Scottsdale hotels put the ‘ahhhhh’ in spas
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Arizona Resorts/ Arizona Travel Deals / Arizona Golf / Spas in AZ
This article is brought to you by Spavelous.com.
Few hotels or resorts these days operate without a spa, and that goes double for Arizona. In fact, as a girlfriend who lives there puts it, “When you think spas, you think Scottsdale.”
The facilities vary wildly in quality and amenities. Some offer little more than a couple of rooms with massage tables, lighted candles, flute music in the background and a place to shower, while others are labyrinths of adobe or marble, with private jetted tubs and gardens, top-of-the-line body products and service that walks the fine line between solicitous and smothering.
Here are four great spas, large-scale operations where you’ll want to come early or stay late, because the run of the facility is included with the purchase of a treatment. That means swimming pools, soaking tubs, meditation gardens, state-of-the-art fitness centers, organic snacks and loose-leaf teas, as well as attendants at your beck and call and all the ice-cold water with lemon slices you can drink.
Now take a deep breath and say, “Ahhhhh.”
Sanctuary Spa At Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale AZ
With Camelback’s magical red cliffs as a backdrop and Asian-influenced treatments administered in a soothing, naturally inspired environment, Sanctuary is aptly named. No detail is spared, from the choice of top-shelf Forti whole leaf tea to sip between treatments, to the careful placement of trailing lantana plants so they release their scent as you walk past, to the proficient and indulgent staff.
* High point: The on-site restaurant, Elements, serves exquisite, healthful food that can be sent to the rejuvenating, bamboo-lined atrium.
* Rough spot: Alas, one can’t live here permanently.
* Details: Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, 5700 E. McDonald Drive
* Treatments: The massages here are masterful (Swedish, $140/60 min.; hot stone $200/90 min.), as are the Asian-inspired services, including luk pra kope ($250/120 min.), a Thai massage with medicinal herbs, and the Japanese shiatsu ($140/60 min.). Also popular are the tangerine ($85/30 min.) and bamboo/lemongrass ($85/30 min.) scrubs.
* Other amenities: The quiet room opens up to a shallow, rock-filled pool with Camelback a stone’s throw away, and the teas available there are top of the line; spend some time simply soaking in Sanctuary’s good vibes, and then take a dip in the vitality pool. Looking for something more active? The fitness center, admission to which is included with a treatment, is small but filled with some of the most knowledgeable folks in the business, and the infinity pool is cool. They have a couples suite for an extra fee for those who want privacy together while getting spa services.
Spa Avania At the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch
The unassuming front of this palm-lined building, which is separate from the hotel, belies the oasis behind, a beguiling series of mineral pools, gardens, a lotus pond and walkways that lead to tranquil treatment rooms. Choose your music from a menu, and then let the well-trained staff transport you to a state of bliss before releasing you back into the gardens, where you can wile the day away meditating, swimming or snacking on antioxidant foods. The spa claims it synchronizes your treatments to the time of day; whatever that means, it’s hard to argue with success.
* High point: The large mineral pool and tinier secluded pools are delightful, and the fitness center is included; plan to spend some time beforehand working out and afterward relaxing.
* Rough spot: The descriptions of the treatments are a little vague (”Glorious Skin: Lifting-Smoothing-Youthful” does not tell what $180 pays for), and it’s annoying to have to call to have all of them detailed.
* Details: Spa Avania at the Hyatt, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road
* Treatments: Avania keeps its rosters short and to the point, which does make it easier to choose. The massages range from Thai ($225/90 min.) to deep-tissue, hot stone and golfer’s (all $165/60 min.), and there are several body wraps, scrubs and facials, such as the Crushed Pearl ($180). The Foot Ritual ($150/60 min.) begins with exfoliation in a giant bowl and moves on to a series of wonderful-smelling oils and lotions massaged in as you lie back and enjoy (the “desert” music blends nicely).
* Other amenities: In addition to the mineral pool and the smaller soaking pools, Avania also has a great fitness center; yoga classes are $18 per class, but the workout room is free with a treatment.
The Spa At the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North
In the shadow of Pinnacle Peak, the Four Seasons is a sprawling campus of adobe buildings landscaped with saguaros and other indigenous cacti, with a series of large pools sided by private cabanas for late-afternoon siestas. The spa is roomy and inviting, with large saunas and steam rooms.
* High point: The location makes this feel like a true getaway, and the setting is gorgeous. Potpourri in the lockers is a nice touch.
* Rough spot: Jackhammers take away from the birdies singing at a resort on a Saturday while people are trying to relax by the pool. And having no prices on the Web site is annoying.
* Details: The Spa at The Four Seasons Scottsdale Troon North, 10600 East Crescent Moon Drive
* Treatments: Stone ($150/50 min.) and peel-style facials ($170/25 min.), as well as a body polish ($150/50 min.) that alternates bath salts and hot oil, a Sedona earth clay body mask ($205/80 min.) and a two-person massage ($300/50 min.) called “Head Over Heels” where one therapist works on your feet while the other gives you a facial. Four Seasons in One ($205/80 min.) is a journey of scents (peppermint for winter, lavender for summer), scrubs and massage from head to toe, culminating in a heavenly scalp massage.
* Other amenities: The Saguaro Blossom restaurant is within walking distance along a cacti-lined path at the back of the resort and offers all outdoor seating with a view of Pinnacle Peak and Troon Mountain. You can dine pool-side, as well (complimentary fruit kebabs, and the towels are kept chilled), and the pool has inviting cabanas. A huge fitness center with spectacular views makes a workout enticing, and there’s also a full-service salon.
Golden Door Spa At the Boulders Resort
Situated at the edge of Scottsdale in Carefree, Golden Door is a 33,000-square-foot, adobe-style spa surrounded by mesmerizing boulders and plenty of breathing space. Relax by the pool or order a bowl of healing miso soup after your treatment, and be sure to grab a copy of the recipe for the potassium broth the spa serves to guests who hike or take an aerobics class; it’s tasty.
* High point: The private “snail shell” showers are delightful, the Japanese O’Furo soaking pool charming, and the little drawers in the lockers practical. Love the Eucalyptus line of products.
* Rough spot: The meditation room inside the ladies’ area could use a covering to filter noise; for such a large facility, it was surprising that robe-clad men and women had to walk through the same area after treatment.
* Details: Golden Door Spa at the Boulders Resort, 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree AZ
* Treatments: A wide range of massage therapies ($145/50 min., $195/80 min.), including one targeted to those undergoing cancer treatment and several for folks suffering from sports-related injuries. Eastern-influenced treatments include acupuncture ($185/50 min.), Thai massage ($150/50 min.), shiatsu ($150/50 min.) and Watsu ($155/50 min.). They also offer the services of a shaman, American Indian therapies, ayurvedic treatments and have a full-service salon.
* Other amenities: Sit by the pool out back before or after treatment, or do the recommended “purification ritual” in the ladies’ area starting with a hot steam in their spiral room, followed by a cool-off in the groovy, private “snail showers,” then soak in the Japanese-style O’Furo pool. Guided rock climbing and mountain biking are offered for an extra charge.
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