Greater Palm Springs Taps Mineral Springs and Desert Wellness to Start 2026

A New Year Reset Rooted in California’s Desert Oasis

Greater Palm Springs, located in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, is positioning itself as a wellness-led destination for the start of 2026. The region spans nine cities, including Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage, and is known for its desert climate, natural hot mineral springs and long-standing spa culture.

With a focus on restorative travel, the destination brings together mineral water therapies, spa traditions, outdoor wellness and mindful dining, offering travellers multiple ways to begin the new year with structured wellbeing experiences.

Desert Hot Springs and the Miracle Hill Mineral Waters

A key wellness highlight is centred in Desert Hot Springs, a city located north of Palm Springs and known for its naturally occurring hot mineral waters. The Miracle Hill area sits along geological fault lines where mineral-rich water flows from Mount San Gorgonio, Southern California’s highest peak, before resurfacing as hot springs.

These waters are naturally infused with calcium, magnesium, lithium and silica, and have shaped the area’s spa culture for decades.

Miracle Hill Spa Tour: Under the Stars

January 29, 2026

The Miracle Hill Spa Tour offers visitors access to boutique spas across the neighbourhood through a guided twilight coach tour or a self-guided drive. Travellers can explore spa facilities, interact with wellness practitioners and learn about mineral water therapies unique to the region. A VIP option includes an evening gathering with refreshments and a spa robe.

Wellness Weekend Programming

January 30 to February 1, 2026

The wellness focus continues across the weekend with structured programming designed to support physical and mental balance. Activities include wellness seminars led by health and spa professionals, spa-based classes focused on mineral water therapies and mindfulness practices, and discounted spa day passes at participating Miracle Hill locations. Full details are available on the official Miracle Hill Spas website.

Wellness Experiences Across Greater Palm Springs

Beyond Desert Hot Springs, wellness experiences are spread across the wider Greater Palm Springs area.

The Spa at Séc-he, located in downtown Palm Springs, draws from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ hot mineral spring. The spa integrates Indigenous-led wellness practices with private mineral baths, flotation therapy, cryotherapy and quartz-based treatment spaces. The facility has received national recognition from industry and consumer platforms for its spa and sustainability practices.

Sound Healing and Alternative Therapies

Sound-based wellness experiences are a regular feature across the region, including floating sound baths, crystal bowl sessions, breathwork and guided meditation. These offerings are designed to support relaxation and stress management in spa and outdoor settings.

Outdoor and Movement-Based Wellness

The desert landscape supports outdoor wellness activities such as guided meditation hikes, sunrise walks, yoga sessions and low-impact sports including golf, tennis and pickleball. These activities are available across city parks, resort grounds and nearby natural trails.

Wellness Dining in the Coachella Valley

Dining experiences across Greater Palm Springs increasingly reflect the region’s agricultural output. Menus highlight locally grown produce such as citrus fruits and dates, alongside cold-pressed juices, grain bowls and seasonal vegetables sourced from Coachella Valley farms.

Resort-Led Wellness Stays

Hotels across the region offer wellness-focused accommodation packages that combine spa treatments with overnight stays. These include detox programmes, movement-led weekends and rest-focused experiences. Properties such as Grand Hyatt Indian Wells and Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa are introducing sleep-oriented spa rituals and recovery-focused treatments for the new year.

A Wellness Destination for 2026

As 2026 begins, Greater Palm Springs presents a destination where wellness is integrated across accommodation, dining, outdoor activities and spa culture. Its desert setting, Indigenous heritage and mineral spring resources continue to shape experiences designed around rest, recovery and mindful travel.