The Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is honored to be recognized as one of USA Today’s“10 Best” Reader’s Choice Top 10 Winner Best Hotel Spa. Naturally, its been on the #SpaBucketList, so when I had a conference that not only was in Scottsdale, but actually at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, it was a no-brainer.
I usually don’t write my blogs at the spa. First and foremost, I am there to relax, and while I do truly enjoy blogging about my experiences, it is not something I do at the spa. Like I said, I am primarily there to relax. Besides, my mind is usually working overtime anyway with inspiration and ideas, topics, images and experiences I can share with you. Besides, most spa patrons would frown at a guest whipping out a laptop! Who wants to be reminded of work when they are trying to relax!
Second, it does feel kind of odd to be writing about a place, while you are still there. I like to generally keep things positive, which make sense given that my spa taste is discerning anyway, so I am not likely to end up in a spa that’s truly bad. And other than one notable experience, I have never truly been overly negative about a spa. However, this time I am working on part of the blog from the spa, because 1) I have a lot of time to kill before my redeye flight back home and 2) this is truly an interesting spa.
Overall
Currently, I am writing this in an atrium area, on the main floor, by the spa front desk, by the shop and exercise room. This atrium area, also doubles as both a dining area, AND the aerial yoga room. So, its not like I am in the relaxation or lounge area annoying other patrons with my laptop. In fact, I am the only one in this atrium right now.
So yes, I have to say, this spa is in fact a spa you can while away the hours beyond just your appointment time. You know I like that. I try to always take note of whether a spa has places to really just chill and hang for a while or whether you should really just be there for the spa time.
Here, you could really spend a fully day here. They have some of the unique fitness classes I like, such as aerial yoga, and surfset. Of course, as I have already mentioned, they have this atrium area to not only hang out, but you can order a meal from their spa cafe. I do think they also offer cooking classes and/or demos in this atrium area.
Facilities
As I said, this is the main floor that you walk in on. One floor up is the rooftop pool (and bar), which you can also order your spa meal. Then one floor down from the ground level, is the main spa area. There is some seating and lounge chairs in the waiting area, but it can fill up pretty quickly during treatment session turnover times. That’s why the upstairs atrium and rooftop pool are good alternatives. As I said, this is a spa you can spend a whole day at, or more than one, and that is always a plus in my book!
There is a co-ed whirlpool with waterfall outside between to the two locker rooms. Inside the locker rooms is an internal whirlpool with a cold plunge pool, steam room, sauna, swiss shower and inhalation room. So plenty of options to layer on to the healing and soothing effects of any treatment pre-or post treatment.
My Experience
My day started with me blowing off Day 2 of a conference – I know, I know, the time effort and energy put in by the presenters. But hey, I have been a conference presenter too, and I know it comes with the territory. Besides, I was really only there for Day 1 anyway. Since, I return home later tonight, having some time to maximize being outside in Scottsdale weather is essential!
I started my visit with a 90 minute aromatherapy massage. The treatment rooms are nice, and my therapist was great. In choosing an aromatherapy scent, I guess we were discuss a lavender based option to help with sleep. The therapist must have said something to the effect of falling asleep during the massage. I commented that I have never in all these years, once fallen asleep during a massage. She took that challenge very seriously, bless her! But it just doesn’t happen, she doesn’t know who she is dealing with! 😉
Afterwards, I opted to head up to the rooftop pool and bar to lay out and get some lunch. I opted to maximize my time by the pool, but since I still had a few hours before it was time to go to the airport, I decided to catch up on some blogging, which is why I took a break and came to the Atrium to get some work in. Besides, I figured I would relax even more for the rest of my time here, with the blog done.
Now that it is written, I think its time for some water therapy and then maybe a small nap and some more relaxation until it’s time to head to the very un-relaxing airport. I enjoyed my time at the Well & Being Spa. As I said, it is a great place to spend a whole day if that’s all you want to do. (or you have a red-eye). If you are staying at the resort or in Phoenix or Scottsdale and want to enjoy a new spa, its worth checking out.
January 2019
Rating:
Address: 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States, 85255
Phone: 480.585.4848 Fax: 480.585.0091
Email:scottsdale@fairmont.com
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