Spas that mix state-of-the-art technology with the newest scientifically created products are certainly appealing, but there’s also a lot to be said for relying on more traditional practices — specifically, Sonoran Desert ingredients and Native American-inspired rituals — to reach a peak state of wellness. Read on to discover the truly special Scottsdale spas that harness the power of locally sourced elements, pay homage to the culture and customs of the region’s Indigenous peoples, and bring a refreshing perspective to mind, body, and spiritual wellness.
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Cactus thrives at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale property, making its Nopal Massage an especially excellent choice. During the 90-minute treatment, your massage therapist applies warm prickly pear cactus (nopal) gel all over by using the smooth, fleshy insides of the cactus paddles directly on your skin. Refreshing and restorative, this gel is filled with healing antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
For a full-sensory experience, Desert Bathing is part of the rotating calendar of weekly wellness programming at the resort. The ritual begins with intention-setting, along with a mindfulness and grounding exercise. Guests then embark on a meditative hike on a nearby Sonoran Desert trail and conclude at The Spa with cooling, aromatherapy-scented towels, and a brief re-centering exercise.
The Spa at Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton
Boulders Resort & Spa is a special property because the ancient peoples who originally inhabited this sacred land considered the surrounding granite rock formations to be spiritual — this is why spa-goers are encouraged to step outside and connect with the earth on their visit. The Spa pays homage to the region with wellness treatments inspired by the seasonal harvest from the spa’s expansive organic garden and Native American healing traditions.
One particularly beloved service is the Tipi Cleansing Ritual. This soothing experience begins with a tranquil guided walk in the Spa’s labyrinth. Next, guests enter the Tipi, set an intention and relax into the healing space of Mother Earth, emerging renewed and connected to their inner spirit. Or try the Sound Meditation, which employs music and sound to clear the mind and deepen meditation (a practice used by Native American shamans for centuries).
The Spa at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn
Spend a day letting your cares melt away at The Spa at Camelback Inn, a luxurious resort spa surrounded by the Sonoran Desert between Mummy and Camelback Mountains. During the Adobe Clay Detox Wrap, silky adobe clay is applied to the entire body to relax muscles and draw out impurities. Then, the therapist uses Southwestern-inspired soap and a cactus fiber cloth during a Vichy shower to remove the clay before applying warmed juniper and sage oils.
Or try the Natural Agave Toning Wrap, which begins with a full-body exfoliation using a sea salt scrub and includes a body wrap with a full scalp massage. An application of prickly pear cactus gel with extracts of ginger root, paprika and carrageenan promotes circulation, glowing skin and improved elasticity. The therapist then applies a moisturizing agave nectar oil infused with plant extracts for ultimate hydration.
The Spa at Talking Stick Resort
True to the heritage and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, on whose land it resides, this airy spa on Talking Stick Resort’s 14th floor offers panoramic vistas and treatments inspired by products made with culturally significant ingredients. The Salt River Body Scrub uses a coarse blend of salt, oil and indigenous botanicals to slough away dead skin cells, followed by an application of deeply hydrating jojoba lotion to leave your skin velvety smooth.
While you’re at the Spa, treat your feet to a little pampering. The Prickly Pear pedicure includes a cactus fruit sugar scrub, while the Mesquite Bean pedicure gets your feet sandal-ready with a mesquite bean polish, paraffin treatment and extended massage. Top off either treatment with a beautiful pop of color on your toes!
Castle Hot Springs
Set on more than 1,000 acres in the Sonoran Desert, Castle Hot Springs is a boutique resort famous for its clear, natural hot springs that produce over 200,000 gallons of mineral-rich water daily. The therapeutic water cascades into three pools of varying temperatures of 106⁰ to 85⁰F and soaking in the springs increases your levels of lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates to help lift your mood, calm your mind, and ease muscle aches.
Treatments at the onsite spa draw inspiration from the land, including herbs and plants from its farm. For instance, the Prickly Pear and Shea Butter Wrap uses a rich, natural body butter with Arizona prickly pear and pomegranate extracts blended with soothing shea butter, jojoba, and aloe vera. This encourages skin regeneration and elasticity while combatting the effects of time and the dry desert air.
