Ultimate Wellness Guide to Greater Palm Springs: From Beginner Relaxation to Transformative Retreats
On a scale from casual self-care to profound transformation, Greater Palm Springs delivers wellness experiences tailored to every level. Whether you seek stress relief, improved fitness, or full-body detoxification, the nine towns of this desert oasis offer everything from ancient natural hot springs to cutting-edge luxury spas. Discover our expert-curated recommendations based on your wellness goals.
Light Wellness for Beginners
Perfect for short trips or those new to wellness, these accessible activities provide meaningful self-care without overwhelming commitment.
Explore the area by bike: Many hotels offer complimentary rentals, or visit Bike Palm Springs Rentals. Start with the 3-mile Downtown Bike Tour through vibrant shopping and dining areas. All five in-town routes max out at 13 miles, fitting easily into an hour.
Among over 100 hiking trails, shorter options abound. Gain 6,000 feet of elevation effortlessly via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, then enjoy the easy 0.75-mile Long Valley Discovery Trail in Mount San Jacinto State Park. Cooler temperatures (about 30°F lower) make it ideal.
Replenish electrolytes frequently during biking, hiking, or shopping. Try Raw Remedy Juice Bar's Holy Kale juice or Date Me smoothie bowl (Medjool dates, banana, cinnamon, raw honey, rice milk). At Chef Tanya's Kitchen, savor the "Eat plants, look good in your pants" motto with the Coachella Forever salad (greens, quinoa, avocado, cucumber, black beans, jicama, cilantro, pepitas, currants, mango dressing, chili-limon dust) or fresh fruit cobblers.
Indulge in a spa treatment at hotel day spas open to all guests. Highlights include Spa La Lé at Hotel Paseo in Palm Desert (Organic Farm to Face facial) and the Spa at the Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells (Royal Rhassoul body treatment with rose petals, coconut milk, honey, and Moroccan clay).
For a mystical experience, join a full moon Sound Bath Session at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs (check dates like Sept. 9, Oct. 8, Nov. 7, Dec. 6). Quartz singing bowls align with your body's energy centers, offering a serene, crowd-free alternative to festivals.
Intermediate Wellness Experiences
Elevate your practice with extended hikes, yoga classes, and destination spas.
Intermediate hikes blend exercise and stunning scenery, like the 3.9-mile Murray Canyon Trail (moderate, 600-foot gain) featuring waterfalls, fan palms, cacti, desert willows, cottonwoods, birds, and potential bighorn sheep sightings.
For indoor zen, try Bikram Yoga El Paseo-Palm Desert (weekly rate includes mat) or Urban Yoga Center in Palm Springs (5-class pass, 25+ weekly classes).
Opt for a destination spa like Two Bunch Palms, reopening after renovations with refreshed rooms, a tea shop, wine bar, hot soaks, mud baths, massages, scrubs, yoga, Pilates, Gentle Water Yoga, Intention Saging, and Chakra Balancing.
Advanced: Full Immersion Retreats
For wellness workshops and retreats, Greater Palm Springs hosts transformative events.
Events like Deepak Chopra's Infinite Possibilities retreat (e.g., Jan. 24-27, 2019, at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa) offer purpose-finding through vegetarian meals, meditation, and yoga.
Wanderlust Wellspring (e.g., Oct. 26-28, 2018, at Renaissance Palm Springs) features 200+ sessions on practice, thinking, sweating, and restoring.
The Women of Color Self-Care & Wellness Retreat (e.g., Oct. 12-14, 2018, at Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa) includes Rise to Breathe, Dance and Live, and Soothing Sound Spa, plus swag bags.
For a quick dive, attend the LiveWell Festival (e.g., Jan. 5, 2019, at Palm Desert Civic Park).
Bonus: Signature Wellness Events
Competitive events to inspire your fitness:
- Patriot Ride for our Heroes (e.g., Oct. 20): 33-102 mile cycling courses, plus 16-mile Fun Ride.
- Aerial Tram Road Challenge (e.g., Oct. 27): 3.7 miles with 2,643-foot gain.
- Ironman (e.g., Dec. 9): 2.4-mile swim, 56-mile bike, marathon.
- Tour de Palm Springs (e.g., Feb. 9, 2019): 10-100 mile courses.
