountains. Guests in this suite also receive Champagne, fruit, cookies and food service. And before leaving, guests can treat themselves to some retail therapy from the revitalized spa shop, which features a unique collection of luxurious lifestyle products, apparel and gift items.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
How does the spa stand out as unique in the area? Our size is one of our best assets. At 38,000 square feet, we have the space. There's a 4,000-square-foot fitness center and movement studio, 47 treatment rooms, three lounges, two spa suites, our own bistro for a healthy lunch or appetizer, a private 25-yard saltwater pool, two steam rooms plus sauna, and whirlpool in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. The fabulous spa shop carries Lululemon, Kerstin Florian International, Eminence, comfort clothing, gift items, take-home spa products with a self-care emphasis and much more. Ancient healing methods and natural, locally sourced ingredients are incorporated into the treatments, which include a range of essential oil and therapeutic massages, one-of-a-kind body wraps and bespoke facials. Alongside the classic favorites, the new spa menu promises a new level of luxury with standout treatments, which includes a DermYoung Rapid Recovery Facial developed by Harvard Medical School skin biologists (we’re the only local spa to offer this), a CBD Wellness Massage, a Percussion Therapy Massage with Hypervolt and Decadent Caviar facials, to name a few!
Do you plan on offering seasonal treatments? We do offer them four times per year. We will be finalizing and announcing these soon! marriott.com
Photography by:
