By the time fall hits I am usually primed and ready for activity and raring to go after a lazy summer. This year, the summer months proved to be almost as jam-packed with to-do lists as the rest of the year, leaving me an exhausted, wilted flower. Luckily, I was offered a day off and the chance to sample the Alvea Spa in the Encanterra community's jaw-dropping La Casa Clubhouse to relax and revive for the weeks ahead.
Arrival
I was amazed to learn the spa at this private community's La Casa Clubhouse is actually open to the public, and not anywhere overpriced like other options in town. As a matter of fact, a mani/pedi rivals the top spas in town in quality, but costs little more than the place I currently go in a shopping center. Best of all, outside guests are more than welcome to enjoy a nice meal, the beautiful pools, relaxing sitting areas and fitness classes with their treatments!
The drive to the San Tan Valley community wasn't anywhere near as long as a drive as I thought! From Central Phoenix to Encanterra it took about 35-40 minutes, and with my best gal-pal in tow, it felt even shorter than that. After taking in the staggering ambiance of the community and clubhouse, we stepped into the gorgeous spa.
R&R
We were greeted by a friendly crew and directed to changing room, where we put on the softest and cushiest robes of all time-leaving our blackberries behind for an afternoon escape. Prior to our treatments, we were able to relax for a bit with some water in the beautiful relaxation room. The space was beautiful- the perfect spot to forget your troubles- calming colors with oversize, cushy chairs and relaxing herbal teas.
Alvea Spa's spa menu.
Massage Treatment
It wasn't long before we were whisked to the two treatment rooms for 60-minute massages. The treatment room itself was unbelievable- the massage bed had delightfully heavy comforters on it, the music played was beautiful and tranquil, the decor was calming but interesting and the tented ceiling had me feeling like I was on another continent. Let's face it, the spa is all about an escape, and Encanterra makes you feel an ocean away.
I've had massages on several occasions at other spots- a few I had were pleasant, but I left the spa just as stressed as when I began. Others I've had were painful- I felt like I was strength training for the entire hour. This was the absolute perfect medium. My massage therapist was Kristina, and she offered just the right amount of pressure- It wasn't so much that it hurt, and the results were long-lasting. I left the treatment room more relaxed than I've been in months. Another bonus- I didn't leave overly greasy and in need of a shower. I've left massages with slicked-back hair and no makeup before because they put oil everywhere- not so, at Encanterra.
Upon leaving, I was handed a bottle of water and some Ghirardelli chocolates. Nothing like topping a sumptuous massage with a truffle or two.
