PALM TREES, MOUNTAINS, SPA TIME & A UNIQUE NATIONAL PARK? YES, PLEASE!
AN INSIDE LOOK INTO MY WELLNESS GETAWAY TO PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA:
I have always loved traveling and I intentionally seek out new places to explore, get out in nature and spend quality time with my loved ones. With my background in healthcare, Integrative Medicine & Corporate wellness, I am also always on the lookout for great wellness destinations to unplug, realign and recharge. So, when my 40th birthday rolled around I knew that I wanted to go someplace new with my husband and children that could check all of those boxes. After a little bit of research, I decided on Palm Springs, California.
You know that you are officially on vacation when you walk off the plane and look up to see palm trees and mountains in the distance. As soon as we arrived in Palm Springs, CA I felt myself take a relaxing breath and I just knew that we were going to have a great time. Our trip was filled with relaxation, exploration, fun, adventure, self-care, great food and lots more. Here are some of the top highlights from my trip.
Exploring National Parks is one of my absolutely favorite things to do! As we were approaching Joshua Tree National Park, I could tell that we were about to explore something that we have never seen the likes of before. The Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert come together in Joshua Tree National Park resulting in incredibly unique landscapes. With desert terrain, twisty Joshua Trees, huge boulders and rock formations scattered throughout, it felt like we had entered into another time. One of our favorite exploration points was Skull Rock which was a climber’s paradise and my only wish looking back was that we would have planned to explore Joshua Tree for two days instead of one.
Quick Tip: Make sure you bring plenty of water and food/snacks since there are no stores in the park.
Our Stay at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa:
You know that you are someplace special when flamingos greet you as you are driving up to the resort! This JW Marriott resort brought about uniqueness, playfulness & luxury which made our entire stay exciting and enjoyable. My family and I received a one-night complimentary stay here and we were able to explore their multiple pools, tennis courts, spacious room and balcony, relaxing JW garden, aviary with some beautiful birds as well as their unbelievable arcade which blew my kid’s minds! We also were only about 30 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, and about 45-60 minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park.
Quick Tip: The outdoor pools were at different temperatures so make sure you try them all to find the one that works best for you.
SPA TIME:
In between the exploration, tennis and swimming, I took some for myself with a complimentary 90-minute Desert Journey Spa treatment at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa and it was incredible! It incorporated relaxing scents, a rejuvenating massage, exfoliating body scrub, hot stones and a paraffin treatment for my feet. After my treatment I spent a little time in their aromatic Hammam. The spa also had a Finnish Sauna, Turkish Steam Room, Spa Bistro & outdoor heated salt water lap pool to enjoy. I was also able to connect with the Spa Director of the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, Dawn Ferraro and she shared the following quote about the spa. “Embrace the peacefulness of the Southern California desert, power of the mountains and serenity of Spa Desert Springs. Featuring a contemporary and fresh ambiance, our spa will bring balance and harmony to everyday living. Embark on a journey full of intention while enjoying a perfect blend of traditional and innovative treatments in our spacious 38,000 square foot facility. Our mission is to deliver memorable life enhancing experiences in a genuine and caring way.” My spa treatment here was definitely one of the highlights of the trip!
Quick Tip: Make sure to bring your bathing suit to the spa to enjoy all of the amenities after your treatment
I was so excited to experience FARM Restaurant for dinner in Palm Springs and upon arriving, I could immediately tell it was someplace special! I loved their beautiful garden like outdoor seating, ambiance, prix fixe menu with French inspired cuisine and the service was top notch.
Quick Tip: It took us a long time to find parking, so make sure that you give yourself extra time for this!
Overall, my wellness getaway to Palm Springs, CA was a success and I am excited for the next adventure to share with you!
Disclaimer: This content purely represents the opinion of the author and it is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or treatment recommendations. Kristel Bauer and her family received a complimentary nights’ stay at the JW Marriott Desert Springs resort and spa as well as an additional night at a media rate. Kristel also received a complimentary 90-minute spa treatment from the JW Marriott Desert Springs resort and Spa.