Willow Stream – The Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Located on the 450-acre grounds of the landmark Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort, Willow Stream – The Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is truly amazing.

Not content to simply “harness the natural energy and restorative power of the Arizona desert” with rejuvenating treatments and herbal-infused potions, this 44,000-square-foot wonderland uses stage-set-like décor to recreate the desert landscape.

“Let’s take the grand staircase to level three,” my spa attendant/guide said. Arriving at the top “Mesa Level,” the rooftop oasis swimming pool sparkled in the sun beneath the rugged McDowell Mountains. Walking past the shady Palo Verde trees, double-sided fireplace and private cabanas, I gazed two floors down into the inviting open-air Canyon Oasis Garden. Water cascaded over red Sedona-hued stones on either side of me. Descending into the garden, more waterfalls gushed inside a faux cavern. “This is the ‘Waterfall Experience,’” my guide explained. “It’s the spa’s signature co-ed waterfall/pool treatment built in the likeness of the Grand Canyon’s Havasupai Falls.” Each of the three waterfalls has a different temperature and strength of falling water.

We followed the stream to reflection pools at the center of the immense, open-air Relaxation Atrium – and, finally, to the treatment areas. Soaring ceilings and pale walls magnified the serenity and expansive space of the lockers, lounges and bath area complete with a Swiss shower, a huge steam room and oversized Jacuzzi. I guessed the dry sauna could seat 50 people! I lay down on the lower of the three tiers of wooden benches, and used a wooden headrest for extra comfort. I hardly noticed the woman on the far side of the sauna. The Eucalyptus Inhalation Room was a wonderful new experience. Lounging among its cushions and pillows, the invigorating scent was a soothing match for my cup of “Oasis blend” herbal tea.

When it was time for my massage, I followed Danielle, my massage therapist, down a long corridor (the spa has 25 treatment rooms) to a treatment suite that opened onto a private patio and the Canyon Garden. I’d chosen the “Arizona Aromatherapy Massage” for its combination of Kerstin Florian scented essential oils and massage therapy customized to guests’ needs. “Energizing,” “Revitalizing,” “Soothing” or “Lavender?” Danielle asked. Since stress is my concern, I chose the “Soothing” scent.

The soft and flowery aroma -- a combination of lavender, ylang ylang to reduce stress, Melissa (balm mint oil) and citrus Bergamot, to balance the nervous system -- calmed my psyche as Danielle released the tension from my muscles, using deep tissue massage and aqua pressure. She noted I had more tension build-up in my left shoulder than in my right. “Muscles are like spaghetti,” she explained. “Goo (tension) builds up and makes them stick together. Massaging frees the goo and loosens the muscles. Now, you need to drink plenty of liquid to eliminate the goo.” No problem. Cold water, prickly pear lemonade and seasonal fruit were everywhere.

Willow Stream’s spa philosophy is twofold: take care of healthcare basics, and do it in a way that is self-directed. So before I left, Danielle shared a self-help secret. “Whenever you feel stress, clasp your hands together in back and raise your arms as high as you can.” I did, and felt my neck and shoulders crack with pleasure.

Energized and stress-free, I headed to the rooftop pool to enjoy my “Bento Box Lunch” from the spa’s Lifestyle Cuisine menu. Designed to let guests build a healthy meal to their specifications from five food categories, the lunches are pre-ordered and served at the guest’s choice of location within the spa. My “mango glazed chicken breast,” “lentil medley,” “lemon ginger pearl pasta,” “tomato & mozzarella salad” and “cranberry orange bread” was a tasty match for my day of self-indulgence.

With more time, the 120-minute “Havasupai Body Oasis Experience,” which begins with a Eucalyptus footbath and ends with a warm oil massage, would have been heaven. I’d also like to try the “East Meets West LaStone Therapy,” where the massage therapists personally harvest the stones.

Suggested Improvement:
This is one spa you don’t want to rush through. Arrive early and stay late. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a true destination resort, with 651 rooms, suites and casitas. Every room features a private terrace or balcony overlooking the mountains, golf course, courtyards or pools. Golfers can use the adjacent Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, Stadium Course, home of the annual FBR Open (formerly the Phoenix Open). More recreation includes seven tennis courts, five pools, two water slides, water volleyball, croquet, lagoon fishing, a full health club and activities from bicycling to cooking classes in the resort’s four-diamond La Hacienda restaurant, one of four restaurants. Conventioneers will find 61,000 square feet of meeting space, and bring your dog, everyone’s pampered here.

Barbara Beckley

Destinations : Arizona : Scottsdale : Willow Stream – The Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess