When you’re standing on the edge of a major life change, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. And when that change involves relocating to a new country? The stakes feel even higher.
I’ve learned that the best way to meet these moments is to pause, breathe, and deliberately make space for wellness. For me, that space opened up at La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs (California)—a desert oasis that has been welcoming guests for nearly 100 years.
Palm Springs is already renowned as a wellness destination, with spas that rank among the best in the nation. But when a friend raved about her time at La Quinta, I knew I had to experience it for myself. It felt serendipitous, almost like a nudge from the universe saying: go, restore, and prepare for what’s ahead. And, I’m so glad I obliged.
From the moment I checked in, the service was impeccable. I was greeted by the assistant front office manager—who, to my delight, is Jamaican. (It’s true what they say: wherever in the world you go, you’re bound to find a Jamaican!) That warm welcome set the tone for the days to come.
I began my retreat with a symbolic act of release.
Taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up more than 8,500 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto, I carried with me the issues I wanted to let go of before stepping into a new chapter of life. With intentionality as my aim, I wrote them down on paper, tore it up at the mountaintop, whispered a prayer, and left it all behind—physically, mentally, spiritually.
There, at one of California’s highest points, I felt lighter, freer, ready for the days ahead.
Before my trip, I had been reading “Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself” by Kristin Neff. Her words reminded me that true wellness begins not just with external rest, but with the practice of inner kindness. I worked through her exercises, learning how to soften the harsh self-talk and extend to myself the same grace I so easily give others. I carried those lessons with me into La Quinta, approaching the retreat with intentionality—choosing to treat myself gently, to honor this pause as a gift rather than a luxury.
Each morning at La Quinta started the same way: quiet contemplation on the private patio of my casita, under the shade of swaying palms, with mountains rising in the distance and desert stillness all around. In that sacred quiet, I re-centered myself, tuning in to the Creator, finding oneness before the day unfolded.
The days were a perfect blend of indulgence and restoration. Spa La Quinta more than lived up to its reputation—no wonder it ranks among America’s Top 100 Spas. I treated myself to facial, massages, and the rejuvenating Vichy shower and CBD oils that left me glowing inside and out.
Meals were another highlight of my stay. Each day began with a hearty breakfast at La Quinta, but the most unforgettable dining experience was watching the sun sink behind the mountains while dining at the Peak Restaurant. Perched high above the desert and accessible only by the aerial tram, the restaurant offers amazing views of the valley miles below. It’s no surprise that Architectural Digest recently named it #8 on its list of the World’s Best Cliffside Restaurants. Dinners at the Cliff House and at Morgan’s in the Desert, were equally memorable.
And then there was the casita itself—a private sanctuary, complete with its own pool. Of course, the property also boasts an array of larger pools scattered across the grounds, so you’re spoiled for choice whether you seek solitude or a more social swim.
La Quinta is preparing to celebrate its centennial in 2026, when a time capsule buried a century ago will finally be opened. I couldn’t help but wonder what treasures will be unearthed—what messages from the past will speak to a future generation!?
My own time there felt like uncovering a treasure, too: a reminder that rest, reflection, and renewal are the most valuable gifts we can give ourselves.
When I left La Quinta, I carried more than memories of sun-soaked days and spa bliss. I carried a sense of restoration, of readiness. The desert had done its work. I was prepared to face the new challenges of living and working in yet another country—grounded, lighter, and whole.
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Images by Dawn Minott
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