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Pampering at Palm Desert’s Bighorn Spa

by Mary Jo Manzanares on June 5th, 2006

Nothing says “pampering” more than a spa visit.

I’ve been fortunate to experience a variety of day spas, in addition to the weeklong pamper-fest of a more structured spa.  I now know that heaven has a massage table and a pedicure chair!

On a recent girls trip to Palm Desert, California, ten miles east of Palm Springs, my best gal pal, Anita, and I were graciously treated to an afternoon at the Bighorn Spa and Salon.

Bighorn is a private golf club community in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains.  It boasts an elegant desert lifestyle, and from the homes that I’ve seen, elegant is an understatement.  It’s casual living, lived at the ultimate level, and members of the Bighorn community are some of the top names in business, entertainment, sports, and politics.

Anita and I arrived at the Spa via golf cart, the standard transportation for living at playing at Bighorn.  We were warmly greeted by name, given a key to the locker room, and escorted on our way. 

Each locker contains a plush robe, a terry wrap, spa slippers, and a bottle of water.  The waiting and lounge area also contains chilled water and a variety of tonics which can be added to the water, fruit, and a candy bowl. 

You can start your spa visit with a quick shower, a soak in a hot pool, or a steam or sauna.  Or, if you’d prefer, you can lounge inside, or out, and just relax.  Then, it’s off for your treatment.

I opted for a facial, having abused myself the previous day in the sun.  Patty, my esthetician took a look at my sunburned face, tsk-tsked a bit, and then recommended that I avoid a rough exfoliation and go with a gentler, nourishing facial.  She then worked her magic, which also included a relaxing warm hand and foot massage.  I faded into a La-La land of bliss, only coming to when it was time to head off to the steam room and shower.

Anita opted for a body scrub and moisturizing treatment, perhaps to atone for her previous sun sins as well.  We both ended the afternoon with a pedicure and foot massage.

It was hard to leave the cocoon of the spa, but ultimately we got dressed and headed back to our golf cart.

An afternoon of pampering is easily booked at a day spa in your home town, or while traveling.  Many of the major hotels feature on site salon and spa services as well. 

This kind of pampering may not be for everyone, but chances are someone dear to you would love it. 

Keep that in mind when a birthday, anniversary, or other special day rolls around ““ or maybe it’s the perfect gift for no special reason at all.

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