Perched above mineral springs long-revered for their healing powers, The Spa at Séc-he delivers invigorating services in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.
One of two large outdoor pools at the 72,000 square foot spa PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPA AT SÉC-HE
On the surface, Palm Springs is many things: A midcentury modern mecca, a glorious vacation retreat filled with bright colors and bold patterns, and a physical representation of the Rat Pack’s good ole days. But a deeper look reveals much more. The land has enormous cultural importance to the area’s native tribe, who has long revered the Agua Caliente mineral hot springs buried 8,000 feet below the bustling city.
The spa is located in downtown Palm Springs PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPA AT SÉC-HE
Located above the springs at the new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza is the Spa at Séc-He, a 73,000-square-foot destination owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and operated by Agua Caliente Casinos.
Waterfalls add to the exhilarating spa experience. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPA AT SÉC-HE
While the spa offers familiar services like facials and massages, it’s anything but ordinary due to numerous special touches and exclusive offerings, including the Taking of the Waters ceremony. The spa’s central experience involves a 15-minute soak in one of the 22 private mineral baths, that fill with 105-degree water straight from the springs. That short time is enough to encourage deep relaxation—the perfect way to start a spa day.
22 private mineral baths are available for the Taking of the Waters ceremony, a 15-minute long restorative soak in mineral-packed waters direct from the springs below. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPA AT SÉC-HE
Guests have the option of booking a Taking of the Waters day pass, which includes the ceremony, plus access to aromatherapy showers, the eucalyptus steam room, lounge areas with halotherapy salt caves, an acoustic vibration lounge, a zero-gravity chair area, mineral and resort-style pools, and more. Cryotherapy and zero-sensory floatation tanks are also available to book.
There are two co-ed salt caves at the complex PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPA AT SÉC-HE
This alone would be enough for a bliss-filled day, but the curated spa services are absolutely worth checking out. Offerings like the CBD Phytomedicine massage tackle wellness from all angles—a CBD tincture is taken at the start, and CBD massage oils are used throughout—and the JetPeel facial combines old and new techniques for genuinely effective results. There’s also a nail and hair salon—the latter offers a 60-minute full-head spa experience, something incredibly relaxing and not easy to find in California.
Treatment room tables are lined with gemstones, light therapy, infrared heat and grounding earthing pads PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPA AT SÉC-HE
Whether your agenda includes laying by the pool, blissing out with a massage or simply experiencing the Taking of the Waters ritual, a trip to this unique spa is worth the drive. As soon as you arrive, any thoughts of traffic or work dissolve. And by check-out time, the powers of this healing place will have made a long-lasting impression. thespaatseche.com
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