It’s summer here in Palm Springs. It’s hot here. Really hot.

The cool thing about the heat is that there is almost no one that actually spends the summer here. That brings great specials and deals from some of the wonderful restaurants, golf courses and spas here in the Coachella Valley.

Sunday, my husband and I visited the Agua Serena Spa at the Hyatt Regency Grand Champions Resort. We took advantage of the “All About Me” special package ($199 pp) that included two 60 minute treatments (each) and lunch for both of us.

It is a spectacular drive into the resort. We knew that we were going to be in for a treat, because this is one of the top hotels in the Palm Springs area. The landscaping and palm trees are beautifully done and create a beautiful canopy over the drive and valet area.

The spa is set behind the conference area in a building of its own. The welcome atrium is light and full of cool things to buy, but, best of all is that eucalyptus smell. To me, eucalyptus is the smell of r-e-l-a-x-a-t-i-o-n. I could feel myself unwinding as soon as we checked in.

I was whisked into the Ladies Spa area, shown to my locker and left momentarily to change into my robe. The robe, by the way, wasn’t stingy on size. There was plenty of room to sit and lay around without that “gap” in the front where you wonder if any of your private parts are showing. (I found out later that the same is true with the men’s robes.)

As soon as I was changed, I was giving a very nice tour of the steam room, sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, outdoor showers, outdoor and indoor relaxing areas, etc. Everything was beautifully done in peaceful colors and top quality furnishings.

I relaxed in the eucalyptus steam room and then took a quick shower to prepare for my first treatment – massage. When it was time, the attendant came and found me and took me to where my husband and our masseuses were waiting.

We both (my husband and I) loved our massages. We agreed that the mental and physical benefits were worth getting massages more often.

After our massages, it was time for lunch from the Spa Bites menu. It was a very nice spa lunch. Don’t expect to order hamburgers and nachos, because the menu has only fresh and healthy items. Very nice.

Next, I spent some time in the relaxation room with the latest design mags from Los Angeles.

It felt like only moments before I was called for my facial. I had elected to experience the “Organic Firming Facial.” My facialist was wonderful, had a really interesting story and my face felt amazing when I was done. It is now five days later and my skin still feels firmer and softer. All the products that Agua Serena uses are organic and the facialist chooses which product line to use based on the specific needs of each customer’s skin. I will definitely go back over and over again for their facials.

Lastly, I continued to unwind in the relaxation area in the ladies spa. There were lots of nibbles and cool drinks available and occasionally someone would come around serving Little Gem tomatoes/mozzarella/basil skewers.

I had a marvelous time, and I could have spent the rest of the day there. I would highly recommend this spa. Just don’t go in a rush. Take your time and relax between treatments.

Have fun!