Desert Hideaway with Natural-Mineral-Water Pools and Organic Spa

More than a century ago, natural hot springs were discovered in the Californian desert. Today, that same mineral-rich water is used to fill up the rejuvenating jacuzzis at Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa. In fact, H2O is the focal point of most of the experience here: the hotel is lined with pools, and the property's palm-shaded courtyard features spa tubs and a pool filled with natural mineral water.

At The Spa at Soleil, located on site, aestheticians perform detoxifying body treatments with the help of the mineral water. You and a guest can use this Getaway's two included $25 spa credits toward treatments. During the included automated jade-massage-bed treatment, you'll head to a private room to recline on a mattress filled with infrared jade balls, which radiate a soothing heat to your spine and legs. There is also a free yoga class on Saturday mornings.

Potted flowers and landscape artwork give an earthy feel to the guest rooms. Single-queen rooms are painted in bright color schemes and face a tropical courtyard garden where you can lounge on deck chairs under the shade of palm trees.

With option two of this Getaway, you'll get two drinks per Groupon and 15% off all food purchases at the Kafe Bar. The stylish space has comfy chairs, flat-screen TVs, and a snooker table.

Desert Hot Springs, California: Spa-Centric Oasis Minutes from Palm Springs

In 1913, settler Cabot Yerxa was digging a well in the San Bernardino foothills when he unearthed natural hot springs bubbling beneath the Californian desert. This area later became known as Desert Hot Springs, a town that's thrived over the years as a spa-centric getaway thanks to Yerxa's find. The mineral waters, which hover around 148 degrees and are said to have healing powers, now flow directly into several local spas. Desert Hot Springs’ location, just 12 miles north of Palm Springs and two hours east of Los Angeles, also makes it an easy destination to reach for those looking for a relaxing escape from the big city.

You can see more of Yerxa's legacy at Cabot's Pueblo Museum, which sits within a Hopi-influenced pueblo home he built using materials found throughout the desert. The four-story museum stays open year-round and offers guided tours of the property and historic artifacts detailing Yerxa's life and travels.

After dark, take advantage of the area's light-pollution ordinances by driving 40 miles east to Joshua Tree National Park to stargaze and spy the glowing eyes of resident coyotes during a night hike. The roughly 800,000-acre park stretches across parts of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts and plays host to some of the country's most varied wildlife. The five fan-palm oases that are scattered throughout the park are the best spots to see native animals, such as snakes, bighorn sheep, and black-tailed jackrabbits.

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