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Paradise Found in the
Valley of the Sun
By: Christine Wynne
A highlight of being a travel writer is partaking in new
experiences that I normally wouldn’t be able to do in
everyday life. Throughout the years of traveling to various
locales, one of my favorite pastimes has become visiting
spas. On a recent trip to Phoenix, Arizona I had the
opportunity to visit Joya Spa in the
InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise
Valley. While I’ve had the pleasure of being pampered at
luxurious spas around the globe, Joya Spa takes luxury to a
whole new level.
Beautifully situated on 34 acres at the foot of Camelback
Mountain, this Moroccan-inspired spa conceived by Sylvia
Sepielli provides a quiet sanctuary in which to relax and
rejuvenate the body and soul. This tranquil retreat opened
its doors in the fall of 2008 and boasts 31,000 square feet,
featuring 19 treatment rooms, five are opulent suites
complete with private baths with sunken tubs, plush day
beds, lavish treatment tables and access to a private
rooftop pool with commanding views of the surrounding desert
landscape. The suites are perfect for a romantic escape,
girlfriends’ getaway or pre-wedding party. Joya Fitness
offers a full range of high-tech cardiovascular and strength
machines overlooking scenic Camelback Mountain, along with
free weight equipment, a stretching station, plus a motion
studio featuring yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, belly dancing,
core circuit strength training and sunset spinning classes.
Joya Spa also houses a salon with a full complement of hair,
nail and makeup services, featuring internationally trained
celebrity stylists, state-of-the-art manicure and pedicure
stations, as well as a private courtyard for relaxation and
outdoor manicures and pedicures perfect for a bride-to-be or
a mother-daughter bonding experience.
A day at Joya Spa is a carefully crafted journey for the
senses. Entering the spa is like stepping into a scene from
Casablanca. Joya exudes an exotic authenticity through rich
colored décor, turquoise and emerald-colored tiles from
Morocco and an eclectic array of furnishings. Aromas of
citrus, spice and the rare night-blooming flower waft
through the building as exotic music including an exclusive
Montelucia collection of light jazz, traditional spa and
Moroccan music fill the air. Everything evokes a sense of
Morocco and Andalusia.
My own experience began with a treat accessible to all, a
stroll through InterContinental’s gorgeous grounds complete
with exquisite Andalusian-inspired architecture with
unexpected touches like 16th century chapel doors brought
over from Spain. It would be tempting someday to linger,
sampling its ambience over morning tea or lunch at Joya
Terrace, however my spa appointment was quickly
approaching. Upon entering Joya, I was immediately greeted
by a welcoming staff. I was then instructed to leave my
cares at the door and begin my journey by cleansing my body
and mind through a ritual of rinsing my hands in
energetically enhanced waters. Prior to entering the
innermost spa, another ritual was performed where I selected
a stone from five different jewels representing love,
wealth, work, strength and clarity. I then placed the stone
in the blessing bowl and stated my wish. The final ritual
before my treatment began was one of my favorite features of
Joya. Spa goers enter a circular, soothing room with
twinkling lights that mimic the night sky of Granada, Spain
and through the joy of illumination; all darkness is turned
to light.
The spa prides itself on customized treatments including
Moroccan inspired body treatments, mineral and clay body
wraps, facials and a wide array of massage treatments
including progressive relaxation and visualization massage,
stone therapy, Thai massage, couples massage and more. But
the crown jewel is the Hammam Ritual, which was my treatment
of choice. In centuries past, Middle Eastern cultures
visited Hammams, which were often attached to mosques, to
maintain mental, physical and spiritual health. In these
opulently designed bathhouses, men and women came to purify,
relax and rejuvenate their minds, bodies and souls. The
curative powers of the Hammam led its patrons to refer to it
as “the silent doctor” for its curative effects of
ailments. A spa culture soon evolved to include therapeutic
treatments, spiritually regenerative practices and
beautifying techniques.
My journey commenced with a relaxing interlude in the Hammam
warming room. The rose scented mist, iridescent heated seats
and intimate setting created a mystical, almost holy
experience. After a few minutes, my attendant came in to
guide me to the gommage or cleansing part of the
experience. She lathered my body with a traditional herbal
black soap, then exfoliated my skin from head to toe with a
Kassa cloth. She then stood behind me and threw large bowls
of warm water on me to rinse off the suds leaving my skin
feeling soft and supple. Afterward I was lead into a steam
room where I was completely enveloped by voluptuous clouds
of eucalyptus-scented mist. I lost all concept of time, but
after what was probably fifteen minutes, my attendant
returned to escort me to a refreshingly cold water deluge to
complete the transformative experience. Once the Hammam
concluded, I rested for a few minutes in the women’s lounge
where I sipped on a Joyambrosia signature drink. Before
long, another attendant welcomed me to the massage element
of my treatment. I spent the next hour receiving a heavenly
relaxation massage.
All too soon, it was time to
leave. If only I could start all over again, I would try
the Joyambrosia Organic Full Body Bliss, and the Soothing
Vineyard Facial. I only wish I lived closer!
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