Spa Travel

There is something in the air at the Hotel Valley Ho. Upon walking in the front lobby of the sophisticated James Bond-meets-Mad Men 1960's style Scottsdale resort, one feels their coolness factor soar by 50 points. The sprawling lounge is dotted with business-suit clad executives, chic Scottsdale housewives, and sun glass-adorned resort guests determined to soak in every bit of hipness that is the Hotel Valley Ho. I half expected Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin to be sipping Cubre Libre's by the pool. As I strolled to the left of the lobby, up the stairs, and down a long hallway, I found myself in the blue, green, and white tiled VH Spa for Vitality + Health, feeling a little like a modern-day Diana Riggs. {Disclosure: I was invited as a guest to experience the VH Spa but my opinions are 100% my own.} Although the decor is decidedly retro-modern, the VH Spa is not your grandmothers spa. If you are looking for extravagant treatments, a private waterfall oasis, or grandiose lounge facilities, look elsewhere. VH Spa's no-nonsense, eclectic approach to a relaxing spa day is refreshingly unpretentious and fits well with the overall vibe of the hotel. After I checked in for my treatments, I was shown to a locker with terry cloth robe and spa sandals. I arrived a good half hour before my treatments, so had time to shower and read a magazine. The bathroom area, while not fancy, had every amenity a spa guest could want or need. The whimsically styled VH Spa lounge, with seating more reminiscent of a Laugh-In episode than a spiritual retreat, further accented the point that VH Spa was not a "traditional" spa, even down to the light jazz piped into the room instead of the typical new-age music heard at most spas. My first treatment, the Rock + Roll massage, consisted of heated stones caressed into the muscles, followed by birch sticks to "smooth" out the knots. While my therapist used her hands to begin the massage, the heated stones and birch sticks did most of the work. I was surprised at how deep the stones were able to get into my muscles, hitting points a traditional massage might miss, without the discomfort and pain a traditional massage can bring while doing deep tissue work. The birch sticks were a soothing finish to an excellent massage. My only issue was that the therapist used a cinnamon-vanilla scented oil for this treatment, and cinnamon scents are not my cup of tea. If you get the Rock + Roll massage and cinnamon is not your thing either, see if you can use a different scented oil. I had a few moments before my next treatment to sit in the dry sauna., then my facialist collect me for my Coffeeberry Yoga facial. The Coffeeberry Yoga facial uses the Priori line of cocoaberry products, specially formulated with antioxidant properties three times stronger than green tea, and perfect for mature (what?!) skin like mine. My facialist, Liz, took the time to explain each product she used on my skin, and why the product was important in maintaining good skin care. In addition to the facial, Liz did a relaxing upper body and scalp massage as part of my treatment. The Coffeeberry Yogi facial is perfect for those who want to hydrate their skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. My skin felt tighter, brighter, and more refreshed after my treatment! In addition to facials and massage treatments, VH Spa has a variety of other treatments including body and skin care, makeup, and nail services. Day spa guests of the VH Spa (with 60 minute treatments are longer) are allowed to use the state-of-the-art exercise facilities during their stay, and poolside cabanas can be rented for the day. Shower and dry sauna facilities are available for spa guests, and day guests receive free parking with ticket validation. A gift shop in the spa lobby sells skin care products and makeup featured at the spa, in addition to fitness clothing and healthy snacks. The VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho has a number of spa packages and specials, including their Mother's Day Spa party package for $99 per person and their Swell specials, including a Sunday Spa party package and the Mo' Mojo summer specials. On my next visit to the VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho, I plan to stay overnight, so I can finish my spa treatments with a relaxing dip in the pool, cocktails at ZuZu, and an overnight stay in one of the hippest hotels in Phoenix! For more information about VH Spa at The Hotel Valley Ho, please visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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Spa Travel

A Visit to The VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho

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