6 Ultimate Arizona Spa Retreats to Book Now

Arizona has some of the most amazing spas you can ever hope to experience. Globetrotter Susan Lanier-Graham of Wander With Wonder has visited spas around the world, but still returns to her favorites in the Grand Canyon State. She reveals the six ultimate Arizona spa retreats.

I have experienced spa retreats in the beauty of Bali, the bright lights of Las Vegas, the high desert of New Mexico and overlooking the Mediterranean in Monaco. But for the very best spa retreats, I recommend one of these ultimate Arizona spa retreats.

Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment Resort in Sedona

I always tell people that Sedona is my happy place. About 90 minutes north of Phoenix surrounded by breathtaking Red Rocks, Sedona is peaceful and magical all on its own. But Mii amo takes that experience to another level and is at the top of my list of ultimate Arizona spa retreats. I first experienced the spa when I stayed at Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon, where guests can book a la carte treatments.

Mii amo spa entrance in Sedona Arizona. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

But the real treat at Mii amo is to book one of the customized 3-, 4-, or 7-night all-inclusive journeys. From the moment you arrive at the destination spa, you have a chance to tailor your experience to your own needs. My 3-day journey included my room with a fireplace, three meals each day, two spa services daily, use of all the facilities, hiking, workshops, and time to reconnect. This was my single most amazing spa experience ever and it truly did transform my life.

Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

At the top of my list of favorite spas is Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. The Moroccan flair of this spa captivates me. The resort sits at the base of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley and staying there is a beautiful escape. Reserve a day in the Grand Palace Suite, which comes complete with a king-sized bed, two treatment tables, a fireplace, and infinity bath. The suite opens to the magnificent Joya Rooftop Terrace, giving you access to the rooftop spa pool.

Looking out over Omni Resort and Spa at Montelucia. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Even if you don’t book the spa suite, you will enjoy the luxurious spa facilities. I suggest the Joya Signature Massage combining the essences from the rare desert blooming cactus flower known as the Queen of the Night. It combines traditional massage techniques with Thai-inspired stretching. Following the massage, head to the whisper room — my favorite place to relax anywhere. I prefer the co-ed side of the whisper room because the individual beds have curtains around them. I pull the curtains around my bed and drift off for an hour. Then, make your way to the Joya Rooftop Terrace, order a glass of bubbles and soak up the Arizona sunshine.

Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Marana

About a half hour north of Tucson, stretched across 850 acres of Sonoran Desert at the base of the Tortolita Mountains, sits Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. This resort is unlike any other Ritz-Carlton property I’ve ever visited. It’s another excellent choice to consider when making a list of the ultimate Arizona spa retreats. The resort blends nicely into the desert landscape. When you walk through the lobby and look out across the patio, it’s definitely a wow moment. After exploring the beautiful grounds, head to the Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain.

Entry of Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

My favorite treatment is the Desert Gemstone Ritual. You select a gemstone that sets the tone for the treatment, and then sip a warm cup of herbal tea while enjoying a calming foot soak. After a dry exfoliation, soak in a soothing bath and gaze out at the mountains until your entire body relaxes — just in time for your massage. After your treatment, head to the private spa pool for the day. Stretch out in a cabana, soak in the pool and order lunch. Be sure to listen for the Native American flute player that bids farewell to the day each evening at 5:15.

Pool at Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms, Phoenix

Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix is considered one of the most romantic resorts in Arizona and is another of the ultimate Arizona spa retreats. I suggest booking one of the Spa Terrace Suites, where you will be close to the Alvadora Spa. In the smaller Alvadora Spa Terrace rooms, you can relax in your own spa tub and enjoy views of Camelback on the terrace. In the private Alvadora Spa Villa, enjoy your own indoor/outdoor shower, garden tub and private terrace. You will find romance at every turn at Royal Palms.

Alvadora Spa Suites are located near the Alvadora Spa. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Alvadora Spa is small and feels as if you’ve entered an intimate retreat. I recommend trying the signature Citrus Ritual. You’ll have a chance to experience Acqua Dolce, a gorgeous stone treatment room. There is time to relax in the garden tub on the private patio as well. The signature smell of orange blossoms is a familiar Arizona fragrance that makes for a relaxing treatment.

The grounds at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Aji Spa at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler

Aji means Sanctuary in the Pima language and that’s exactly what you’ll find when you visit Aji Spa at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass located on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, Arizona. The AAA Four Diamond resort is home to Arizona’s only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five Star restaurant, Kai. This is definitely one of my top choices for ultimate Arizona spa retreats.

View over the grounds at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

The spa practices sacred Pima and Maricopa Native American traditions and I always relax when I walk in the door. The scent of sage and creosote makes me think of the desert after a spring rain. My favorite treatment is Thoachta, or Healing, by Belen Stoneman. This unique, one-of-a-kind therapy by Belen brings the wisdom of the Pima people as she uses native healing techniques. To make the experience at Aji Spa complete, spend days at the spa pool and lunch at Aji Spa Café. Evenings are made for the elegant Kai restaurant, which serves some of the most masterful dishes you will taste anywhere. If you are lucky, you might catch sight of the wild horses as they make their way across the property at sunset.

Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a AAA Five Diamond resort in North Scottsdale. Well & Being Spa adds to the sense that you have discovered an oasis in the desert. The entire resort is filled with beautifully landscaped settings, magical lagoons and lovely open spaces. It’s perfect for my list of ultimate Arizona spa retreats.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

One of the best features of the spa is the grotto waterfall treatment, inspired by the Havasupai Falls at the Grand Canyon. Depending on where you stand, the water’s intensity changes, giving you an excellent water massage. I love the facilities at Well & Being — the eucalyptus inhalation room, dry sauna and whirlpool are my favorites. Try the Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation with warm Himalayan salt stones and Sedona clay face mask. Afterwards, head up to the rooftop pool, where you can spend your day relaxing under blue Arizona skies, forgetting that it might be snowing in Milwaukee. After the spa closes, La Hacienda serves up nearly 200 tequilas, while Toro Latin Bar offers more than 150 different types of rum and Bourbon Steak has a fabulous wine list.

With so many great resorts throughout Arizona, it’s definitely difficult to pick just one spa retreat. Now is the time to book one of these 6 ultimate Arizona spa retreats and relax in style.