Down in the Desert

Though it's a mere two-hour drive from Los Angeles, the Desert Springs JW Marriott & Spa feels like it's a million miles away. The glittering new spa belies its sandy setting in the Coachella Valley with a menu of deeply hydrating treatments that include the Dermal Quench Facial, Healing Aloe Wrap, Moor Mud Wrap, and California Sun-Kissed Wrap. Therapies feature nurturing products from Kerstin Florian and Phytomer. Men's treatments include a Eucalyptus Scrub with Turkish Sea Salt, along with a Gentleman's Facial. In addition, the spa offers an express menu of 25-minute treatments, plus a full-service salon. If you want a little extra in the way of pampering, reserve a service in the 400-foot Spa Sanctuary, a private suite with its own entrance, courtyard, two-person hydrotherapy tub, and personal butler service. Book dinner at Tuscany, and board the inter-property gondola that provides transportation to the restaurants, shops, and spa via a network of canals. You can even take a jeep tour along the San Andreas Fault—maybe after all those spa treatments, you'll even feel the earth move. For more information call (760) 341-2211 or visit www.desertspringsresort.com

—D.B.

September/October 2008