Spa treatments are more than a luxury. Spas promote wellness and well-being. They help you relax and regenerate. Read on for my 7 best spa treatments of all time. 

What is your most memorable spa experience? Spa treatments are not a luxury for me. They help relieve the pain I live with due to fibromyalgia, help me relax, and provide a chance for me to reset and regroup. In many ways, going to the spa helps keep me sane. I visit spas frequently and have had some amazing experiences worldwide—read about a few of those here—but these seven are the best spa treatments of my life (listed in alphabetical order).

Aji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

Aji Spa is at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, Arizona. Many of the treatments use indigenous ingredients and sacred Native American doctrines.

Aji Pool at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. Photo courtesy Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

I have had numerous treatments at Aji over the years. My first visit, back in 2006, was “Healing with Belen Stoneman”. This unforgettable journey started with a quiet conversation with Belen, who happened to be, at the same, the most gentle woman and the strongest woman I had ever met. Belen asked me to tell her something about myself.

After our brief conversation, during which she focused her attention completely on me and looked into my eyes so deeply that I was sure she could see my soul, I climbed on the table under a warm blanket. She used a combination of traditional massage, polarity, and ancient Pima healing doctrines. Belen said my body and spirit guided her healing hands through techniques handed down by Medicine Healers of the Pima Tribe for centuries.

Aji Spa Lounge. Photo courtesy Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

I felt relaxed and thought back to our brief conversation as I floated in that magical space between sleep and wake. My body relaxed, and my mind became clear and light. Read more about my treatment with Belen here.

As much as I loved my treatment with Belen, however, my favorite treatment at Aji Spa is my favorite because of a very special therapist, Sheena. I would go regularly for Aji’s therapeutic massage, followed by a 50-minute hand and foot reflexology session. During those two hours, she worked magic on my body.

I loved it when she added in some stretches to help with my fibromyalgia pain, but the reflexology was the perfect treatment. It used a series of strokes and pressure on my hands and feet to help increase circulation and reduce stress. I almost always snoozed a bit during the reflexology part of the treatment.

Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment Resort

Mii amo, set against the backdrop of Boynton Canyon’s red rocks in Sedona, Arizona, is one of the most beautiful spas in the world. The setting is breathtaking. Someday, I hope to do one of Mii amo’s multi-day journeys. It’s definitely on my bucket list. My only visit to the spa was back in 2008, and I still remember every tiny detail.

Mii amo spa entrance in Sedona. Photo courtesy Mii amo, a destination spa

The treatments focus on the Native American culture and I had a chance to experience the Inner Quest, developed by tribal elders for the resort. My therapist was trained specifically for this treatment and blessed by the elders. She told me it was a combination of ritual and light massage.

Inner Quest at Mii amo spa. Photo courtesy Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment Resort

I climbed on the massage table, and my therapist wrapped me in a ceremonial blanket that simulated the warmth of a traditional sweat lodge. I snuggled inside, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes. My journey began.

My therapist lit sweet grass for smudging (cleansing of the room). I soaked up the luscious aroma and felt myself begin to float away. The treatment included a ritual honoring the four stages of life in the Native American Circle of Life or Medicine Wheel. Slowly, against a backdrop of haunting flute music, the therapist massaged my legs, arms, shoulders, and head. I felt myself resting in that place where I wasn’t quite asleep but not really awake.

When the treatment was over, my therapist raised the blinds, and the vista was breathtaking. Only then did I realize my room was encased in glass on three sides. It was late in the evening, and the sun was setting in the deep red hills of the canyon, casting shadows that had been experienced by centuries of visitors before me. I felt as if I’d made a deep inner quest.

Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider

Moana Lani Spa is located inside the luxurious Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort and Spa on Waikiki Beach. This was a magical experience, and I told my therapist that day that it was perhaps the best spa experience I had ever had.

Moana Surfrider is a gorgeous resort that rests on a natural healing spring. Perhaps that was part of the magic of that day. The ocean, the breezes, the history, and the sweet smell of plumeria wafting through the open windows all helped set the stage. The relaxation room is on the resort’s second floor, with windows open to the beach.

Moana Lani Spa Relaxation Room. Photo courtesy Moana Surfrider and Westin Hotels

I stretched out on a chaise, waiting for my treatment, and looked across the Pacific Ocean. A slight breeze kissed my skin, and I breathed in the aroma of flowers and salt air. I think I laughed out loud. “Is this real?” I thought to myself. I am fortunate to have experienced the many things I have done during my travels, and I relish those wow moments like this. I’ve been known to actually pinch myself to make certain I’m not dreaming. But if waiting for my treatment was a wow moment, it was just a warm-up for what was to come.

Moana Spa whirlpool. Photo courtesy Moana Surfrider

I was scheduled for the Na Mele, an 80-minute Moana signature treatment that includes some traditional Hawaiian massage techniques and a selection of hypnotic Hawaiian music (which they give you on a CD to take home with you). My therapist was a large Hawaiian man who had trained for years in the traditional Lomi Lomi techniques. He used a series of rolling movements with his forearms, pressure on specific tender points on my body, and long, gentle strokes down my back and legs.

Not only did the Na Mele relax me, but it also brought a sense of deep peace. My mind let go of the stress and I felt as if he somehow reached into my soul, soothing and nourishing it. I felt pure relaxation during this treatment.

Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Dove Mountain, is another Arizona spa that sets the stage for excellence with its breathtaking scenery. I love the private pool at the spa, which you can use all day when you book a treatment. During my visit there in June 2015, my husband and I scoped out one of the covered day beds and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon moving between pool and daybed, with beautiful views of the craggy hillsides surrounding the resort.

Daybeds at the spa pool at Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

I booked the Desert Gemstone Ritual. When it was time for the treatment, my therapist took me to a large couple’s treatment room for my 90-minute pampering session. The treatment began when my therapist handed me a bowl of stones and asked me to select one to be my guide. There are two choices for this treatment: amethyst, which focuses on calmness and clarity, or citrine, which signifies prosperity and joy. I chose citrine.

Spa Pool at Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

My therapist explained the treatment and made me comfortable in the beautiful treatment room. He started with a calming foot soak while I sipped herbal tea. After that, I moved to the massage table, and my therapist used a loofah glove to give me a full-body dry scrub. I love dry scrubs. They invigorate me, stimulate my skin, and make me more open to the calming movements of the massage.

After the scrub, my therapist left the room for about 15 minutes so that I could soak in the deep jetted tub. Before he left, he pointed out that I could use the time anyway I wanted—soaking in the tub, sitting by the fireplace, or relaxing on the private patio. As is no surprise to anyone who knows me, I spent most of my time in the massive tub. I turned on the air jets for a while but soon turned them off and soaked in silence to listen to the Native American flute music piped into the room.

After my soak, my therapist returned, and I went to la-la land during a full-body massage. The combination of hot tea, the gemstone, dry scrub, bath, and massage took me on a journey that left me relaxed and at ease. As for the citrine that promotes clarity of thought, creativity, and joy, I wrote my entire business plan that night and the next day with a renewed sense of creativity, and ideas flooded me. I may need to redo the visit yearly to review my business plan. It makes perfect business sense, right?

Ten Thousand Waves

Ten Thousand Waves is a Japanese-inspired spa in the most unexpected of places—Santa Fe, New Mexico. I went to Ten Thousand Waves about eight years ago, and it was such a fantastic experience that I remember every moment of it.

Ichiban bath at Ten Thousand Waves. Photo courtesy: Ten Thousand Waves

Ten Thousand Waves is set on the edge of the national forest about 10 minutes from Santa Fe. Piñons and junipers will surround you, but the outdoor hot tubs transport you to Asia.

I visited the spa with four other women, and we started with a private outdoor bath soak. The water is warm (about 104°F), and the round teak tub is shallow enough to sit comfortably on the bottom. We spent about an hour laughing, telling stories, and awaiting our treatments with the gentle mountain breezes cooling us in the hot water.

The treatment I had is no longer offered at Ten Thousand Waves, but you can get close to what I experienced by combining several existing therapies. I started with a therapeutic massage. After the massage, my therapist sprinkled a natural powder on my skin. It was fantastic to have that cool powder sifted down on warm skin from the massage. After that, my therapist cocooned me in an herbal wrap. While wrapped up, she slowly drizzled warm camellia oil on my forehead and massaged it into my scalp.

Following the scalp massage, she unwrapped me and led me to the shower, where I removed the powder. Once dry and back on the massage table, she rubbed a moisturizing cream into my arms, legs, and back.

This spa experience differed from any of the others I’ve experienced over the years. I would love to return someday and stay in one of the Zen rooms on the property.

VHSpa at Hotel Valley Ho

VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho, located in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, is small compared to some Arizona spas, but I’ve always enjoyed the treatments. The best, however, was the “Helsinki” treatment I had this past spring. My therapist, Jennifer, seemed to be completely in tune with my body and was able to work on problem areas without any guidance from me.

Massage at VHSpa. Photo courtesy Hotel Valley Ho

The 90-minute Helsinki is part of VHSpa’s “Jet Set Crowd” menu, which connects spa-goers to treatments inspired by international locales. She begins by applying “cloud milk” to my body, followed by a wild-harvested Arctic berry wrap. The wrap left my desert skin feeling hydrated, but it was the massage that elevated this treatment.

Treatment room at VHSpa. Photo courtesy Hotel Valley Ho

Jennifer used heated birch wood rollers and focused on my neck and shoulders. She used different pressures, and I felt the stress in my body melt away. I didn’t want the treatment to end. I was so completely relaxed. I’m intrigued by the other “jet set” offerings:

• Honolulu, a Lomi Lomi treatment that uses tropical aromas
• Istanbul, a Hammam experience with aromas from the East, including coffee, quince, fig, and lemon
• Capri, Blood Orange Cool uses cool marble and blood oranges
• Casablanca, a Moroccanoil Hydrating Treatment with argan oil, exfoliation, and Moroccanoil hair treatment

While VH Spa is small, there are saunas you can enjoy before or after your treatment, and you are welcome to spend the rest of your day at the pool. I would recommend staying in the hotel in Old Town Scottsdale. The mid-century modern hotel has a fun vibe, and the food at Zuzu is delicious. Read more about my overall experience at Hotel Valley Ho here.

Well & Being Spa at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Well & Being Spa at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located in North Scottsdale and is another spa I’ve visited many times. You can read more about my experience at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess here. I love the setting at Well & Being Spa—the rooftop pool is an ideal place to relax, the food at the spa café is delicious, and the setting is uniquely Arizona with sandstone, rock, and palm trees. They also have fantastic therapeutic waterfalls, among my favorite spa features.

Havasupai Falls at Well & Being Spa Photo courtesy Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

I usually start my experience at Well & Being with a visit to the eucalyptus steam room. After clearing my mind and sinuses, I move on to the outside falls. This is a co-ed area, so a swimsuit is required. Three waterfalls pour down into the small pool. Each intensity gets harder, so you can start with a gentle rush of water over your head, neck, and shoulders, and it gets increasingly more intense—and more therapeutic—as you move through the three waterfalls. Then, you’re ready to relax with your therapist.

Therapeutic falls at Well & Being Spa. Photo courtesy Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

I’ve never had a bad spa treatment here, but my all-time best experience was the Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation. This two-hour treatment was…well…decadent. There’s something extra special about being the center of attention for two hours and getting a scalp treatment.

My therapist did a dry scrub, then I soaked in a warm bath, followed by a massage with jojoba body butter. Afterward, she wrapped me in a warm cocoon and massaged my hair with warm oil. What a special treat. When I combine that with a stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a dinner at La Hacienda or Bourbon Steak, and breakfast on my private patio the next morning, it is just about the perfect escape.

Rooftop pool at Well & Being Spa. Photo courtesy Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

When you spend a day at the spa at Well & Being, make sure you allot time to relax at the rooftop pool after your treatment. It’s such a relaxing space, and you can’t ask for a better spot in February.

Where to next? I’m looking forward to searching spas near and far to find the next six best spa treatments of my life.