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In the heart of Palm Springs’ Warm Sands neighborhood, where the desert’s allure meets an assemblage of charming boutique resorts, El Noa Noa has emerged as a new oasis for couples seeking an intimate escape. Once the residence of legendary Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel, it has been lovingly transformed into a serene retreat that celebrates romance, wellness, and musical heritage.​

A love story built into the walls

The colorful pool on a sunny day at El Noa Noa

The pool at El Noa Noa is bright and sunny. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa is a testament to love. In fact, owner Sony Bastian Sunny purchased the property in October 2024 as a gift to his wife Unni on their 15th anniversary. Sony’s background in hospitality, with several resorts in India and a property in Big Bear, California, provided the foundation for this venture. Upon discovering El Noa Noa, Sony was captivated by its tranquility and privacy, envisioning it as the perfect couples’ retreat.

An homage to Juan Gabriel

The bubbling outdoor spa at El Noa Noa in Palm Springs

The spa is always on and ready for guests looking to relax. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

The hotel’s name pays tribute to Gabriel’s famous song about celebrating freedom, joy, and life’s simple pleasures. The property still resonates with his spirit, especially in the Honeymoon Suite, which was once his bedroom. Guests can feel the musical legacy intertwined with the hotel’s ambiance, offering a unique blend of history and luxury. ​Even powerhouse artists like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande are rumored to have stayed on the property.

Designed for romance and relaxation

The private spa and waterfall at the Honeymoon Suite at El Noa Noa

The cozy Honeymoon Suite has a private spa and waterfall. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

Every aspect of El Noa Noa is curated to provide couples with a peaceful and intimate experience:​

Luxurious suites

Each of the eight rooms is designed as a sanctuary, featuring amenities like luxurious baths and fire places. I got to experience the Honeymoon Suite myself, and it certainly stands out with its private waterfall spa and large rain shower that opens up to the outside, inviting couples to unwind in seclusion.

Pura Vida Wellness & Spa

Managed by spa director Monika Bogart and her family, the on-site spa offers a range of wellness options in an intimate setting. I received a 90-minute sample of every treatment they offer, which put me right at ease. Guests can indulge in treatments like the Pura Vida signature body polish, rejuvenating facials, and sound healing sessions. The spa is open to both guests and day visitors, with hotel guests enjoying a 20% off discount on services. ​

Peaceful surroundings

To maintain a serene environment, El Noa Noa caters to adults. With its large, heated pool and communal hot tub, the hotel ensures a tranquil atmosphere perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. It’s an intriguing option for intimate celebrations, honeymoons, anniversaries, and small gatherings as well.

An alternative for the LGBTQ+ community

A selfie of a white man sitting on a bed at El Noa Noa

Gregory Douglass enjoys lounging in his room at El Noa Noa. Photo courtesy of Gregory Douglass

The hotel’s connection to Juan Gabriel, an icon beloved in the LGBTQ+ community, adds a layer of significance in my opinion. And Palm Springs’ Warm Sands neighborhood has long been a haven for our beautiful LGBTQ+ community with its array of clothing-optional hotels and resorts for men only. While clothing is required at El Noa Noa, it continues our tradition of inclusivity while offering an alternative to many of its neighboring boutique hotels. ​

Looking to the future 

The exterior of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa’s sleek exterior blends into the Warm Sands neighborhood. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa plans to expand its offerings in exciting ways. Recognizing that relaxation shouldn’t be limited to overnight guests, the hotel will offer day passes for those seeking spa services and a brief escape from the everyday.​

Summer retreats focusing on holistic wellness are in the works as well, which will aim to provide guests with immersive experiences that blend relaxation and rejuvenation.​

Why choose independently-owned boutique hotels?

A giant duck float in the pool at El Noa Noa

The pool at El Noa Noa is sparkling and inviting. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

Choosing to stay at places like El Noa Noa also means your travel dollars directly benefit the local community. Opting for an independently-owned boutique hotel offers a unique and enriching experience that stands apart from conventional chain hotels.​

Boutique hotels often mirror the passions of their owners, resulting in distinctive decor and ambiance. El Noa Noa’s location places you amidst a community known for its vibrant history and charm. The hotel’s connection to local heritage and commitment to authenticity allow for a deeper engagement with the area as well.

In essence, selecting an independently-owned boutique hotel enriches your travel experience through personalized service, unique ambiance, authentic local engagement, and the satisfaction of supporting the community. El Noa Noa embodies these qualities, offering a romantic and culturally immersive retreat that promises to make your stay in Palm Springs truly unforgettable.

The wait is over. On April 4, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians unveiled The Spa at Séc-he, the 5-star spa we all have been waiting for in anticipation. The security walls that kept us intrigued for so long are now removed, revealing an enchanting place where one can relax and rejuvenate in downtown Palm Springs.

If you are staying in one of the Palm Springs Preferred Hotels, the good news is that the spa is within walking distance of many properties. You will want to make sure to make reservations — word is quickly spreading about how fabulous this place is, for so many reasons.

I want to give you an up-close-and-personal view, as I was honored to be invited to the grand opening and spend a day at this stunning spa. Would you believe seven hours felt like it wasn’t enough?

The hot mineral springs

The Agua Caliente have been keepers and protectors of Palm Springs’ only hot mineral springs since the late 1880s. With a temperature of 105 degrees, the mineral-rich hot water arrives from 8,000 feet below the surface, and is known for easing joint and muscle aches and even skin conditions. In the language of the Cahuilla Indians, “séc-he” means the sound of boiling water, thus Séc-he was coined for this new Palm Springs spa.

The Spa at Séc-he has 22 separate hot mineral tubs, and you can bathe alone in your own room for 15 minutes. After each person leaves, the tub is emptied and refilled with the healing waters.

Pro tip: Leave your jewelry at home because the water’s minerals will tarnish it.

One of the private tubs. Photo by Kathy Condon

Massages 

General Manager Daniel Spencer has searched the world, asked lots of questions, and now has ensured that Séc-he’s staff is trained on all eight kinds of massages offered at the spa. That means services like the Quartz and Poultice Massage may result in you wandering out into the Tranquility Garden feeling relaxed and totally at peace with the world.

I had the Restoring Energy Massage, which includes essences of sandalwood, peppermint, and vetiver for releasing anxiety and assisting with the immune system. I can’t say if I enjoyed the reflexology or the re-energizing balance more, which are both part of this particular massage. In any case, it was heavenly.

Body scrubs and wraps

There are way too many to mention, but with each treatment, you lie on a quartz bed treatment table that is heated and takes your mind to your favorite warm tropical beach. Afterward, you can use the eucalyptus steam room and menthol sauna, then follow it up with an aromatherapy shower. In fact, the entire spa smells wonderful. All the ingredients used in the treatments are local indigenous herbs rich in minerals and botanical oil extract.

Lounge areas are everywhere

Frankly, I have never seen so many lounge areas. Some are coed so that you can enjoy your partner’s company, and outside there are cabanas and day beds, which you can rent, and umbrellas to protect you from the intense desert sun.

The freshwater pool is enormous, complete with a waterfall. There are chairs submerged at one end of the pool, so you are surrounded by water and can hear the calming sound of the waterfall in the distance. In the same area, off to your left, there is a zero-edge pool with mineral water, where you can “take in the waters,” as the Cahuilla Indians would say.

A zero-edge pool

The zero-edge pool. Photo by Kathy Condon

Day Pass amenities

The Day Pass is $145, but if you have a treatment over $200 booked, you do not have to pay that fee. Here’s what the Day Pass includes:

  • Dressing rooms with secure lockers
  • Robes and slippers (be sure to bring your swimming suit)
  • 15 minutes in the mineral springs tub (you won’t feel rushed)
  • Access to the outside pools, both fresh and mineral water
  • Access to a state-of-the-art fitness room
  • Grounding room
  • Tranquility room
  • Two salt rooms
  • Eucalyptus steam room
  • Menthol sauna
  • Aromatherapy showers
  • Cold-rinse experience
  • Lounge areas
  • Quiet room

I was there for seven hours and realized I still had some amenities to explore. This truly is a place where you slow down and can have several different relaxing experiences.

Other services with additional fees

The massages, body scrubs, and wraps have different prices, and Séc-he also offers several additional services for a fee:

  • Floatation
  • Cryotherapy
  • Facials (at the moment, there are nine different kinds)
  • Organic skin care treatments
  • Nail care
  • Hair salon

When you read this, I wouldn’t be surprised if more treatments are added, for this experiential spa never stops stretching its capabilities — be sure to check their website.

Pro tip: The spa is 18 and over. The nail and hair care salons are available to children and young adults.

The nail salon and its comfortable chairs. Photo by Kathy Condon

Food service at two restaurants

The Malmal Café is open to the public. You can stop in and get flavorful Mediterranean-inspired cold items. The salads are delicious, and pick your favorite beverage to go with them. I suggest you try one of their juices or smoothies. The Monkey Berry smoothie made with banana, strawberries, vanilla bean, low-fat yogurt, milk, and latte powder passed and made it to my terrific taste list. I am also still thinking about my great panini, made with grilled chicken and avocado. Sooooo good! 

If you have a treatment or buy the Day Pass, you can access the poolside Pal Bar. Your food and drinks will be delivered to wherever you are sitting in the pool area.

Five stars all around

As if you need to hear it from me, but I wanted to stress to the readers that Séc-he is not only beautiful, its customer service and amenities would be hard to find or beat any place in the world. I give it five stars.

Please do yourself a favor after you make a reservation at one of our Palm Springs Preferred Hotels: Go to the Séc-he website and book a service or two so you can be one of the first visitors to check out this extraordinary addition to downtown Palm Springs.