Set the Scene

Stepping inside Palm Springs Yacht Club—an expansive, 18,000 square foot spa on the grounds of Parker Palm Springs designed by the incomparable Jonathan Adler—is your entryway to a nautical-themed oasis in the middle of the desert. It seems only fitting that you must chart your course to a separate building on the property, walking through the lush gardens and passing the iconic oversized banana statue along the way, before finally reaching your destination of ultimate relaxation.

I’m immediately enamored of the maritime-inspired elements around every corner. The front desk attendants greet my best friend and me with a jaunty “Ahoy!” and hand us cucumber vodka shots to down before leading us back to the locker room. There are nautical elements around every corner, from anchors hanging on the walls to striped deck chairs in the lounge (more on that in a moment, because the lounge is truly spectacular). The whimsy may seem a bit incongruous to the overstated glamour of the accompanying resort, but I believe therein lies the beauty.

The locker room is not only well-stocked with amenities, but continues the nautical theme with ship-inspired doors leading to the eucalyptus steam room, sauna, and showers; meanwhile, cheeky, sailing-inspired phrases like “Loose Lips Sink Ships” line the walls.

But it’s the relaxation lounge that truly takes center stage before my treatment even begins. It’s the largest one I’ve seen in a spa, somehow seeming to go on for miles in every direction. A large saline pool takes center stage, surrounded by deck chairs and loungers that immediately transport me to a tropical paradise. Along with complimentary flavored water and light snacks, there’s a menu of food like Caesar salad, a Chicken club, and chips and guacamole—aptly named “Daily Rations”—available for purchase. I’m in heaven as I relax before my massage in my plush PSYC French terry bathrobe, taking in the serene surroundings and dipping my toes in the water. This is a spa meant for you to spend hours on end, and I intend to do just that.

Inside the TailorMade 75 Massage

Services at Palm Springs Yacht Club are as thoughtful as their surroundings—starting with the treatment rooms, named after America’s Cup Yachts such as Black Magic and Constellation. I’m of the mind that one can never receive too many massages, and that’s what I’ve come in for during this visit, opting for the TailorMade 75, which is a massage fully customized to your preferences and body’s needs. (It’s also available in 60-minute and 90-minute versions, so 75 minutes felt like the sweet spot.) I’m a mess of sore knots from my neck to my glutes, so, hoping to relieve some tension, I request deep tissue with a focus on my back and shoulders.

What follows is a treatment so perfectly attuned to my body’s needs, I end up falling asleep on the massage table halfway through. Before that, however, I enjoy my masseuse’s sure, even strokes, kneading with just enough pressure to loosen even the tightest areas while still prompting me into deep relaxation mode. I wake up as the massage is coming to a close, my body feeling looser than it has in weeks—and hoping to book another voyage as soon as possible.

Fast Facts

Location: The Parker Palm Springs

Atmosphere: Serene and nautical-inspired.

Price Point: $$$$

Amenities: A co-ed relaxation lounge with an indoor swimming pool, two hot tubs, and multiple striped deck chairs; well-appointed locker rooms with eucalyptus steam rooms and saunas.

What Sets the Spa Apart: The whimsical nature of the space, which translates to every touchpoint, along with fully customized treatments and luxe amenities.

Recommended Treatment: The Lost at Sea, a four-hour experience that includes a 90-minute TailorMade massage, a 90-minute Skin Revival facial with LED light therapy and an enzyme peel, and a 60-minute Liquid Gold Scalp Ritual with a cleansing scalp scrub.

Jamie Sanders

Palm Springs Yacht Club Is a Nautical-Inspired Paradise in Palm Springs