BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Indulging in spa experiences is not strictly limited to the ladies. In fact, there are several Arizona spas that have treatments made with men in mind, perfect to gift to the man in your life for Father’s Day or just because.
ALPINE ARNICA DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE AT WELL & BEING SPA
At 44,000 square feet, the Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a palace to reconnect with oneself thanks to its state-of-the-art fitness center, in addition to its more innovative offerings including aerial hammock yoga and float fit yoga. A host of massage and body treatments also abound, some available for couples. The 90-minute Alpine Arnica Deep Tissue Massage is of note, as it uses arnica oil, which is known for naturally helping to reduce inflammation and speed soft tissue repair. A series of ultra-penetrative massage techniques ease sore muscles by reducing adhesions and restoring mobility in the body. It is perfectly complemented with one of the amenities above, as well as an hour or so in the cold plunge and whirlpool areas, which also feature steam, sauna, and ample meditation space. Starting at $305. www.scottsdaleprincess.com
FIRE & ICE MASSAGE AT THE PHOENICIAN SPA
At the 40,000-square-foot Phoenician Spa, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour before any service to indulge in the men’s spa ritual. A hot-andcold contrast hydrotherapy, the ritual starts with a f ive-minute sauna, as the dry heat allows for muscle recovery and pain relief. It is followed by at least a f ive-minute steam so the wet heat can flush toxins from the body and improve breathing. Next comes a 30-second cold shower to stimulate circulation and a five-minute rest period before retreating to the Vitality Hot Tub, which boosts the immune system and promotes overall relaxation, and one last 30-second cool (not cold this time) shower to regulate the body. Guests may then retire to the relaxation lounge until treatment time. One of the best options for men is the 80-minute Fire & Ice Massage, which combines hot oil with the cooling relief of a specialty cream that delivers pain relief and reduces inflammation. Arnica extract and clove oil are also used to treat areas of pain, while eucalyptus cleanses toxins. Starting at $365. www.thephoenician.com
BIODYNAMIC BODYWORK AT CIVANA WELLNESS RESORT & SPA
The two-story, 22,000-square-foot CIVANA is focused on “healing through water” and features a communal area of hydrotherapy immersions – the Aqua Vitality Circuit – that includes a Europeandesigned Kneipp hot/cold wading pool, therapeutic soaking pool, a cold deluge shower, and the five-climate KLAFS SANARIUM. Men especially love the 60-minute Biodynamic Bodywork treatment, which utilizes a range of therapeutic methods including the ultimate in muscle recovery with the incorporation of RAD rollers. The session will activate the parasympathetic nervous system, release sore muscles, increase blood f low, and improve flexibility. Starts at $245. www.civanacarefree.com
CELESTIAL CONNECTIONS SPA JOURNEY AT TIERRA LUNA SPA
The newly redesigned 28,000-squarefoot Tierra Luna Spa at the Arizona Biltmore has a dramatic slew of indoor-outdoor amenities that run the gamut from CBD soaking tubs to sauna, steam, and daily fitness classes. It also has one of the region’s only standalone halotherapy rooms, a salt room that uses tiny salt particles in the air to improve lung health, fight allergies, and alleviate skin conditions. The transformative 125-minute Celestial Connections journey is designed to align the mind, body, and spirit in both men and women, and is often done as a couple. It starts with a chakra and sound massage that uses custom aromatic essential oil blends to harmonize the vibrational energies of the body’s seven chakras. The use of a tuning fork is placed on various acupressure points to further bring energy and balance to the body. This is followed by a sun worshipper ritual, which assesses the body’s energy currents and identifies any blockages. Sonoran mud is then used to relax the muscles and gently exfoliate the skin. The experience concludes with an al fresco shower. $490 and up. www.arizonabiltmore.com
NORDIC SPA SESSION AT HIGH COUNTRY MOTOR LODGE
This Flagstaff hotel is the first in Arizona to feature an authentic Nordic Spa experience. Inspired by spa rituals from hundreds of years ago that have been proven to decrease anxiety, boost the immune system, detoxify the body, and increase circulation, the session starts with a private sauna, which also boasts a changing area, private cold showers, and an outdoor relaxation area.
After the private session, there is a communal cold plunge pool and hot tub experience, and guests may choose to book back-to-back sauna sessions to do the circuit multiple times. Starts at $50. www.highcountrymotorlodge.com
