By Barbara Beckley
Ahh… relaxing into what looks like a recliner, I close my eyes, push a button, and let the chair do its work. Giving me a relaxing, re-energizing, head-to-toe massage – sans the masseuse.
Like health magic! And easy to enjoy – no appointment needed. My magical chair is one of three innovative experiences you’ve got to try to believe in the new Interactive Co-Ed Wellness Lounge at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.
New Interactive Co-Ed Wellness Lounge
Innovative Wellness
And unique. This Wellness Lounge is the first and only of its kind in the entire Marriott brand. Sporting 15 state-of-the-art lounge chairs, delivering three unique relaxing, nurturing, and re-energizing experiences; each reflecting award-winning innovation built with sustainable practices and materials. Located in the 38,000 square-foot Spa at Desert Springs, “the Wellness Lounge fulfills a mission to bring balance and harmony to everyday living, using a blend of relaxation and new technology,” Spa Director, Dawn Ferraro, explained.
Author Barbara Beckley Enjoys the new Wellness Lounge
1. The Ceragem M2 Massaging Chair (my experience), blends cutting-edge technology with luxury, in a heat-optional massaging chair that’s perfect for the care of neck, back, hips, thighs, and even abdominal circulation. Equipped with six automatic modes to suit a range of needs and conditions, you can also add up to two complimentary enhancements including an Eye Mask, the NormaTech Calf Compression Air Massage, a Collagen Gloves and Feet Mask, and Therabody Massaging Goggles.
2. The Mind-Sync Lounger. Don the noise-cancelling headset and get cozy under a blanket as you experience divine tranquility and transcendence in this space age cool chair. The full-service encounter marries scientifically proven, vibro-acoustic sound wave therapy with luxurious zero gravity positioning to give you unprecedented levels of relaxation. Carefully curated music synchronizes your brain’s left and right hemisphere, gently lowering brain activity to the calmer Alpha, Theta, and Delta states. One 25-minute session has been proven to induce profound levels of relaxation, restoration, and sleep, Ferraro said.
3. The NuWave Zero Gravity Wave Lounger. With a sleek design, the Zero Gravity position is optimal for a multitude of head, hand, and foot treatments, improving the circulatory system and easing back strain. You can make this even better with enhancements like an Eye Mask, $25; Collagen Gloves and Sock Mask, $25;Therabody Massaging Goggles, 20 Minutes for $25; and a NormaTech Calf Compression Air Massage, $25.
Upon arrival into the lounge, a spa attendant greets you with herbal tea as you select your lounger, each separated by curtains for privacy if you wish. Lounger sessions begin at 25 minutes, and last as long as you wish, I was told. Guess what? You don’t have to book a treatment to enjoy the lounge experience. The new Wellness Lounge is included with the Day Pass, $125; and Half Day Pass, $45; along with other wonderful JW Marriott spa amenities. If you’re with a group, friends, a pre-wedding soirée, the Wellness Lounge can also be booked for private events when you’re seeking a truly unique wellness experience. Of course, if you do book a spa treatment – and why not! There are more than 50 amazing massage, body, and facial offerings to choose from. The Wellness Lounge is free, on a first-come, first-served basis. My complexion looked and felt like new following the 60-minute “Desert Springs Custom Facial,” by expert esthetician Cathy, who’s been with The Spa nearly since it opened.
New Blue Zone Menu
Completing the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa full body nourishment concept, a healthy new “Blue Zone” food and drink menu at the Spa Bistro has been curated by the resort’s Executive Chef Eric Theiss alongside Ferraro. Choices include longevity-enhancing fresh juices, green smoothies, acai bowls, salads, sandwiches, sushi and other veggie, grain, bean, and lean protein fare eaten by the oldest centenarians in the Blue Zone areas of Japan, Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, and surprise – Loma Linda, California.
The Spa Lobby
Wait, There’s More
While you’re there for the chairs – don’t miss The Spa at Desert Springs’ other incredible amenities. Like authentic Aromatic Hammams, Finnish Saunas, Eucalyptus Steam Rooms, whirlpools, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center with Technogym equipment, Peloton bikes, resistance weight training stations, and classes. The newly redone Spa Shop, featuring – surprise – Barker Wellness organic and vegan CBD wellness products – by tattooed rocker Travis Barker and wife Kourtney Kardashian Barker. “It’s actually a very well thought-out and effective line,” Ferraro told me. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t be carrying it.” And a heated outdoor saltwater lap pool, overlooking the resort’s 450 acres of lakes and desert gardens.
Speaking of lakes and acres of gardens…
Enjoy the view from one of the 884 guestrooms and suites. I loved my view from Resort King room 4024, and its huge spa tub, lounge area and scenic balcony overlooking the Marriott’s lakes, two Ted Robinson-designed 18-hole championship golf courses, and beautiful San Jacinto Mountains.
