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There’s no better place for relaxation than at one of Phoenix’s rejuvenating resort spas. Many feature Native American–inspired treatments and use indigenous ingredients such as agave and desert clay. In resort spas, you can indulge in such treats as private, rooftop pools, Swiss showers, eucalyptus-scented steam rooms, plunge pools, and more. Most also offer fitness classes and state-of-the-art workout facilities. Why book just a treatment when you could instead enjoy a whole day of pampering?
TIP Be sure to ask about gratuity when you book your spa treatment. Many resorts automatically add 20% gratuity to the bill. To save a little money, consider booking a multi-treatment package. Often, these packages include built-in discounts and gratuity—you could save up to 20% on your total bill.
Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.
A gem on the grounds of the Gila River Indian community, Aji incorporates its Native American surroundings into every aspect of the spa, from the name (aji is Pima for sanctuary) to its Sonoran design and treatments. A complete spa experience awaits, from the plunge pool to the steam room and exercise facilities. Enjoy lunch at the always-healthy spa café, and relax poolside at the coed patio that overlooks the resort and surrounding desert. | Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd. | Chandler | 602/225–0100 | www.wildhorsepassresort.com | $145 for 50-min massage or 50-min facial; 6-hr spa day with body treatment, massage, lunch, facial, and hand and foot treatment from $530. Sauna, steam room, pools, salon, gym, fitness classes.
Alvadora at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa.
The full-service Alvadora Spa oozes intimacy; its couples’ treatment rooms feature private patios, as well as showers and tubs. Public areas include tranquil courtyards and retreat areas that offer repose under the warm desert sun or in air-conditioned comfort. Treatments incorporate herbs, flowers, oils, and minerals from the Mediterranean—a nod to the resort’s architecture—as well as orange-infused massages and facials, which are fitting, as the property was an orange grove before the resort’s construction. | 5200 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor | 602/977–6400 | www.royalpalmshotel.com | $150 for 50-min massage or for 50-min facial; custom spa day packages available. Hot tub, steam room, gym, fitness classes.
Four Seasons Troon North Spa.
Although most think of the Four Seasons Troon North as an escape for golfers, its spa proves that there’s relaxation to be had away from the links. There are, however, treatments especially for golfers, including a massage that incorporates warm golf balls and stretching to relieve a subpar day. | 10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., North Scottsdale | 480/515–5700 | www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale | $165 for 50-min massage or 50-min facial; 3-hr spa day with two 50-min spa treatments, lunch, and a 25-min spa treatment from $475. Sauna, steam room, salon, gym, fitness classes, wellness programs.
Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort at Montelucia.
This two-story spa offers a stairway to the heavens. Everything here is meticulously handcrafted, handpicked, or hand-placed to summon the healing spirits. Inspired by the resort’s Spanish and Moroccan designs, the spa features plush seating areas, quiet lounges with privacy draping, and a public sun deck. Offering Arizona’s only hammam, the spa encourages visitors to linger and absorb the tranquil surroundings—the location at the base of Camelback Mountain doesn’t hurt. | 4949 E. Lincoln Dr. | Paradise Valley | 480/627–3200, 888/691–5692 | www.joyaspa.com | $159 for 50-min massage, $149 for 50-min facial; 3-hr spa day with choice of three 50-min treatments from $365. Sauna, steam room, inhalation room, pools, salon, gym, fitness classes, wellness programs.
Jurlique Spa at FireSky Resort and Spa.
With its relaxing interior, Jurlique focuses on repairing and restoring from within by relying on plant science and a combination of Eastern and Western spa philosophies. Keeping with the boutique FireSky Resort’s green efforts, spa treatments incorporate natural products that are hypoallergenic and are not animal-tested. Your wallet will get some relaxation, too; although Jurlique is one of the smallest resort spas in town, it offers some of the most affordable treatments around. | 4925 N. Scottsdale Rd. | Scottsdale | 480/424–6072 | www.fireskyresort.com | $140 for 60-min massage or 60-min facial; 2-hr spa day with 60-min massage and facial from $270. Pool, gym.
Revive Spa at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort.
A huge, two-story temple devoted to the health and healing of the human body, Revive features 41 luxury treatment rooms, an Olympic-size swimming pool, private balconies for outdoor massages, indoor relaxation rooms with fireplaces, a healthful bistro, a fitness center, and a full salon—though the size can make this place feel impersonal. Treatments run the gamut from traditional mani-pedis to luxurious body scrubs inspired by Native American rituals. | 5350 E. Marriott Dr. | Phoenix | 480/293–3700 | spa.jwdesertridgeresort.com | $150 50-minute massage or facial; 4-hour spa day with 50-minute massage, 50-minute facial, manicure and pedicure, and lunch from $500. Sauna, steam room, pools, salon, gym, fitness classes, wellness programs.
Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.
Savvy spa-goers continue to select Sanctuary as their destination of choice, and with good reason. This sleek spa has 12 Asian-inspired indoor-outdoor treatment rooms nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. For a more intimate experience, indulge in the privacy of the couple’s suite or the stone-walled Sanctum hideaway (only available in the winter and spring). A meditation garden is the perfect place to reflect and relax before or after your treatment; for a longer experience consider a four-day Satori Wellness retreat. | 5700 E. McDonald Dr. | Paradise Valley | 480/607–2326, 800/245–2051 | www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com | $160 for 60-min massage or 60-min facial; 4-hr spa day with 60-min massage, 60-min facial, 60-min body treatment, manicure, and pedicure from $605. Pool, steam room, salon, gym, fitness classes, wellness programs.
The Spa at JW Marriott Camelback Inn.
One of the Valley’s most popular spas blends Mediterranean and desert themes. Trained therapists will scrub, wrap, and polish your body to perfection and use the finest products to massage your muscles and cleanse your pores. You’ll want all the pampering after a private session with one of the resort’s trainers who specialize in Pilates and gyrokinesis. Refuel at Sprouts, the on-site café, and finish your day at the outdoor heated lap pool. | 5402 E. Lincoln Dr. | Scottsdale | 480/596–7040, 800/922–2635 | www.camelbackspa.com | $145 for 60-min massage, $155 for 60-min facial; 3½-hr spa day with 60-min massage, 60-min facial, manicure, or pedicure from $360. Sauna, steam room, pools, salon, gym, fitness classes, wellness programs.
Fodor’s Choice | Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch.
The spa experience here is designed to match your internal clock; every treatment, meal, beverage, and moment is timed to be in tune with your body’s natural rhythm. The gorgeous stone-tiled facility seeks to cleanse the body of unnatural stimuli and give equilibrium through the senses, the way nature intended. Conclude your day with a dip in the mineral pool, and inhale your worries away in the eucalyptus steam room. By day’s end, you will indeed feel rejuvenated and back in rhythm. | 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. | Scottsdale | 480/444–1234 | www.scottsdale.hyatt.com | $165 for 60-min massage or 60-min facial; 3-hr spa day with 60-min massage, 60-min facial, and 60-min wrap from $490. Sauna, steam room, pools, salon, gym, fitness classes, wellness programs.
VH Spa at the Hotel Valley Ho.
At the always-hip Hotel Valley Ho, guests should feel comfortable entrusting renovation of the body and soul to the mod, colorful glass VH (Vitality Health) Spa. You can boost your treatments with a “flight” of antioxidants—what other people might call a glass of wine—because, hey, this is a vacation after all. If you don’t feel like venturing south to the spa, you can get in-room treatments. Or, get the five-star treatment in a private poolside cabana. | 6850 E. Main St., Old Town | 480/248–2000 | www.hotelvalleyho.com | $125 for 60-min massage or 60-min facial. Salon, gym, fitness classes and wellness programs.
Fodor’s Choice | Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Perhaps one of the most romantic spa settings in the Valley, Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa is an ideal retreat for couples. A three-story experience, the spa offers more water than seems possible in a desert. Enjoy an afternoon at the rooftop pool—which also includes private cabanas—or cuddle with your loved one under the powerful waterfall that connects the men’s and women’s locker facilities. Inside, the locker rooms feature plunge pools and hot tubs, aromatherapy rooms, saunas, and steam rooms. | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, 7575 E. Princess Dr., North Scottsdale | 480/585–4848 | www.fairmont.com/scottsdale/spa | $189 for 60-min massage or 60-min facial. Sauna, steam room, inhalation room, Swiss shower, plunge, pools, salon, gym, personal training.