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Ready to Relax in Paradise? Do it at the Best Spas in Palm Springs, CA

Ready to Relax in Paradise? Do it at the Best Spas in Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs is undoubtedly one of California’s most stylish oases.

That’s thanks to the city’s effortlessly chic and timeless mid-century modern architecture. From its residential homes to its hotels to its Airbnbs, it’s a feast for the eyes.

But those who visit this desert spot year after year aren’t there just for the architecture or style.

They come for the spas.

Along with hubs like Miami and Scottsdale, Palm Springs is renowned for its spas and spa culture. In fact, the city’s name comes from its hot springs, which were believed to be medicinal by the local Cahuilla tribe.

When Palm Springs boomed as a resort town in the early and mid-1900s, much of its growth was thanks to the nearby hot springs. It became a hotspot for Americans with issues like tuberculosis, asthma, and arthritis.

Slowly, the city’s reputation as a wellness center transformed, and Palm Springs became one of the area’s top wintering zones, its spa culture hedged into the spotlight.

And it hasn’t left. Looking for the best spas in Palm Springs, CA? Start with these ten classic, celebrated locations.

Best spas in Palm Springs

Best spas in Palm Springs

For the OG hot springs experience: The Spa at Sec-he

Located on the actual grounds of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, this wellness destination lets you soak up the sacred waters from the 12,000-year-old spring. The name ‘sec-he’ comes from the Cahuilla language, meaning ‘the sound of boiling water’.

In fact, this spa is owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Along with soaking in the mineral-laden hot springs, you can enjoy award-winning treatments from a quartz bed massage or facials on a bioacoustics bed.

Great for couples: The Spa at the Andreas

If you’re visiting Palm Springs with a love interest, the best spot for a couples massage is The Spa at the Andreas. This no-frills spa has all the treatments you could wish for, from foot treatments to facials. But it’s particularly known for its couples’ massages thanks to its intimate and relaxing atmosphere. As a bonus, it won’t break the bank, either.

The locals’ pick: Estrella Spa at the Avalon Hotel

Usually just called Estrella Spa, this full-service location has all the basics covered, from deep-tissue Swedish massages to outdoor day beds where you can spend the day horizontal. But there are a few specialties you should know about, including Estrella Spa’s lauded aromatherapy treatments and its hot stone massages.

Easy to book and bundle: Spa at Marriott’s Desert Springs

If you’re a Bonvoy member, you don’t need to wander off the resort for a great spa experience. The Spa at Marriott’s Desert Springs resort is mostly renowned for its outdoor pool and gorgeous views, along with its range of services. Though they’re a little pricey, you’re paying for the added space and—again—that unbeatable and peaceful outdoor pool setup.

Ultra-lux: The Ritz-Carlton Spa

It’s pure opulence at this Ritz-Carlton location, from the surrounding mountain views to the desert-inspired décor. The on-site spa is just as impressive, offering all the treatments you could hope for, including contemporary favorites like plunge pools and meditation rooms. Plus, the Ritz-Carlton showcases the area’s indigenous heritage and traditional treatments, similar to Sec-he.

Budget-friendly: Miracle Springs Spa

This day-use spa is one of the most accessible in Palm Springs. There are multiple outdoor pools, including a mineral pool and a jacuzzi. There’s an on-site Italian restaurant, as well, and a long list of basic spa treatments. Just know that the discounted prices are due to the facility’s slightly outdated setup. If that doesn’t bother you, then book a day pass now—the setup is simple, but hard to beat.

A fresh take on spa treatments: Grounded Bodyworks

Forget the spa culture you thought you knew. Grounded Bodyworks is one of Palm Springs’ newest spas—and it’s quickly become one of its most popular. Thanks to its minimal and elegant décor, along with its long list of unique therapies, it feels almost like a wellness center. Along with massages and facials, you can book unique treatments that you won’t find elsewhere, like cupping, nails, waxing, and extraction services.

Party vibes… at a spa: Sea Mountain Resort

Sea Mountain Resort is a naturist-friendly, adults-only resort with pools, lounges, and a spa with basic treatments. That makes it perfect for spa enthusiasts who enjoy shedding their layers. But there’s a catch: Sea Mountain Resort is all about festivities. It hosts nightly entertainment, along with social activities for resort-goers. Think of it like a social butterfly’s favorite spa—especially fi that social butterfly likes to live au natural.

Delta Sets New Precedent with Insane New In-Flight Entertainment Offer

If you’re an anime nerd and you fly Delta, I have very good news for you.

Delta Airlines recently partnered with Crunchyroll, the world’s premier anime streaming platform, to bring a whopping 2,000 anime titles to Delta flyers later this year.

By late 2025, Delta announced that close to 170,000 seatbacks will offer anime from the Crunchyroll library as part of its in-flight entertainment center and via Wi-Fi.

To reiterate, Crunchyroll will be selecting 2,000 of its most popular series and movies to showcase, meaning there will be around 50,000 anime episodes for passengers to explore. That equates to around 25,000 hours of anime content.

We don’t know which shows have made the cut quite yet, but many fans are already speculating. It’s the very first Crunchyroll partnership of its kind, meaning this whole situation is incredibly cool and unprecedented.

And while it might seem a little tailored toward anime fans, Delta is sweetening the deal for any first-time viewers. Those who decide to connect to Wi-Fi and watch Crunchyroll content on their smart device will also be given a free 24-hour trial on the anime platform.

If you’re planning to fly Delta later this year and enjoy anime, check back in for more details on which shows made the cut.

The partnership with Crunchyroll is yet another reason to consider flying Delta, along with perks like the Airbnb miles-to-dollars program.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 11—The Festival

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Part I / The festival

People attend a concert during the Envision Festival in Puntarenas, Uvita, 240 km south of San Jose, Costa Rica, on February 24, 2017. (EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Halfway through my freshman year of college, I’d yet to experience a frat house or a block party. Instead, I was meeting Frenchies and learning about the spirituality of surfing (see: Ch. 10) and learning beautiful secrets from terrifying artists (see: Ch. 11).

And that’s how it would go all four years of my college career.

I’d trade off traditional experiences for novel, unforgettable moments.

But have no fear—my thirty or so classmates and I still knew where to find a party.

Enter Envision Festival, one of Costa Rica’s premier hippie-dippie, sustainability-minded, and dance-all-night-in-a-fairy-costume weekend-long parties. (These are sometimes called ‘burner’ festivals after Burning Man.)

From what I can tell, Envision Festival is still going despite high production costs and the fact that not too many people can afford to fly to Costa Rica for a weekend-long event.

When I attended back in 2012, the festival was in its second year of operation—meaning it was full of spirit and cool ideas but hadn’t caught its production stride yet. In other words, it was a striking, psychedelic mess set in the tropics.

One that progressively became more dangerous as the weekend went on. (Don’t worry—nobody died, and I even managed to fall in love.)

Part II / A world tour of thieves, drought, crocodiles, & riptides

After clinching tickets to the festival at the last minute, a group of five or so classmates and I packed our bags, borrowed tents, and headed to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast near Uvita.

We were on the hunt for an unforgettable party. Having already ingratiated ourselves into the Tico electronic music scene (think: Latino mountain raves), we were now heading into the ‘burner’ territory I mentioned before. (You can find an actual lineup and setlist of the 2012 Envision Festival, if you’re interested.)

Although these types of boho music festivals, which combine ideals like sustainable and alternative living with electronic DJ sets with dizzying visuals, are now par for the course, it was a pretty mindblowing concept at the time.

After a short bus ride, we arrived at the festival grounds. The area was beautiful and surrounded by lush forest. There were multiple lounges where we could hang out, chat with others, grab a bite to eat and drink, and sleep through the hottest portions of the day. These were framed by small stages where the music never let up, apart from a few midday hours.

The first day, we were in awe of everything we saw. The performers, the interactive art, and the general ambiance were alluring. Within hours, we felt right at home.

The next morning, the vibe began to change.

Costa Rica is a small country, and festivals like Envision aren’t well-kept secrets.

On the second day of the festival, my crew and I woke to realize most of our tents had been opened and rifled through. Anyone who brought anything of value lost it that night; a DSLR camera, a handheld camera, and a passport. (We didn’t have eSIMs or iPhones, so we all used old school cellphones with local SIM cards.)

We rallied, not having lost anything too essential, like a wallet or a credit card that would help us get home.

Then we trudged to the showers, eager to scrub ourselves from a night of dancing, sweating, and shouting conversation over the music. That’s when we learned the festival was facing a water shortage—already. The showers were shut down to preserve potable water for drinking.

No worries—we rallied again, had a bite to eat, and decided to head for the beach.

Which was located across a tropical little lagoon where large logs had been laid in an impromptu bridge.

On our approach, we found a few frantic staff members who ushered us back toward the main area. They pointed to a very long round-about path for us to take, then cryptically admitted, “The lagoon is full of crocodiles.”

(How do you know an event wasn’t organized by locals? The presence of a beast like a crocodile; locals usually know where the larger predators live, and wouldn’t advise anyone to plan a festival there.)

Again, no worries—we turned around and found another path to the beach. We were diverted to another series of logs that extended over the little lagoon, and this one was being manned by several staff members, who were (I guess) ready to grapple with a crocodile to keep us safe.

Finally, we made it to the beach.

But not long into our lounging, there was a commotion toward one end of the beach. One of the festival-goers had gotten caught in a riptide, and one of our friends (shout out to Forrest) had leapt into the water to save them. While I didn’t see the rescue in action, it topped off maybe one of the most eventful days of my life.

Let’s just say that, in 2017, when news of a doomed Fyre Fest hit the airwaves, I wasn’t surprised to learn that would-be partiers found themselves in a survival situation. Envision wouldn’t be my first or my last hectic festival on my world tour.

Part III / First love

I’d hate to make my adventure at Envision seem like a dangerous letdown.

First, the festival was relatively new, and operating those types of events was a pretty novel concept at the time. Staff were adaptable in the face of (several) disasters.

Second, I was nineteen, meaning a lack of water and presence of crocodiles and riptides wouldn’t keep me from a good party.

Third, and most importantly, I was falling for someone in our group.

The festival’s risks and rewards were the perfect stage for a fledgling romance to play out, offering excitement, a touch of danger, and really cool outfits. I mean it—that someone is still in my life almost fifteen years later, and we still go to festivals where mini-disasters happen like clockwork.

TL; DR my world tour of travel stories: If you’re going to a music festival in another country, expect hiccups—and try not to let them ruin the experience.

Best Road Trip Activities: 7 Places Where You Can Mine for Gems in the US

If you’re going on a road trip, I hope you’re staying open-minded and flexible.

After all, there’s nothing better than spying on a weird roadside attraction, then peeling off at the next exit to get a closer look.

Off the top of my head, I can recount a few highly memorable roadside attractions from childhood into adulthood: a petrified forest in Arkansas, a Donner Party museum in California, and a vintage shop in Upstate New York.

Having a little flexibility on road trips exposes us to America’s weirdest little side quests, adding a little flavor to the journey—and relief from long periods of sitting.

But there’s one roadside attraction I’ll never forgive myself for passing up: the Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine in North Carolina. I passed it on a road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I’ve thought about it often.

You may have noticed similar offers across the US and wondered whether they were legit and worth your time.

While not too many city-slickers know it, the country is dotted with DIY mines where you can search for your own gems. And they make for some of the best road trip activities in the world.

If you’re close to a mine, I suggest planning a trip around this type of unique side quest. If not, consider going off-road (so to speak) to visit one of the locations listed below. Like I said, mining for gems is a hard-to-beat find on the list of road trip activities.

Especially if you know where to find a highly rated mine.

I’ve sourced some of the best places where you can mine for gems in the US with pro picks from Donald Clark, a CSM or Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter and member of the International Gem Society.

The big question—will you actually find gems at these mines?

The lucky and diligent might find buried treasures in the mines listed below. Still, the sites below are largely located on old mines that are past their heyday, meaning finds aren’t guaranteed. You’re better off viewing these excursions as fun for the family—or just a great way to get out of the car and stretch your legs. But never say never! And keep your eyes peeled as you sift through gem-friendly creeks around the country!

Places where you can mine for gems in the US

  • Emerald Hollow Mine (Hiddenite, NC)
  • Gem Mountain (Spruce Pine, NC)
  • Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine (Franklin, NC)
  • Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (Philipsburg, MT)
  • Montana Blue Jewel Mine (Helena, MT)
  • Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine (Denio, NV)
  • Crystal Grove Diamond Mine (Saint Johnsville, NY)

Here’s where you can mine for gems in the US

Emerald Hollow Mine (Hiddenite, NC)

This 69-acre mine is the world’s only public emerald mine. It’s tucked away in North Carolina’s Brushy Mountains, where staff will help you get situated in a digging area or, if you prefer, a creek perfect for sifting. Though it’s rare to uncover emeralds at Emerald Hollow Mine, they’ve been found before—along with rubies.

Gem Mountain (Spruce Pine, NC)

Whether you want to keep it casual or actually wander into an active mine, Gem Mountain has the perfect DIY mining adventure for you. Casual visitors can stick to the main site, where you can sift through the flume to look for quartz and garnets. Or you can pay more to reserve a trip into the mine for a four-hour gem-hunting experience.

Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine (Franklin, NC)

This is the mine that started my obsession years ago when I passed up the sign and kept cruising westward. Don’t make my mistake—if you’re passing through the Franklin area, schedule a visit. First, it’s one of the best ways to spend some time in the Smoky Mountains that’s not on a trail. Second, staff are extremely passionate and knowledgeable, meaning you’ll learn a thing or two. Third, you might find a ruby or a sapphire.

Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine (Philipsburg, MT)

Roll up your sleeves—it’s time to sort through some gravel on the hunt for sapphires. This is a pretty professional operation, letting you learn about gravel washing, heat treating, and even gem faceting. You might even uncover an ancient fossil from the mines, too. *Philipsburg is located near Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, making this a perfect day trip adventure when you’re in the area.

Montana Blue Jewel Mine (Helena, MT)

Open seasonally, you might want to call ahead to make sure the Blue Jewel Mine is open to visitors. If it is, head over immediately—this is one of the most highly rated places where you can mine for gems in the US. So long as you’re patient, it’s not unlikely that you’ll uncover a sapphire at this mine. That’s because it isn’t an old location that’s been overmined.

Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine (Denio, NV)

Opal might not be as iconic as a ruby or a sapphire, but it’s still a rock-lover’s dream to pull one of these multi-colored gems from the ground. Similar to the Blue Jewel Mine, this spot hasn’t been overmined, meaning there’s a strong potential that you’ll find an opal piece. And not a tiny, fingernail-sized gem, but a larger, heftier gem.

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine (Saint Johnsville, NY)

This Herkimer diamond mine and campground is a perfect escape for the family. The grounds are gorgeous with plenty of mature forest and a wandering creek. Plus, you can mine for local Herkimer diamonds (which are a type of pure quartz), which are only found in this area.

Things You Shouldn’t Pack for a Trip: 7 Space & Weight-Wasters

Packing advice is endless and, usually, dependent on your trip’s duration and destination.

Beach vacation packing lists won’t necessarily look like a winter escape list, after all. But your trip’s theme isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind when you bust out your favorite suitcase.

Then, there are popular travel products you need to consider, along with wacky new luggage hacks. In short, even if you’ve been traveling for years, you might realize your suitcase setup is far from streamlined.

Ready to figure out which things you shouldn’t pack for a trip, in most cases? While I can’t help you craft the perfect packing list without knowing the precise details of your trip, I offer you my humble suggestions about what should rarely, if ever, be in your suitcase when you leave home.

These are the seven things you shouldn’t pack for a trip.

7 things you shouldn’t pack for a trip

1. Your ‘just in case’ pieces, including fancy clothes

Fancy clothes are usually heavier and bulkier than standard pieces, meaning they waste space in your luggage while adding poundage.

But what if you want to look fancy for an impromptu date night—you should bring that nice dress, right? And what if you take that photography tour—you should bring your professional camera, right? And what happens if you lose your earbuds—might as well bring the over-the-ear headphones, too, right?

Wrong. On all three counts.

Unless you have a pricey date night scheduled at a restaurant with an actual dress code, skip the fancy gear, including dresses for her and nice shoes for him. And, unless you actually booked an extensive photography tour and are traveling specifically for photography, leave the camera at home.

I think you get my point. ‘Just in case’ things should be the first items axed from your packing list.

2. Rain jackets

Why does the rain jacket have its own category? It’s the most contentious of all those ‘just in case’ items.

If you’re visiting a location that has rain in the immediate forecast and is in the rainy season, you might need one. But if that’s not the case, you probably don’t need one.

Rain jackets are usually thick in order to keep moisture out, which makes them stuffy and harder for you to regulate your temperature in warm climates. After a single use, some rain jackets will start to smell musty—especially if your hotel room or rental doesn’t get a lot of airflow.

Again, if you’re going to India in the monsoon season, you probably want a rain jacket. However, I think an umbrella and/or a fantastic poncho would do the job just as well, even if you’re facing brief daily showers.

3. A heavy-duty, reusable water bottle

Don’t bring your Stanley Cup or your Yeti. They’re huge, and they weigh a lot. The same is true for many stainless-steel water bottles, and definitely for glass water bottles.

I’ve had the most success with high-quality and BPA-free plastic water bottles. If I’m in a bind and forget to bring a water bottle, I usually purchase a drink in a glass bottle from the airport (usually a cold tea) and use that for emergencies.

Whatever water bottle solution you choose, just don’t forget to consider weight. Also, if you’re worried about standing out as an American, avoid brands like Stanley Cup or Yeti. Not too many other international travelers tote them along.

4. A clunky power bank

Just like with your water bottle, you should think about weight and even heat when it comes to your power bank. In my many worldly travels, I’ve gotten away with keeping small and single-charge battery packs with me.

That being said, I don’t use my phone too often while traveling. So, if you do need a larger option, consider weight and quality.

Weight is important because you don’t want to be bogged down by a portable item you’ll keep with you. But quality is also important if you’re visiting a warm zone, like the Greek Islands or Mexico. The higher the quality of the charging bank, the better it will manage those high temperatures, preventing any burnouts and charging issues.

5. Bluetooth converters

Bluetooth converters took off over the last year, making it easy for passengers on planes to connect their Bluetooth-enabled earbuds to the plane’s entertainment console. They can be used in a similar fashion for any electronics with a headphone jack.

In reality, they’re just another gadget you need to keep track of and charge while you’re on vacation. For this reason, I advise you leave them behind.

(To clarify: Bluetooth converters landed on this list of things you shouldn’t pack because it’s geared toward the average traveler. But if you’re a frequent flyer who covers long distances regularly, they might be helpful for you since they let you use your favorite pair of Bluetooth-powered headphones on the plane.)

6. New shoes or large shoes

If your shoes aren’t broken in, vacation isn’t the time to do so. If your shoes are large, like boots, then reconsider packing them.

Even if you’re willing to wear your largest pair of shoes on the plane, remember that you might have more domestic travel when you arrive at your destination. In other words, though you can manage an airport trip with them, how do you feel about riding buses in those shoes, taking trains in those shoes, and so on?

As with other things you shouldn’t pack for a trip, don’t just think about how you’ll get stuff to/from your destination, but how bringing those items will affect your trip.

7. Hairstyling tools

You probably don’t need a curling iron or a hair-dryer or a straightener on your trip. Or, if it is necessary, invest in a travel size. Not only do hairstyling tools take up a lot of space, but they’re also prone to converter issues.

What’s worse than busting a Dyson hair dryer on vacation thanks to a power surge? Having to replace it. Or maybe having to explain to your Airbnb neighbors why the whole floor’s power just cut out. (Don’t forget – other countries might have more sensitive electrical systems.)

For men, consider whether your buzzer uses a lithium battery. If it does, make sure to pack it in your carry-on. But try to avoid bringing it along unless you’re positive that you’ll use it. And, as with hairstyling tools, choose an option that’s travel-friendly.

DoS Updates Travel Warning for Americans Heading to Mexico

The US Department of State just updated its travel warnings for Mexico from Level 1 to Level 2, mirroring a similar incident earlier this year.

In March 2025, the US Embassy in Mexico offered a similar warning to spring breakers heading to hotspots like Cozumel and Cancun. Visitors were advised to avoid heading out to remote places after dark and adventuring alone. Later on in June, that warning was updated to warn travelers about a string of kidnappings that occurred due to dating apps.

So, is it safe to travel to Mexico? And where are these warnings actually relevant? After all, it’s a massive country, and Americans regularly flock to zones like the Riviera Maya, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and beyond.

US Department of State updates Mexico travel warning to Level 2

The DoS updated its travel warning for Mexico to Level 2 on Tuesday, August 12th, due to a string of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Those threats piggyback on the reality that American officials don’t have the authority to operate in Mexico like it does in other countries.

The updated travel warning also highlighted the risk of terrorism, including “terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico.” The update goes on to advise Americans to remain cooperative and calm if stopped while driving, and avoid driving alone at night and in rural places.

That being said, the DoS has listed separate travel advisory levels for each Mexican state, meaning that Level 2 across-the-board advisory isn’t exactly comprehensive.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Here’s what the DoS says

Screenshot from DoS Mexico advisories map

Before I dig into the details, here’s my take: the US has less authority to maneuver inside Mexico than in recent decades, meaning Americans who really get into trouble could be out of luck waiting for an official resolution from the USA. Whether you’ve been carjacked or kidnapped, it’s possible you won’t have an embassy in reach and officials ready to save you.

But, as you can see by the map above, every state has its own travel advisory level. Some are a safe Level 1, and others are a don’t-go-at-any-cost Level 4. Below, I’ve listed out each Mexican state based on travel advisory warnings from the DoS. I’ve put an asterisk on states with popular destinations for Americans.

Mexican states with Level 1 advisory:

  • Campeche
  • Yucatan* (Mérida)

Mexican states with Level 2 advisory:

  • Aguascalientes
  • Baja California Sur* (Riviera Nayarit)
  • Durango
  • Hidalgo
  • Mexico City* (Mexico City)
  • State of Mexico
  • Nayarit* (Rivieria Nayarit, Xalisco)
  • Nuevo Leon
  • Oaxaca* (Oaxaca City)
  • Puebla
  • Queretaro
  • Quintana Roo* (Riviera Maya, including Cancun and Cozumel)
  • San Luis Potosi
  • Tabasco
  • Tlaxcala
  • Veracruz

Mexican states with Level 3 advisory:

  • Baja California* (Tijuana)
  • Chiapas
  • Chihuahua
  • Coahuila
  • Guanajuato
  • Jalisco
  • Morelos
  • Sonora

Mexican states with Level 4 advisory:

  • Colima
  • Guerrero
  • Michoacan
  • Sinaloa
  • Tamaulipas
  • Zacatecas