Going To Coachella? Don't Leave The Desert Without Visiting This Spa

PALM DESERT, CA — After leaving the dusty campground and the blistering heat of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival's first weekend on Monday morning, more than a shower was in order.

By some miracle — after three long days of dancing and averaging 13 to 15 miles of walking daily in the unforgiving desert sun — Patch was graciously invited to The Spa at Desert Springs at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort to experience its post-Coachella recovery package.

If you're headed to Coachella Weekend 2 or you're simply in need of some serious pampering, you'll want to check out what this pristine and luxe spa has on offer. We can say with full confidence that after spending a few hours recovering at this Palm Desert spa, we emerged feeling reborn, rehydrated, and ready to take on another weekend in the desert (or at least survive the drive home).

Here's what's on this (very much essential) Coachella-care menu:

We opted for the Poker Facial (because yes, this Patch editor is a proud Little Monster) and can confirm it delivered far more than a surface-level glow. It soothed sun-drenched cheeks, rehydrated skin parched from the desert air, and even eased those stubborn under-eye bags earned from a weekend of too little sleep.

Plus, the facial included a brief foot and hand massage so blissful, we nearly dozed off right there on the table. And days later, we can confirm: the glow has not faded.

Those who book a spa treatment also gain access to the full spa facilities and pool for the day. So, let’s talk about that experience. The moment we walked in, an herbal aroma floated through the air, instantly calming our post-Coachella nerves. After a fun — but undeniably chaotic — first weekend at the festival, it was a welcome reset. The staff treated us with warmth and care, a royal-level kindness that stood in stark contrast to the high-stress energy of festival staff and security.

We arrived a few hours ahead of our Lady Gaga-themed facial—a smart move if you want to take full advantage of the spa, which opened in 1987 and features 47 treatment rooms, making it the largest treatment spa in Southern California.

The first thing to take note of is the beautiful saltwater pool, positioned beside a golf course and tranquil body of water where black swans, geese, and ducks float by as you lounge in the sun. If you're in the mood for a little hair of the dog, we recommend heading to the bistro or pool post-treatment to enjoy poolside service — trust us, the Aperol Spritz hits just right.

After lounging by the pool, we made our way to the women’s sauna and jacuzzi area, which features three distinct sauna experiences: a dry sauna, a steam room, and a soothing lavender-infused sauna.

And here’s our favorite part of the grounds: the spa’s newest gem, a first-of-its-kind Interactive Co-Ed Wellness Lounge, exclusive to the Marriott brand. Located in the heart of the spa, this immersive space offers 15 high-tech lounge chairs made with sustainable materials and designed for ultimate restoration.

Available on a first-come, first-serve basis for spa guests — or with a half or full-day pass — the lounge is an ideal post-festival recovery zone or even a luxe setting for a private event. Our favorite? The anti-gravity chairs, specifically on the 25-minute "emotional reset" or "stress relief" setting — it's quite the upside-down seated journey.

And while festival-goers may be drawn in by hydrating facials or deep tissue massages, a few standout treatments truly set this spa apart. The Energy and Light Facial combines LED, radio frequency, and EMS technology to visibly plump and smooth tired skin — perfect after long days in the sun. The Botinol Facial, a non-invasive anti-aging treatment packed with retinol and peptides, is another fan favorite. And for those whose feet have braved the Empire Polo Fields, the Treat Your Feet service offers a sugar date scrub, warm paraffin booties and a scalp massage that will have you ready to dance again by sundown.

Plus, swing by the spa's Coachella Essentials Pop-Up Lobby Shop Friday through Sunday (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) for stylish sunnies, SPF, belt bags, bandanas and more. Recharge post-fest with Barker Wellness Bath Soak, a Hypervolt massage, or a quick 10-minute chair massage to get you back on your feet — and back to the music.

Headed to Coachella Weekend 2? Even if you’re not planning to book a treatment, do yourself a favor and grab a day pass to the spa — $125 for a full day or $45 for a half day.

Whether you're stopping by on your way to the festival, taking a break between sets, or treating yourself to a post-Coachella reset, this spa experience is absolutely worth it — and it's just 20 minutes from the festival grounds.

And when you go — tell them Patch sent you!

Book your treatment or day pass here. The hotel and spa is located at 74-855 Country Club Dr., Palm Desert.