It is the Southwest’s largest resort and spa. This enormous property has 884 rooms, set on a staggering 450 acres of incredibly beautiful grounds, a number of lakes, and a unique water-way, which meanders throughout the grounds, where guests are transported in gondolas about the property. Like the other two resorts, the mountain views are stunning and a real treat for the eyes.

The 30k sf spa includes a 3k sf 56-station fitness gym; the area’s largest. There are more daily fitness classes offered here than at any other property in the area. Classes include water aerobics, spinning, body sculpting, cardio circuit, Yoga (standard, meditative and restorative), fitball, mat Pilates, cardio kickbox and an outstanding early morning powerwalk led by an exceptionally athletic eighty-seven year old! The fitness center also offers body composition, personal training, one-on-one Yoga training, golf fitness, posture analysis, nutritional counseling, and a comprehensive fitness assessment. With all of these exceptional fitness-based programs, it’s obvious that this resort has a deep commitment and dedication to health and wellness for its guests.

The spa is a respite from the seemingly hectic pace of the resort’s general environs, and boasts of 32 treatment rooms. Separate areas for men and women offer steam, sauna and whirlpools, in addition to several relaxation areas, where guests can re-group after being revitalized, or veg while languidly enjoying some flavored or herbal brews; hanging out at the lap pool, while enjoying the calming mountain views is also a favored guest activity. Treatments offered include facials, massages (Thai, pregnancy, aromatherapy and reflexology), mineral and seaweed baths, mud, scrubs and wraps, and hydrotherapy.

This spa’s distinction is that it is the area’s only spa to offer exclusive and comprehensive Ayurvedic signature treatments. In addition to the exclusive Tara line for its Ayurvedic services, the spa also uses Kerstin Florian and Peter Roth Thomas for all of its treatments.

I booked the holistic massage. Specific essential oils were applied to targeted areas to maximize the benefits of this incredibly restorative massage. To ground and give me balance, basil was applied to the bottoms of my feet; for my arthritic and injured areas, clary sage, with its healing properties, was applied; for an all over relaxing and restorative effect, lavender was applied. In addition to the massage being soothing and relaxing, it also alleviated some of the tenderness in my problematic areas. Other Ayurvedic balancing and cleansing treatments offered include Shiro Dhara, Bindi and Abhyanga.

Spa Stats: Spa director, Bruce Taylor. Top three treatments include facials, massages and body treatments. Clientele comprised of 70% women and 30% men. The spa currently has 145 staff. Daily traffic is brisk and averages between 150 to 200 guests. For “beautifying”, there’s the popular Premier Atelier Salon. The spa’s restaurant, “Spa Bistro”, offers tantalizing heart-healthy food-fare for its guests. The fitness center has a full-range of weights, treadmills, stair steppers, etc. and has personal trainers to help you tailor an at-program. This spa is known for its size, treatment options, fitness center and classes; but, the exclusive Ayurvedic signature treatments are also a major draw in the area. The spa’s retail shop is also one of the area’s largest, with a staggering array of spa goodies and gadgets; the at-home spa aficionado will definitely find some little treasure to purchase. In addition to individual spa therapies, bundled packages are also available.

Highly recommended; I give it my five-loofah rating! For more information on the spa, call 800-255-0485 or 760-341-1856 .

Spa Tidbit Worth Noting: With The Desert Springs a JW Marriott’s exclusive Ayurvedic signature treatments, and Marriott Rancho Las Palmas’ exclusive Balinese-Indonesian signature treatments, guests can work with each individual spa to schedule one of these treatments at the other’s spa. Spa staff at both properties will arrange for the treatment at the other property, including shuttle transportation.

Overall: The enormity of the property has a lively vitality and is a favored destination for those that want to feel like they’re in a small town; it’s large enough, yet has a small town personality, with attentive and welcoming staff. This is also a favorite for meetings and conferences, and when guests aren’t tending to meeting details, they can play golf at one of two courses, or try their technique at the area’s only 18 hole putting course; if tennis is your game, you’ve got no less than 20 courts to chose from,; there are numerous swimming pools and whirlpools; or, after a hard day of play or meeting, relax in one of the signature restaurants that appeals to singles, couples or families, offering mouth-watering stellar cuisine. There’s also a unique shopping arcade with plenty of boutique-specialty shops where one can easily squander away time and money! With over 1,600 staff, service is outstanding and exemplary.

For more information on the resort, call
760-341-2211.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - JULY/AUGUST 2004

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