Murrieta Hot Springs vs The Spa at Séc-he

Both of these Southern California properties are built on natural mineral water, and both draw guests who want more than a hotel pool. Beyond that, they are designed for very different days.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is a hot springs resort with dozens of geothermal pools across a historic 46-acre campus, guided wellness programming, dining, and rooms, so a visit can last a few hours or several days. The Spa at Séc-he is a day spa and bathhouse offering a polished, adults-only facility in downtown Palm Springs built around a private mineral bath ritual, with no on-site lodging.

The right choice depends on whether you want a structured spa day or the freedom to soak, rest, and stay. This guide breaks down the differences.

Quick Comparison: Murrieta Hot Springs Resort vs. The Spa at Séc-he

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort: A Full Hot Springs Resort

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort has been a mineral springs destination since 1902. The experience is built around the number and variety of pools, and around everything a guest can do between soaks.

• Location and Access: The resort is roughly 80 miles from Los Angeles and 65 miles from San Diego. It is the only natural geothermal hot springs resort between the two cities offering overnight accommodations.
• Water Source and Pool Experience: The resort’s pools are fed by naturally flowing geothermal mineral water carrying nine naturally occurring minerals: sulfate, chloride, boron, calcium, lithium, potassium, sodium, silica, and bicarbonate. The resort features 49+ natural geothermal mineral-rich soaking pools, the largest collection in Southern California, and more than 20 of them run on natural flowthrough with no additives.
• Soaking Time: Day pass guests can soak from 9 am to 10 pm, with no timed sessions. Overnight guests have 24-hour access.
• Wellness Programming: Every day pass includes daily wellness experiences such as guided cold plunges, mineral clay rituals, and sauna aromatherapy, plus a daily Wellness Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm. Overnight guests add daily aqua yoga and aqua sound baths. The Historic Bathhouse is home to a traditional Kneipp contrast therapy walk, steam rooms, and a panoramic sauna.
• Spa: Treatments such as the Serious Sleep Massage and Magnesium Muscle Melt Body Scrub include day pass access to the pools and the adults-only Serenity Garden, along with a locker and robe.
• Dining: Talia Kitchen serves seasonal, nutritionally informed dinners, with poolside fare at Cafe Azuli, coffee at Brew 1902, and cocktails at Guenther’s.
• Pricing Model: Day passes from $109, Twilight passes from $59, local resident passes from $59, and overnight stays with hot spring access included.

The Spa at Séc-he: A Bathhouse Day in Palm Springs

The Spa at Séc-he opened in April 2023 on the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in downtown Palm Springs. It is owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and its name means “the sound of boiling water” in the Cahuilla language. The bathhouse covers more than 73,000 square feet.

• Location and Access: Downtown Palm Springs, about two hours from Los Angeles. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum sits on the same plaza.
• Water Source and Bath Experience: The spa draws from the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. Its signature ritual, Taking of the Waters, is a 15-minute private soak in 105-degree mineral water in one of 22 individual bath rooms.
• Amenities: Separate men’s and women’s areas with eucalyptus steam rooms, menthol inhalation saunas with a cold experience shower, plus two halotherapy salt caves, the Earthing Zone, a coed pool deck with a zero-edge mineral pool and whirlpools, and a fitness room.
• Spa: A full treatment menu, along with add-on services such as flotation and cryotherapy.
• Dining: An on-site cafe, bar, and juice bar.
• Pricing Model: Day passes are $135 Monday through Thursday and $165 Friday through Sunday and holidays. As of October 1, 2026, guests booking treatments of $200 or more add a separate day pass with spa services. Guests must be 18 or older.

Which Is Right for You?

Choose Murrieta Hot Springs Resort if you value:

• Long soaking days without timed sessions
• The largest collection of natural geothermal pools in Southern California
• Included wellness programming and contrast therapy
• The option to stay overnight with 24-hour soaking
• A short drive from Los Angeles or San Diego

Choose The Spa at Séc-he if you value:

• A private mineral bath ritual
• A polished, adults-only bathhouse
• Salt caves and the Earthing Zone
• A day in downtown Palm Springs

To book a visit to Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, visit murrieta-hotsprings.com.

FAQs

What is the difference between a day spa and a hot springs resort?

A day spa is built around treatments and a set of amenities used over a single visit. A hot springs resort is built around natural mineral water, with soaking at the center of the experience and the option to stay overnight. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is a hot springs resort; The Spa at Séc-he is a day spa and bathhouse built on a mineral spring.

Do both properties use natural mineral water?

Yes. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort’s pools are fed by naturally flowing geothermal mineral water, with more than 20 pools operating on natural flowthrough. The Spa at Séc-he draws from the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring for its private baths and mineral pool.

Can you stay overnight at either property?

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offers rooms and suites with hot spring access included. The Spa at Séc-he has no on-site lodging.

Are children allowed?

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is family-friendly, with dedicated adults-only areas including the Serenity Garden and panoramic sauna. The Spa at Séc-he is limited to guests 18 and older for spa services and day passes.