spas

The Art of Well-Being

Forget the Grand Canyon — it could be argued that Arizona’s legendary spas are the real reason visitors flock to the state. There are, quite literally, thousands of them, from immersive wellness retreats and resorts to luxury day spas. When you’re in the mood to be pampered, Arizona is the best place to be.

Renowned for distinctive experiences not found anywhere else, the state’s spas lean into desert-inspired treatments that draw upon Sonoran ingredients. A facial might feature clay from Sedona’s famed red rocks while a body buff could rely on the revitalizing elements of orange-blossom oil from a local citrus tree. Or imagine a purifying scrub that commences with an energy-cleansing sage smudging.

Spas here also pay homage to the state’s 22 Indigenous tribes with healing techniques based on curative American Indian traditions, like the Burden Basket Meditation at Aji Spa in Chandler, which honors the tribal history of the Pima and Maricopa people.

But perhaps most impressive about Arizona’s star cast of spas is just how many of them are elite destinations in and of themselves, and to which wellness seekers make pilgrimages from around the globe. There’s luxurious Miraval and celebrity-favorite Canyon Ranch, both near Tucson; the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale and Sanctuary Camelback in Paradise Valley; Sedona’s Mii Amo and Ambiente Resort; and Castle Hot Springs, a secluded wellness getaway in the mountains.

So, we take it back — don’t forget about the Grand Canyon. Just set aside enough time to indulge in a blissful Arizona spa day.