“Back to School” means new notebooks, calculators and sneakers—but how about agave mud wraps, coffee bean scrubs and moonlight massages? With their little ones back in the classroom, stressed-out moms can get the pampering they deserve at these eight Valley spas.
Treatments here incorporate healing techniques and ingredients used by indigenous Native American cultures. With the Desert Nectar Honey Wrap, Arizona honey, buttermilk and oats refresh the skin; a fragrant conditioner massages the scalp; and orange blossom water, lavender oil and a cucumber mask make for a hydrating facial. Plus, we have no problem trusting the premier spa guide 100 Best Spas of the World, which continually features Camelback on their list. 60 min., $145. 480.948.1700, www.camelbackinn.com.
Agave, The Arizona Spa at Kierland Resort
At Agave, guests leave their worries and cares behind by placing them in handmade Apache woven baskets hanging from the doorways. With mind cleared and soul bared, guests then benefit from such revitalizing treatments as the signature Blue Agave Mud Wrap, which uses sugar scrub, oil and mud from the agave plant to hydrate, warm and soothe the body. 80 min., $205-$225. 480.624.1500, www.kierlandresort.com.
W Hotel Scottsdale & Bliss Spa
Bliss’s Triple Oxygen Treatment delights everyone from frazzled mothers to supermodel Molly Sims. This facial helps ladies suffering from tired or dry skin through cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and three separate oxygen treatments. Meanwhile, guests sample olives, cheese, fruit and W Scottsdale’s legendary brownie bar. 75 min., $160. 480.575.0164, www.whotels.com/Scottsdale.
Dolce Salon and Spa
Caffeine addicts unite! With blissful and aromatic applications of chocolate and ground coffee beans, Mio Amore Bella Dolce repeatedly satisfies womanly cravings. The Mocha Body Polish improves circulation and eliminates toxins from your skin. Steam towels and dustings of pure cocoa powder soothe the body, and the Chocolate Almond Butter Moisturizer at the end will leave you saying, “Mamma mia!” 90 min., $185. 480.722.0500. www.dolcesalonspa.com.
The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
Feeling a bit lonely with the kids out of the house? Grab one, two or three friends and check out the Suite Escape package at Carefree’s Golden Door. Relax in the Sun Suite, the resort’s private veranda, as you take in expansive views of the boulders and experience eight 50-minute spa treatments. With your gals, enjoy lunch and the use of the private outdoor whirlpool and steam showers. 6 hrs, $2,200. 480.595.3500, www.theboulders.com.
The Phoenician Resort & The Centre of Well-Being
We’re duly impressed by many facets of the Phoenician: its $25 million art collection, its elegant Praying Monk wine cellar—but most of all the Centre’s end-of-summer 50% Spa Savings deal. Now through Sept. 7, purchase any 50-minute treatment from the 2009 spa menu and receive half off a second 50-minute treatment. Now that’s impressive. Prices vary. 480.423.2452, www.thephoenician.com.
InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Joya Spa
Step into this spa and you’ll step into exotic days of old. Home of Arizona’s only Hammam (a Turkish bath variant), Joya exudes Moroccan and Andalusian flavor. The Joyambrosia Signature Massage blends mint, citrus and Morocco’s own “liquid gold” argan oil. Add essence from a rare night flower, and tranquility is never far. 90 min., $235. 480.627.3200, www.icmontelucia.com.
Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale
The hidden Grand Canyon oasis of Havasupai inspires this spa’s mood and magic. Nature’s primary elements—air, water, earth, wood and fire—are reflected in the eucalyptus inhalation rooms, waterfall treatment area and various energizing procedures. One special treat is the Desert Moonlight Massage: after 7 p.m., indulge in a massage of your choice, an evening swim in the rooftop pool and a delicious candlelit dinner. 60 or 90 min., $185-$279. 480.585.2732, www.fairmont.com/Scottsdale.
