Monthly Archives: January 2021

Hotels

The best spas in Scottsdale

With year-round sunshine, and the most resort spas per capita in the country, Scottsdale is a mecca for spa lovers. As a wellness travel expert living in the Valley of the Sun, these are my favorites.

Phoenician Spa

Phoenician Spa

The three-story spa at the Phoenician  is one of the newest resort spas in town and this year became one of Forbes’ Top Five Star Spas in the World.
It is easy to lull away the day here, preferably from a private cabana next to the spa’s rooftop pool. Take in the views of Camelback Mountain as you float your cares away. For lunch, enjoy a fresh shrimp ceviche paired with a glass of bubbles (Gruet Blanc de Noirs is my favorite).
For a more active day, you can use the state-of-the-art fitness centre or take an outdoor yoga class. There is a whole roster of classes, but it’s on hold until the pandemic passes. When classes return, aerial yoga is a must for a playful approach to mindfulness.
The spa has reduced its treatment menu, but there are still plenty of options, including the wildly popular Hydrofacial, Shea Butter Wrap, and Mineral Salt Glow.
My favorite is the Relief Massage. This customized massage adds CBD to the mix, which helps reduce inflammation and encourages my ridiculously tight muscles to relax.
Keep the zen vibe going by resting in the quiet room, or enjoy the jacuzzis and saunas which are regulated to ensure social distancing.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks other than when eating, at the pool, or facedown in a treatment. Temperature check on arrival. Steam and jacuzzi are limited to one party at a time. The fitness room is limited to four people. No reading material in the relaxation room.

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

The only destination spa in the Valley, CIVANA is also the newest. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert, it feels a world away from the city.
There is a long list of fitness classes which are free for spa guests. I like the wall yoga and myofascial release classes, and if you stay through the early evening the Sunset Sound Healing is a must.
A defining feature of the spa is the Aqua Therapy Circuit which has the only KLAFS Sanarium in the continental US. It is five experiences in one; a classic sauna, warm air bath, tropical bath, aroma bath, and steam. Studies show it lowers blood pressure and help circulatory problems.
The spa also has a Knepp hot and cold pool, a tepidarium therapeutic soaking pool, and if you’re bold, a cold deluge.
The Sonoran Sea facial is unique and perfect if, like me, you carry tension in your jaw or are prone to headaches. Massage techniques are woven into the facial, giving powerful, multiple benefits. I love that gemstones like rose quartz and amethyst are used to impart their energetic qualities.
I got a sneak peek of The Spirit of the Desert massage that is soon to be added to the menu. This 90-minute treatment uses poultices filled with healing herbs, inspired by the spa’s medicine wheel. Using the sachets and normal massage strokes the therapist coaxed my stressed-out muscles to relax.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks inside and outside when social distancing can’t be maintained. Health screening and a temperature check on arrival. Aqua Therapy Circuit must be booked in advance and limited to 30 minutes. Indoor fitness classes are limited to four guests.

Joya Spa

Joya Spa

The Joya Spa at the Omni Scottsdale Resort  holds a special place in my heart and has one of my favorite relaxation rooms of any spa in the world. For a serious splurge, book the Grand Palace Spa Suite, which includes an area for couples’ massages, an infinity bath, a fireplace, and a bed that cost $22,000.
Even if you don’t book a VIP suite, there is so much to enjoy here. The terrace pool has unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain, and a water circuit in the locker rooms takes you back to the roots of the spa, when people used to “take the waters” to improve their health.
With so many unique treatments, it’s hard to pick one. Skip the standard massages and opt for the Neuromuscular Massage instead, which uses techniques to coax the body into better alignment while soothing aching muscles.
To counter the effects of desert living, I like the Signature Black Pearl Detox Facial. This powerhouse skin treatment detoxifies and restores with cool touches like a Shiatsu facial massage and luxurious black pearl collagen mask.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks in the spa and when face-up during a massage. A new seating arrangement encourages distancing. Guests can request disposable robes and slippers. No reading material in relaxation areas. The relaxation lounge is closed.

Spa Aviana

The Himalayan salt room at Spa Aviana

Spa Aviana at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort is the only spa in town with a Himalayan salt room. It is a great addition to any treatment you have. Salt rooms detox the system and boost your immune system, which is so important these days. Halotherapy, or inhaling the micro salt particles in the air, also helps inflammation, improves breathing, and promotes better sleep and clearer skin.
There is a mineral pool, which helps relieve chronic pain, improve circulation and reduce stress levels, and five garden side treatment rooms with private entrances.
Book the classic Swedish massage for sheer relaxation, or the Luk Pra Kob, which blends traditional Thai bodywork with steamed herbal poultices.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks inside the spa, including during treatments. No reading material in the relaxation rooms. Blankets and throws are available by request.

Valley Ho Spa

Pool at the Valley Ho Hotel

The mid-century modern Valley Ho hotel is a millennial favorite in Downtown Scottsdale, and the compact spa has a cheeky vibe that resonates with this crowd.
Jet-set treatments draw inspiration from the best wellness practices worldwide, from the Istanbul Hammam Experience to the Icelandic Moonflower Signature service, combining a scrub or hydrating wrap with a customized massage.
My favorite treatment is the Rock & Roll. It’s a spin on the typical hot stone massage, using hot stones and heated birchwood sticks to work on stubborn knots.
Any spa service comes with access to the resort pools. Come on a weekend and you can join the COVID-modified pool parties, with a DJ spinning tunes all afternoon long. Another ‘spa perk‘ is a voucher good for a free drink anywhere on the property. A Cucumber Collins poolside is a perfect end to your day here.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Guests must wear masks during treatments. Temperature checks on arrival. No reading material in the relaxation room. 

Dena Roché is a luxury wellness travel expert from the US.

Destinations

48 Hours In Palm Springs

Palm Springs has top-notch hotels and resorts, restaurants, shopping, and the best mid-century architecture in the state—all surrounded by a stunning landscape. There is great weather for most of the year (although summer can be hot), and best of all, the city is just a few hours from Los Angeles (depending on traffic) and San Diego.

Day One

Check into the recently opened Les Cactus, a whimsical boutique hotel with 27 bungalow-style guest rooms. In the Warm Sands neighborhood, the 1930’s property is ideal for anyone looking for a sophisticated ambiance without unnecessary contact or crowds.
Already dubbed the “Instagram hotel” because of its chic aesthetic, entering the hotel feels like walking into a photoshoot. The lobby, rooms, and outdoor space feature gorgeous furniture and décor from some of the top names in design, including Gucci Garden, Serena and Lilly, CB2, and Zia Tile. 
From the interior to the exterior—which has a pool and hot tub surrounded by pink and green striped lounge chairs, pink flower trees, and a dog topiary—it’s clear that LA-based hotelier and designer Matthew Kurtz was intentional about every single detail.

Les Cactus

Head to the main street, Palm Canyon Drive, for lunch at Trio Cheerfully decorated, this bright orange-accented restaurant is a local favorite, with a patio ideal for people watching. Whether you are craving a juicy burger or a fresh salad, you will find something to please you here.
After your meal, don’t miss paying a visit to the great furniture boutiques that the Uptown Design District is famous for. Whether you are looking for vintage pieces, a set of dining chairs you won’t find anywhere else, or home accessories to bring back with you, this stretch is a must for interior design geeks—or indeed anyone who loves an original piece.
Next up is Trina Turk. This popular women’s clothing brand has a flagship store filled with apparel, swimwear, shoes, and accessories, as well as the “Mr Turk” men’s line. Turk, who is a local, stocks many interesting finds that are not carried at other locations, including decorative accessories, linens, pool floats, and coffee table books.

Trina Turk in Palm Springs

The Frippery is another eclectic Palm Springs spot, full of colorful second-hand clothing, as well as new items handmade from vintage fabrics. And if you have ever wanted to buy a caftan, you will find your dream one here.
Palm Springs has plenty of options for dinner, but the award-winning Copley’s On Palm Canyon is truly spectacular. Located on Cary Grant’s former estate, it has a chic, old Hollywood feel.
The large outdoor area is perfect for dining comfortably and safely. Start with a cocktail or glass of wine: the menu changes seasonally, but whether you want steak, fish, duck, lobster, or a plant-based dish, you will find something to indulge your taste buds. 

Copley’s on Palm Canyon

Day Two

With French specialties including crepes, french toast, and Croque Madames, you will have no problem saying oui to brunch at Farm a downtown café with outdoor seating that feels like a beautiful European garden. Just keep in mind that they don’t take reservations for brunch, so you will need to add your name to a list. There are plenty of great shops nearby to distract you until you get a text telling you your table is ready. 
Palm Springs is known for its architecture, so do not miss out on a walking tour with Palm Springs Mod Squad. They offer two COVID-safe, socially distanced tours of architecture and interiors. Participants follow the Mod Squad van from the safety of their own cars while the tour guide conducts the tour via cell phone.
The “Essential Palm Springs Tour” focuses on six of the area’s most renowned architects, while the “Interior Tour” takes you inside several mid-century homes. Other tours will resume in the future. All tours need to be booked in advance.

The Palm Springs Mod Squad offers tours around the area’s mid-century homes.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sit down for a meal at Roly China Fusion (reservations advised). This dim sum restaurant has both rooftop and poolside dining. The menu features everything from traditional dishes like mongolian beef to newer creations like miso-glazed seabass, as well as vegan options. 

Dinner and cocktails at Roly China Fusion.

If you’d rather dine on your own right now, the restaurant is currently collaborating with Tommi Rose’s to offer a “Drag & Dine Delivery” service. On Friday and Saturday nights, get your food delivered by a drag queen with the option to add a short performance or even a twenty-minute show. If you’re missing shows and live entertainment right now, this is a fun way to get your fix.

Amanda Lauren is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles.