“We Care is a reset, it’s not a resort or a retreat,” explains managing director Jim Root, whose spa retreat resume is probably the best in the business and has been with the property for nearly two years.
Starting with Rancho La Puerto 26 years ago (shout out to Marin-based owners Deborah Szekely, her daughter Sarah Livia), Mi Amo, Miraval and Meadowood — all considered the big guns of the spa retreat category. At nearly 70, looking more like 40, he was brought to We Care as it evolved. “We aren’t looking to expand or change anything,” explains Root, “we just want to enrich the existing program.”
Photos by Mimi Towle
The pandemic marked a time for change for the 28-room property — many longtime employees found work elsewhere and they took advantage of the moment to upgrade some of their spaces and add new ‘villas.’ The treatments however are still based on founder Susana’s belief that addressing/removing/tampering/ridding the body of inflammation and gut health is the key to longevity and overall well being. According to Root, “Nine out of the 10 diseases on the list of top causes of death from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are inflammation-related. Some of these conditions are cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Magic
The community they have fostered for decades. Forty years ago, Susana opened her home to friends and friends of friends to share a lifestyle and a business grew from there. Today these guests bring along their children and new friends. Guests can expect; no chewing (liquids only), therapeutic massages, daily colonics (with probiotics) and ancient as well as cutting edge modalities. Suzanna has also integrated three crystals into the wall studs of every guest room, treatment room and public space: Amethyst for physical, spiritual and mental balance; Selenite for clearing, purifying and cleansing energy; and clear quartz, a.k.a. “The Master Healer” to clear negativity and boost the immune system.
Deets
Good news for newbies, the property has opened up stays to less than a week. Expect to pay around $1,200 a day for luxe lodging, all supplements, liquids (dinner is soup) and classes (nutrition, yoga, sound baths) and colonics, and when you leave, you’ll be asked for tips on top of every treatment. While some treatments are offered as a package(s), a la carte treatments are allowed as well.
18000 Long Canyon Rd, Desert Hot Springs, 800.888.2523
