Hello everyone! I'm looking for visit the PHX/ Scottsdale area with my mom in June and wondered if anyone could share opinions on some spas that are on my list.

I'm considering:
* Arizona Biltmore
* Marriott's Camelback Inn
* Sheraton Wild Horse Pass
* Wyndham Buttes

Aside from relaxing, we would also like to be able to walk around a little to see some of the town (nothing specific in mind). We like unique little shops, not large chain stores. If any of these spas are close to shops like this, please let me know!

Thanks for your help!!

Katie

Let me tell you one thing -- don't go to the Four Seasons. We spent four days there and it's an awful place. Someone on their stole our pocketbook!

The Arizona Biltmore spa has a great reputation and is well known. Beautiful hotel and grounds. Don't know about the spas at the other locations.

Wild Horse Pass is supposed to be amazing-I think someone on the board wrote about it so do a search. However it is on the Gila Indian Reservation south of Phoenix and the nearest shopping would be the Chandler Mall (very nice mall but not small shops. If you plan to leave the Sheraton Resort you would need a car. Wyndham Buttes is in Tempe, right by the freeway and you would also need a car to go anywhere from there.

The Biltmore and Camelback Inn would be closer to shopping but to get to areas with smaller shops you would still need a car. The Biltmore does have cars that could take you shopping and I am sure Camelback Inn could do the same.

I would stick with the Biltmore or Camelback Inn both have redone their spas in the last year or so. Biltmore has shopping within walking distance at the Biltmore Fashion Park a mixture of some chain stores and some unique finds. Lots of wonderful restaurants in the area too. Although Camelback Inn has the better views it would take a car to get to any shopping.

Wild Horse pass is a fantastic property with beautiful rooms and those "Heavenly Beds" but it is a bit isolated to leave the property, so unless you want to get shuttled to the casino, it would definetly require a car.

Another option that is right now one of my favorite places is the Westin Kierland. Fantastic spa, shopping and restaurants right next door.

We live here and my favorite local spa, hands down, is the Willow Stream Spa at the Scottsdale Princess. The resort is also fabulous and you are are close to lots of restaurants in Scottsdale.

Hello,

The Phoenician is gorgeous and has very pro-active spa staff. They try and test spa treatments before they add them to the spa menu. It has a very central location, just minutes from both Scottsdale and Phoenix. Scottsdale has lovely art galleries and shops on their Main Street. Be sure to visit Sportman's Wines and Spirits for a glass of wine and the best staff. Their location in Phoenix at Biltomore Fashion Park is a classic, but they also have a new location in Scottsdale.

Another great spa is at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess! The resort is beautiful and definitely a destination because it is about 20-30 minutes north of Scottsdale. About 10 minutes north of Scottsdale and 20 minutes south of the Scottsdale Princess is a wonderful little outdoor mall with lovely outdoor cafes, art galleries, upscale clothing boutiques - no chain stores, but just lovely shops.

Best Regards,
Julia