3 Phoenix Resorts for a Wellness Getaway
After two long years of travel restrictions we could all use a wellness themed getaway. Phoenix is the perfect place to escape for rest and relaxation and is known for being an oasis for people seeking the healing properties of the Sonoran Desert. Phoenix has exceptional health and wellness resorts so you can recharge while soothing your soul, pampering your body, refreshing your mind, and maintaining optimal health. It’s an opportunity to unplug, eat healthy, try a yoga or meditation class, swim, experience hydrotherapy treatments, and of course, get pampered at the spa. Phoenix, known as the valley of the sun, provides plenty of opportunities to soak up vitamin D, so save time for a hike through the desert.
Royal Palms Resort And Spa
A long driveway lined with tall palm trees and a mighty 250-year-old fountain greets guests upon arrival at Royal Palms Resort And Spa. Located on the foot of Camelback Mountain I was surrounded by beauty in every direction. It is serene and peaceful with stunning cactus, bright colorful flowers hanging over archways, and perfectly kept gardens. The 1929 regal Spanish Colonial architecture of the grounds includes winding cobblestone paths weaving through orange groves. Guests at this intimate resort are encouraged to sample oranges right from the tree, so if you crave natural vitamin C you are in luck. The 119 remodelled guest rooms include villas, casitas and adorable estate-style rooms with French doors opening to patios and glorious mountain views. I forgot how chilly the desert gets when the sun goes down so on my first night I wrapped up in a cozy robe, flipped on a switch to a real crackling fireplace and made a hot mint tea. Wellness amenities include fitness, yoga, running and biking. Bikes are available to explore the trails and get lost among scenic views.
The on-property Alvadora Spa indulges your senses with the finest spa services including signature citrus body therapies, custom facials using organic products, and an invigorating Himalayan salt stone massage to help alkalize and exfoliate your skin and replenish your body with minerals. After your treatment take a waterfall shower, sit in the blissful Eucalyptus steam room, or read a book in the secluded Mediterranean style courtyard sipping cucumber infused water, of course.
CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa is a destination resort in Carefree, an adorable and historic small town just outside of Scottsdale. It’s the perfect resort for wellness travelers in search of a fully regenerating experience. The philosophy at CIVANA is to focus on happiness first, which certainly works for me. They aim to provide time and space to awaken the soul, free the mind and connect. There are over a dozen complimentary classes daily that guests can partake in such as hikes, yoga, and spiritual classes, but there is no pressure. If you choose to relax by one of three refreshing pools sipping on your drink of choice taking in the beauty of the desert, that’s okay. There are 144 modern guest rooms and suites with stunning mountain views from your private balcony. A cute stainless steel water bottle is waiting in your room to be refilled throughout your stay at water hydration stations.
Bring a bathing suit on your spa day to experience the ancient tradition of healing through water. Their thermal aqua therapy includes hot and cold wading pools, a cold deluge waterfall shower and an impressive therapeutic soaking pool. Spa treatments range from a variety of massages with CBD enhancements, reiki for healing energy, and several enticing facials including the Sonoran Sea facial using rose quartz and chakra balancing properties to leave your skin, and your inner self, glowing. After your treatment walk a few steps to Seed Café + Market for a nourishing green smoothie. They serve mostly plant-based dishes packed with superfoods and rich with nutrients to help kick start your path to optimal health.
The Phoenician
The Phoenician, a AAA Five Diamond luxury resort in Scottsdale, is set in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. This iconic Phoenix landmark has recently completed a significant three-year redesign and the results are top notch. Their impressive grand lobby sparkles with a fresh modern luxury and filled with fashionable smiling guests. Other renovations include newly designed retail space, Afternoon Tea Room, Thirsty Camel Lounge, a European-inspired café, huge Athletic Club (tennis, basketball), Golf Course, and refreshing pool complex. All 645 guest rooms including their boutique hotel on property, The Canyon Suites, have been remodelled. Rooms are styled with contemporary furnishings, original impressive artwork, huge flat screen televisions, and private balconies or patios. Your plush white robe hangs in the oversized bathroom featuring Italian marble accents and Roman oval bathtub.
Their on-property spa was also completely redesigned in 2018 and is now a huge three-story facility to cater to your every need. Treatments include unique massages such as Fire & Ice Massage; a rejuvenating body scrub called Phoenix Rising; or Phoenician’s Finest Facial to instantly transform your skin. Save a full day for your spa experience and visit their hot and cold contrast hydrotherapy program including a sauna, steam, cold shower, and vitality hot tub.
Afterwards lounge at their intimate rooftop pool and order lunch in a private cabana. The next day after a morning workout at their state-of-the-art fitness center I signed out a bike and explored the impressive grounds on two wheels. The resort is huge so you can zip around waving to golfers or venture off property and bike to Old Town Scottsdale to eat or shop. I discovered The Purple Saguaro, an adorable gift shop featuring local artist’s creations, and bought the cutest vegan handbag to remember my trip to the desert.