One of the things that Phoenix is well-known for is the many stunning resorts spread like desert oases across the city with each offering a wide variety of luxury spa experiences. In this article, we’ll compare three top picks based on personal experience to give you a local’s perspective and help you create the type of spa day you’re looking for. Below you’ll find our picks for most budget-friendly, best full-day experience, or most luxurious resort spas in the area.
Most Budget-Friendly: Arizona Grand Spa at the Arizona Grand Resort
Location: 8000 S Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85044 (click here for website)
Award: The Arizona Grand Spa at the Arizona Grand Resort wins the most budget-friendly award because they almost always have a Groupon for a significant discount on massage or facial services, bringing the total from > $250 at other resorts much closer to $100.
First-hand Experience: Grand Custom Massage (50-minute)
What’s included?
- Signature Treatments: The Groupon almost always includes an option for a “Grand Custom Massage” or a “Grand Custom Facial,” sometimes even with the option for a couple’s massage. The treatments included are 50 minutes and often vary based on weekday vs. weekend pricing. Click here for a link to the Groupon.
- Pool & Athletic Club: Your purchase of a Groupon will also get you access to the outdoor relaxation pool and HUGE athletic club (fitness center) which is the largest out of any of the Arizona resorts! It is 20,000 square feet and includes Peloton bikes, an indoor racquetball court, a five-lane heated lap pool, 40 machines, a separate free-weight room, and even a smart fitness mirror.
Pro Tip:
- The Arizona Grand Resort is also well-known for their large Oasis Water Park which is built across 7 acres and includes two, 8-story water slides, a giant wave pool, a hot tub, a lazy river, and a splash pad. While the regular Groupon does not include access to this water park, occasionally they will offer options with water park admission included so keep an eye out for that.
Best Full-Day Experience: Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Location: 7575 E Princess Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (click here for website)
Award: The Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess wins the best full-day experience award because of the large variety of amenities offered with purchase of a spa treatment including access to all fitness classes, a steam room, eucalyptus inhalation room, Swedish dry sauna, hot whirlpool, cold plunge, Swiss shower, an outdoor grotto waterfall pool, and a rooftop adults-only pool with poolside dining.
First-hand Experience: Desert Seasons Pedicure (60-minute) & Aerial Yoga
What’s included?
Signature Treatments: The spa offers a range of treatments, including the signature “Desert Essence” massage, which incorporates desert botanicals and essential oils. Salon services do not grant you access to all of the amenities with the exception of nail services. Click here for the spa menu.
Fitness Classes: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers over 20 different fitness classes which you will have access to on the day of your service. There is a wide variety with classes ranging from aerial yoga (which is a must not miss!) to kung fu cardio, floating sound bowl meditation, mat Pilates, spin & sculpt, Tai Chi, TRX fusion, and strength training. You will need to call in advance and make a reservation for the fitness classes as spots are limited. Click here for the schedule.
Gender-Specific Facilities: The locker rooms at the Well & Being Spa are very well-designed and offer many amenities within including a steam room, eucalyptus inhalation room, Swedish dry sauna, hot whirlpool, cold plunge, and a Swiss shower in addition to plenty of vanity space.
Outdoor Pools: With your spa treatment, you also get access to the outdoor co-ed pool spaces which include a grotto waterfall pool and a rooftop adults-only pool that offers poolside food and beverage service.
Pro Tip:
- If you have never tried Aerial Yoga before, this class is a must not miss! The class takes place inside a beautiful indoor veranda with lots of natural lighting and is based around poses that utilize a fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling. The yoga class is a perfect mix of peaceful relaxation and fun play as you get to try something new.
Most Luxurious: Tierra Luna Spa at the Arizona Biltmore
Location: 2400 E Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (click here for website)
Award: The Tierra Luna Spa at the Arizona Biltmore wins the most luxurious award because of the beautifully designed atmosphere including treatment rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking lush gardens, calming water features, and soothing earth tones in addition to the environment of tranquility and seclusion felt in the spa which is unique compared to other Phoenix resort spas.
First-hand Experience: Desert Oasis Couple’s Massage (50-minute) & Tierra Luna Pedicure (50-minute)
What’s included?
- Signature Treatments: Tierra Luna offers a wide variety of treatments ranging from the “Arizona Clay Facial” to “Couples Curations” which are packages including a massage, steam shower, and a soaking tub made for two in a private couples’ suite. Click here for the full spa menu.
- Amenities: On the day of your treatment, you will also have access to the Sol Garden which is open from 9AM – 7PM daily and includes an adult relaxation pool, outdoor hot tub and cold plunge, and a steam room.
Pro Tip:
- If you’re looking for a unique massage experience, the Tierra Luna Spa offers these “Dream Tables” that are technologically equipped to provide light therapy, heat therapy, and quartz or water surfaces to complement your Swedish massage. These services can be booked as an individual or couple.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you to find and create the spa experience you’re looking for. Whether that is the most budget-friendly option, a full-day experience, or the most luxurious treatment, each of these Phoenix resort spas comes highly recommended.