Living Waters Spa
Reserve your Escape at : www. LivingWatersSpa.com

The mineral water at Living Waters Spa begins its journey hundreds of miles away in the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains.   As it melts into the ground it travels through underground rivers, where it’s naturally heated to well over 100 degrees and rises in Desert Hot Springs California, a community located atop one of the finest natural hot mineral water aquifers in America.    It’s fresh, pure, crystal clear, odorless and wonderfully soothing.  All you have to do to enjoy it is slip out of your clothes and into the restorative waters at Living Waters Spa.

The natural vision of Jeff and Judy Bowman has come to life in this naturist spa hotel which pays homage to the past, while helping you thrive in the present.    It’s a tranquil retreat where the purity of the natural mineral waters is reflected in the serene ambiance of white-washed walls, native plants, soothing music and a friendly crowd. 

The Hotel and Rooms

The main hotel features nine rooms wrapped around a tiered sundeck with oversized Jacuzzi, refreshing swimming pool, plenty of lounge chairs and spectacular views of Mt. San Jacinto and the Palm Springs area.  The rooms are simple, yet decidedly indulgent.  A serene color palate, Berber carpets, king-sized beds, fine linens, individual reading lights and views of the pool and surrounding mountains.  All but two of the rooms have fully furnished kitchens.  One thing you won’t find in the resort rooms are TV’s.   This is a place to unwind and unplug, believing that less, very often, is more.  Let go of the outside world, and find the magic in yourself, your loved ones and new friends you’ll make.

Just steps away are the Living Waters Spa Condos.   These are large two bedroom condos with living room, dining area and a well equipped kitchen.   They feature flat panel TV’s and Wi-Fi access.    Although they’re available to rent for a weekend, when you see how spacious and comfortable they are – you’ll be planning to come for at least a week on your next visit.   You do have to be clothed to walk to the condos, but it’s a very short walk and a pareo or bathrobe is all you’ll need.

The Pool and Jacuzzi

One of the highlights of Living Waters is the natural mineral waters.  The resort has a private well which pumps almost 20,000 gallons of fresh water through the resort and back into the natural aquifiers each day.  No chlorine or chemicals, just natural, pure, crystal clear water.    The Jacuzzi is on the top level and is covered with a large sun shade.   It’s large enough to accommodate a big group, which you’ll appreciate each afternoon about 3 when Jeff and Judy offer wine, fresh juices and appetizers by the Jacuzzi.

The pool is on the middle level and big enough for a swim, but we found most guests preferred to lounge on one of the pool floats and drift around under the desert sun.   There are lounge chairs near the Jacuzzi and the pool area, as well as the lower level area.  There are also several patio tables, perfect for a casual meal or relaxing with a cool drink.

The Guests

We visited in early March and enjoyed temperatures in the low 80’s.  The hotel was full, but never felt crowded or rushed.   There was a great mix of people, mostly couples, but a few singles that were there to rest, relax and refresh.   This is definitely not a party or cruising hotel, so if you’re wanting noise and action, Living Waters isn’t for you.   There were more young couples than we’ve seen at most naturists hotels, but everyone has the same basic goal.  Relaxing naked in the sun and mineral waters – so it’s a comfortable and friendly feeling.

The serenity and zen-like ambiance also seems to attract the more artistic crowd.  One couple were singers taking a break from their show tour, and another was a sculptor, working on a clay sculpture throughout the day.

The Spa

While the resort, rooms and waters would be enough reason to visit – what really sets Living Waters apart is their focus on massage and spa treatments.    Both Jeff and Judy are licensed massage therapists, and they have several other therapists on call.

The massage room is located furthest away from the pool and sun deck, and is designed for instant relaxation and decompression with soothing colors, soft music and warm fabrics.   There are a variety of options for individual and couples massages and several times per year they offer massage workshops.   For a complete list of massage and spa treatments, click here.

There is also a redwood-lined Finnish sauna just steps from the massage room where you can sweat out some toxins, warm your body and soul, then cleanse it all in the mineral waters.

Special Treats

Each morning, guests are welcomed to a continental breakfast in the resort lounge.  There’s Starbucks coffee, fresh fruit, juices, breads, yogurts and more.   Plus there’s a snack pantry all day long where you can grab a drink or snack.  The lounge also has an excellent selection of magazines, games, and ideas of things to do in the local area.
 
Each afternoon at 3, Jeff and Judy present a selection of appetizers, fresh juices and wine by the Jacuzzi.  It’s an informal gathering time where you chat with the other guests, or enjoy some snacks and head back to your lounge chair.   They serve a very delicious dip with fresh vegetables and suggest that anyone who can identify all six ingredients in the dip correctly will win a free massage.  In the five years they’ve been doing this, they’ve only given away 11 massages.

A Celebration of Survivors

Judy is a breast cancer survivor of 17 years and encourages all breast cancer survivors to come celebrate themselves and their lives.   They offer special programs and rates for breast cancer patients and survivors.  Click here to learn more.

The History

Thanks to the mineral waters, Desert Hot Springs has been a popular resort to escape from it all for almost a century.   Early settlers arrived in the 1920’s and by the 50’s a booming spa-tel industry had emerged with simple accommodations and natural mineral water pools.   Living Waters began as the Kismet, and you’ll still see the original sign (lovingly restored by Jeff and Judy) as you arrive, framed against the cobalt blue desert sky. 

As the popularity of simple, natural resorts faded (what were we thinking?) many of the properties fell into disrepair and closed (although one of the most famed and pricey spas in the world – Two Bunch Palms – still operates in the area).   When Jeff and Judy found the property that’s now Living Waters it was being used as rental apartments and in very poor condition. 

Today you’ll find the entire property has been renovated to current standards, without losing any of the soul or charm that takes you back to quieter times, easier paces and the tranquility and balance that comes when you merge your natural body with natural waters under the warmth of the desert sun. 

Conclusion

Living Waters Spa is a great place to reconnect with yourself and others.  Its simple serenity encourages you to unwind and rejuvenate.  Without the needs for clothes or chemicals, the Jacuzzi and pool are good for the body and soul, and after time in the sun – the rooms are equally tranquil retreats to rest, read and rejuvenate.   Jeff and Judy are warm, welcoming and attuned to helping guests unwind and thrive.

We encourage you to plan a visit soon. Living Waters Spa