SPA: Sanctuary Spa, AZ
TYPE: Resort
PRICING: Massages $85-$195; Facials $135-$235; Body Treatments $85-$245
TREATMENTS RECEIVED: Ume Plum Roll, Aspara, Thai Foot Massage
SUMMARY: Forget everything you have heard or read about the world-famous Sanctuary Spa tucked at the base of Camelback Mountain. Yes, it is in a gorgeous setting and yes, the resort itself does attract world-class celebrities. But the spa can be explained in one word- mediocre. From the moment you enter the dark, cold and uninviting reception area, you begin to question if this is the place that receives so many rave reviews. The entire women’s locker room was long overdue for a fresh paint job, a good vacuuming and new drapes to replace the dingy and torn ones hanging limply above the indoor Jacuzzi.
After a quick tour of the women’s locker room with a heavily accented and hard to understand spa attendant, we were left to change in a cramped dressing area with 60 lockers and TWO seats! Even worse, the dressing area opens right up to the relaxation lounge with no partition to block the view of bodies in various states of undress, the noise of guests blowing their hair dry, or management carrying on a heated conversation with a staff member.
Refreshments were far from generous as well. While water was available throughout the dressing area, there was no refreshment bar in the relaxation lounge. In order to make a cup of tea, I had to ask for a tea bag! On the plus side, the spa does offer a wonderful Asian-inspired spa menu and delivers the meals to the relaxation lounge. Food was outstanding in flavor and presentation, but dishes remained long after we left the lounge.
The high points of the visit were the therapists, Colleen and Sandra. These ladies were consummate pros at what they do. They delivered the treatments with skill and confidence. Every request was cheerfully fulfilled, many times without even speaking it. The Phytomer product line used in the Ume Plum Roll & Aspara treatment left my skin radiant and silky. The treatment rooms were everything a treatment room should be…..cocoon-like, with soft music, heavy drapes to block out any light and sound, high quality bed linens, and a lovely Asian-inspired runner as a decorative touch on the treatment bed. The treatment bed was comfortable but chilly without a warming pad underneath. It’s hard to enjoy a spa experience when you are shivering!
Would we go back? Only for the therapists. As for the rest of the rest of the experience? Save your money. Scottsdale is filled with other spas that DO deliver a world class experience without charging the world class prices The Sanctuary commands for their far from fabulous experience.
TYPE: Resort
PRICING: Massages $85-$195; Facials $135-$235; Body Treatments $85-$245
TREATMENTS RECEIVED: Ume Plum Roll, Aspara, Thai Foot Massage
SUMMARY: Forget everything you have heard or read about the world-famous Sanctuary Spa tucked at the base of Camelback Mountain. Yes, it is in a gorgeous setting and yes, the resort itself does attract world-class celebrities. But the spa can be explained in one word- mediocre. From the moment you enter the dark, cold and uninviting reception area, you begin to question if this is the place that receives so many rave reviews. The entire women’s locker room was long overdue for a fresh paint job, a good vacuuming and new drapes to replace the dingy and torn ones hanging limply above the indoor Jacuzzi.
After a quick tour of the women’s locker room with a heavily accented and hard to understand spa attendant, we were left to change in a cramped dressing area with 60 lockers and TWO seats! Even worse, the dressing area opens right up to the relaxation lounge with no partition to block the view of bodies in various states of undress, the noise of guests blowing their hair dry, or management carrying on a heated conversation with a staff member.
Refreshments were far from generous as well. While water was available throughout the dressing area, there was no refreshment bar in the relaxation lounge. In order to make a cup of tea, I had to ask for a tea bag! On the plus side, the spa does offer a wonderful Asian-inspired spa menu and delivers the meals to the relaxation lounge. Food was outstanding in flavor and presentation, but dishes remained long after we left the lounge.
The high points of the visit were the therapists, Colleen and Sandra. These ladies were consummate pros at what they do. They delivered the treatments with skill and confidence. Every request was cheerfully fulfilled, many times without even speaking it. The Phytomer product line used in the Ume Plum Roll & Aspara treatment left my skin radiant and silky. The treatment rooms were everything a treatment room should be…..cocoon-like, with soft music, heavy drapes to block out any light and sound, high quality bed linens, and a lovely Asian-inspired runner as a decorative touch on the treatment bed. The treatment bed was comfortable but chilly without a warming pad underneath. It’s hard to enjoy a spa experience when you are shivering!
Would we go back? Only for the therapists. As for the rest of the rest of the experience? Save your money. Scottsdale is filled with other spas that DO deliver a world class experience without charging the world class prices The Sanctuary commands for their far from fabulous experience.
Facility: 2 Services: 4 Staff: 4
Highs:
- Outstanding therapists
- Comfy robes and slippers
- Steam room scented with menthol/eucalyptus
- Cramped and dingy dressing area
- No refreshment bar
- No privacy between relaxation lounge and locker room