Ahhhh the spa in .NET framework

Painting Data Matrix in .NET framework Ahhhh the spa

The desert is the perfect place to indulge in some serious pampering Without a doubt, our top place to relax is at Two Bunch Palms, 67 425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs (% 800-472-4334 or 760-3298791; wwwtwobunchpalmscom) You can enjoy this place even if you don t stay over Book one of the little-advertised Day Spa packages, which include two one-hour treatments, lunch or dinner, and full access to the grounds for six to nine hours, plus taxes and gratuities for (at press time, at least) $395 to $435 plus the cost of a taxi back to your hotel when it s all over, because human gelatin just can t drive Call seven days in advance to make your reservations For further information, see the Where to Stay in Palm Springs section earlier in the chapter For something a little more down to earth, book a treatment or two at the Spa Hotel and Casino, 100 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs (% 888-293-0180 or 760-778-1772; wwwsparesortcasinocom), run by the Aqua Caliente tribe on a square block of reservation land in the heart of town The natural therapeutic hot-spring waters are the same that local Native Americans have been using for hundreds of years, but now they ve built a sleekly modern, full-service spa around em

In addition to the following options, you may also consider a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park (see the Joshua Tree and Death Valley: A Trip to the Dry, Hot Desert Parks section later in this chapter)

To the untrained eye, the desert can look like a lot of nothing Put yourself in the hands of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, however, and it s a whole different story an entire, fascinating world you never knew existed will open up to you like a rare flower

Hands down, the area s best tour operator is Desert Adventures Jeep Eco-Tours (% 888-440-5337 or 760-340-2345; wwwred-jeepcom), whose off-road eco-tours, offered in signature seven-seater red Jeeps, are led by naturalist guides The company is extremely reliable, and the experienced guides are great at communicating their vast knowledge of desert ecology, geology, history, and lore as well as earthquake science in a manner that s both smart and enjoyable They re expert at giving meaning to what you see around you Still, the experience isn t for everyone For one thing, the open Jeep is bouncy and dusty, and the weather can get really hot in summer (Springtime, in particular, is a great time to go, because the weather is ideal and the wildflowers are in bloom) If you have mobility issues, ask whether the tour can comfortably accommodate you Kids, on the other hand, will love the rough-and-ready on safari feeling, although the tours don t accept children younger than 6 Offerings change periodically, so call or check the Web site to see what s on while you re in town Most tours include a visit to the legendary San Andreas Fault, with detailed explanations of how tectonic forces work and a look at evidence of recent and ongoing fault activity If you have cultural interests, you can choose to tour an authentically re-created ancient Cahuilla village to find out how Native Americans carved a life out of the barren land Tours that include desert walks are also offered for hikers Tours last three or four hours and vary in price from $79 to $129 ($5 off for seniors and kids younger than 12) Reservations are required; call at least a day in advance

The reservation land that comprises Indian Canyons (% 800-790-3398 or 760-323-6018; wwwpalmspringscom/points/canyon), at the end of South Palm Canyon Drive (3 miles south of the turnoff for East Palm Canyon/Highway 111), is terrific hiking territory At press time, four stunning canyons were open to hikers of all levels; stop at the Trading Post for detailed trail maps Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors and students, and $4 for kids 6 to 12 Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm; tours are offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm Call ahead in summer; the canyons are closed from June through Labor Day A visit to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, in the Village Green Heritage Center, 219 S Palm Canyon Dr, at Arenas Road (% 760-3230151; wwwaccmuseumorg), pairs up well with a visit to Indian Canyons Of particular note is the beautiful collection of basketry Admission is free From Labor Day through Memorial Day, the museum is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm; during summer, hours are Friday and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm