I love a good spa day. And lucky for me, Palm Springs is spoiled for choice when it comes to good spas. Especially now that The Spa at Séc-he has opened in Downtown Palm Springs.
Opened in April 2023, The Spa at Séc-he is part of the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, which will open a museum and trail later this year. At 73,000-square feet, the spa is one of the largest spas in the entire Coachella Valley. And without a doubt, it’s definitely one of the most luxurious.
Excited for the opening as the spa sits atop a natural hot mineral water aquifer–called “Séc-he,” or “the sound of boiling water” in the Cahuilla language. Previously, Spa Resort Casino offered a spa experience with these waters but since its closure in 2014, there hasn’t been an opportunity for the public to experience Séc-he–until now!
And I’m not exaggerating when I say this is definitely my new favorite spa in Palm Springs.
The Taking of the Waters
A proper visit to The Spa at Séc-he starts with The Taking of the Waters. After all, this spa is offered by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, a tribe that has lived alongside the natural wonders of the Coachella Valley for thousands of years. As the stewards of the land, their opening of the spa is like inviting guests into their home to experience this sacred spring. The Cahuilla people believed this water to have sacred, healing properties, and it also boasts a unique mineral makeup not found at any other hot spring in the world. Soaking in this water is quite the start to your Palm Springs spa day!
There are 22 mineral water baths at The Spa at Séc-he, where you’ll be able to take a 15-minute soak in the warm mineral water. As you immerse yourself in this ancient aquifer, take a moment to ground yourself and set your intention for a day of rejuvenation. It’s time to relax.
Spa Services
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen so many various services at one spa—and I’ve visited my fair share over the years. I’m not usually a day pass sort of spa-goer, but The Spa at Séc-he really is a spa that would be well worth a day pass.
After The Taking of the Waters, you can choose from salt caves, cryotherapy, float pods, a fitness center, a menthol dry sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, mineral pools, a grounding room, and a tranquility garden. And that’s before we even talk about the treatments!
There’s also a full-service salon with hair and nail services.
And then we get to the treatment menu. I was really delighted to see some of the thoughtful touches added to the usual massages, facials and scrubs. The Quartz and Poultice massage, for example, is done on a bed made of warmed quartz crystals. This feels like the table molds to your body, like a warm, firmer version of a waterbed. Speaking of, a cupping massage is offered on a waterbed treatment table! These use a thin layer of warmed water pillows to create a bed that conforms to your body. Honestly, it feels like a hug!
But circling back on the day pass, I do have one more thought before you book it. During my recent visit, I spoke about the day pass with Spa Director Daniel Spencer, as this truly is one of the only spas I’ve experienced where I would highly recommend a day pass as worth the price. But Daniel made a good point: at the time of writing (April 2023), a day pass is $150. Most treatments come in just around the $225-$250 range. So if you’re considering the day pass, you could get a full treatment plus spa access for another $75-$100. I certainly think The Spa at Séc-he is worth the splurge, but you really won’t be disappointed if you splurge on just the day pass, either.
Soak Up the Sun
The pool area became a quick favorite for me during my last visit. When I say this pool is tranquil, I mean you would never guess you’re surrounded by the heart of Downtown Palm Springs. It’s perfectly tranquil, like its own little oasis. And what’s better than enjoying the sunny weather when you’re in Palm Springs? This is the perfect spot to soak up the sun–and the views!
Private cabanas are available for rent, but there are also plenty of lounge chairs with shade. A poolside bar offers drinks and a menu of sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and smoothies. This is the perfect spot to post up after your treatment for poolside relaxation in true Palm Springs fashion.
Who Should Visit The Spa at Séc-he?
This is a very well-done spa and feels like such an oasis for relaxation that you’ll forget you’re downtown. The Spa at Séc-he is perfect for bachelorette parties, girls’ getaways, a romantic couples spa day, or even a babymoon. This is the perfect spa to add to your list of things to do in Palm Springs if you’re looking to relax and spoil yourself a little with a top tier spa experience.
One great option for special occasions is the Private Spa Suite. I see this as being perfect for bachelorettes looking for a more relaxing bachelorette party activity in Palm Springs. The private suite is spacious with couches, a flat-screen TV and fireplace inside, and a private pool with outdoor lounging areas. The views from the private suite are stunning, too!
This could also be a nice option for couples who really want to elevate their experience with a private space just for them (think: honeymoon or celebrating your engagement). As of April 2023, the suite is $750 for the day (in addition to the cost of your treatment or day pass). This is where I think it would be more popular with larger groups. A bridal party of 10 could split the cost evenly and add this private suite for just $75 each. But if you’re really celebrating something special, it could make sense for smaller parties!
How to Visit The Spa at Séc-he
To learn more about The Spa at Séc-he and book your reservations, visit their website.
