Spas should be a sanctuary, and that’s exactly what SpaWell, the new multi-million-dollar spa at El Conquistador Tucson, is. Perched on a mesa a walkable distance from the resort’s lobby, the adults-only spa features a salt therapy room, swimming pool with mountain views, and wet steam room. It’s quiet, intimate, and now one of my favorite escapes.
The New Spa Facility at El Conquistador
I visited SpaWell with my husband, Jerry, soon after it opened in October 2020. Although we were staying at the resort, we decided the walk was a little more than we wanted to tackle (especially on the way back to our room after treatments), and we drove.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with accommodations, meals, and treatments for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, we believe in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. Wander With Wonder contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. We thank you for your help — it is what keeps Wander With Wonder bringing you great content.
SpaWell at El Conquistador Tucson. Photo courtesy of El Conquistador Tucson
From the parking lot, SpaWell is impressive. I didn’t realize it initially, but the building’s roofline mimics the slope of Pusch Ridge behind it, and the exterior stone reflects the rocky Santa Catalina Mountains. Through the glass entrance, you can see the open, bright reception area and the swimming pool beyond, on the other side of a glass wall.
The spa itself has eight treatment rooms, including two facial rooms and one couple’s treatment area. Unlike other resort spas I’ve been to, this one didn’t have rows of lockers; it had a quiet, small area for changing. Since I was the only one in the locker room before and after my treatment, I liked it. If I had been there with several strangers trying to change at the same time, it might have felt crowded.
The entrance at SpaWell. Photo courtesy of El Conquistador Tucson
After changing into robes, you have the option to wait in the men’s or women’s relaxation lounge (depending on your gender) or outside near the pool. I chose the minimally decorated relaxation lounge.
Spa Treatments at SpaWell
Since Jerry and I opted for separate treatments, my massage therapist escorted me to a single treatment room lit with soft light and candles. Like the relaxation lounge and even the reception area, the room featured neutral colors and natural wood. I don’t remember artwork although I’m sure there was a piece or two in the relaxation lounge.
Because the salt therapy room is the centerpiece of the new spa, I chose the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, which uses warm salt stones instead of the smooth river stones used in a traditional hot stone massage. Jerry had the SpaWell Signature Massage, a basic, full-body massage, although, given the opportunity, he might go for the Balance CBD Massage next time. The CBD oil his therapist used on his trigger thumb worked wonders.
The couple’s treatment room at SpaWell. Photo courtesy of El Conquistador Tucson
Other massage options include the Desert Renewal Deep Tissue Massage and Prenatal Massage. SpaWell also offers several facials, body wraps, body polishes, and reflexology. You can also opt for Vibrational Singing Bowl Therapy, which activates the chakras and removes energy blocks using sound.
Most treatments available at the spa last 50 or 80 minutes, allowing plenty of time to relax in the salt therapy room or by the pool for the rest of the day.
Spending the Day at SpaWell
SpaWell is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Before or after your treatment, take advantage of the amenities.
In the locker room, I took advantage of the wet steam room but didn’t stay very long; it was a little too wet and steamy for me. (Usually, I prefer dry steam rooms.) You could shower or spend extra time in the relaxation room if you want, but don’t miss the salt therapy room.
The salt therapy room at SpaWell. Photo by Teresa Bitler
The salt therapy room is outside to the left of the far end of the swimming pool. As you enter, bricks of the Himalayan salt line the wall in front of you, and a small table holds a chunk of salt. You sit on the bench against the salt bricks, breathe deeply, and relax. The salt is supposed to remove toxins from the air, help you breathe better, boost your mood, and ensure you get a better night’s sleep, among other things.
I didn’t notice any changes or improvements after spending 15 or so minutes in the spa’s salt therapy room waiting for Jerry to finish his treatment and join me—the salt therapy room is co-ed—but I enjoyed the view looking out on the swimming pool. Although we contemplated lounging by the pool for a while or even sipping drinks at the tables around it, we were short on time and decided to explore the rest of the resort.
The swimming pool at SpaWell. Photo courtesy of El Conquistador Tucson
El Conquistador Tucson
Located on 50 acres adjacent to Catalina State Park in Oro Valley, El Conquistador Tucson is the only resort in Arizona to receive the AAA Four Diamond designation for 35 years in a row. It’s easy to see why. The staff is exceptionally attentive, the grounds always immaculate, and the patio off the lobby has amazing views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
El Conquistador Tucson has always been a favorite of mine. When my kids were younger, we’d drive down from Phoenix to take advantage of the five swimming pools; now that they’ve grown, Jerry and I like to sips cocktails on the patio or unwind by a fire pit later in the evening. Now, with the addition of SpaWell, we have another reason to return. Be sure to check out more of our favorite spas on Wander With Wonder. We can also offer suggestions for more to see and do while you’re in Tucson.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
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