When I have friends in town, I want to wow them with all that Phoenix has to offer – which is pretty easy. Just look around. We live in Always Sunny-ville, we have a mountain shaped like a camel in our backyard (how cool!) and fitness studios to rival New York and LA. And then there are the spas. Hello, we have more spas per capita than any city in the US – brag-worthy, world-renowned spas that more than impress.
But there is a downside to living in spa haven: picking a spa can be tough… like picking-just-one-nail-polish-from-a-wall-of-colors tough. But when my friend Rebecca was in town the choice was easy: VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho.
So what sets VH Spa apart from the slew of spas? I love the location (smack dab in Old Town), love the retro chic vibe (hip touches everywhere), love the to-die-for Spa Boutique (I dare you to leave without buying something), I love the intimate and interactive environment. There are plenty of spa behemoths around, but bigger isn’t always better – and I didn’t want to lose my friend in a sea of spa-goers.
We kicked off our day of healthy decadence in the Movement Studio, VH Spa’s very own classy spot for fitness classes (think Pilates, Zumba and Yogalates). We did yoga, and downward dogged and giggled our way through. Classes max at 6 people so there was plenty of personalized attention.
Next on the agenda: Chat and chill in the spa lounge, a quaint space perfect for leafing through magazines, sipping infused teas and catching up. We happily did all of the above, relishing the relaxed atmosphere. And then came the moment we’d been waiting for: Our therapists called our names. We sprang into action, both beaming in anticipation. Treatment time!
Rebecca was slotted for the LomiLomi, a Hawaiian-style massage known for its wave-like strokes. I had the CoffeeBerry Yoga Facial, a facial that combines antioxidant potions with yoga stretches and massage for the ultimate tightening and toning complexion treatment. It’s like a yoga class for your skin!
Sixty minutes of bliss later, Rebecca and I re-emerged two different people. Rebecca was beaming – and bragging about “the best massage of her life.” I was glowing, still on cloud 9 from the glorious treatment. A barrage of “You look amazing, no you look amazing,” followed as we headed to the oh-so cool pool for lunch on the loungers. Whata day!
