Looking for a quick escape from LA? Think Italy… well, not the real thing, but the serene essence of the Miramonte Resort and Spa less than two hours away. Located in Indian Wells, the Miramonte exudes the feeling of a Tuscan villa in both its architecture and room design. And molte grazie (many thanks) for the amazing spa treatments Miramonte’s spa now offers. The spa will take you miles away from stress, even if you’re not really in Italy.

Serene grounds with fountains, comfortable double hammocks, a casual fire pit, and a charming herb garden form the setting for two pools, one adults-only, and a larger pool and hot tub complex near the lobby and spa for all ages. Morning classes are also offered: yoga one morning, tai chi another, and an early morning walk before the desert sun gains too much intensity.

Once inside the spa, dubbed The Well, there are several more private water pools, one saline only. Inside there’s an incredible Eucalyptus steam room with an amazing scent. While outdoor areas are co-ed, inside, separate men’s and women’s wings offer day beds, lavender scented iced towels, teas, fruit, and peace and quiet.

The treatments are key here – luxurious, long, tinged with new age elements, and old world grace. They’ve been carefully designed during a recent spa revamping to combine ancient rituals with high end, natural products, with a sprinkle of a new age aura on the side. We loved selecting a “mood stone” from a small bag before beginning the treatments – mine was happiness, my daughter’s was trust. Trust me, happiness was complete with both a facial and a massage. Spa therapists used precious minerals such as diamonds, hematite, teakwood, and herbal rich oils provided by the organic, luxurious skin care line of Spain’s Germaine de Capuccini.

The Equilibrio massage was 90 minutes of pure bliss, using Ayurvedic techniques designed for the restoration of body and mind. From herbal oils to the soothing massage itself, the massage was truly restorative, and for a bonus, a mini-facial and scalp oil infusion were given. Incredibly relaxing and calming.

The glow from my facial lasted a long time. I experienced the Antiossidante, or antioxidant anti-aging treatment. Wonderful lotions, a scrub, facial mask, and a treatment utilizing NuFACE Micro-Current provided real visual results. And just as the massage offered a bonus mini-facial, while my facial mask was drying, I received hand and foot massages that were mind-meltingly blissful.

High recommendations for the spa treatments which transport participants not just to an Italianate world but out into the bliss-o-sphere. Truly one of the most exceptional and renewing spa experiences I’ve ever enjoyed.

And, after the spa? Retire to the beautiful, Tuscan-themed rooms, done in cream, amber, rich brown, and royal floral patterns. Many rooms have beautiful porches or patios overlooking the grounds. Rooms are elegant, large, and sophisticated.

Coupled with al fresco dining pool-side, a rising sliver of a moon above the terra cotta roofs, the pleasant sound of a fountain burbling, and birdsong – Italy couldn’t possibly be this relaxing.

What we loved best? Beautiful grounds, sensually satisfying spa treatments, and a calming spirit that makes it very hard to say Arrivederci!

For more information see www.miramonteresort.com