Phoenix Spas
*Arizona’s Hot Destination Spas
words by > Diana Lambdin Meyer
Pack light when traveling to Phoenix. Or, don’t bother to pack at all.
It’s entirely possible and certainly acceptable to spend an entire vacation in a bathrobe when visiting some of the country’s best destination spas, many of them congregated in the Phoenix/ Scottsdale area.
The warm desert sun and heritage of natural healing in the Sonora Desert combine to create an oasis, in some cases literally, of unsurpassed spa experiences. And while these resorts are not billed as “clothing optional,” the plush, comfy bathrobes provided at each destination make the need for any additional wardrobe during a spa vacation almost optional.
A GRAND DELIGHT
For those who have traveled to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and experienced the hidden Havasupai Falls, a visit to the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will be a familiar delight. Inspired by the canyon oasis, Willow Stream’s signature treatment is a soothing two-hour excursion through warm water treatments, eucalyptus baths and an aromatherapy wrap. The inhalation room, created by spa director Jill Eisenhut, stands at room temperature with vials of eucalyptus oil on the walls. It’s perfect for pregnant women or guests with high blood pressure.
More perfect, however, are the bathrobes. Men no longer have to wear the big, fluffy spa robes, but can instead enjoy a smoking jacket-style robe. This provides men with masculine comfort throughout their spa experience—and they can take one home for $79.
A COCOON OF COMFORT
The blue daytime sky or a star-filled night sky provide the perfect canopy for a massage on one of the many spacious balconies and terraces at each casita at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. Bathrobe attire is just right for 24-hour in-casita dining, or at the Crescent Moon and Saguaro Blossom restaurants.
Guests have access to two equally enjoyable bathrobes. The locally made Chadsworth and Haig robes with a luxurious 4,832 thread count are provided in each room and are available for purchase at $145. The spa robes by Kashwere are a little heavier and ideal for strolling the many paths and trails around Pinnacle Peak.
Of the many enjoyable treatments available at the Troon North spa, a willow herbal wrap may best incorporate the heritage of the region. Native Americans have used willow for centuries to relieve aches and pains. In this treatment, linens soaked in a willow herbal infusion are wrapped around the body, creating a cocoon of comfort, leaving no additional space for stress or tension.
www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale
TEQUILA SUNRISE
An essential element of the desert culture is the blue agave cactus, the type used in making tequila. The hydrotherapy massage at the Westin Kierland Resort’s Agave Spa uses a technique that mimics the tequila-making process, providing guests a golden glow and aroma similar to fine tequila. However, to enjoy this fabulous process, a swimsuit is required.
Bathrobes are the perfect attire to finish up the next best treatment, an ice cream pedicure. An ice cream scoop soak followed by a sherbet scrub and a topping-flavored masque is completed with an icing flavored lotion and cherry red nail polish for toes and feet.
If those treatments sound heavenly, it may be in part because of the Westin brand’s “Heavenly Bathrobes,” which may be enjoyed in all but one of the eight restaurants on property. Guests are often seen walking the trails throughout the grounds, or snuggling up near one of the inviting outdoor fire pits, clad only in bathrobes.
SEARCH FOR ENLIGHTENMENT
The natural beauty of the Sonora Desert combines with ancient Buddhist rituals in a daily cleansing and blessing of the Marriott Desert Ridge Resort’s Revive Spa by ringing Noah Bells. Tibetans believe that ringing bells releases negativity and allows positive energy, or chi, to enter.
The local influence returns in the elements for the detoxifying Red Clay Wrap, which includes a warm ocotillo root butter application.
Opening in 2002 as the largest luxury resort in Arizona, the Marriott Desert Ridge provides a complete line of shampoos, shower gels, deodorants and lotions, minimizing the need to bring such items from home
A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
Mediterranean gardens and treatment styles accentuate the intimacy and luxury of Royal Palms Resort’s Alvadora Spa. A chance to indulge is provided with the signature Acqua Dolce Villa, where two heated stone tables under custom overhead showers immerse guests in the revitalizing benefits of water and earth. The Watsu treatment, which requires a swimsuit, also incorporates the relaxing and healing powers of warm water, as found in the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the property in the Royal Palms’ luxurious 100% cotton Waffle Robe, available for $40 in the spa boutique.
FOREVER YOUNG
Elizabeth Arden is a name synonymous with quality skin and body care, and the Red Door Spa at the Wigwam Resort, which opened in early 2006, brings that same quality and luxury to the Phoenix spa community.
The signature Red Door Facial and advance skin care treatments, such as customized Phyto-Organic and Ceramide Anti-Aging, concentrate on the health benefits resonating from the newest Arden beauty products and signature body treatments. www.wigwamresort.com
SANCTUARY ON CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN
Sanctuary Spa focuses on Asian-inspired treatments and décor. Several options for private, outdoor services and in-room ceremonies enhance the relaxation and rejuvenation of a wild lime blossom massage or a mandi susu Indonesian cleaning ritual. Private classes in the fitness and exercise center contribute to the sanctuary experience.
Bathrobes are worn throughout the property and come in a variety of colors, including pink, green, charcoal, chocolate and camel. Throws and slippers complete the wardrobe.
JEWEL OF THE DESERT
For more than 75 years, the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa has entertained the rich and famous from around the world, providing seclusion and relaxation in what is considered the birthplace of the Arizona tourism industry. Th e Biltmore has welcomed every president since Herbert Hoover.
Many visitors spend gracious, long days at this 22,000-square-foot spa, enjoying the comforts of the Biltmore’s signature French Terry bathrobes designed by Connoisseur. Th e wisdom and techniques of many of the world’s cultures, including Chinese, Swedish, French and Native American, are available in treatment packages off ered indoors and out.
Th e Biltmore’s signature treatment is the Dream Catcher Aromatherapy massage. Inspired by the native cultures of the region, this massage incorporates heated stones and essential oils in an 80-minute “dream” event. www.arizonabiltmore.com
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