By Barbara Penny Angelakis

The Phoenician’s Centre for Well-Being
6000 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 423-2452 (800) 843-2392
www.thephoenician.com

The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a premier luxury resort hotel long renowned for it’s elegance inside and out. Ensconced at the base of the mystical red-tinged Camelback Mountain, whose image is reflected in The Phoenician’s many pools and waterways, something for everyone is here for the asking. Guests can avail themselves of 250 acres of flower and desert gardens, fountains and manicured lawns. Recreational offerings abound with 27 holes of championship golf, a 12-court Tennis Garden, nine swimming pools including a 165-foot water slide, a private 2-acre Desert Garden, six distinctive gourmet restaurants, and a multi-million dollar fine art collection scattered throughout the property… not to mention the Centre for Well-Being, a holistic body, mind and spirit facility.

We revisited the resort on our recent trip to Scottsdale; to lunch at The Terrace, and then to head for the Centre for Well-Being. The Terrace is an al fresco dining venue with a spectacular view overlooking The Phoenician’s myriad pool complex, and manicured gardens that are punctuated with works of art. Its menu offering is diverse and extensive; from a light snack to a full course gourmet dinner, complete with a well stocked wine cellar, and served by a professionally trained and knowledgeable wait staff. We kept lunch on the light side since we were headed to the spa directly afterwards, but everything we did taste was delicious and beautifully presented.

The Cente for Well-Being is separate from the main building and you must cross a small bridge over a garden waterway to reach it. Whether by intention or circumstance, crossing the bridge presents a psychological setup for the experience to come… leaving the world of material abundance behind you to retreat to the world of inner awareness. Such is the gratification and serenity awaiting you when you enter the doors at the spa. 

The Centre for Well-Being makes full use of the restorative and healing practices of the native peoples of the Southwest using the plants and minerals natural to the Sonoran Desert. But it does not stop there, successful traditions as diverse as classic Swedish massage and the Ayuervedic arts of India along with Japanese Shiatsu and Reike Chakra Balancing, have been integrated in their program in order to achieve a perfect balance in all three areas of consciousness: body, mind and spirit. Any number and combination of programs are available. From strictly personal indulgence, feel-good treatments, to a serious meeting with The Centre’s exercise physiologists, dietitians and lifestyle management counselors, who will design the ideal program for your individual needs.

Since Manos and I had time for only one treatment each, he was given an 80-minute Granite Stone Massage to ease tired muscles and stress and I was given the 80-minute Shea Butter Wrap for deep body nourishment. After the usual introduction to the spa, we were led to our respective locker rooms and when we were ready we were instructed to meet in the waiting room where complimentary fresh fruits, teas and juices are available. 

I was greeted by my therapist Judy Brooks who it turned out had been with the Centre for more then 17 years; that is, from the beginning. Judy’s long years of experience were immediately apparent as she began the procedure that was surely a treat from the Gods. First the body was gently exfoliated with a dry loofah sponge and then the doors of heaven opened as Judy’s hands firmly stroked warm, silky oil into my pores, massaging and gently kneading cramped muscles and tired bones. I must have fallen into a semiconscious state because I had the distinct feeling I was levitating over the table. After what seemed a very long time Judy said she was finished and would discretely wait outside the room for me to get up so she could walk me back to the locker room. This was a very good thing as I was a little disoriented from the treatment and needed her support. She cautioned me that a warm shower would be necessary as I was very slippery but to enjoy the benefit of the shea butter I should refrain from using soap right away. Before dressing I took the opportunity to sit in the meditation room and allow myself time to fully appreciate feeling totally relaxed; a rarity in the complex and harried world we live in. Thanks Judy… you did good.

© January 2007 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.