In Q3 2017, the iconic California hot springs spa Two Bunch Palms will again be undertaking a multi-million dollar upgrade that will include, among several projects, a new contemporary bathing grotto, new spa, apothecary, fitness centre, farm-to-table treatments, and new programme facility. The project will break ground in July, and is expected to be completed by Q3 2018.

Amy McDonald and her team at Under a Tree Health and Wellness Consulting are working on the new design and concept, which will also include treatments using the medicinal qualities of marijuana.

"Among the interesting new offerings, guests will have opportunities to experience and learn about marijuana's medicinal qualities in a formalised and curated way, in combination with the waters and award winning team of therapists,” said McDonald.

The 75-year-old Two Bunch will continue its focus on thermal water healing, which managing director John Trudeau said is more relevant than ever.

“Water is the sacred anchor and lure of the property and since the beginning of civilisation, humans have sought out hot springs for physical healing, social connection and spiritual awakening,” said Trudeau. “Both the source of the term ‘spa’ and the planet’s original wellness destinations, hot springs are intrinsically connected to the human experience.

"In our time-starved, stress-inducing and technology-driven world, they are more relevant now than ever, and Two Bunch is poised to take the art of bathing and celebration to a new level for the wellness traveller.”

Trudeau said the spa experience at Two Bunch will revitalise and reinvent its legacy, “infusing the timeless appeal of its hot springs culture with a contemporary sensibility that places it in a new and refreshing realm.”

“Blending tradition with innovation, the spa maintains a spirit of soulful celebration, delivering wellness with personal choice, diverse experiences and easy sophistication,” he continued.

In December 2015, Two Bunch Palms was bought by California-based hospitality and real estate private investment company CCL Holdings for an undisclosed amount.

Before that, the iconic resort underwent a renaissance of sorts, with a rebranding emphasising its healing waters, as well as a previous multi-million dollar renovation and the addition of a farm-to-table restaurant. It also became carbon neutral with the addition of a 550 KW 3.5 acre solar farm.