In many parts of the U.S., January brings freezing temperatures, snow-covered roads and tree branches frozen in ice. If you need an escape from your winter wonderland, pack your bags and head to one of the many spas in the Southwest to relax and recharge.
About 30 minutes north of Phoenix is the Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, which offers both traditional guest rooms and luxury villas. The Golden Door Spa, set at the base of the distinctive rock formations common in the Sonoran Desert, offers a variety of spa treatments plus yoga and Pilates classes. Try a cucumber facial, all-over salt scrub or an aloe body wrap. You can even have a numerology or "emotional balancing" consultation, or try the spa's Astrological Soul Reading. Unwind in one of the steam rooms, take a dip in the swimming pool or walk the resort's Labyrinth tranquility path. Afterward, have a light lunch at the Golden Door Spa Cafe.
If you need a shopping fix, visit the upscale boutiques at the nearby El Pedregal shopping complex.
The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa
34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive
Carefree, AZ 85377
480-488-9009
theboulders.com
Just two hours south of Phoenix, nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, sits the all-inclusive Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in north Tucson. The resort focuses on mindfulness and interconnection of mind, body and spirit. The spa offers all the usual treatments, and all guests get three meals a day, free fitness and yoga classes, and a $130 resort credit per night for spa services, private consultations, special dinners or golf.
Miraval also offers nature hikes, photography lessons and cooking classes. By taking part in one of Miraval's "Balanced Living Programs," you could learn to stop smoking or begin a more healthy diet.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
5000 East Vía Estancia Miraval
Tucson, AZ 85739
800-232-3969
miravalresorts.com
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa is situated on six acres near downtown Santa Fe. The RockResorts Spa offers aromatherapy massages, a body wrap infused with chili and chocolate, and a variety of facials.
While in Santa Fe, don't miss the museum devoted to artist Georgia O'Keeffe, one of the city's most famous residents. Spa packages include guided hiking trips, cooking classes and walking tours of the city.
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa
330 East Palace Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
866-331-7625
laposada.rockresorts.com
The Las Vegas Strip may not be the first thought for quiet, relaxed pampering, but you'll find just that at the spa at ARIA Resort & Casino. Try the massage that targets your hands, scalp and feet, a facial with warming and cooling stones, or an all-over body buffing with sugar or salt.
The spa has an outdoor therapy swimming pool and group fitness classes. Check out the heated Ganbanyoku Beds, the only Japanese stone beds in the U.S., or the Shio Salt Room, said to heal skin irritations and respiratory problems.
The Spa at ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas
3730 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-359-7111
arialasvegas.com
The Exhale Spa at the Hotel Palomar Dallas offers treatments such as Glow, a therapy that combines a sugar scrub with a massage, and the Power facial, which is supposed to reverse the damaging effects of aging. Work out in one of the fusion classes that combine yoga, Pilates and stretching or opt for a session with a personal trainer in your hotel room. You can even have an acupuncture session or meet with a nutrition consultant.
An added bonus for pet owners: The Hotel Palomar is a pet-friendly hotel that doesn't charge extra fees for your best friend.
Exhale Spa at Hotel Palomar Dallas
5300 E. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75206
888-253-9030
hotelpalomar-dallas.com
