Who says “Sober October” has to end on Halloween? As wellness-oriented tourism surges in popularity, consumer searches for “dry tourism,” or sober travel, are no exception. More than 40% of American travelers expressed interest in “dry tourism,” according to Expedia.
One location gets a lot of attention. Scottsdale, Arizona, boasts a wealth of luxury wellness resorts, perfect for travelers looking to avoid the winter blues and embrace health-conscious living.
With a year-round sun-soaked climate, Scottsdale offers an ideal escape from the snow and chill prevalent in many other parts of the United States. One way to take advantage of the city’s mild temperatures is to explore the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert on a guided hike, jeep tour, or electric bike.
The city also offers an array of Southwestern-inspired boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants and is a golfing hotspot, with more than 200 world-class courses set against stunning desert landscapes. Those looking to venture further can even take a day trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
Here are five appealing wellness retreats where travelers can plan the ideal winter escape.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, adjacent to Troon North Golf Club, draws its design inspiration from the surrounding foothills of Pinnacle Peak. Accommodations feature 210 spacious rooms and suites, tastefully decorated with Southwestern art and furnishings, each with a private balcony or patio with panoramic views.
The resort offers four upscale dining venues, including Talavera, a Spanish steakhouse serving exquisite cuts of meat and seafood, and Proof, an American canteen offering comfort food in a relaxed, casual setting. The resort’s spa and fitness center provide rejuvenating treatments inspired by the desert’s natural elements and cutting-edge fitness equipment.
Guests can enjoy a variety of onsite activities, ranging from guided hiking and yoga sessions to relaxing spa treatments and poolside lounging. Additional recreational options include the 36-hole championship golf courses at Troon North, guided desert hikes, access to tennis courts, and stargazing sessions.
Castle Hot Springs
Named the number one resort in Arizona in Travel and Leisure’s “2024 World’s Best Awards,” Castle Hot Springs is a sprawling 1,100-acre property in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains. It offers 30 cabins and bungalows, three mineral-rich natural hot springs, and an atmosphere that supports digital detoxes.
Guests can engage in a variety of wellness activities, including the property’s “Connecting with Water” guided tour. This experience encompasses a walking tour of the hot springs, culminating in a guided soak that encourages guests to utilize all five senses to appreciate the waters.
Additionally, the property has an excellent dining scene. Harvest, the resort’s restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a nightly rotating chef’s tasting menu highlighting daily harvests from the property. Bar 1896 & Wine, recognized with Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” for the past two years, complements the culinary offerings with its award-winning bar program.
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort is a 109-room property with low-slung, minimalist structures echoing the clean lines of mid-century modern design. Expansive glass walls, sleek earth-toned decor, plush furnishings, and curated art pieces foster an intimate connection with nature.
Accommodations at Sanctuary Camelback include casitas, suites, and villas with private terraces or balconies, ideal for soaking in the serene surroundings. Acclaimed Chef Beau MacMillan helms Elements, the resort’s signature restaurant, serving farm-fresh American cuisine with Asian accents. Panoramic views of Paradise Valley complement each meal.
The resort’s Sanctuary Spa provides a wide array of rejuvenating treatments inspired by Asian and European techniques, from signature coconut Sumatra body treatments to cupping and relaxation massages. Additional amenities include. Guests can enrich their stay by using the infinity pool, fitness center, and wellness classes like yoga and pilates and activities such as guided hikes, mountain biking, and art tours.
CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa
CIVANA places wellness at the core of its mission. From the moment you enter the resort, the natural elements of wood and stone envelop you in a serene and grounding atmosphere. The accommodations include standard rooms, deluxe rooms, suites, and casitas, with amenities like private balconies, spacious living areas, and scenic views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Dining at CIVANA is a thoughtfully curated experience, offering a full-service restaurant, a café for lighter fare, and specialized menu plans catering to various dietary preferences and restrictions. The meals emphasize healthy, farm-to-table cuisine, focusing on organic and locally sourced items. Options range from chia seed pudding to hearts of palm “crab” cakes.
The resort also offers various classes and workshops covering movement, fitness, personal growth, spirituality, and nutrition. In addition, guests can participate in guided yoga sessions, sound healing, desert hiking excursions, and hydrotherapy sessions, designed to promote holistic well-being.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Camelback Mountain, the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa embodies quintessential Southwestern style, blending elements of Spanish Colonial Revival with Pueblo architecture. The resort features stucco walls, terra cotta roofs, arched doorways, adobe and flagstone materials, wooden beams, and wrought-iron accents.
The property’s accommodations range from cozy casitas to luxurious suites. Casitas are furnished with beehive fireplaces, rustic wooden furniture, and private patios or balconies, while suites provide expansive living areas, plush bedding, and upscale amenities such as deep soaking tubs, dual vanities, and walk-in showers. Some suites also feature private plunge pools or outdoor Jacuzzis.
Dining options at the resort include Lincoln, A JW Steakhouse, which specializes in prime cuts of beef and fresh seafood, and features an extensive wine list. For a casual dining experience, guests can visit Rita’s Kitchen, known for its traditional Southwestern cuisine. Sprouts at The Spa caters to health-conscious guests, offering a menu of smoothies, salads, and organic dishes that are as delicious as they are nourishing.
The Spa at Camelback Inn is a world-class facility offering various treatments, from massages and facials to full-body therapies incorporating indigenous ingredients and techniques. The spa also features a sauna, steam room, and a tranquil lap pool. Additionally, the property has a high-end fitness center, the Oasis Pool, extensive event space, and two championship 18-hole golf courses at the Camelback Golf Club. The resort frequently hosts activities such as Southwestern cooking classes, guided nature walks, and stargazing nights.
Guests booking the “Celestial Retreat: A Stargazer’s Paradise” package, available until December 31, 2024, will receive a $100 resort credit, a private luxury sundeck casita, and a welcome basket filled with celestial-themed treats.
