"Spa Index was delighted to visit the renowned Phoenician, the flagship of the Starwood Luxury Collection of resorts.  The beautiful Sonora desert, spectacular grounds of this five-star resort, and its expert team of wellness professionals, makes for an ideal setting to replenish mind, body and spirit."

-- Kevin McClain, Director, SpaIndex.Com 

The Phoenician and the Center for Well Being is housed on 250 picturesque acres located at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona's Valley of the Sun, only nine miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and surrounded by the beautiful Sonora Desert.

The Sonora, which surrounds Scottsdale, is the richest, most biologically diverse desert ecosystem in the Americas, and is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. This unique setting provides Scottsdale with a host of benefits, including breathtaking scenic vistas, an abundance of outdoor recreation options, and indigo skies that glow with more than 330 days of sunshine each year.

"Just arriving at the Phoenician tells you that you will soon be enveloped in breathtaking beauty.  From the landscaped circular driveway, to the view of Camelback mountain, to the grand water fountain, each announces that you have reached a true destination resort."

The Phoenician is known for its lavish decor, a gilded lobby (pictured) which commands one of the best views of the Valley of the Sun, and luxury suites and villas.  Guestrooms and suites are located in one of four buildings -- the main building, which is centrally located near pools, restaurants and conference facilities; the Canyon building, nestled against Camelback Mountain and a boutique hotel within the resort with its own pool and cabanas; the Casitas, which are a short stroll from the main building and offer private entrances; and the Villas, total residential privacy and seclusion.

Guest rooms are an expansive 600 square feet.  Suites and Casitas provide one, two and three bedrooms and average 1200 square feet with magnificent views, some with hand-carved fireplaces.  Villas provide two to four bedrooms, luxury bathrooms and living areas, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and private entrances.  Just some of the amenities include marble bathrooms, terrycloth robes and Egyptian cotton towels, customized toiletries, flat screen color televisions with stereo sound; Lanai decks, 24 hour room service, mini bar, butler service in suites and villas, and more.

"At the front desk I was efficiently assisted by Rosa, who pointed out the two concierge desks should I require assistance.  This is a 'level of service I admire -- the concierge desks are centrally located in the main lobby of the hotel registration area. Perhaps it is  just my preference, but I think that this should be a standard practice for all resorts -- it reminds guests that personalized service is available and accessible to everyone, as opposed to being secreted away in VIP areas, as if only for privileged guests."

"My standard guest room was over 600 square feet and easily provided me with both a restful and luxury environment during my stay. As I opened the front door, I remarked first on the spaciousness of even this standard room. I enjoyed a wet bar and welcome plate of fruit and nuts.  Through plantation shutter doors was the bathing suite, boasting an Italian marble floor, his and her sinks, a separate water closet, and an immense walk-in shower. Quality cotton robes and Phoenician signature skincare products (in indulgent large sizes) are provided.

The sleeping area is decorated in muted southwestern tones. The king size bed was swathed in high thread count sheets and crisp bedding.  The room has a flat screen 32’ inch Sony television, comforting seating area, and a desk with both high-speed and wify access, which permitted me to stay connected with my office that evening. 

My evening turn-down service included subtle touch -- not just chocolates, but an ice bucket filled for my convenience, my robe on the edge of the bed, and a mat at the bedside floor, so that my feet rested on the clean mat after removing my shoes."

The Centre for Well-Being, the centerpiece of The Phoenician resort, is a two-level, 22,000 square-foot spa with 24 private treatment rooms, a full-service salon, and retail boutique and fitness center offering state-of-the-art weight equipment (pictured at left).

 The Centre is also a peaceful sanctuary showcasing a serene Meditation Atrium (pictured below).

"Many of our readers have remarked on not only their appreciation for the Centre for Well-Being Spa and the reasons for their yearly visits, but also the Centre's approach to spa treatments in the desert.

After searching for a destination resort which caters to the luxury minded, the sportsman, and the spa enthusiast, I listened to reader recommendations, and noted the Centre is often cited as one of the ten best spa centers in the United States.  I planned my visit see if I could really 'find it all' in this desert outside of Scottsdale.

To familiarize myself with the philosophy and mission for Centre,  I had breakfast with the Spa Director of the Centre for Well-Being, John DeFontes.   Having interviewed dozens of spa directors and owners over the years, DeFontes was by far one the most impressive Spa Directors I have had the privilege of meeting.  He has a clear and simple vision for what a spa should and should not be, and executes his mission with aplomb.   He is also simply a fascinating person.

I asked a simple question, first -- since the Phoenician is one the premier destination spas in the country, does that reputation influence the menu of treatments offered spa guests?  DeFontes answered that he is a spa purist, and believes all spa treatments should be tailored for the individual client so as to provide a mind-body experience.  The Centre takes advantage of its ideal location, as well as the rich culture and history of its desert surroundings, by incorporating many native indigenous ingredients and ancient native American healing techniques into its spa treatments and therapies, but trendy treatments and gimmicks are not on the menu.

DeFontes added that spa clients would be better served in the long run by beginning a holistic program which permits them to establish a lifelong path, rather than indulging in a fad treatment which may sound enticing, but will not provide either an appropriate spa experience or any long-lasting value.   

As a testament to DeFontes' vision and management style, over his seven year tenure with the Centre, many of his staff have flourished and gone on to become prominent directors and specialists throughout the spa community, sharing his particular style of wellness."

"After a rejuvenating but also tiring day of Tennis I returned to the Centre for Well-Being Spa for a scheduled Sports massage. After checking in with the front desk I was provided sandals and a locker for clothing.  I was met by the cheerful Joan Laubach, a registered massage therapist and acupuncturist, who was going to administer my lengthy and thorough sports massage.  She informed me that are two techniques for a sport massage -- pre and post. A pre-sports massage would invigorate my body to prepare me for a sporting event.  Since I had already experienced some rigorous tennis, my post-sports massage was tailored to relaxation and rehabilitation after my activities. 

Laubach's technique, expertise and professionalism provided me with an expert massage. Joan also asked if I preferred a verbal dialogue during the massage, or, silence.   This is such a simple but valuable question, it should be used by all treatment providers.  Laubach is actually a noted spa practitioner in her own right and is the creator of the signature treatment at the Centre -- the Acussage™.  This 80 minute combination acupuncture and massage is designed to treat acute and chronic pain, enhance energy and regulate body functions, and has  clients regularly returning to the Phoenician from all over the world.  Laubach shared that she actually receives fan mail from those who claim their lives have been enhanced by her technique."

Massages, consultations, body and skin care treatments include complimentary use of all spa facilities. Enjoy full and unlimited access to the fitness studio and scheduled classes, private key lockers, spa wardrobe (robe and slippers) and vanity amenities, plus use of whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, Swiss showers, Meditation Atrium and Waters Bar featuring complimentary refreshments. Use of the facilities by resort guests without a treatment or consultation is available for a modest daily fee.  It is recommended guests book appointments four weeks in advance.

Upstairs at The Centre, a weight training and cardiovascular conditioning studio includes free weights and a complete circuit training system. Treadmills, bicycles, step and rowing equipment look out on the breathtaking vista of lush lawns and shimmering pools set against the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain. A schedule of aerobic and exercise classes, including kickboxing, spinning, meditation and yoga, is presented daily, and accommodates all fitness levels.

THE SPORTS

"As an erstwhile tennis player I had both a high level of anxiety and anticipation as I visited the Tennis Garden at the Phoenician. The Phoenician's tennis facility is steered by Director Yaz Tavatli.  The Tennis Garden is, in a word, outstanding.  One instant reaction is that you don't feel as if you are on the grounds of a hotel or resort.  In fact, you cannot see the hotel buildings at all as the courts are situated such that they are in their own garden location.

The garden has twelve courts on site.  Eleven are lighted playing courts with eight hard surface courts, one Wimbledon grass court, a Prestige Plexicushion surface on the Center court with true spectator seating, and, the surface I was most anticipating -- rebound ace from Australia.  I have been fortunate to play on three of the four surfaces of the grand slam events but I had not played on the Australian surface.  The Phoenician is the only place in Southwest that has four different surfaces for the tennis aficionado.

Off I went to the rebound ace court for a meeting with a first-rate  tennis pro.  All the pros are either former satellite or tour pros with extensive collegiate team tennis experience.   After about ten minutes of warming up with my tennis pro, we began drills so that the pro could detect all the flaws that had crept in my long dormant game.  I was impressed with his attention to detail, his patience, his unfailing enthusiasm.  He was determined to remind me that I still had an inner tennis player.  Sadly, my years of computer use, airline travel, hotel visits, and gourmet tortilla chips had pushed my inner athlete back somewhere I don't want to think about.  

At the Phoenician's tennis garden, I discovered something about  a good tennis pro -- if they are professional, talented, and passionate about the game, they not only detect your flaws, they make you appreciate that they have done so.  Instead of becoming chagrined or defensive, you actually want to plug through and improve your game.   And so it was, ball after ball, I kept trying to move my cement feet and not look over at the shaded seats and cold bottles of Gatorade.    The rebound ace surface cushioned my knees and was a great experience to play on, and my western grip forehand was hitting like days gone by.  Even still, the better I got, the better the pro got, until he turned into a machine -- a human backboard -- and I finally scurried to the Gatorade.  Frequently.

I had to remark to the pro that I really did play a good game of tennis at one time, and although I'd just had the phrase "former glory" pounded into me for an hour and half, I was motivated to keep at the game.   I was given drill and exercise tips to implement when I returned home, and was escorted back to the pro shop, where I had a terrific discussion with Yaz Tevatli.

After a terrific albeit sobering session with my pro, I was again motivated by my interview with Yaz.  Yaz and I grew up learning and discovering Tennis in a unique era. His staff has a passion for the game and was determined to set up a plan for me to visualize my game at a more defined level. Yaz has developed a local academy training facility to train and teach youth tennis players. Yaz and his staff are so dedicated that many guests email and call him for quick ideas or advice.  After my extended interview with Yaz I was so enthused I was ready  to take out my PDA and schedule tennis as part of my weekly routine."

The Phoenician's Golf Club includes a championship 27-hole golf course, driving range, putting green, and pro shop.  Clinics are offered daily and golf professions provide private instruction.

In addition to championship golf and tennis, The Phoenician offers bicycle rentals for adults, table tennis, basketball half-court, water volleyball, lawn bowling, walking/jogging/hiking trails, billiards, backgammon, chess, and a children's playground.

THE RESTAURANTS

Mary Elaine’s is one of the most well respected restaurants in the Southwest, with Chef Bradford Thompson at the helm. Enjoy soft jazz in the lounge and a seasonal menu of Modern French cuisine. Dine in luxurious surroundings with dramatic views of the Valley. The restaurant boasts an extensive wine collection, with over 50 thousand bottles and 2,800 hundred labels to choose from. Mary Elaine’s has been awarded the highly coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator magazine.

The Praying Monk is a private dining room which has period piece furniture from the Renaissance era, and is an ideal setting for intimate business and social dinners.  Menu selections are provided by Mary Elaine's.

Windows on the Green offers sand colored furnishings, regional pottery and paintings, panoramic golf course views, the warmth of a carved travertine fireplace, and Southwestern cuisine.
 

The Phoenician's Business Center offers computer typesetting services, as well as technical support. Desktop publishing services for producing formal invitations or a quick fix to a presentation graph, are provided on-site. And for travelers conducting business on-the-go, notary services and complete shipping and packaging services are also available.

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