Over the years your bodies become like walking autobiographies telling friends and strangers alike of the minor and major stresses in your life.
Marilyn Ferguson

What in the world could be better than relaxing, outstretched on a massage table, in a room with filtered, natural light, soft music, with completely dedicated hands that are roaming your body, sensing every pressure point that needs attention? The answer is simple …absolutely nothing. Celebrities seem to know this, and they value the experience of an artful massage. Who hasn't heard the stories about the endless stream of high profile figures who have visited the Valley in search of pampering?

We're lucky to live in a resort area that is bursting at the seams with the best spas in the country. Spas in the Valley regularly top the lists of the best spas in the nation. So what has been your excuse for not checking them out?

I call it “Disneyworld Syndrome” you live next door to the park, but maybe you're too busy or preoccupied with your daily life to take advantage of what's right in your own backyard. Or maybe you think the price will be prohibitive …if so, check out the specials that are intended for the locals who need a refreshing break to help pull them through the summer. Aren't you worth it? No matter what the excuse, this article is aimed at getting those of you who drive by some of the best spas in the nation, and the world, to slow down, stop in, and spa.

Spa Savvy

A day spent at the spa should be the most relaxing thing you do in the space of a week. Though, if it's your first time at the spa, the visit can be a little daunting. Here are some tips that will make your visit the relaxing one it should be.

You can drop in to take a tour before you even book an appointment. Your spa day can be a little pricey, and you are a consumer surveying the products and services you will purchase. Things to look for include a friendly, nurturing staff, from the person at the front desk to the massage therapists, estheticians, nail technicians, and make-up artists. All therapists should be licensed. When you decide on booking at a spa, you are also purchasing the setting …you want a quiet, well-designed environment. It will usually have soothing music, low lighting, and pleasant aromas. A top-notch spa will also have equipment such as hydrotherapy tubs, whirlpool tubs, steam rooms, sauna, and steam cabinets.

If it's your first spa visit, you may want to mention that when you book your appointment. Also, consider getting a reference for a particular therapist, and think about whether you would be more comfortable with a male or female therapist. If it's a first-rate spa they will take the time to educate you about the services and treatments they offer, give you a menu that explains the treatments, request for you to complete a medical disclosure questionnaire, as well as guide you through your first visit as a virgin spa-goer.

Before you go, be well hydrated with H2O. You should also drink plenty of water after your visit to enhance the benefits of your treatments. It is said that the act of massage releases toxins from your body, and it is necessary to drink water afterwards to help flush them out.

Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment if you want to take advantage of amenities like hot tubs and steam rooms.

Check into the front desk and remind them that it's your first time. You will usually be turned over to a spa attendant who will show you where your locker is and how it works. The locker should have a lock on it and your robe and slippers are inside.

Change, and if you have time, enjoy facilities that help you wind down and relax for your treatment, like the steam shower, sauna, or hot tub. A hot shower before your massage is always a good idea, and it's essential if you've had a dip in the hot tub (you need to shower off the chlorine.)

During the massage, communicate with your therapist by letting him or her know if the temperature of the room is not comfortable, or if the amount of pressure is not comfortable. You can talk …or not. The therapist will usually follow your lead.

When the service is over, take time to slowly reintegrate, rather than jumping up and rushing off. Always tip your therapist – a tip of 15 to 20 percent is appropriate.

Continue the spa experience at home. Most of the larger spas will have a boutique where you can purchase the products that they use at that spa. Don't feel pressured to purchase, but it is good to start a skin care routine if you're not already practicing one.

Spectacular Spas

SO what IS the best spa in the Valley? For the answer to this question, I looked to Lisa Kasanicky, the creator of the website: ArizonaSpaGirls.com, a comprehensive site that offers tons of information and tips on spa-going -- a companion site for a book that Kasanicky has written. “I'm not telling!” answers Kasanicky. “Seriously, the spa experience is so subjective that on any given day, at any given place, one person's experience could be completely different from another's. Plus, there are so many fabulous places to go here, depending on what you're looking for. The last two spas I visited, for example – VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho and Spa Avania at Hyatt Gainey Ranch – offered completely different experiences. VH has an intimate, urban feel with lounge tunes playing in the changing areas, while Spa Avania offers a slower-paced meandering spa with do many wonderful nooks and spaces for privacy and reflection and architecturally, is just amazing. But I left both feeling rested and pampered.”

Kasanicky offered, “the ‘wow' experience comes from what you put into it. It sounds corny, but even if you only have thirty minutes for a spa pedicure, enjoy it. Close your eyes and shut down the chatter in your mind. A lot of people get so amped about a trip to the spa that they are disappointed when it's over …it's like the day after Christmas. The best way to make it a ‘wow' experience is to be completely present and to appreciate the true beauty of the spa experience: you're taking time out to do something for yourself.”

So what are the hottest services offered at spas right now? Kasanicky notes that her personal favorites include the ritual-type treatments that many spas are now offering.
“The Havasupai Body Oasis Experience at Willow Stream at the Princess, for example, is an amazing two-hour journey. It keeps you high for days! Cellulite massage offered at the Golden Door, is one of those “hot-hot but hush-hush” treatments. The boob facial (actually called the Esthebuste treatment) at the Essential Touch Spa at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea is always one that raises a few eyebrows but it's actually great for new moms.”

The Centre for Well-Being: The Phoenician

So, if you're looking for a “wow” experience at a spa? There are plenty of spas in the Valley that can provide that, in a number of different ways. The Phoenician's spa, “The Centre for Well-Being” is a 22,000 square-foot spa complex that is recognized as one of the leading resort spas in the country. They offer the most extensive array of massage and bodywork therapies available today. It is also known for its development of innovative new therapies, including Reiki Chakra Balancing Treatment, Acussage, and Table Thai Massage. Other signature treatments include the luxurious Vanilla Rose Sugar Glow scrub, and Barefoot in the Lemongrass rejuvenating leg and foot massage.

The Centre's two levels have 24 private treatment rooms, a private consultation room, weight training and cardiovascular studios, Waters Bar, a full-service salon, and its heart, a serene Meditation Atrium. The Meditation Atrium is a peaceful sanctuary with soft filtered sunlight, leather chaise lounges, lush greenery, and cascading fountains. The Centre has recently introduced Dr. Amy Whittington, its first naturopathic physician who offers personal consultations, specialized treatments, and seasonal seminars on optimal wellness and aging. They have also expanded their services to include ballroom dance classes as well as the Centre's Circle of Intuitive Guides, where guests can gain personal insight through a consultation with an astrologist, a tarot-card reading, or guided visual meditation.

Anyone who has visited The Phoenician knows that the level of service on any part of their property is almost beyond belief. From the hotel, to any one of their restaurants, to their valet and concierge service …and the Centre for Well Being, their world-renowned spa, is no exception.

My hour-long, multi-step Vanilla Rose Sugar Glow Scrub at the Centre was amazing. A mixture of cane sugar crystals, essential oils, and vanilla aroma is used for the exfoliation. The application is invigorating and massage-like, in a relaxing, private room. Once applied, my esthetician prepared a private shower for me, according to my temperature preference, and asked me to rinse off in the shower. While I was in the shower, she prepared the massage table with fresh sheets. I exited the shower and lay on the table once more, where my exfoliating scrub was “topped off” with a hydrating rose oil application. Feeling pampered and renewed, I left the room and visited the “Waters Bar” where I sat at a table and was immediately served a chilled cocktail glass of fresh-diced fruit. I had the perfect amount of time to sit and enjoy my fruit before my name was called and I was greeted by another esthetician. I had an 80-minute facial scheduled, which turned out to be the most relaxing 80 consecutive minutes I've ever experienced. The name “facial” when referring to this treatment borders on being a misnomer. Your face does get most of the attention, including, but not limited to, cleaning and moisturizing the skin, a general assessment of its condition, and if desired, tweezing. But the “facial” also includes a neck, arm, and décolleté massage, as well as a hand treatment. My esthetician also made product recommendations for my skin type and advised on the future care of my skin. When I left the Centre, I was walking on air. The Phoenician is the definitive luxury, full-service spa.

The Golden Door Spa: The Boulders

“The Golden Door Spa” at the Boulders is another must-visit spa with an absolutely amazing list of services. There is something about entering The Boulders' property – something inviting and serene. The moment I drove up to the entrance of the spa, I took a deep breath, and exhaled for about ten minutes.

I was greeted at the check in desk, and given a tour of the spa, before being handed the nicest robe that I've ever worn, and sandals. I locked my belongings away in a locker and waited in the “Tea Room”, a bright airy room overlooking a gorgeous piece of The Boulders' property. Hot tea, iced tea, and an array of dried fruits were available, along with plush seating and a large beehive fireplace to facilitate relaxation.

In a few moments, my name was called, and I followed Terri, my esthetician, back to a room for my “Cellulite/Detoxification” treatment. I had done no prior reading about this treatment, and had no idea of what to expect. After measuring what I identified as my “problem” areas, Terri brushed my entire body with a soft bristle brush, and then prepared me for the treatment. The treatment boasts detoxification, or a “flushing away” of all of the toxins normally trapped in your system, as well as treatment of your unsightly cellulite. Sign me up! Now some might consider lying naked, covered in clay, with electrodes attached to all of my “problem areas” (of which there are many) a special kind of torture. I call it heaven …the treatment forced me to relax and become vulnerable during every step of the procedure. And when the electrodes were doing their thing, Terri did hers. She asked if I'd like to have a scalp massage during the half hour of the procedure. I agreed before she was even done with her sentence, and the massage that followed was alone worth the price of the entire procedure.

The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is said to be the only spa in Arizona that offers this groundbreaking and strangely relaxing treatment. The treatment, as well as all of the amenities that The Golden Door Spa has to offer, are definitely worth a trip to Carefree.

Spa Speak

Anything new can be intimidating if you don't know the associated lingo. So, here is a quick guide to the terms you may need to know when booking and spending your day in the lap of luxury.

Massage: A massage is the most popular treatment at the spa. There are many different types of massages, and the list seems to be growing by the day. The types of massages you may be offered include Swedish, Thai, and Ayurvedic treatments.

Facial: A facial is a skin treatment that deeply cleanses and maintains the skin by exfoliating excess dead skin cells.

Body Treatment: Body treatments are a “facial” for your entire body …they cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin.

Spa Manicure and pedicure: A spa manicure and pedicure should have more “extras” than your average mani or pedi. These extras may include paraffin dips, masks, and scrubs.

Vichy shower: Originated in France , it consists of a wet treatment table and a five head shower system.

Whether or Not to Expose Your Assets?

One aspect of spa-going that may give pause to someone considering a first-time visit to the spa is the question of nudity. What is expected? What is appropriate? Usually, the answer is, whatever you feel comfortable with.

When you arrive, you change into a robe and slippers in the locker room. Sometimes there are private changing rooms, and sometimes not. Many spas have steam, sauna, and hot tubs in the women's and men's changing areas. You may go nude, wrap yourself in a towel, or wear a swimsuit.

When it's time for the spa treatment, the therapist picks you up in the “meditation room” and takes you to the treatment room. The therapist leaves the room, giving you time to hang up your robe and slip between the sheets on the massage table. The therapist will knock before reentering.

You are nude during the massage but always covered with sheets. Only the body part being massaged is exposed. You may wear underwear, if you want to.

European spas, as one might expect, are more relaxed about nudity. They don't use elaborate draping techniques, and men and women typically take steam and sauna baths together, nude.

There are styles of massage where you stay fully clothed, like Thai, and reflexology. But, if you're uneasy about nudity you may want to steer clear of body treatments like salt glows or Vichy showers. You are more likely to be exposed at some point with a full-body treatment. Many spas offer disposable panties for the body treatment. Sometimes they're optional, and sometimes the spa requests that you wear them. Also, some spas may request that you wear a swimsuit during hydrotherapy treatments.

Above all, make sure that your spa experience remains a restful, stress-free experience. No matter what state of dress (or undress) you choose, you can rest assured knowing that, like your doctor, massage therapists and spa personnel have already seen it all.

Info> Arizona Spa Girls www.arizonaspagirls.com

Centre for Well-Being at The Phoenician: 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale (480) 423-2452

Golden Door at The Boulders: 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree (480) 488-9009