Soothing Soaks (June 25, 2005)

By Kelly O'Connor

Desert Hot Springs is home to 40 spas and resorts offering relaxing hot mineral waters

 

Before becoming a permanent valley resident, Lane Sarasohn used to make the trip from Malibu to Desert Hot Springs just for the water.

 

"The hot mineral pools are what is very special about this community," said Sarasohn,president of the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.

 

Also the general manager of Miracle Springs Resort & Spa, he visited the area for 20 years to relax and soak in the mineral water.

 

Desert Hot Springs is the home of40 spas and resorts and some are open to the public for minimal day-pass fees.

 

Although Miracle's pools are private, open to spa and hotel guests, its sister resort, Desert Hot Springs Spa, is open to the public. For $3 on weekdays and $6on the weekends, locals and visitors can relax and unwind intone of the eight mineral pools.

 

The place does get packed on the weekends and is popular among families.

 

They come for the pools,constantly streamed with freshwater. The temperatures range from89 to 104 degrees.

 

"It makes your muscles feel so much better. It's a relaxing experience that really is quite unique,"Sarasohn said.

 

The water originates as rain water that takes seven years to reach Desert Hot Springs from the SanGorgonio Mountains. The water rises from 300-foot-deep aquifers at 140 degrees, warmed from the magma from the earth, and is cooled for comfort, said Helen Alexander, spa director at both resorts.

 

"Hot water increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles,heart and brain," she said. "High blood pressure is also lowered."

 

Soaking in the waters is great for people with arthritis and circulatory  conditions,

 

Alexander added.

 

She suggests the following steps for maximum relaxation:

 

• 1. Sit in one of the hot pools for five to 10 minutes
• 2. Lounge in the cool air for five to 10 minutes

• 3. Go back in the hot pool for another five or 10 minutes

• 4. Exercise, tread water, swim or walk in the swimming pool for five minutes to cool off.

• 5. Back to the hot spa for five more minutes.

• 6. Finally, lie down and rest while you are still warm

 

Day spas open to the public

 

Agua Caliente Hotel & Mineral Water Spa: 14500 Palm Drive, $6 for day pass. Information: 329-4481

 

Ambassador Resort: 12921 Tamar Drive, free to the public. Information: 329-1909

 

Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel:  10805 Palm Drive, day pass $5 for adults, $6 on weekends. Information 329-6000

 

Desert Palms: 67-485 Hacienda Blvd. $15 day pass. Information: 329-4443

 

Las Primaveras Mini Resort: 66-659 Sixth Street, day pass by appointment only. Information: 251-1677

 

Sahara Spa & Resort: 66-7000 E. Fifth Street, $15 day pass. Information: 329-6666

 

Sam's Family Spa: 70-875 Dillon Road, day pass $12 on weekdays, $16 on weekends. Information: 329-6457

 

Sandpiper Inn & Spa: 12-800 Foxdale Drive, $15 per day pass. Information: 329-6455

 

Swiss Health Resort: 66-729 Eighth Street, $10 weekdays, $15 weekends. Information: 329-6912

 

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