Relaxation Rituals

Globally-Inspired Spa Services in Arizona

Arizona is home to some of the country’s best luxury spas, and treatments are inspired by the state’s desert environment, ancient cultures and even international influences for a globally minded wellness experience.

The Aji Spa at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix offers the Ho’Iship: Sacred Prickly Pear Body Treatment, inspired by American Indian healing traditions and the sacred prickly pear cactus. Enjoy a full-body exfoliation using a prickly pear scrub, a soothing massage using warm prickly pear oil, hydrating body wrap and a massage with prickly pear lotion.

Globally-Inspired Spa Services in Arizona
Aji Spa at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix.

Canyon Ranch in Tucson is a world-renowned wellness destination that prides itself on its blend of Eastern and Western practices. The Bindi-Shirodhara treatment incorporates Ayurvedic principles and techniques from ancient Indian wisdom to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

The treatment begins with a scalp massage using warm herbal oils, followed by a gentle stream of warm oil poured over the forehead, known as shirodhara. The treatment is completed with a bindi application, a traditional Indian forehead adornment symbolizing the third eye, representing wisdom and intuition.

Globally-Inspired Spa Services in Arizona
Civana Wellness Resort & Spa, Carefree.

In Carefree, Civana Wellness Resort & Spa’s reflexology treatment incorporates Chinese medicine to promote relaxation and healing. Reflexology is based on the principle that the feet contain reflex points that correspond to various organs and systems of the body. The treatment includes a foot soak, pressure point massage and stimulation of reflex points. This helps release tension, improve circulation and promote overall well-being.

Globally-Inspired Spa Services in Arizona
Mii Amo, Sedona. Credit: @wanderologytravel.

Performed on a traditional Thai floor mat, the 100-minute Traditional Thai Massage — a signature service at Mii Amo in Sedona — combines passive stretching, yoga-like positions and compression along energy lines to improve flow and flexibility.

The award-winning Life in Balance Spa at Miraval Arizona in Tucson takes inspiration from international cultures including Tibet, China and India. The Qi Facial Rejuvenation treatment uses techniques based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine to rejuvenate the skin; balance the flow of energy, or “Qi” in the body and improve overall well-being.

The treatment includes a gentle facial massage, gua sha, light cupping and acupuncture to increase circulation, reduce puffiness, stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity.

The Wilde Resort and Spa in Sedona offers the Mountain & Sea treatment, inspired by the Japanese tradition of onsen bathing. The treatment includes a sea salt exfoliation, traditional Japanese tea ceremony and detoxifying soak in a warm, mineral-rich bath.

Globally-Inspired Spa Services in Arizona
The Wilde Resort and Spa, Sedona.

This article was originally published in the 2023 Arizona Official State Travel Guide.

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About the Author

Ivy Morris

Ivy Morris has lived in Tucson for the past five years. If you happen to sit next to her at a bar and mention you're from out of town, prepare for recommendations on where to eat and what to do.

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