Perhaps I am becoming somewhat well-known in the Greater Palm Springs area. I arrived at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Villas, and the doorman, while opening the door, said, “Good afternoon, Kathy Condon.”
Let’s say I have learned to appreciate the staff at the Grand Hyatt. They have a knack for being there to meet your every need.
A public relations company invited me to experience yet another segment of this resort. I would also like to note that there is a bus by the convention center each time I come. The center is a busy place for corporate meetings. Frankly, who wouldn’t want to go on a retreat here in Coachella Valley to a beautiful 400-acre resort with private lakes and waterways?
Arrival at the Agua Serena Spa
The resort is so large that I was unsure of the Agua Serena Spa location, so I entered it into Google Maps. I smiled as it took me to the same parking lot, I was familiar with from past visits. Parking at the Agua Serena Spa is free of charge. They will validate your ticket.
Checking into the Agua Serena Spa
I was scheduled for their Signature Codage Facial, which lasted 50 minutes. Since I had never been there before, I received a tour and was directed to my locker, where my robe was already hung. Slippers just appeared and were the correct size.
Once in my swimsuit, I headed to the lovely, updated waiting room. I appreciated its lightness and small patio adorned with plants. Through the door, I had access to the co-ed outdoor lounging area.
Entering the Treatment Room
I met Alma, who has the same name as my mother, who graciously accompanied me on the short walk to the treatment room. While the room was small, I noticed the door was wide open to the outside, where a patio with a lounge chair waited for an occupant.
After a few questions and admitting I couldn’t remember the last time I had had a facial, Alma shared her process with me. She said, "I’m going to let my hands guide me, so let’s begin."
The Facial at the Agua Serena
Due to the wide range of products used, Alma asked me to keep my eyes shut the entire time to avoid getting anything in my eyes. Sometimes, she covered my eyes with lovely, relaxing cool pads.
I should have asked, but I think Alma used about five different products on my face. One stung a bit, which she had warned me about, but it certainly didn't cause me to be concerned.
Her strokes were so rhythmic on my face. I smiled as the grainy rub was used with ocean waves lapping in the background. I asked if she had designed the mixed music tape played during the hour. Her voice, amused, said, “No, I didn’t, but that’s not a bad idea.”
At one point, she was squeezing areas of my face. I asked what she was doing; she said she removed minuscule blackheads. How interesting—they were invisible to the naked eye. I asked, “So, is that why the pores on my nose seem large?” Her reply was, “Yes.”
After the facial, I looked in the mirror. To say my face was smooth and without red marks would not be accurate. Alma had worked hard to use products that would help repair the damage over the years.
Since I planned to relax the rest of the afternoon at the spa, Alma applied sunscreen. Now, I was set to go out and enjoy the other amenities.
First Stop the Whirlpool
From the waiting lounge, I spied the whirlpool through some glass doors. So, after my treatment, I went out to the patio, turned on the jets, and settled into the hot water. I had it all to myself and reveled in the feeling of the jets hitting my tight muscles—as a writer, my shoulders often start tightening up. It was a divine interlude in my day.
Wrapping myself in a towel, I headed out to the Reflection Pool. It was a long, narrow canal-like waterway surrounded by columns that separated the individual lounge areas. The area had an abundance of palm trees, truly making it feel like a tropical paradise.
I walked by couples enjoying lounging, reading, and having quiet conversations. I found an empty area, set my lemon water down, and settled in. Before long, the relaxing sound of the waterspouts created on each column lulled me into an even more relaxed state.
Yes, I fell asleep and was refreshed by my usual 15-minute nap. I know I am one of the lucky people who can take a short nap and feel like a person with much more energy.
Time to Head Out
I stopped in the steam room and enjoyed the heat of the sauna—both seemingly the perfect temperature. Then, I headed to the shower.
A note said, “Spray this on the wall and let the steam elevate the scent.” To my great pleasure, the eucalyptus scent permeated the shower stall. I had never experienced this before and appreciated that I could control the strength I wanted.
I was surprised that the products in the shower were labeled with just the name Agua Serena. So, I had no idea what product I was using. When I asked at the desk, they seemed not to know either. Typically, the type of product used is touted throughout the spa.
After getting dressed, I headed out to the Boutique Shop, which also serves as the reservation area. They offered a wide array of products, many of which were used during my facial.
With the sun still shining, I headed out to my car. Relaxed, knowing my face had been well cared for, I added the Agua Serena Spa as still another reason the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Villas is a place to recommend when you want a reprieve from the outside world.
Kathy Condon is a travel writer and award-winning author. Her niche is luxury experiences, hidden delights, and communities in the shadows of large cities. 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com kathy@kathycondon.net