The Perfect Spa Getaway | Travel Guide Phoenix

If you have always wanted to do a spa vacation, but weren’t sure where to go or how to organize it, boy do I have you covered.

Whether you follow me on snapchat, instagram or you saw this post or this post, you probably already know what’s coming. If not, allow me to show you what I have been cooking up!

I recently traveled to Phoenix to create this spa focused travel guide so you guys can start making plans.

Personally I did not think of Phoenix or Scottsdale as my ideal vacation destination, until I went there and experienced it. Two words: Ah-mazing!

If you are truly looking for a restful, tranquil, pampering vacation, then look no further than Phoenix!

Below is a breakdown of my picks as well as a video of my experience. And if you want to see some of the looks I wore you can check out here and here. (And there’s more outfits to come!)

Where to Stay:

The place you stay will shape your experience and where you should go depends on the vibe you are looking for. I recommend staying at a resort that has a good spa and good restaurants if you don’t want the hassle of traveling around.

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

If you are looking for strictly tranquil and serene, then this is the place. Located on a reservation, the grounds are so rich with culture and beauty, it is impossible not to feel zen the minute you arrive.

The decor is rich with the culture of the Pima and Maricopa people and the view looks out to Camelback mountain, where the wild horses actually graze (hence the name!)

Take a walk around the grounds, a boat ride down the river or get a cultural tour from their Cultural Concierge.

This resort is only 11 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport so it’s really convenient.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch

If you want to combine relaxation with some activity, this resort is perfect. During the day you can relax by the 2.5 acre water playground and grab a cabana at one of the 10 pools. At night they have an open air restaurant and bar which features live music. There is also a gondola ride, golf course and an Adventure Activity Team to help you with any outside activities you might want to do.

This resort is family friendly and the pool area even has a beach with sand (see below photo)

The rooms are amazing! I had a full blown patio, (which I could’ve lounged on with cocktails all day if I wasn’t busy creating this travel guide!) which you can see in the video at the bottom of the post.

Where to Spa

Centre for Well-being at Phoenician

This spa is located at the foot of Camelback Mountain and is known for it’s focus on the mind, body and spirit connection.

Services range from manicures to massages and even tarot card readings. I had cupping done, which is very different but I do recommend giving it a try.

This spa is very large with 24 treatment rooms, jacuzzi, fitness center and full service salon.

Aji Spa at Sheraron WildHorse Pass

This spa gets it’s name from the Pima word for Sanctuary. It has 17 rooms to have treatments inspired by ancient rituals and incorporate ingredients from the Gila River and cholla cactus. There are also indoor and outdoor jacuzzies, a pool, fitness center, salon and cafe.

This spa also has the Native American Spiritual Healer Belen Stoneman, who I was lucky enough to have a session with. Belen is a member of the Gila River Indian Community and uses a sacred holistic approach to healing the mind, body and spirit through therapeutic massage. She is so intuitive, she tapped into deep emotional and physical issues I was having and was able to give me guidance on how to free myself of them.

Truly a life changing experience.

Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch

This spa embraces a holistic, total immersion approach, based on the body’s cyclical needs at key periods of the day.

It has a Celtic Mineral Pool that contains minerals flown in from France, which I featured on instagram. I literally could’ve stayed there all day.

The spa has a his and her side with the Celtic Pool in the middle for both to enjoy.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort

Tucked away on the mountain side, this spa offers quiet and relaxation. I had a unique golf ball massage, that I highly recommend trying.

There are treatments inspired by both the four seasons, and Native American rituals.

For an intimate couple’s experience, they offer private suites equipped with a jetted tub, shower, steam and sauna, restroom and a double massage area.

The Spa at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Located on the North Slope of Camelback Mountain, as the name suggests, this property is a sanctuary away from it all. The spa has an Asian feel and a is great choice for some me time.

I had the Wild Lime Blossom massage with essential oils. These oils are used in your hair, so if you prefer to skip that, make sure you let your therapist know, but the next day, my hair was hydrated, soft and shiny.

There is a relaxing jacuzzi and waterfall showers as well as a Zen and meditation garden. When you are done you can go enjoy an amazing meal at their onsite restaurant Elements.

Where to Eat

Kai at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

It’s no surprise that this is Phoenix’s most sought after dining experiences.  It is the first Native American owned AAA Five Diamond & Forbes Five Star Award winning restaurant and the only one in Phoenix/Scottsdale.

The menu and decor has Pima an Maricopa influence (Kai is the Pima word for seed) and I was treated to a multi-course dining experience, complete with aroma therapy at the end.

This place is one of a kind and definitely worth visiting.

Ko’sin at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Ko’sin is the Pima word for kitchen and combines Native American with Arizona comfort food. I enjoyed an amazing breakfast with a beautiful mountain view.

SWB at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Gainey Ranch

This restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and an amazing Sunday brunch. They also have Fajita Friday and I got to do a cocktail and wine tasting, experiencing some unique concoctions.

Alto at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Gainey Ranch

This Italian restaurant is one of the top rated in Scottsdale and known for their unique wine program. You can dine inside or outside on the terrance around their fire pits. There is also a complimentary gondola ride along the resort’s waterways.

Proof at Four Seasons Troon North

This restaurant has an American road trip vibe with comfort food sourced from all 50 states. This is a casual hang out with a bar, tv’s, and a train track that runs through. Oh, and the food is amazing.

True Food Kitchen

Anyone who knows me knows that this is one of my favorite restaurants (when one moved into my neighborhood and I was jumping for joy) but what you may not know, is this chain originated in Phoenix at the Biltmore Fashion Park. I couldn’t resist visiting the original location and the food was as good as I imagined.

Joyride Taco House

If you love Mexican food, you will love this place. Great vibes, amazing tacos, delicious margaritas!

Postinos

This restaurant originated in Arizona each location is set in a historic building that has cutural significance to the neighborhood it is located in. This place has a casual approach to wine and is extremely gluten free-friendly.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen

This place has a fun but casual vibe, features ingredients unique to the area and has delicious wine flights.

*All these restaurants were more than happy to accommodate my gluten and dairy intolerance

Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain 

Run by the Food Network’s Beau MacMillian, this restaurant offers farm to table American cuisine with Asian accents.

The quality and presentation is unparalleled and the views through the 3 sides of floor to ceiling windows, will literally take your breath away.

I spend 3 hours dining here and never wanted to leave. When in Phoenix this restaurant is a must.

What to do

Hot Air Expeditions Hot Air Ballon Ride

As someone who has a healthy fear of heights, the thought of a ballon ride was a little nerve racking, however it turned out to be such a calm and serene experience that was the perfect addition to a spa trip.

There is no need to fear, it literally feels like you are just floating. (No belly butterflies, no nerves…AT ALL) 

This activity is very early (I was picked up at 4:30am!) because you are taken in the middle of the Sonoran Desert where you float up in the sky and take in all it’s beauty with the sun rise.

This is definitely a ‘bucket list’ experience you won’t want to miss. To see my experience, scroll down and click play on the video!

 

For more ideas and info on travel to Phoenix you can head over to Visit Phoenix.

XO,