Soaked, Spoiled, and Slightly Enlightened: Squad Palm Springs Takes on 13 Desert Hot Springs Spas

By Ersilia Pompilio

January 30 started with a simple goal: hit as many spas as we could during the Desert Hot Springs Spa Tour.

Somewhere along the way, that turned into 13 spas, countless soaks, and one very hydrated Squad Palm Springs rolling through Desert Hot Springs like a well pruned, blissed out caravan.

By spa number four, we were relaxed.By spa number eight, we were glowing. By spa thirteen we had fully entered our mineral-water era.

The One We’re Still Talking About: Miracle Manor

Every group trip has that stop the one that turns into a story. This was ours.

At first, it felt like stepping into a peaceful retreat. Then we learned about Lois Black Hill and things got interesting in the best way.

Lois believed she channeled Mother Mary, and at the center of that belief is an amethyst stone brought to the property over 50 years ago. Amethyst is known for its calming energy enhancing peace of mind, intuition, and emotional balance while helping release negative patterns and addictions.

Lois named the presence “Mother Mary.”

And look, whether you’re deeply spiritual or just here for a good soak, there’s something about Miracle Manor that feels different. The air is quieter. The water hits softer. Conversations slow down.

We didn’t just leave relaxed we left intrigued, a little awestruck, and maybe just a tiny bit more enlightened.

The “We Could Live Here” Energy: Azure Palms

Azure Palms was that instant exhale.

Soft, serene, and effortlessly calming, it felt like the spa equivalent of canceling all your plans and not regretting it. If we had stayed here longer, there’s a real chance no one would have left.

The Aesthetic Dream: The Spring Resort and Spa

Minimalist and adults only, The Spring Resort and Spa gave us that “say less, relax more” vibe.

Picture this: still water, mountain views, silence just the occasional “wow, this is nice” whispered from across the pool. Stress didn’t stand a chance.

The Social Spark: The Good House

Then came The Good House, where the energy lifted in the best way.

Bright, friendly, and a little playful, it turned into the spot where everyone loosened up, chatted, and lingered just a little longer. It felt like a mini community formed between dips.

The Quiet Surprise: Sage Water Springs

Sage Water Springs didn’t try too hard and that’s exactly why it worked.

Clean, calm, and thoughtfully designed, it was the kind of place that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re exploring, the next you’re thinking, “Okay… this might be one of my favorites.”

The Rest of the Lucky 13

We made it to 13 spas total (yes, we’re still impressed too), and every single one added something to the day:

• Acres Landing

• Aqua Soleil

• Two Bunch Palms — iconic, historic, and worth the hype

• The Getaway

  
  

Each stop had its own personality—some luxe, some low-key, some a little quirky—but all part of what makes this desert town such a hidden gem.

Final Thoughts from a Very Relaxed Squad

Thirteen spas in one day might sound like a lot and it is but somehow, Desert Hot Springs makes it feel effortless.

Because this isn’t just about hot water.It’s about stories.It’s about slowing down.And sometimes, it’s about stumbling into a place like Miracle Manor and leaving with a story you didn’t expect.

Would we do it again?Without hesitation.

About the Author

Ersilia Pompilio is the Editor in Chief of SQUAD Magazine, a Palm Springs guide for bachelorettes and ladies who love to leisure. Ersilia has over two decades of experience in performing, producing live storytelling shows, and hosting a podcast, she has also taught storytelling classes and written professionally for several media outlets. Originally from Los Angeles, Ersilia is also a twenty-year resident of Palm Springs, California.