The El Morocco Inn & Day Spa Story

The El Morocco Inn & Day Spa was built in the late 1950’s directly on top of a vein of mineral rich thermal hot waters in Desert Hot Springs, California. Our Inn and Day Spa began life as the “Caravan Spa-tel”.

Originally, the town was known as “California’s Spa City” because of the healing mineral-rich waters flowing beneath. The giant billboards along the highway pointed the way to over 120 inns which dotted the landscape. Due to the high cost of maintaining the hot mineral water wells, most of those inns closed and now there are fewer than 25 hot springs resorts.

Authentic Morocco Vibe

Purchased in 2001, the former Caravan Spa-tel was the perfect spot to carve out the El Morocco, a 13 guestroom “experience” with a Moroccan vibe. The innkeepers want to provide guests with an authentic experience of Morocco. Our furnishings include an genuine Moroccan tent in the Spa garden, often used for Yoga and gentle relaxation. You’ll find a giant chess board (along with hammocks and other gathering spots) in the Spa Garden. It’s a great place to play games and just chill.

Most furnishings in the Inn come directly from our buying trips to Morocco. The beautiful fabrics came from the women’s co-ops, located on the outskirts of major cities in Morocco. These are the places where women (who are single, widowed, or divorced) make the fabrics by hand. Many of the lamps and lighting fixtures throughout the inn and grounds also came from Morocco. These goatskin-wrapped lights and unique hanging lamps cast amazing geometrical designs.

Getting Better All the Time

Since opening, we have added several unique Spa Studios. We invite you to come and visit the El Morocco, where we continue to enhance our guests’ transporting experience!

What people are saying…

“Rich colors, abundant use of fabrics, a Sultan’s tent, the Spa’s spice bar with tagine containers, intricately hand-painted cabinetry and tables, lots of pillows and furnishings from Morocco lend exotic authenticity to El Morocco Inn in Desert Hot Springs.”
Palm Springs Life

“One of the most unique, spectacular luxurious spas that defies description…”
Paradise Shopper

“…the traditional Moroccan hand-washing ceremony, which entails much splashing water and many ornate silver vessels.”
Travel & Leisure

“If you’re tempted to see what the fuss is about…”
Los Angeles Times

“…all senses are engaged upon entering!”
Dune Magazine

“…a decidedly more exotic aesthetic!”
Travel & Leisure

“Jewel-toned sheers dance in the breeze…”
Palm Springs Life