Sagewater Spa

Desert Hot Springs, United States

4.6

Open now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

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Telephone:
+1 760-220-1554
Website:
www.sagewaterspa.com
Address:
12689 Eliseo Rd, Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92240
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Dogs Allowed
No

Today

Today 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Desert Hot Springs) 2:29 PM Saturday, June 28, 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Sagewater Spa, a restored Mid Century Modern Hot Well Water Spa has been #1 on Trip Advisor, featured in Cool hotels, Best Designed Wellness Hotels, Cover Travel & Leisure, NY + LA Magazines and many more. With seven rooms we offer a personalized experience for each of our guests. Simple, sophisticated and peaceful our seven rooms feature Frette linens, towels and robes, Aveda amenities, small equipped kitchens, a choice of down or non-​down bedding and an outside BBQ and dining area. Sagewater Spa is the choice for travelers who enjoy a quiet environment, the finest mineral well water pool and spa and views for days. Even a short time at Sagewater Spa feels like a week away anywhere else!

History

Established in 1954.

Sagewater Spa, built in 1954, and has been the love child of Rhoni Epstein, a Photographers’ Agent and College Instructor and Cristina Pestana, a Brazilian and former Massage School owner, who wanted to crate a natural environment that guests would find healing and rejuvenating. Every detail has been considered and guests feel at home at «their own» mid century modern hotel. Minimalist with clean lines allows the mind to relax with unobstructed interruptions. Sagewater Spa has made the «the best» list in in travel publications and is the winner of many prestigious travel awards.

Meet the Business Owner

Cristina and Rhoni E.

Business Owner

Rhoni: A Boston native. «After graduate school, I took a cross-​country road trip. I fell in love with the West and decided to stay in Los Angeles, a very horizontal and visually open city compared to Boston, it felt like a good place to create. Applying my degree in counseling and my passion for Art, I became an established photographers’ agent /​consultant, assistant professor at Art Center College of Design, and hotelier.»

Cristina: An Italian from Brazil, who Arrived in the US in 1989. «I was formerly a marketing director at Alcoa and left it all to pursue my childhood dream to be in America. With my masters in marketing/​language from USP in Sao Paulo, Brazil, I landed in America without English. I delivered pizzas in a broken down car, it was challenging but it was all part of achieving my dream. I became a student and then a partner in a small massage school. Applying myself, embracing English and the culture, I helped to grow the school into one of the largest in California.

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20 reviews of Sagewater Spa

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Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
What can I say that hasn’t already been said; but I will say this… the heart and soul of this place are Rhoni and Christina. Better hosts you will not find! The atmosphere they have created is one of a kind and If you really want to relax, this is the place. We had to drag ourselves away.
I simply cannot recommend Sagewater Spa enough and I feel lucky we found them.
My Wife and I had booked 3 days over New Years at another hotel (which shall remain nameless) and upon arrival, we quickly realised that there was no way we could stay. we called around and were told that Sagewater had had a cancellation due to the floods out West. So we headed over straight away, and Rhoni and Christina went out of their way to make it happen for us.
Just amazing.
We’ll be heading back there as soon as we can :)
Place rating: 5
Venice, CA
I highly recommend Sagewater for anyone seeking tranquility and healing, turquoise waters. We live in LA, and make Sagewater our weekend getaway, but ideally would love to spend an entire week or more here! The hosts are very friendly and welcoming, and have a terrific list of places to see and do in the area. Their recommendations are spot on.
We especially enjoy soaking in the mineral hot springs, and spend hours in the healing waters.
TIME STOPS. We relax, take in the breeze and the everlasting sunshine or star gazing at night. PURE PERFECTION.
Sagewater has become a special place to us that we return to again and again, and recommend to friends. We suggest bringing along gourmet food items to grill on the BBQ, and just enjoy the place as long as you can, in and out of the water!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
This was my first visit to Sagewater. I discovered this place by searching on line for a quite, serene, non invasive atmosphere. And, I got just that.
Room had a pleasant view of the mountains and wind mills. Air conditioning on all the time, ear plugs help very well. Small refrigerator, gas stove, sink, table chairs, all utensils, and glasses, dishes etc. In kitchen.
Very pleasant pool of low chlorinated water and attached pool of warmer water, not jacuzzi type.
Pleasant views and very relaxing time.
15 minutes to Palm Springs and all the good restaurants there. Joshua tree 20 min the other way. Perfect location.
Overall I pick this my place to return for more mental rejuvenation in the winter.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I’ve never before posted a review of a hotel but Sagewater is like no other place I’ve stayed. The rooms are perfect, chic without being stuffy or overly «design-​y». The little kitchens are adorable. And the water is just, well, heaven. A great spot to chill and be quiet but we also ended up making friends with a bunch of the other guests, everyone who stayed here was so lovely. The most memorable part of the weekend, without a doubt has got to be Rhoni and Cristina. These woman are extraordinary. They bubble over with warmth and care. They truly want you to go back to your life a more relaxed, more focused you. And I have to say, returning to LA that Sunday night, I felt as if I’d had one of the most restful vacations of my life. I can’t wait to return.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
My mom and I celebrated a blissful Mother’s Day weekend at Sagewater. Cristina & Rhoni are amazing and the property is heavenly. We soaked in the pool, read in the sun and enjoyed services that aligned body and spirit. The rooms are adorably simply and comfortable. A perfect getaway.
Place rating: 5
Coarsegold, CA
I stayed at Sagewater for a few days before going through Jan Minter’s five day cleanse at another resort. It was the perfect way to prepare! Sagewater is serene and a minimalist feast for the senses. I arrived after a long drive on a windy, cool night, but the hot soak Cristina recommended put me right in the mood for rest. Everything was tranquil. I never turned the (flat screen) tv on. Almost one whole day of my stay I slept on the most comfortable bed on gorgeous linens. Reading, chatting a few other guests outside when I made my regular outings to the pools (just steps away from my door); it was so tranquil that I arrived rested to begin the cleanse, when everyone else was travel frazzled. I hated to leave Sagewater. Maybe I missed little Schnauzer Sage most of all. But I’ll be back.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
My husband and i decided to take a trip to Desert Hot Springs for his birthday. We have been working a lot lately and going to a place that is quiet and relaxing was on the top of our list. My friends had booked a room at Two Bunch Palms which was not that far away but we decided to book here mostly because of the price. (Two Bunch was a little more expensive and frankly, the woman i spoke to on the phone when i called for info had horrible energy and i wanted nothing to do with it.) We LOVED our stay. We did spend some time with our friends at Two Bunch and while i could see the appeal, i dont think i could go back without staying at Sagewater… i don’t know… i just loved the vibe and the way i felt the week after! :)
There are only 7 other rooms. The rooms have minimal décor but had everything i needed for our stay. Each room had a small stove, fridge, sink and dishes. The pool was a beautiful 90 something degrees and the hot mineral water was at 105 degrees… which did absolute wonders for my sciatica! I wanted to LIVE in that water!
We each pampered ourselves with an in-​room massage and don’t regret it. It was perfect!!!
The beds were soooooo soft and comfortable. Our second day there we were allowed to have a couple of friends join us at the pool for a few hours and we made burritos for lunch. They have a grill by the pool that i wish i would have used but i was all about R & R that weekend and even grilling seemed like a chore.
Rhoni and co. were absolute delights! It felt like we were at our own private residence…
I’m starting to make plans to rent out the whole place in September for my bday… fingers crossed!
Place rating: 5
Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA
I had a wonderful stay at Sagewater and felt absolutely rejuvenated at the end of my visit. The water is full of healing magic and the entire vibe of the hotel and the area was so incredibly calming and centering you feel instantly soothed upon arrival. Truly a small taste of paradise!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
We have been visiting Desert Hot Springs for 25 years. We have stayed at a few of the establishments available there. One place was, appropriately enough a stop on the Elder Hostel route, another place was expansive and expensive but with so-​so water, another had fabulous views but enough chlorine in the water and air to be mind-​altering, and finally another place devoted itself to loving couples.
Which brings us to our favorite spot in the whole desert valley: Sagewater Spa. It is everything the 5 Star folks have been saying it is: a clear, calm, quiet oasis with great water, preserved mid-​century accommodations and gracious hosts. We look forward to continuing our annual trek to Sagewater Spa.
Check out Scoot Palm Springs at the Ace Hotel.
Place rating: 5
Woodside, CA
Fantastic, small retreat. The ladies that own the place are attentive and sweet without being nosey. Water was pure and chlorine free due the small nature of spa; only seven rooms available. Sweet tiny puppy to make your stay homey. Robes and kitchenettes provided aswell as two pools– one hot and one warm. This is a quiet place with no kids allowed. Be sure and book a massage! We had Paige and Scott– both were great!
Check out the Sound Bath at the Integretron while in area.
Place rating: 5
San Mateo, CA
We stayed at Sagewater during Modernism week in Palm Springs. We chose this place based on the positive reviews and we can’t echo enough the same sentiments left by the previous guests. The hosts, Cristina and Rhoni, were phenomenal hosts. The motel is well kept, clean and simplistic. Its a perfect location between Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. The pool and spa are heated by the natural hot springs, a perfect environment for swimming under the stars. We would definitely stay here again and again and again. The complimentary coffee cake was delicious too!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Highly recommend! Best place to stay in desert hot springs. Most pure healing springs in the pools here and comfy crisp sheets in the room — I didn’t want to leave and will definitely return.
Cristina and Rhoni were so welcoming and hospitable to me while I was staying alone and the place is a small and private boutique hotel where you feel like you have the place to yourself most of the time.
Chatted and made friends with some other guests and soaked in the springs under the stars and with the fresh breeze in the 105 degree pool. The rooms also have kitchenettes so you can save on having to eat out and feel at home. LOVE it.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Just returned from a delightful weekend at the Sagewater Spa. My boyfriend and I came here with the hope that we could relax for a couple of days. We got exactly what we wanted and so much more.
The spa is very small, only 7 rooms. Very minimalist, but very cozy and intimate. Rhoni and Cristina (the owners) make you feel right at home. They incredibly accommodating. If you want to go out to eat, ask them where to go. They will make a recommendation, and it will be exactly what you wanted.
It is quiet and peaceful and the two pools are a dream. You can easily spend hours in them — and you should.
We also had two massages. They come to your room to do them. We did the unstress and the signature fusion. Both were great. The masseuse even gave me an exercise to do with my guy to help with his tight it band.
Already looking forward to our next visit.
P. S. — the coffee cake is amazing. Sage, the dog, is a wonderful helper. She makes sure that everything is going smoothly. I am not a dog person, and I absolutely adored her.
Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
Beware of these people and deposits… I cancelled my visit by phone 7 days ahead and they charged my card $ 400.00 anyway… after very antagonistic interchanges with management, they refused to acknowledge cancellation and charged my card as a now show… total steer manure. Try Two Bunch Palms, they have a real mineral springs grotto and are very nice, not greedy.
Place rating: 5
Venice, CA
I usually camp in Joshua Tree or stay in Palm Springs but I was in the mood for something special, and that’s what I found in Sagewater Spa. It’s difficult to describe what makes this place feel magical but I think it’s a combination of all the right ingredients, the simple design, the pools, the palm trees, the limited number of rooms, the fantastic service and hospitality.
I spent most of my time in the pool, but the rooms are comfortable with everything you need to relax or get work done or cook a simple meal. The spa services were top notch, very convenient and professional adding to the overall sense of relaxation.
I enjoy staying in hotels, but I often find them sterile and soulless… this is not one of those places. This is simply a unique place to stay that’s operated with warmth and love. I can’t wait to return.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
My husband and I just returned to the Sagewater Spa for the fourth time. I crave returning to this place after I’ve finished a really big work project or some other intense or stressful event because of its amazing ability to restore and rejuvenate me, body and soul. We arrived this past weekend and the place was just as I remembered it: the two pools, the carefully designed patio, the palm trees at the front of the property, the vibe of simplicity and relaxation. Cris, Rhoni and their dog Sage welcomed us back, handed us the delicious complimentary coffee cake and promised to make me a caipirinha poolside. (Which Rhoni delivered to blended perfection the following evening while I soaked in the glorious 90 degree pool.) Our room was spotless, the concrete floors perfectly polished, the kitchen appointed with organic coffee, every utensil and plate we could possibly need and that enormous pitcher of lemon flavored water. For the next 48 hours, my husband and I only left the place to go out for dinners in Palm Springs. Otherwise, we soaked in those pools, gazed out at the surrounding desert landscape, read books, talked to our fellow travelers and felt like we were old friends of Cris and Rhoni, hanging out at their house. Both women go out of their way to talk with you, to find out what you’re about and how they can make you feel even more at home and at peace.
I cannot recommend this place enough to those seeking a unique, intimate, perfectly restful Desert Hot Springs experience. The waters in those pools and the hospitality of Cris and Rhoni will literally melt your stress away.
Place rating: 5
San Jose, CA
I didn’t know what to expect for a girls weekend, but this was just what we needed. Just a short drive from Ontario airport through the desert and we arrived at this oasis.
We were greeted by Rhoni with open arms. The hotel has only 7 rooms which keeps the noise level to a minimum. No kids allowed. The room has a kitchenette. They provide really good coffee cake, but you need to find your own meals. Their recommendations were pretty good. The mineral bath pool just melts your stress away. We called it «Mineral Magic»! We never slept so good in such a long time. During the day we went into Palm Springs and the outlets. We soaked early in the morning and late at night. They hire someone in to do massages in the room.
Overall, it was a nice respite from everyday life. I will definitely come back for more !
Thanks Rhoni and Christina!
Place rating: 5
Woodland Hills, CA
This was our first trip to the Desert Hot Springs area, and certainly not our last! My husband and I spent a weekend in March at the SageWater Spa and had a most relaxing time. All we wanted to do is stay in the pool and soak, and when not in the pool, then stand in the shower and let the hard water pressure massage our body.
The water there is just divine — both tap, shower, and spa. Amazing! We didn’t know there were awards for Best Tap in the Country — but it really is — so fresh, refreshing and pure!
SageWater was a great place to unwind. The staff is friendly and the other guests very respectful. No kids or pets allowed which made it quiet and peaceful. The rooms are minimal, but the place has all you need and more, plus a full kitchen so you can bring your own food and drink and even a BBQ.
We would highly recommend this as a no frills place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the desert. BYO drinks and you are all set to unwind and feel the magic of the mineral water at Sagewater!
Place rating: 4
West Hollywood, CA
My husband and I had a wonderful stay at Sagewater Spa. The mineral pool was a wonderful way to relax. It’s a small, 7 room motel in Desert Hot Springs. It’s an easy 20 minute drive to Joshua Tree. Rhonie and Cristina are wonderful hosts. You’re greeted with a delicious homemade coffee cake. The rooms are very clean, they have a tv, wireless, and a little kitchen, which we actually used. The only downside is that the bed wasn’t very comfortable. Also, I felt $ 195 a night was a tad high, especially since there isn’t much to do in town and we found ourselves driving to Palm Springs for dinner. But for a last minute getaway we were willing to pay the price.
Also, the drinking water is delicious, the best tasting water I have ever had. So soft, free of chemicals. Make sure you pour your self a big glass of water.
Place rating: 2
San Diego, CA
I stayed here with my boyfriend over the 4th of July weekend and since it’s been awhile I think I can give a pretty fair review. I feel bad giving this place 2-​stars because the owners are very sweet and the coffee cake is yum like others have said. I really wanted to love this place.
Desert Hot Springs the actually city isn’t pretty, it’s desolate and pretty damn ghetto (people and buildings). Honestly just stay in Palm Springs. We found ourselves driving there every night anyways. One perk, fireworks are legal in Hot Springs so we bought some and it was pretty cool.
If your heart is set on Hot Springs then Sagewater Spa would be the best accomodations, especially after passing by a few of the choice hotels in the area.
Sagewater Spa reminds of staying at a friend’s place. Just so happened it was only us and one other couple staying there that weekend so it felt like we were house sitting. We brought our own food, wine, beer used the grill by the pool, swam, laid out and swam some more.
The rooms itself are very minimalist: concrete floors, light wood, white sheets, all-​white kitchen, shades of blue and IKEA stuff. What’s unique about this place and all other area hotels are that the pools are filled with natural spring water. You really do feel the difference compared to a regular cholrine pool, pretty relaxing. The place is renovated but there are more dated things like the A/​C, the heaters and the fridge.
The actual place is deserving of 3-​stars (A-​Okay).
Why it’s a 2-​star:
1. The price, at $ 195 a night they don’t have cleaning service or offer any other hotel amenities that warrant that price tag.
2. The King was there to greet us when we got to our room, YES A KING COCKROACH was chillin’ in our shower first time I opened it. The biggest one I’ve ever seen in my life and I’ve traveled to third world countries. It kind of ruined my stay, but the care-​taker of the place was nice enough to kill it for us, so thanks for that. I know it’s the desert and cockroaches are common, but damn that sucked! I knew after that I wouldn’t be back.