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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
Nestled within 77 acres of lush palm groves just 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs, this legendary desert oasis has been attracting visitors to its natural, mineral-rich hot springs for centuries. In fact, locals say the springs were originally given their name by the Indigenous Cahuilla tribe thousands of years ago. These days, Two Bunch Palms is a full-service resort offering a whole roster of modern treatments, healing workshops, and wellness experiences—what owner Erica Chang appealingly calls “uncomplicated wellness.” While there’s everything from Reiki meditation to adaptogenic body wraps on offer, taking to the waters in the thermal baths is definitely the main draw.
What’s the vibe?
The resort’s tucked-away location on the edge of the Coachella Valley lends it an aura of secrecy—but this isn’t the kind of place where you aren’t allowed to speak above a whisper. Instead, the atmosphere is decidedly laid-back. Most guests come with a few friends and wander cheerily in their swimsuits and bathrobes from the massive alfresco teak bathtubs (where a quick turn of a spigot allows fresh thermal water to flow) to the shaded rock grotto pools. The architecture and grounds reflect both the relaxed spirit and the resort’s varied history: The 65 well-appointed guest rooms have an elegant desert-bohemian aesthetic and are spread between original stone buildings and newer adobe villas, while the stand-alone treatment rooms are set away from the action in sleek modern bungalows accented with breezy linen curtains and floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a chic, cabin-like natural wine bar, a tennis court, a glass workshop hut, and a (very cosmic-looking) thatched-roof yoga dome. When the sun sets, the entire property glows with flickering light from firepits hidden in leafy alcoves. The thermal pools are open for stargazing and soaking well after nightfall.
The history?
The resort’s many returning guests are quick to share tales of the hot spring’s storied past. One favorite subject is Al Capone, who is said to have built many of the resort’s original buildings to use as a hideout. Many say he even dug getaway tunnels underground. Though one guest suite is indeed named after Al Capone, Chang will only confirm that “the property was transformed into a resort in the 1920s and is rumored to have had connections with the mob during the 1930s and 1940s.” More recently, the property was known as a hideout of a different kind—this time for the Hollywood set. Tales of celebrity sightings old and new are almost as plentiful as those of Capone and his crew. But regardless of whether the stories are true, they make for an intriguing and entertaining stay—and only add to the place’s lore.
What should you try?
The scentless, low-sulfur thermal water at Two Bunch Palms is said to have therapeutic mind-body benefits thanks to its high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and mood-stabilizing lithium—and I truly did feel immediately blissed-out, even after just one bath. “When you immerse yourself in the waters, you really come to understand and appreciate their rejuvenating qualities,” Chang says. But she says it’s not just the water that has an impact on the spirit: “The springs originate from the San Andreas Fault, which some consider to be an energy vortex.” To that end, there are a host of offerings led by the resort’s resident oracle designed to maximize the location’s energy, including past-life regression sessions, tarot readings, and sage cleanses. I did an Angel Messages session and am still thinking about it. There are also mineral water sound baths, which Chang says “are particularly unique because you’re essentially floating while listening to the various instruments.” For those who prefer more traditional bodywork, the Balancing Massage with practitioner Ron Garcia should not be missed; using a combination of myofascial release and intuitive massage techniques, he magically released my tense neck and shoulders to realign my posture and increase blood flow.
How environmentally friendly is it?
The spa’s main focus is water, so conserving and celebrating it is central to its ethos. The system was reconfigured so that gray water from the thermal tubs can be used to irrigate the surrounding plants, and water-hungry trees like Tamarisk were replaced with native, desert-hearty plants. In the restaurant, the plant-focused menu features ingredients that are locally sourced, and a reusable water bottle is provided to each guest upon check-in.
What else do we need to know?
The resort features slightly different programming every day of the week, so if you want to do a specific workshop, be sure to reference the online schedule of events ahead of your trip. Each class I tried was top-notch, and you’ll definitely want to get a couple in. “Everything is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for both wellness novices and experts alike,” Chang explains. “The goal is to discover and perhaps eventually incorporate these practices into your own wellness routine, without feeling pressured by overly prescriptive guidelines.”
Who can go?
The resort is adults-only, and everything from the mineral pools, workshops, and racquet sports, is accessible only to overnight guests.
Booking details for Two Bunch Palms
Address: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
