Walk into Montelicia’s Joya Spa, and you’re instantly transported into an exotic escape. The majestic Andalusian place of pampering is, by far, the ultimate elite and unique experience.
As you enter the multi-million dollar, multi-level, 31,000-sqaire foot custom-everything spa, you’ll feel at ease, especially taking part in the resort’s rituals. A wonderful walkway leads you to the spa’s 19 treatment rooms, where you are encouraged to rid yourself from all negative energy. (You can do this by touching the facility’s enormous crystal and taking two deep breaths in and out.) My 50-minute massage (courtesy of Anita) was fantastic, and the BF says his was just as wonderful. Following our treatments, we each indulged in some serious alone time—I was very happy making my way from the steam room, to the cool water shower, to the Jacuzzi tub, and finally, to the sauna. The four-step pampering process is supposed to give your body a boost of rejuvenation…and it did.
Spa guests are also welcome to relax amidst a private rooftop pool complete with the most spectacular views of Camelback. And if all that down time revs your energy levels, the Montelucia offers a top-of-the-line fitness center, in addition to a handful of exercise classes. However, our spa experience had the opposite effect—following our venture at Joya, the BF and I headed back to our room for nap time.
The day’s festivities surely worked up our appetite, so at 9pm we checked into Prado, the Montelucia’s premiere restaurant. The alluring atmosphere was rich in Spanish-meets-Moroccan décor, and the menu was made up of Italian-meets-Mediterranean cuisine. But lucky for us, the BF and I didn’t have to choose between the ravioli, tuna, or duck…that’s because Chef Peter gave us a taste-test of all three, plus more.
Chef Peter surely gave us a warm welcome as we entered “his” domain. Between him and our server Josh, we filled up on an array of salad, seafood, pasta, and meat—washing things down with red vino. We sat cozy in a booth, with a perfect view of the entire restaurant, which includes a sitting area, chic bar, and band area. The BF even (oh-so-romantically) asked me to slow dance.
Dinner came with a grand finale; dessert: an overflowing chocolate lava cake and fresh gelato. Our tummies were graciously full and we easily slept like babies.
To complete our serene staycation, we slept in, savoring the plush feather mattress and down comforter. We ordered a room service breakfast, then bid our farewell to our fabulous getaway.
The 34-million dollar property features nearly 300 guestrooms, including 2 highly acclaimed 3,000-square foot private suites. It’s the ultimate lap of luxury boasting handmade mosaic tiles, archways, vibrant colors, antique doors, custom light fixtures, and other architectural details. The Montelucia has received 2-thumbs up from many acclaimed publications like Travel & Leisure Magazine, Brides Magazine, and Sunset Magazine.
And you can treat yourself to the ultimate getaway for a great price. The resort is offering a handful of Labor Day deals. No doubt, it’s the hottest place to wrap up AZ’s sizzling summer season.
For more information, visit: www.montelucia.com.
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