Paradise Valley, Arizona

In need of some serious rest and relaxation, I arrived at Sanctuary Resort and Spa on Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley just minutes away from Scottsdale, Arizona for a long restorative weekend of spa treatments and fitness classes. Only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Scottsdale’s upscale shopping venues, Sanctuary, a low rise first class resort comprised of ninety-eight mountain and spa casitas on fifty-eight acres, spreads gently along the base of Camelback Mountain and provides a natural, serene and unpretentious experience where two excellent fitness studios are kept abuzz by guests who enjoy their fitness as part of a resort experience.   In addition to the usual assortment of top of the line indoor track machines and treadmills, one can find enough Pilates reformer machines along with instructors to offer group as well as individual classes– a real plus for Pilates lovers.  

Most fitness classes are included in the lodging rate and are offered every day from early morning until lunch time and again in the early evening. During my stay, the schedule included Yin, Flow, Hatha, and Restorative yoga classes, power walks and nature hikes, bike rentals, indoor cycling classes, tennis instruction, Pilates classes, and early sunrise aerobics. Instructors are top notch and guest friendly: always the sign of a good instructor, the yoga classes were balanced to make both beginners and yoginis like myself comfortable.  In addition, because Sanctuary was a tennis resort in an earlier incarnation, it boasts six outdoor courts and excellent instructors.  Note: Sanctuary does offer spa membership to a limited number of nearby residents. It’s a small enough number so as not to overwhelm guests. Personally, I found the local members added to the friendly atmosphere during my stay, offering excellent advice on instructors as well as local restaurants and shopping.

So, what is there to do when you are done working out? Well, there is a serene full service spa that includes a perfectly heated eucalyptus steam, a whirlpool, a large outdoor infinity pool heated in the winter, and spa treatments to soothe the most frazzled nerves or damaged skin.   And, as in my case, if the spa doesn’t offer what you need, it will customize a treatment for you.   

In regard to dining, Sanctuary offers a small restaurant called Elements manned by chef Beau MacMillan (well-known as a winner of the Food Network’s Iron Chef Competition) that is in the final stage of an expansion. The expansion includes a private chef table as well as an 800 bottle wine corridor and should be completed by January 2010.  Elements hosts a schedule of classes and events like wine and beer tastings.   And, for those who aren’t in the mood for an on-the-premises dining room experience, there’s a 24-hour limited but efficient room service menu as well as many fine restaurants just a few minutes away. A dedicated concierge desk will assist you in discovering a good local restaurant or anything else you might need to provide you with a perfect stay.

With its attention to detail, sense of understated elegance, and friendly but professional atmosphere, Sanctuary is a perfect location for a special event or conference group. Tucked neatly into corners of the property so as not to dominate and overwhelm individual guests are state of the art conference facilities and elegant but understated banquet halls.

For more information or reservations on a resort package or to plan a meeting or special event at Sanctuary, please contact me at harriet@omzonesantafe.com.