Local & Community
New Experiential Spa Celebrates Native American Tribal Cultures
The story of the Native American tribes who were the first to step foot on Palm Springs soil thousands of years ago will soon be experienced by those who visit the valley.
“This land that we’re sitting on is sacred to us. There’s a reason why this spa is here and the museum is here as well,” said Reid Milanovich, Tribal Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Indians.
Agua Caliente Casinos and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians will open the tribe’s ancient hot mineral spring spa at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in downtown Palm Springs. The Spa at Séc-He means “the sound of boiling water”.
“This mineral spring is the heart and soul of tribal life. It is sacred to us,” said Milanovich.
The spa is situated at the 12,000-year-old hot mineral spring in Palm Springs. Visitors can take part in a unique mineral bath experience called “Taking of the Waters”, an ancient practice sacred to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ culture.
“The importance of this place is the water,” said Milanovich. “This water is spiritually healing, it’s physically healing and we welcome all guests who come from around the world to take part in our culture, take part in our waters.”
Unlike traditional spas, the Spa at Sec-He is not about escaping the present reality with massages and treatments…
“Not here. When people come here, it’s to connect to the Agua Caliente culture. It’s to connect to our ancestry. It’s to connect to traditions that have been practiced for thousands and thousands of years,” said Milanovich.
The spa is part of an ongoing initiative to honor and celebrate the rich history of Native American tribes, which will also include an oasis trail and museum – set to open later this year.
“That is the ability to share our culture once again and give an accurate history into my tribe, into our people, into our traditions, into our culture,” said Milanovich.
The Spa at Séc-He opens Tuesday, April 4. Public bookings are now open. For more information or to make a reservation, click the link here or visit https://thespaatseche.com/spa-services/spa-treatments/.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 3, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
Tim O’Brien at the Coachella Valley Firebirds training camp!!
BREAKING NEWS 🚨: Murder Suspect Vicky Kim has made a court appearance for the first time in almost two weeks amidst medical delays and two refusals. Today she plead NOT GUILTY to all charges of killing her husband. She is set to appear October 7th for her preliminary hearing. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for more information on this case. #breakingnews #courtnews #vickykim #coachellavalley #760
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Did you catch the bug that’s going around?
Talking With Thalia: GLP-1 medications have become a popular tool for weight loss, but what you eat while taking them matters, too. Local dietitian Jessica Brantley Lopez shares the importance of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and hydration, along with why smaller, more frequent meals may help manage side effects and support healthy weight loss. Jessica also opens up about her own experience with GLP-1 medication and how it changed her approach to helping others. Talking With Thalia is sponsored by DAP Health. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #TalkingWithThalia #DAPHealth #GLP1 #WeightLoss #Nutrition Dietitian HealthToday CoachellaValley PalmSprings NBCPalmSprings
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are one step closer to completing their $110 billion merger after a coalition of 12 state attorneys general reached a settlement with Paramount. The settlement resolves the states’ antitrust lawsuit, though it still requires court approval. The agreement includes commitments involving film production, workers and editorial independence for CNN and CBS News. California AG CNN’s Brian Stelter reports. #Paramount #WarnerBrosDiscovery #ParamountMerger #CNN #Hollywood #Media #Merger #Entertainment
A high-speed police chase in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, came to a dramatic end when the vehicle plunged into Lake Como. Dashcam video released by police shows the pursuit before the car crashes into the water. Four people inside the vehicle were pulled from the lake with no serious injuries reported. Police say the driver was charged with reckless driving. Watch the video and get more at NBCPalmSprings.com.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your annual flu shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccination every season for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and September or October is generally the ideal time for most people to get vaccinated. The 2026-27 flu vaccines have been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season. There’s also a new option this year: Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you and make a plan to get vaccinated this fall. Learn more about DAP Health at DAPHealth.org. #FluSeason #FluShot #FluVaccine #DAPHealth #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Health #Wellness #NBCPalmSprings
Murder Suspect Vicky Kim was set to appear in court at the Larson Justice Center today following her recent medical clearance to appear in court, but refused. However, she may be forced to appear should she refuse again. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we follow the latest developments of this case #VickyKim #arraignment #courtupdate #riversidecounty
🚨 20 ARRESTS. 6 GUNS SEIZED. Cathedral City Police report 20 arrests and six handgun seizures following two days of enforcement tied to a Mongols Motorcycle Club gathering. Police also issued 77 citations and impounded 14 vehicles. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and was four weeks in the making. #CathedralCity #BreakingNews #Mongols #CoachellaValley #PublicSafety