Like many of you, I was disappointed when in 2014/2015, the Agua Caliente Indian Tribe demolished the historical Spa Hotel in downtown Palm Springs.  The Hotel, which opened in 1963 and had 229 rooms, was a classic mid-century modern building.  Its hot mineral spas tapped into the hot springs that Palm Springs got its name from.  I really considered this a huge loss to the area.  I'm now reconsidering...

On October 7, Agua Caliente Chairman, Jeff Grubbe, announced a new cultural center, spa and bathhouse will be built on the former Spa Hotel site at the intersection of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Indian Canyon Drive.  After the demolition of the venerable old hotel, I remember thinking that I hope they include access to the hot mineral springs with whatever they build there.  I'm very interested in what they mean by bathhouse.  Could they possibly have a public bathhouse right in the middle of downtown Palm Springs?  I'm afraid the article I read didn't go into much detail about it.  Here is what it did detail:

The cultural center will include outdoor activity spaces for people to learn about the tribe and the role the hot springs played in shaping Palm Springs. A path called the Oasis Trail will offer a taste of "the distinctive character, geography, flora and beauty of the nearby Indian Canyons. 

The new museum building will hold approximately 48,000 square feet of gallery space, including areas for art and cultural artifacts, changing exhibits, an education center and garden.

The new spa and bathhouse will include about 40,000 square feet of spa treatment rooms, men's and women's bathhouses, a salon, fitness center, outdoor mineral pools and tranquility garden.  To read the full article, please click here.

I just learned about a local activity that you can do while vacationing in the Palm Springs area. I never knew this existed. It is so different and exciting sounding that I had to write about it.
Imagine gliding over the Coachella Valley in a glider.  On this glider tour, you can see everything from the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains in the west to the Salton Sea in the east and from Joshua Tree National Monument in the north to rugged Toro Peak and the Santa Rosa Mountains in the south.

Palms to Pines Gliding operates a unique airplane that takes off under its own power, then transforms to a glider at altitude. The advantages of a powered glider: It doesn’t require a tow to take off and can land safely at will at any airport. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

“Once you’ve caught the thermal updrafts you soar with the eagles,” says Chris Dabolt, the owner of Palms to Pines Gliding.  He has been a glider pilot for nearly 35 years with commercial and flight-instructor ratings.

Palms to Pines Gliding operates from the privately owned Bermuda Dunes Airport. Dabolt selected the airport because of its large runway, friendly and helpful staff, and proximity to the local mountains and deserts, which provide both spectacular views and the ideal conditions for gliding. Click the following link to learn more about this great Palm Springs activity: https://www.palmstopinesgliding.com/