Many wellness treatments promote holistic health that goes deeper than the body. It’s easy to see how a relaxing massage with lavender essential oils and dim lights can calm your mind and help curb your stress.
But what about the “spirit” part of holistic wellness? That deeper level of health and wellness is trickier to pin down.
Not at the Scottsdale Spa at the Phoenician, though.
The Phoenician’s Centre for Well-being — a breathtaking oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert — is well known and respected as a leader in mind-body-soul therapy, even offering a full “intuitive services” section as a regular part of its spa menu.
From first glance at this menu, I knew I was in for something different. Something special. Intuitive services was a hot topic at the ILTM Spa this past year, and it is one of the Phoenician’s many unique offerings.
During my spa visit, I experienced the signature Phoenician’s Finest Facial, which was its own kind of magic, transforming my skin with a customized treatment perfectly matched to my body’s needs. My therapist used Image Skincare on my face: a vitamin C enzyme peel to exfoliate; an oxygen infusion of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants; and a hydrating green tea serum. My face hadn’t felt that fresh and vibrant in months. Maybe longer.
Another feature that makes the Phoenician stand out is its treatment ingredients, which are inspired by the surrounding desert plants and minerals, with a history of use by the Southwest natives. Indulge in jojoba and aloe vera. Try a prickly pear scrub. Melt underneath a Native American warm basalt “stone ritual.”
The spa is not limited by geography, either; you can find other interesting international treatments, such as mud wraps utilizing detoxifying Hungarian moor mud.
The Phoenician’s atmosphere even feels otherworldly, with a serene, cool facility down a flight of stairs, nearly undergroud. Rarely does something make me remove my Limited Edition Costa Austin sunglasses so quickly! Inside, I was amazed to find 22,000 square feet and 24 treatment rooms of glorious luxury. Even a Meditation Atrium, where you can experience guided meditation classes. I enjoyed a sip of fresh strawberry flavored water. And then hit up the full spa boutique stocked with many of my favorite products, including Image plumping lip gloss and the entire line of Pevonia. I couldn’t leave without picking up a travel set of Pevonia’s Caviar Set.
In addition to its treatment rooms, you can also find a weight-training and cardio studio here, with top-of-the-line Matrix Fitness equipment. Or if you’d rather relax some more, stretch out on a chaise with a book to the sound of bubbling fountains.CANYON WATERFALL.jpg
Make a day of your spa excursion, and book a room at The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, the state’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond property — and quite possibly the friendliest place in the Southwest. The details add up here, from lush grounds chirping with birds to hypoallergenic luxury suites and guestrooms, which are cleaned with organic products. Mattresses are housed in special protective cases, and the shower heads are filtered to remove chlorine, just to name a few of the above-and-beyond efforts to set up maximum comfort.
It is no surprise that The Phoenician was named “North America’s Leading Resort 2013” at the 20th World Travel Awards last fall. It will make you fall in love with Scottsdale and the tranquil atmosphere unique to the desert.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.thephoenician.com/spa
