City: Palm Springs, CA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (760) 770-5000, (800) 543-4300

Address: 4200 East Palm Canyon Dr.

Description: Ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 10 spas in America for four years running, the Parker’s Palm Springs Yacht Club spa began its life when the former Autry Hotel became the Givenchy Resort & Spa. Now under new ownership, the hotel has undergone a complete transformation. What was once a kitschy Versailles look-alike is now a popular and trendy retro hideout, complete with croquet and bocce ball courts, Joseph Adler-designed furniture and decor, and a tongue-in-cheek attitude. This, plus great service, is also the reigning atmosphere at the new spa, which has shed its French frosting look for a trim, nautical theme, and a lighter, breezier, more tongue-in-cheek attitude about itself. Thai-assisted stretching and massage is dubbed “Voodoo We Do.” Get-down-into-those-muscles deep tissue is aptly “the Wringer.” Stone massage is “Rock Star.” Light. Breezy.Wraps, scrubs, facials, and waxing round out the spa offerings, and include “The Matriarch” and “Creature from the Beautiful Lagoon.” Breezy. Light. An on-site beauty salon provides full hair and nail services. Men’s and women’s areas are completely separate and clothing-optional. Each side has its own indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and steam and sauna rooms. The 24-hour fitness center is also in the spa building and has a good selection of weights, machines, and classes—yoga, tai chi, chi gong, Pilates, and croquet classes are available throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.