Spa Get Away Feature: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

July 4th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

It takes a special place to support the trend in journey-designed spa treatments that can last more then 80 minutes and require rooms with tubs, showers, table and steam. To get the benefit of the transitions such elaborate procedures entail, you need to be relaxed, in a serene atmosphere and in the hands of master staff.

The Willow Stream spas are created to bring these therapies to life. At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess the Southwest is the clear inspiration for such adventures of the spirit. From the roof deck pool and curtained lounge to the inhalation room and the outdoor treatment areas you experience a transporting sense of privacy and solitude.

The 450-acre resort oasis has sweeping views of the open desert and the McDowell Mountains.

A AAA Five-Diamond Resort guests are presented with two 18-hole Tournament Players Club golf courses, five swimming pools, seven tennis courts, Willow Stream Spa, six boutiques and shops, and award winning restaurants.

Reminiscent of a Spanish Colonial estate, unsparing Mission Revival styling makes good use of the abundant open space.
Wicker furniture, evocative art, outdoor fireplaces, and fascinating designs mark the diverse layout, and, true to The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess penchant for water, impressive fountains, cascades, and ponds stand in stark contrast to surrounding desert.

Public facilities are strong points, especially the well-regarded restaurants. The new lounge has safari decor, spiral pillars supporting a low ceiling, and elegant and intimate seating with views of the pool, palms, and mountains. The animal trophies are works of art, not stiffs.

The new 44,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa offers 25 treatment rooms, meditation garden, Grotto mineral bath with therapeutic cascading waterfalls, a private rooftop adult swimming pool, a full service salon, fitness center and exercise studio.

At Willow Stream, energy is inspired by the elements. The natural elements of the land hold the secret to discovering the energy inside your Self - the energy we have all been seeking.
They believe in capturing the strength of the elements to build inner strength and renew the spirit. The wood at the core of Willow represents strength, and carries nourishment from the earth.

The water moving through the stream is the journey through life - a rhythmic flow leading into insight and rejuvenation. Finding the harmony by drawing nourishment and balancing the flow is the key to discovering the place within that is called your personal energy surplus.

The highly trained team of professionals delivers a variety of services including massage therapies, body treatments, therapeutic baths and salon services.

The fitness team also provides a variety of programs from aerobics and yoga classes to personal training consultation in the fitness center.

Before or after your treatment, don’t miss the hot & cold plunge pool, steam, sauna, Swiss Shower, or eucalyptus inhalation room.

The 650 rooms were all recently renovated and now feature elegant, comfortable furniture with Southwestern accents, patterns, and colors.

Generally, appointments run to sitting areas, work space, two dual-line phones with data ports, TVs, wet bars, one king or two double beds, walk-in closets with padded silk hangers, and balconies.

The luxurious baths impress with their dual basins, oval tubs for two, stall showers, vanities, makeup mirrors, scales, and WC’s. The 119 casitas close to the tennis courts boast new Southwestern furniture, wood-burning fireplaces, and access to a private pool and hot tub.

To book your next trip visit Spa Quest, click here now.


What Is A Spa Vacation?

April 27th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

You might be asking yourself what exactly is a spa vacation? You’ve seen the ads in your favorite magazines or the information that is found in resort hotels. You know that it is or can be very relaxing and healthy for you too.

Well here this short article will hopefully make you decide to take your first spa vacation…..

There are few things in life as luxurious and rejuvenating as the pampering and attention received at a world class spa. Imagine a vacation that focuses on you and you alone. The chance to concentrate on your personal health and fitness, with plenty of relaxation along the way. Spa vacations are the ultimate indulgence. Spas help to melt away the stress of the world in serene, peaceful settings in some of the most fabulous destinations. The growing popularity of spas spawned new spa services in premium hotels throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Asia, and the United States.

But today spa vacations are considered mainstream. Perhaps you’ve been on a spa vacation yourself? Or you may know someone whose been on either a romantic spa vacation, a de-stress spa vacation or a weight loss spa vacation.
As consumers focus more on their health and well-being, the spa and relaxation vacation becomes more popular. Spa vacation destinations are not just for the rich and spoiled - in fact, as more hotels feature spas in their amenities the concept of a spa getaway becomes more affordable to travelers of any budget.

But booking a spa getaway is not as simple as clicking as your heels three times and being transported to a sea of tranquility. The options are endless when it comes to spas and relaxation vacations. In the U.S. alone there are more than 12,000 spas, where everything from the yoga and meditation to the mud baths and massages are presented a la carte on the menu. However, choosing the right spa vacation is a vital part of the planning process. With options ranging from day spas to medical spas to mineral spring spas, it’s hard to know where to begin. 2

Madrid, SPAIN � Spa vacations are certainly all the rage today, but spas have been around in Spain for more than 2,000 years. When the Romans colonized most of the country in the first century B.C. they brought with them their culture of bathing. In fact, the ancient Roman term for the building that houses public baths, balnea, has come down to modern Spanish as balnearios, or spas. Roman bath-houses, called thermae, were included in private villas, town houses, even forts. Later the Moors continued the tradition and water, and especially the hammam were integral elements in the design of some of the country�s most emblematic buildings.
Modern spas offer all the elements you need for health, recreation and peace of mind, including: nutritious food - indoor and outdoor fitness activities - body treatments - medical evaluations -behavioral management counseling - nutrition education - stress management - holistic health services - spiritual growth - movement therapy - exercise physiology, and more. And destination spas are located in some of the loveliest places on earth. The exalting and transformative beauty of nature is still an integral part of the destination spa experience.

Spa vacations and Day spas will usually include massages, facials, and bathing. Sporting activities, health routines, and delicious healthy meals are also a component of many spa vacations.

Spa vacations are on the rise and spas are increasingly catering to groups (girls getaways in particular). Before you go, brush up on some basic spa etiquette tips and group etiquette in particular (so the spa invites you back!). Try vinotherapy at a wine spa, chocolate massages, or any other spa treatments for you and the gang.
The success of spa vacations is linked to a growing awareness about health, especially among the aging baby boomers that want to stay fit, young, attractive, and often have the income to do it. More people are also becoming aware that the answer to a healthier self is based on a long-term commitment to exercise, a low-fat diet and stress reduction. In that context, spas have become wellness centers that educate people on achieving healthy goals.

A spa vacation is also an excellent value in that it’s the epitome of the old adage about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. There’s just something wrong with that picture. As the founder of Canyon Ranch, Mel Zuckerman, says, ” Take care of your body. If it wears out, you won’t have anywhere to live.” 8