There I was, submerged up to my collarbones in bubbling, mineral-rich spring water, the kind of effervescent luxury that feels like the Earth’s own personal jacuzzi. It was hot, impossibly soothing, and yet somehow still alive with energy. The scent of salt and earth hung in the air as wisps of steam curled upward, blending with the desert breeze of Palm Springs. This wasn’t just a soak; this was something ancient, something sacred—a ritual as old as the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians themselves.
The newly reimagined Spa at Séc-he, part of the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, is not just a spa but a tribute to a history that spans 12,000 years. Its reopening marks a renaissance for this hot spring sanctuary, now gleaming with modern amenities and a significant hike in prices (double what they once were), yet still rooted in the tradition of “taking of the waters.” What exactly does that mean? Well, let me take you on the tour.
The Ritual of the Waters: Stop by Stop
The Spa at Séc-he is a marvel of design and healing. It blends Indigenous traditions with the sleekness of a high-end wellness retreat. The concept revolves around a series of hydrotherapies, each meant to cleanse, invigorate, and heal. Here’s how the journey unfolds:
• Steam Room: As I step into the steam room, the world turns hazy and thick with eucalyptus-scented mist. My skin immediately softens, and I feel my body releasing tension I didn’t even realize I was holding. The room’s curved architecture, inspired by the tribe’s basket-making traditions, wraps around like a warm, welcoming cocoon.
• Sauna: Next comes the dry heat of the sauna. Wooden benches and the subtle scent of cedar transport me to another realm. The heat here is intense but cleansing, like an invisible broom sweeping through my body, leaving nothing but calm in its wake.
• Salt Room: This one feels otherworldly—like stepping into a cave lined with glowing amber. Breathing in the salty air, I can almost hear the ocean, even though the desert stretches for miles outside. The salt is purifying, designed to clear my lungs and restore balance.
• Cold Plunge: And then, the grand finale: the cold plunge. Plunging into the icy water shocks my system, making my heartbeat louder in my ears. It’s bracing, electric, and oddly exhilarating—a perfect contrast to the warmth I’ve just been enveloped in.
The Legacy of the Agua Caliente People
This isn’t just a spa; it’s a cultural journey. The spring water here is the same water that sustained the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for thousands of years. The name “Séc-he,” meaning “boiling water,” references the hot springs that have bubbled up from the earth since time immemorial. The tribe’s connection to these waters is deeply spiritual—believed to heal, nourish, and even serve as a gateway to the divine.
The Agua Caliente people were resourceful desert dwellers, masters of the land, and stewards of these springs. They crafted ollas (clay pots) for carrying water, wove intricate baskets, and used the springs for both sustenance and ceremony. As you soak, it’s impossible not to feel their presence, their history infused in every bubble and ripple.
The newly renovated Spa at Séc-he honors this history with a blend of modern luxury and cultural reverence. Doubling its prices might have been a bold move, but the result—a space that feels like a temple to water—is hard to argue with.
What’s New at Spa at Séc-he
The remodel has elevated the spa from a beloved local spot to a world-class destination. Here’s what’s new and what makes the visit worth every penny:
• Design: The architecture of the spa reflects the curves of the Cahuilla tribe’s iconic basketry, creating a space that feels both grounded and artistic.
• Hydro-based Treatments: Beyond the “taking of the waters,” the spa offers advanced hydrotherapies like mineral baths, water cupping massages, and zero-sensory floatation tanks.
• Cultural Touchpoints: Every detail, from the art on the walls to the materials used, nods to the tribe’s heritage. Even the spa’s name is a tribute to the Cahuilla language.
• Luxury Amenities: Think private cabanas, plush relaxation lounges, and exclusive mineral pools with crystal-clear spring water.
A New Era, Twice the Price
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the doubled cost. Is it worth it? That depends. If you’re looking for just another spa day, maybe not. But if you want a transformative experience, one where history and luxury intertwine, then yes—it’s a splurge you won’t regret.
Sinking back into the bubbling water at the end of my tour, I could feel my body humming with gratitude. Gratitude for the waters, for the tribe that’s protected them, and for the chance to step into a tradition that’s lasted millennia. The Spa at Séc-he isn’t just a place to unwind; it’s a place to reconnect—with yourself, with history, and with the healing power of water.
As the steam curled around me once again, I thought, Maybe this is the closest I’ll ever get to timelessness. And that, my friends, is priceless.
Sidebar: The Timeless Waters of Séc-he
The hot springs at Séc-he, meaning “boiling water” in the Cahuilla language, have been the heart of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ territory for over 12,000 years. These sacred waters, rich in minerals and naturally heated by geothermal activity, were not only a source of physical sustenance but also spiritual renewal.
The Agua Caliente people, known for their resourcefulness and deep connection to the land, built their lives around the springs. They created intricate baskets and ollas (pottery) to store and transport water, and their homes were strategically placed near these life-giving resources. Beyond practical use, the waters held ceremonial significance, serving as a site for healing rituals and community gatherings.
When Spanish settlers arrived in the 18th century, they marveled at the springs, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s, during California’s Gold Rush and westward expansion, that the springs became widely known to non-Native communities. Unfortunately, this increased attention brought challenges. The Agua Caliente people faced displacement and exploitation of their land and water sources.
In 1876, the federal government created the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, encompassing the hot springs and surrounding land. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the tribe began reclaiming their heritage and revitalizing their stewardship of the waters. They developed cultural and economic initiatives, including the first iteration of the spa in 1960, which introduced the healing springs to the public.
Today, the newly remodeled Spa at Séc-he stands as a testament to the tribe’s resilience and commitment to preserving their history. The spa’s design and mission honor the enduring legacy of the Agua Caliente people, ensuring that visitors not only relax in the waters but also feel connected to their rich cultural heritage.
