Desert Zen

Despite its southwestern setting, the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is decidedly Asian in design. The minimalist property nestled at the base of Praying Monk—a natural rock formation atop Camelback Mountain—manages to blend palm trees and Zen gardens, creating a warm, inviting desert Zen retreat. The spa instantly cools and calms your obdy and mind from the hot desert temperatures with cool slate tile, modern fixutres, and tranquil surroundings. Each of the fourteen treatment rooms open to the meditation garden—the “center” of the spa, where you'll also find your center at the reflection pool. The spa menu is also Asian-inspired, offering some hard-to-find therapies like Luk Pra Kope, a traditional Thai treatment that incorporates medicinal herbs with Thai massage, releasing tight muscles and blocked energy passages. However, if you've ever had a Thai massage in Thailand or Indonesia, you're well aware that while therapeutic, these treatments can be anything but relaxing. The Sanctuary Spa manages to blend the healing benefits of Eastern treatments with good old Western pampering, creating a spa experience that is both relaxing and therapeutic. After my Thai massage, I floated out of my treatment room into the heat of the Scottsdale sun unphased. My shoulders were finally open, mind mind was calm, and despite my affinity for cooler climes, the heat—although causing me to sweat—didn't raise my internal temperature. For more information call (800) 245-2050 or visit www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com

July/August 2006