Ever since the first "lungers" showed up in the Phoenix area hoping to cure their tuberculosis, the desert has been a magnet for those looking to get healthy. In the first half of the 20th century, health spas were all the rage in Phoenix, and with the health-and-fitness trend continuing to gather steam, it comes as no surprise that spas are now once again immensely popular in the Valley of the Sun. In the past few years, several of the area's top resorts have added new full-service spas or expanded existing ones to cater to guests' increasing requests for services such as massages, body wraps, mud masks, and salt glows.
If you can't or don't want to spend the money to stay at a top resort and avail yourself of the spa, you may still be able to indulge. Most resorts open their spas to the public, and for the cost of a body treatment or massage, you can spend the day at the spa, taking classes, working out in an exercise room, lounging by the pool, and otherwise living the life of the rich and famous. Barring this indulgence, you can slip into one of the valley's many day spas and take a stress-reduction break the way other people take a latte break.
If you want truly spectacular surroundings and bragging rights, head north to the Golden Door Spa at the Boulders, 34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr., Carefree (tel. 800/553-1717 or 480/488-9009; www.wyndham.com/hotels/PHXTB/main.wnt), which opened in 2001. This spa was one of three to open within a few months of each other, and though this one has the name recognition, it is, unfortunately, not the most impressive of the bunch. However, at 33,000 square feet and with 24 treatment spaces, it is certainly large. The turquoise wrap, the spa's signature treatment, is a real desert experience. Most 50-minute treatments cost around $100 to $125. Packages are $225 to $445.
Willow Stream-The Spa at Fairmont, 7575 E. Princess Dr. (tel. 800/908-9540 or 480/585-2732; www.fairmont.com), is our favorite valley spa. Designed to conjure up images of the journey to Havasu Canyon, its includes a rooftop swimming pool and a large hot tub in a grotto below the pool. Because this is one of the largest spas in the valley, you'll stand a better chance of getting last-minute reservations here. Most 50-minute treatments cost $129 to $139. Packages range from $199 to $619; there are also several package options for couples. For $39, you can use the facilities for the day.
The Spa at Gainey Village, 7477 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale (tel. 480/609-6980; www.thespaatgaineyvillage.com), is a state-of-the-art spa and health club near the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Although the health club, which is popular with the Scottsdale Mercedes set, seems to be the main draw, the spa offers a wide range of specialized treatments, including massage in a hydrotherapy tub, couples massages (complete with champagne and chocolate truffles), and just about anything else you can think of. With any 1-hour treatment (average price $85-$95), you can use the extensive exercise facilities or take a class. Packages range from $95 to $360.
Located high on the flanks of Mummy Mountain, the Spa at Camelback Inn, 5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale (tel. 480/596-7040; www.camelbackinn.com), has long been one of the valley's premiere spas, and, in order to keep up with all the new spas in the valley, was scheduled to complete an $8 million renovation as this book went to print. This renovation should firmly establish this as one of the best and most conveniently located spas in the valley. For the cost of a single 1-hour treatment -- between $95 and $135 -- you can use all the facilities. Among the treatments available are a para-joba body moisturizer that will leave your skin feeling like silk. Packages run from $165 to $310.
The Centre for Well Being, at the Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale (tel. 800/843-2392 or 480/423-2452; www.thephoenician.com), is one of the valley's most prestigious spas. For as little as $115, you can get a 50-minute spa treatment (anything from a botanical hydrating wrap to Turkish body scrub) and then spend the day using the many facilities. Packages range from $230 to $499.
The historic setting and convenient location of the Arizona Biltmore Spa, 24th Street and Missouri Avenue (tel. 602/381-7632 or 602/381-7683; www.arizonabiltmore.com), make this facility an excellent choice if you're spending time along the Camelback Corridor. The spa menu includes 80 different treatments, such as mud purification and desert body glow. If you have just one 50-minute treatment (priced around $115), you can use all of the spa's facilities for the rest of the day. Packages cost $350 to $650.
The Mist Spa, 7171 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale (tel. 877/MIST-SPA or 480/905-2882; www.themistspa.com), has a Japanese design, complete with Japanese-style massage rooms and a tranquil rock garden in a central courtyard. Treatments, which include the likes of collagen facials, Dead Sea mud wraps, and green-tea detoxifying wraps, cost $135 to $155. Massages run $105 for an hour. Packages range from $155 to $450. For the cost of a single 1-hour spa treatment, you can use the spa for the entire day.
