Mi Kasa Hot Springs

What to expect

Mi Kasa Hot Springs is a small hotel on a residential street in Desert Hot Springs, a city that sits on a large underground reservoir of naturally hot mineral water at the north edge of the Coachella Valley. Like most of the spa hotels here, Mi Kasa pumps that water into its own pool and tubs rather than sitting on a natural spring you can see. What sets it apart is the crowd and the house rules: it is for adults 21 and over only, and the entire property is clothing optional.

The operator is direct about what that means. Clothing is your choice, swimsuits are fine, and people should feel comfortable either way. It also states that Mi Kasa is not a swingers or exhibitionist “play” property, and that public sexual activity of any kind is not allowed. The mood it aims for is social and relaxed, with a communal kitchen, fire pits, hammocks and games around the pool. Guests and staff talk about it as a community spot, and many people come back regularly.

Some booking sites list the property as “Mi Kasa Hot Springs 420” and describe it as cannabis friendly. The official site does not spell out its cannabis rules, so ask the front desk where, if anywhere, smoking is allowed before you light up.

The pools

The operator posts these temperatures:

• Mineral pool: about 95°F35°C in winter, and up to 87°F31°C in summer, when it is kept cooler for swimming in the heat.
• Indoor jacuzzi: about 103°F39°C.
• Outdoor jacuzzi: about 100°F38°C.
• Outdoor private tubs: set to your own choice, between 90°F and 115°F32°C and 46°C.
• Cold plunge: available to day-pass guests and hotel guests.

Reviews often mention clear water with no chemical smell. The adjustable private tubs are a good choice if you like your soak very hot or prefer something closer to body temperature. They can also be rented on their own for 2 hours.

Getting there

Mi Kasa is at 11076 Ocotillo Rd., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, a few blocks east of Palm Drive, the city’s main north-south street. It is roughly 8 miles north of Palm Springs and about 10 miles from Palm Springs International Airport.

From I-10, take the Palm Drive exit and drive north into Desert Hot Springs, then turn east toward Ocotillo Road. There is free self-parking on site. The neighbourhood is residential and spread out, so plan on driving or using a rideshare to reach restaurants and shops.

When to go

Desert Hot Springs is a winter and spring destination. From roughly November to April, days are mild and the evenings are cool enough to make the hot tubs welcome. This is also when the pool runs warmest, at around 95°F35°C. Weekends and holiday periods fill fastest, so book rooms and day passes early.

Summer is very hot in the Coachella Valley. The pool is cooled to 87°F31°C or less, and many people soak in the morning and after dark rather than in the midday sun. Wind is common in Desert Hot Springs, especially in spring, so bring a layer for the evening.

Prices and booking

Mi Kasa sells day passes, private tub rentals and spa services through an online booking page linked from its website. Hotel rooms are booked separately through its reservation system.

• Day pass: 9 AM to 10 PM, single entry only (no in-and-out). A reservation is required. There are separate Monday to Friday and Saturday to Sunday rates. Prices are shown at checkout rather than on the operator’s main pages, so check before you go.
• What’s included: towels, a locker, restrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, the cold plunge, an outdoor kitchen with a grill, stove, refrigerator and utensils, an ice machine, lounge chairs, umbrellas, sunscreen, cabanas, an outdoor tub, hammocks, games and Wi-Fi.
• Outside food and drink: allowed.
• Private tubs: 2-hour rentals, with weekday and weekend rates. Call or text to check availability.
• SOAK package: a 2-hour private tub plus a day pass.
• Day-use room: a 4-hour room rental that includes day passes for up to 2 people.
• Massage: 60 and 90-minute sessions with licensed therapists. The day pass is not included with a massage.
• Overnight guests: check-in is 3 PM and check-out is 11 AM. Early-arrival and post-checkout passes are sold if you want more pool time.

Contact the hotel by call or text at 760-993-3366, from 9 AM to 10 PM.

Rules and etiquette

• Age: Guests must be 21 or older to stay or use the facilities.
• Clothing: Optional throughout. No sexual activity in public areas.
• Respect: The operator asks guests to enjoy themselves responsibly and be mindful of others. At any clothing-optional place, ask before you take a photo and keep your phone pointed away from other guests.
• Pets: Hotel guests only, two maximum, with a cleaning fee. Leashed in public areas, never in the water or on beds.

Where to stay nearby

The simplest option is to stay at Mi Kasa itself. It has 11 individually furnished, air-conditioned rooms, and overnight guests have 24-hour access to the pool and tubs. If you would rather stay elsewhere and visit on a day pass, Desert Hot Springs has dozens of small spa hotels, including Miracle Springs Resort and Spa a few blocks away on Palm Drive. Palm Springs, about 8 miles south, has the widest choice of hotels and restaurants. Joshua Tree National Park is to the northeast, and Cabot’s Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs tells the story of the man who found the town’s hot water.

Safety notes

• Heat: Tubs set to 115°F46°C are very hot. Start lower, keep soaks short, drink plenty of water and get out if you feel dizzy. Alcohol, cannabis and hot water together raise the risk of fainting.
• Sun: Desert sun is strong even in winter, and clothing-optional guests burn in unusual places. Use the shade and the sunscreen provided.
• Summer: Air temperatures in the valley can be dangerous in summer. Rest in the shade between soaks.
• Footing: Pool decks get slippery. Walk, do not run.