Essense

While the Coachella Valley is made up of nine different cities scattered along its length, most people will never venture outside a select few. Desert Hot Springs, lying to the north at the foot of the San Bernardino mountains, is secluded and lacking attractions, which means you’ll likely have finds like Essense, to yourself.

Located in the Two Bunch Palms Resort and having recently completed a $9 million renovation, Essense serves food that plays with the line between healthy and indulgent (try the green bean tempura fried with a white truffle emulsion).

Even moreso than the food, the main attraction here is the dining room. Accentuated by wood and stone, the entire area orbits a petrified willow tree that bursts out the central table and grows up through the skylight, with hanging naked bulbs creating soft lighting.