Two Bunch Palms is the first carbon-neutral resort in America, combining natural resources and natural therapies for an unforgettable spa experience encouraging guests to “replenish, reconnect, and revive”.

An adults-only desert hideaway originally owned by Al Capone, Two Bunch Palms is an oasis home to precious mineral springs in the Desert Hot Springs area of California.

Found amidst 72 acres of desert, the landscape has been redesigned by radical gardeners TERREMOTO to create an oasis amongst the natural flowing waters.

Two Bunch Palms’ waters which have been flowing for 600 years below the surface, with the supply completely sustainable pumped below the ground, providing multiple health benefits.

The resort works in harmony with its environment, taking a holistic approach to conservation.

Locally grown produce supplies the veggie-focussed Californian restaurant, juice bar and cocktail bar, and the resort only generates electricity from 100% renewable sources. Irrigating with recycled water and using biodegradable cleaning products are just some other examples of how Two Bunch Palms respect and protect their ecosystem. With multiple natural mineral water spas, pools and wellness sessions (meditation, yoga or floating sound bath), relaxation is key.

Champ team designer Alexander Lotersztain and Editorial Director Monique Kawecki explore Two Bunch Palms and zen out.

NATURAL MINERAL SPRINGS

Home to precious mineral springs that flow from nearby Miracle Hill straight down to the spas, the waters have been flowing for 600 years under the surface. This sustainable water source has multiple health benefits, as the water is low in sulphur and rich in lithium, providing a calming and soothing feel.

Guests really feel in the middle of nature at Two Bunch Palms. Wild animals like exotic birds, turtles, rabbits, fish and ducks live and roam on the premises, you can see them daily. During our stay, we would pass road runner birds on the way to breakfast every morning, reminding us that we are indeed in the middle of an oasis in the desert. Garden landscapers TERREMOTO really did an excellent job, creating a tranquil setting with a completely natural feel.

THE ARCHITECTURE AND ROOMS

There is an overall feeling of calm when you enter the property at Two Beach Palms. Although there are 70 rooms available at the resort – many of which were booked while we were there – the place felt very private and non-crowded. The suites were built in 1940 but were fully renovated in 2013 with energy-efficient components and sustainable materials including natural woods, slate and stone.

Staying in the Villa Suites, the area feels private and serene, and our daily morning walk to the hot springs baths was always a delight. Past olive trees and desert plants, the walk around the property is a daily meditation of sorts, even time feels to slow down.

In the Suites, a private outdoor natural tub is found at the entrance, and inside, a double-sized rain shower helps cleanse before settling down for the night in the extremely comfortable king-size bed. Coconut water is stocked in the fridge, along with carefully curated snacks from the locale, including Californian wine and cbd gummies for that extra good snooze.

FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT

The Two Beach Palms resort encompasses a farm-to-table restaurant, with a menu focused on nourishing dishes created from fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Vegetable forward, dishes are So-Cal inspired, sharing the best of Californian fresh fare in the menu changing as the seasons availability does. Custom juices are available all day as are artisanal cocktails in the evening.

Breakfast, coffee and lunch is available in the all-day Twine cafe, with an equally as great menu which we selected from each day. One of the highlights was the perfectly-made latte, subtly elevated with collagen and reishi mushroom powder. Clean eating is all part of the ethos of the resort, ensuring guests leave feeling revived and restored from the inside out.

NATURAL TREATMENTS, SPAS AND SOUND BATHS

Two Bunch Palms offer a variety of free yoga sessions for guests taking place in a yoga dome, which we started the day with. The resort offers a variety of 50 weekly programs from fitness and movement classes, to meditation and sound bath sessions. There is also a tennis court and fitness centre on site.

A new spa on the property opened in 2023, conceived by Sharif Lynch (Architecture), Studio MAI (Interior Design), and Terremoto (Landscape Design). Enhancing the design-driven holistic spa experience, the new offering creates an even greater connection to context in the desert, with the new spa located within olive orchard, hammock grove, stargazing areas and winding paths to the private and peaceful destination.

CARBON-NEUTRAL

Two Bunch Palms have installed a solar field to counteract their output and ensure they are completely carbon-neutral, making them the first carbon-neutral resort in America.

Their business model is indeed a blueprint for others worldwide. In our consumerist environment each business has the power to make responsible choices, and Two Bunch Palms lead by example.

FINAL WORD

Guests wholeheartedly benefit from this whilst at Two Bunch Palms, and the resort’s ethos is intended to stay with guests long after their visit. During peak season – around August – prices start at £300. Book in advance, and don’t forget the additional resort fee.

Practising what they preach, health and wellness is achieved at Two Bunch Palms through a responsibility to the environment.

Two Bunch Palms
67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail,
Desert Hot Springs, California, 92240

For more design and travel destinations in California, click here.

Text: Visited by Champ Travel correspondents designer Alexander Lotersztain and Editorial Director Monique Kawecki
Images: As credited, Two Bunch Palms and Champ Magazine©