By Mary Rambin
If you’re a spa addict then you know The Golden Door name means creme de la creme of spas. The original is in Escondido (the destination of Spa Week’s Get Fit For Summer giveaway with Jillian Michaels – remember?); the one I visited is a lot easier to access. Just north of Scottsdale I found The Boulders Resort with a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, two award-winning golf courses, and a Golden Door Spa. It’s no wonder the resort has been named one of the world’s best several years in a row by Travel + Leisure. (Are you counting Phoenix locals, that’s three good reasons for you already!)
As you would expect, rates are usually on the high end, but their offering for Spa Week sweetens the deal, especially since you then have access to their other amenities like the pleasant pool, fully-equipped gym with group fitness classes (including yoga and spin), and the cafe. Saturday was already completely booked when I visited a few weeks ago and now I hear that they completely booked up, so if you’re interested, call ASAP and beg!
The services I found most notable are not on the Spa Week menu, but I would pay full price for them if not for just the reasons I already mentioned.
Ask about their signature turquoise wrap experience that involves exfoliation with blue corn meal after which you’re drenched in honey, rinsed, wrapped, and rubbed, then relaxed with a rain dance! Other unique Native American ritual experiences include shaman ceremonies and labyrinth meditations that have been said to be life-changing. They also offer Metabolic Typing and a monthly dinner under the stars in their natural herb garden (it sells out so book in advance).
In the back there’s a private suite for couples or girls’ retreats where you can get your treatments, enjoy an organic lunch, sun bath, and soak in the hot tub.
The decor is what I would call dessert chic and minimal. It’s not “cozy” if you know what I mean. Unlike most spas, the common areas are flooded with light. No complaints from me though; the pampering was superb.
The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders
34631 North Tom Darlington Drive
Carefree, AZ 85377
480-595-3500
$50 Spa Week Treatments:
- 50 Min Aromatherapy Massage
- 50 Min Golden Harvest Facial
- 50 Min Radiance Body Wrap
Mary Rambin of MoreThanMary.com is a professional blogger and travel features writer for The Houston Chronicle. In NYC, she co-founded NonSociety and produced a weekly web series called TMI Weekly. Now she trains small businesses in the basics of social media amidst her travels all over the world. Follow Mary on Twitter at @MaryRambin.
(Full disclosure: Lunch was comped by the spa.)
By Mary Rambin
Because I’m native Houstonian (and I’ll be honest, I dated an employee of the hotel briefly), the Hotel ZaZa is like a home away from home for me. A very NICE home I might add. There aren’t many boutique hotels in Texas; mostly major chains dominate the market. The smaller establishments thankfully are done right – luxurious, comfortable, and above-and-beyond accommodating. The Hotel ZaZas, both in Houston and Dallas, are like a plush W Hotels featuring trendy decor, a witty attitude, a hip crowd, and a lot of velvet.
The spa itself is quite small but lavish. They spared no expense on chandeliers and more importantly their staff and equipment. I’m not sure why this is, but all of their treatments are reasonably priced. Plus, they offer a daily discount treatment and seasonal specials. If you plan it right, it’s SpaWeek all the time over there.
I’ve never seen mani-pedi chairs that fully recline like this, have you? They fully recline and support my legs so I don’t have to wiggle my legs constantly, and the esthetician doesn’t break her back.
The Starlight Facial with Skin Ceuticals products (one of my favorite skin care lines) is also exceptional. It cleared up my breakout in a couple of days.
I’m not sure what this room is for, but it looks like fun!
Like I said, Emin is amazing. When I first got a massage from him years ago, I thought he used hot stones the whole time. Come to find out afterwards, those warm and smooth solid-as-rocks surfaces were his hands!
Along with your treatment, you’re welcome to use the pool, which is often desolate on weekdays. Weekends you’ll find the scene to be a little like Vegas.
