Agua Caliente Tribe opens Séc-he, a luxury spa in Palm Springs.
It was anticipation on steroids as rumors swirled concerning the building being constructed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in downtown Palm Springs, California. The public knew it would be a spa, but what would be included remained a closely guarded secret. Most importantly, the question remained, would the only hot mineral springs in Palm Springs again be available to visitors and residents?
Recently the construction fence was taken down. The doors were opened to reveal The Spa at Séc-he, a 5-star luxury spa within walking distance from downtown, where retail stores, restaurants, and Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are thriving all year round.
The Spa at Séc-he (Pronounced “Seh-hee” and meaning “the sound of boiling water”) opened with community involvement and fanfare. The spa’s overall footprint is 73,000 sq. ft., including the outdoor patios, the mineral hot springs pool, and a large freshwater pool.
I was fortunate to be hosted to spend a day at the spa and have an energizing massage. Thus, I can give you an early peek at this fabulous new attraction where you can simultaneously relax and look after your health.
A Little History of the Mineral Hot Springs in Palm Springs
It is believed 12,000 years of rain runoff and the mountains melting snow seeped into the earth. Then pressure built, and the water, heated deep underground to 180-degrees, traveled through a kind of natural pipline at a rate of 26 gallons per minute, eventually emerging from the ground cooled to 105 degrees. The tribe called it “boiling water.”
The water served as a life force for the tribe. Then in the 1800s, the mineral hot springs were made available to the settlers in the area. Various bathhouses were built through the years and served as a Palm Springs attraction which both residents and visitors enjoyed.
In 2015, it was agreed the infrastructure of the springs was in jeopardy, so the tribe decided to cap the springs in order to make the needed repairs, much to the dismay of locals, for it is the only mineral hot springs in Palm Springs. All the other hot springs are located in the nearby town of Desert Hot Springs. The tribe spent time retrofitting the springs and designing and creating the newly opened The Spa at Séc-he so that locals and visitors alike can once again enjoy the springs.
What are the Health Benefits of Hot Mineral Springs?
The 180-degree water travels 1.5 miles through the earth. During its journey, the heat of the water dissolves the mineral fields it travels through. This hot mineral spring picks up calcium, magnesium, and sodium minerals. All of which combined to create what has become known as healing waters. One note of caution. When you soak in the springs, there will be the smell of sulphur, but try to ignore the odor and enjoy. Chances are those pesky aches will go away because the springs are known for helping with many chronic ailments. It has been proven that skin conditions and circulation have improved by soaking in the water. Let the soothing properties be a reminder to take care of yourself.
Treatments Offered at The Spa at Séc-he
Daniel Spencer, manager of the Séc-he spa, whole body smiles as he talks about the various treatments offered at the new 5-star spa. He aims to create a space built with sustainability in mind while providing clients with the latest treatments and using scientific information to ensure all treatments encourage optimal health.
Taking of the Waters
Soaking in the hot mineral springs is known as “taking of the water” and is said to increase circulation, soothe skin conditions, reduce inflammation, and relieve tight muscles. After each 15-minute soaking session, the water is changed. There are 22 private rooms, and clothing is optional, but to be clear, swimming suits and robes are used throughout the halls and lounge areas.
Massage
Your biggest issue to solve is which massage you want to schedule. With a choice of eight massages, a suggestion is to start at the top with the Quartz and Poultice Massage. This massage invites you to sink and lie down on the heated table of ground Gharieni Quartz and amber. Then warm air flows over you while the practitioner gently rolls grains into your skin.
Body Scrubs and Wraps
With seven different types available, the title of the Native Grainer Aromatic Buff cannot help to make one intrigued. Imagine experiencing a scrub infusing essential oils into the body using native grains and clays.
Facials
With 12 different facials available, you can read through their menu and decide which sounds like an opportunity to experience something extra special. You might want to consider the JetPeel – technology is used to drive serum into the skin, which hydrates and exfoliates at the same time.
Flotation
In complete darkness, a client, with or without a swimsuit, enters a vessel filled with salt water. The goal is to eliminate all external stimuli. As the client floats the treatment relieves muscle tension, chronic pain, and tension headaches and, perhaps, even opens the channels to creativity.
Cryotherapy
Located in the gym, the cryotherapy chamber treatment improves circulation and increases blood or lymphatic flow while relieving inflammation by exposing the entire body to extreme cold.
Hair and Nail Salon
No matter what treatment for your hair or nails you desire, I can assure you it is available in the salon. This is the only area in the spa open to children under 18 years of age and even then, an adult must accompany them at all times.
Lounges and Tranquility Room
For many of us, getting away from the computer screen is a welcome relief. The Spa at Séc-he has numerous areas to relax, both genre-specific and coed.
Cellphones are to be used at a minimum throughout the spa—no calls. And even playing your own music is not allowed. The space is designed for you to leave the outside world behind you and focus on self-care.
Pools – Both Hot Mineral Springs and Fresh Water Pools
If you are with a group, you might consider renting a cabana with lounges and a TV for the day. The well-appointed outside patio beckons one to come out and spend some time outside. Umbrellas are scattered throughout the area to protect you from the sun.
The hot mineral hot springs pool an ultra-modern zero-edge model. If you want to swim and get a good workout, the freshwater pool is large enough to work your muscles.
Restaurants at The Spa at Séc-he
Malmal Café
Much to the delight of locals, the Malmal Café is accessible to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The café is the perfect place to grab cuisine with a Mediterranean flair made from seasonal produce from the area. There are plenty of tables to sit at and enjoy lunch with a companion. Need a meeting spot? This café would be a good choice.
Want to try a different salad? You might want to try a Mixed Grain Salad. The chef has carefully crafted a salad using marinated tempeh, quinoa, wild black rice, spelt berries, Kale and other mixed greens, pumpkin seeds, carrots, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Pal Bar
The Pal Bar is located outside on the edge of the pool area. Here you can order fabulous smoothies, cocktails, and hot food. I can attest that a hot chicken breast, Swiss cheese, and avocado panini with pesto may be one of the best sandwiches I have enjoyed in a long time.
One would be hard-pressed to find a spa treatment not offered at The Spa at Séc-he. Every indication points to the fact that the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is not about to be left in the dry California desert dust and will continue to research and offer the latest treatments for residents and visitors at this beautiful and classy five-star spa.
*All photos courtesy of the Spa at Séc-He