Quick FactsOverview
About The Spa at Sec-he
The Spa at Sec-he, California is a tribally owned full-service spa and wellness complex at 200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way in downtown Palm Springs, built directly atop the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring on tribal land within the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza. The facility opened in April 2023 and is owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the tribe for whom this spring has been a central cultural resource for thousands of years.
The 73,000-square-foot complex includes 22 private mineral bath rooms, 15 treatment rooms, a zero-edge outdoor mineral pool maintained at 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a resort-style freshwater pool with a rock waterfall, four whirlpools, two halotherapy salt caves, a cryotherapy chamber, float pod suites, eucalyptus steam rooms, menthol saunas, a fitness center, a full-service salon, and an on-site cafe and poolside bar. The mineral water rises from a spring estimated to be over 12,000 years old, cooling to 105 degrees Fahrenheit by the time it reaches the surface.
A Taking the Waters Day Pass grants access to all amenities for a full day, including the private mineral baths, which must be scheduled in advance.
Location & Access
Getting to The Spa at Sec-he
The Spa at Sec-he is at 200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way in downtown Palm Springs, at the northeast corner of Indian Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, adjacent to Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. The facility is on 5.8 acres within the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in the heart of the city.
Parking is available on site and in nearby downtown Palm Springs lots. The property is fully accessible from ground level with no hiking required, and the facility was built to modern ADA standards. Palm Springs International Airport is approximately 2 miles from the spa, making it convenient for visitors flying in. The facility is also walkable from many downtown Palm Springs hotels.
Reservations are strongly recommended for day passes, private mineral baths, and all spa treatments. Day pass bookings can be made by phone or online through the spa's website. For visitors researching hot springs near Palm Springs within a world-class wellness setting, The Spa at Sec-he is the only tribally operated geothermal day spa in downtown Palm Springs. It draws water from a named natural spring rather than a shared aquifer, a distinction that sets it apart from most other facilities in the Desert Hot Springs area. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and Gathering Plaza are part of the same development.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who The Spa at Sec-he Suits
The Spa at Sec-he suits visitors of all ages who want a comprehensive, full-day wellness experience in downtown Palm Springs centered on authentic geothermal mineral spring water. The facility is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors, from first-time spa guests using the day pass amenities to regular clients booking multiple treatments.
The spa is wheelchair accessible. The facility was built to modern ADA standards, with the zero-edge mineral pool entry designed for ease of access, accessible restrooms, and a ground-level layout across the 5.8-acre complex. This makes it one of the few accessible hot springs in California offering full spa services and geothermal mineral water in a fully ADA-compliant environment.
The day pass at $145 is a significant investment compared to other Desert Hot Springs area facilities, reflecting the scope and quality of the amenities. Visitors who want to make full use of the pass should plan for several hours, as the range of amenities from the mineral pools and salt caves to the saunas and relaxation rooms is substantial. Couples, families, and solo visitors all find the facility suited to their needs, and the tribal cultural context of the spring gives the experience a dimension not found at other resort spas in the Palm Springs area.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at The Spa at Sec-he
The Spa at Sec-he is generally safe as a professionally managed facility with trained staff, modern infrastructure, and clearly defined access protocols. The mineral pools and private baths are maintained to high standards by spa staff. Standard warm water precautions apply: hydrate throughout the day, limit time in the hottest pools, and step out if feeling overheated or light-headed.
Private mineral baths are each 15 minutes in duration and are conducted individually or as couples depending on booking. The baths are the only area where clothing-optional use applies, as staff fill each soaking tub privately for each guest. All shared areas including the outdoor pools, relaxation rooms, and fitness center require swimsuits and appropriate spa attire throughout.
Reservations are required for day passes, private mineral baths, and treatments. Walking in without a reservation is possible but not guaranteed, and availability is limited on peak weekends and holidays. Arriving early maximizes time with the full range of amenities. The spa operates within the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and visitors should treat the facility with respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of the spring to the tribe.
Photography policies within the facility should be confirmed directly with spa staff, as the private and communal spaces may have different rules. The spa includes food service through Malmal Cafe and the Pal Bar poolside, making it practical to spend a full day on site without leaving. Cryotherapy and float pod sessions are available as add-ons to the day pass at additional cost.
