The Wellness Seeker’s Guide To Palm Springs

Every April, thousands descend upon Palm Springs for one of the world’s most popular music festivals—Coachella. And while the Coachella Valley is certainly worth a visit, the greater Palm Springs area has so much more to offer, especially in the spring, when the skies are clear and the temperatures have not yet become unbearable. From natural, mineral rich hot springs to rooftop yoga overlooking the majestic mountains—there are no shortage of activities for the wellness seeker. Whether you’re looking to recharge after several days of concert-hopping or simply looking to escape the end of winter, this list of vegetarian restaurants, tranquil hotels and outdoor experiences has you covered.

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TO STAY

La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta

With a spa spanning 23,000 square feet, 38 treatment rooms and seven private whirlpool baths, it’s no wonder La Quinta has been a coveted wellness destination for nearly a century. The longest running resort in the region is home to a state-of-the-art facility with two steam rooms, two inhalation rooms and separate men’s and women’s treatment wings. Spa aside, the property itself is rejuvenating—796 casitas, suites and villas are built around 41 quiet swimming pools, ensuring everyone has enough space to soak in the sun in privacy. Those looking to get active will enjoy taking their pick of daily yoga and fitness classes, 23 tennis courts and five golf courses. Foodies won’t want to miss the refined farm-fresh fare served at Morgan’s In The Desert.

Azure Palm Hot Springs, Desert Hot Springs

With over 30 curated spa services, like a detoxifying desert sage clay wrap, and the only Himalayan salt room in the area, it’s no surprise Azure Palm Hot Springs is a go-to wellness destination for locals and visitors alike. The main draw here is their hot spring pools—two indoor and three outdoor—which range in temperature from 85 to 104 degrees. Better yet, you can experience the region’s relaxing mineral water from the privacy of your own room in one of the “Spa Suites” outfitted with their own hot mineral spring tubs. Rejuvenating group experiences include yoga classes and sound baths, while serious retreaters can join a week-long juice fast.

Villa Royale, Palm Springs

What the Villa Royale lacks in wellness offerings, it makes up for in swagger. Enclosed by a fence of manicured green bushes, this intimate boutique hotel is the perfect hideaway for those seeking a quiet retreat in Palm Springs proper. Art aficionados will love the more than 50 large-format paintings commissioned by previous artists-in-residence, not to mention the mid-century modern furnishings. Low ceilings, mahogany wood and in-room cocktail parlors honor the hotel’s history as a Hollywood getaway in the 1950s. Even if you’re not staying here, you’ll want to stop by for the inventive cocktails and Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine at onsite restaurant Del Rey, or simply to lounge by one of the three pools overlooking the surrounding mountains.

Two Bunch Palms, Desert Hot Springs

If you are attending Coachella, Two Bunch Palms is undoubtedly the hotel to see and be seen. The luxury property has built a name for itself largely due to its standout experience—soaking in the 600-year-old natural hot spring. Surrounded by lush palm trees, the mineral waters that fill their teak soaker tubs are believed to boost mood, improve circulation and promote healing. Equally as impressive are their wide variety of spa treatments, which range from touchless technologies like LED light therapy to a more traditional deep tissue massage made unique with the use of CBD oil. Spa treatments incorporate superfoods, as do the healthy vegetarian dishes found at the onsite restaurant.

Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs

Lizzo, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon… Korakia has hosted numerous A-List celebrities since opening over thirty years ago. Set on 1.5 acres of lush land, the two historic villas, which date back to the early 20^th century, have been restored to blend their original Mediterranean architecture with Moroccan accents for an exotic feel. The hotel honors its North African roots with Moroccan tea service each afternoon and Moroccan daybeds, perfect for stargazing at night. Sprinkled with citrus trees and numerous discreet spots for privacy, this is the resort for those seeking an urban retreat from the Coachella crowds.

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TO EAT

Shields Date Garden

Imported from the Middle East and North Africa due to the similar arid, dry climate conditions found in Palm Springs, dates were first introduced to the area as an experimental crop in the late 19^th century. Over 100 years later and Palm Springs is now one of the fruit’s biggest exporters and arguably produces some of the highest quality in the world. While there are many farms to visit, Shields is undoubtedly the most popular for the immersive experience they offer. Walk the 17-acre date grove and botanical garden, sample the different types of dates they harvest and taste their date-infused dishes at the onsite café. Make sure to order the popular date shake at the 1960s original shake counter.

Native Foods

Tucked away in a quiet enclave of a strip mall you’ll likely find a line for this casual vegetarian eatery. And for good reason—the menu is filled with healthy, vegetarian interpretations of comfort foods like chicken tenders, nachos and burgers. From brisket to taco filling to meatballs, they’re cooking up seemingly every kind of meat in plant-based form. Hearty salads—think, BBQ Chicken and Taco Salad—and bowls like the Cauliflower Shawarma and Orange Cauliflower are equally as creative.

The Natural Sisters Cafe

If you’re making your way out to Joshua Tree National Park, a stop at this unsuspecting roadside eatery is a must. Organic, plant-based and locally-sourced, everything here is vegetarian and made with love. An extensive drinks menu includes juices and smoothies inspired by the surrounding National Park like the Rock Climber’s Revenge and Green Mojave, as well as several types of chai. Hearty dishes like the Biscuits & Gravy and Avocado Black Bean Burger provide vegetarian hiking fuel that doesn’t scrimp on flavor.

Nature’s Health Food and Cafe

Set inside a health food store, you would never guess this strip mall joint is serving up some of the healthiest (and tastiest) take out in the city. From Asian-inspired stir-frys to spicy curries to Mexican-style burritos, the worldy lunch menu offers seemingly every flavor in vegetarian form. A stop by in the morning looks like your choice of colorful smoothie bowls and vegetarian egg dishes (think breakfast tacos and cheesy omelettes). Regardless of what time you visit, a smoothie is a must, especially the local favorite—the Vegan Date Shake, made with Shields date crystals, fresh dates and soy ice cream.

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen

With locations in Palm Desert and Palm Springs, you won’t want to miss this local vegan favorite. Sandwiches are the standout here, like the Modern Hippie Veggie made with gomasio and jicama, and the BLTA, a vegan spin on the BLT that subs smoky tofu for real bacon. House cultured tempeh is the star of their tempeh burgers like the Guadalajara piled high with Anaheim chiles and caramelized onions. Salads are equally as inventive—Coachella-goers will want to opt for the “festival in your mouth” that is the Coachella Forever: crunchy cabbage mixed with quinoa, black beans and toasted pepitas, and topped with a cool mango lime dressing and chili con lemon powder.

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EVERYTHING

Island Tribe Wellness

From hand poured candles to organic hemp yoga mats, this unsuspecting shop set in a strip mall is filled with boho-chic goods you’ll want to take home. But shopping aside, stay a while to partake in one of their healing experiences. Ritual-based offerings include cacao ceremonies, sound therapy, breathwork workshops, reiki and meditation, and creative workshops like candle and floral crown-making (perfect for creating your own Coachella accessories). Owners Angeline Hayling and OD Odero are determined to make wellness more accessible to Palm Springs residents and visitors alike.

Joshua Tree National Park

Surrounded by six mountain ranges and stretching nearly 800,000 acres across the lower Colorado and Mojave Deserts, Joshua Tree National Park is intimidating to tackle on your own. Make the most of your time by taking a guided hike with Tallgrass Tours. Hiking guide Nancy customizes the hike to your ability and interests, providing thorough knowledge on the unique geography and history of the park. With no cell service, rugged rock formations and the uniquely shaped Joshua trees demanding your undivided attention, it’s hard not to practice mindfulness in this desert paradise. Keys View is a must for epic views of the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault line.

Power Yoga Palm Springs

Yoga sculpt, yin yoga, hot yoga, gentle yoga—this studio offers a class for everybody. For over 10 years, locals have chosen this bright and airy studio for its diversity of classes and friendly instructors. The pandemic pushed classes outdoors to the rooftop and the unplanned pivot has made the studio even more popular for those wanting to practice with a mountain view.

Hike The Trails

With more than 300 days of sunshine every year, Palm Springs is a dream for hikers. Year-round opportunities to take in the city and surrounding mountains abound on the more than 100 trails you’ll find in and around Palm Springs. For the best views of the city, head to Murray Hill or hike the six-mile Araby Trail, which is easily accessible from within Palm Springs.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve offers 31,000 acres of preserved land teeming with diverse plant life and more than 240 species of birds while the Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons is a casual, two-mile hike along the historic Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian tribal grounds. Those attending Coachella won’t want to miss the more than 25 miles of hiking offered at the Coachella Valley Preserve, especially the Thousand Palms Oasis made lush by the waters seeping from the San Andreas Fault.