Let the Sound Heal You: The Rise of Sound Baths in Palm Springs

By Kai Li

Imagine lying back under the desert sky, eyes closed, as waves of soothing sound from Himalayan bowls and gongs ripple over your body. Your mind floats somewhere between wakefulness and sleep, and for a moment—just a moment—your worries melt into the vibrations around you.

This isn’t a dream; it’s a sound bath. And here in Palm Springs, it’s become one of the most beloved rituals for travelers and locals alike seeking peace, healing, and balance.

What is a Sound Bath?

A sound bath is just what it sounds like—you're immersed in a literal “bath” of sound and frequencies. These often come from traditional Tibetan or Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and crystal instruments, all designed to lull the body and mind into a state of deep rest.

“Sound as a form of healing and relaxation has been used by indigenous and aboriginal cultures all throughout time,” says Diana Perez, PhD, a Sound Bath Facilitator and Mindfulness Researcher at Washington State University. “Sound brings the body back to homeostasis and produces a state of relaxation in the brain, decreasing heart rate. Some people fall asleep—or enter a sleep-awake state—during a sound bath.”

Dr. Perez notes that the practice encourages mindfulness and gives the body a chance to simply rest. In a world that often demands we stay “on” at all times, this can feel revolutionary.

The Science of Sound Healing

It’s not just spiritual fluff—there’s science behind the sound.

A 2022 study found that singing-bowl sound healing was associated with increased spiritual well-being and reduced tension, depression, and mood disturbances. What’s remarkable is that even first-time participants experienced benefits in just a single session.

Another 2020 study revealed that after participating in a Himalayan singing bowl session, people had lower heart rates, stress levels, and significantly reduced anger, fatigue, and confusion. Researchers even noted sound baths as a low-cost, non-invasive intervention for chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disruptions.

Translation? You don’t need to be a wellness guru to feel the magic. You just need to show up and let the sound do the rest.

Where to Experience a Sound Bath in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is quickly becoming a hotbed of sound bath experiences, blending desert beauty with ancient healing arts. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned seeker, here are some standout places to catch a sonic wave:

The Drift Hotel

Wednesdays | 6pm–7pm

A free community sound bath open to hotel guests and the public. Expect a relaxed vibe and a welcoming intro to the practice.

Palm Springs, CA

Crystal Fantasy

Saturdays (Times Vary). Join Alexia for a meditative sound bath using singing bowls and guided meditation. A cozy spiritual shop setting makes it feel personal and magical.

Downtown Palm Springs. Check @crystalfantasy on Instagram for updates.

Good Vibes Sunset & Full Moon Floating Sound Bath

Held at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort and Tommy Bahama’s Resort in Indian Wells. These special events let you float in healing mineral water under the moon while sounds surround you.

Follow @goodvibessoundbath on Instagram for dates and ticket info.

Ready to Try It?

You don’t need fancy gear or spiritual credentials. Just bring a yoga mat, blanket, and an open mind. Whether you’re seeking healing, stillness, or simply something new, sound baths offer a doorway into a deeper kind of rest.

And in Palm Springs? That doorway is wide open.

Follow SQUAD Magazine for more insider guides to wellness, travel, and modern healing.

About the Author

Kai Li is a millennial writer with a passion for travel and fashion, blending her love for exploration with a sharp eye for style. She writes to inspire others to embrace both the adventure and artistry of life. Whether she’s jet-setting to new destinations or curating the latest looks, Kai brings a unique blend of creativity and wanderlust to everything she does.