The Spa, CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Those looking for aqua-based therapies in the Sonoran Desert can stay at CIVANA, which is located just outside of Scottsdale. CIVANA’s hydrotherapy circuit offers that extra something special to its lineup of spa services. A hydrotherapy circuit of hot and cold wading and soaking pools surrounded by a calm color palette of grays and creams is part of the 22,000-square-foot Spa at CIVANA, as is a sauna that tries to warm the body from the inside out. Plan on spending roughly 30 minutes in the sauna before jumping into a shallow pool heated to 104 degrees. Transfer to a chilly pool (up to 55 degrees) followed by a deeper hot pool (100 degrees).

The resort, which spans 20 acres of desert, also provides more than 70 complimentary movement and mindfulness sessions every week, including gentle aerial yoga, journaling, and sound healing with chimes, crystals, and gongs. From 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., that's nearly one class per hour.

Pros

• Restorative spa experience includes pool and relaxation areas
• Variety of wellness activities from sound healings to hikes
• Staff interaction is pleasant and professional

Cons

• Pre-book the hydrotherapy circuit or likely miss out on the experience
• Some guests have mentioned some of the buildings (a mix of existing and new construction) feel outdated

Google rating: 4.4/5.0

Address: 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree, AZ, 85377

Phone: 480 653 9000

Opening hours: daily from 9:00am until 7:00pm

Website: civanacarefree.com/spa/