| Joya
Spa at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona
Julie Register
experienced this resort spa in Paradise Valley in May 2009 
*The
Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona
Joya
Spa Many spas use the word "journey" in
their menus to describe a themed package of treatments. The result is usually
a pleasant combination of body scrub, wrap and massage that is relaxing but has
little to do with the promised journey. Joya Spa at the Intercontinental Montelucia
Resort & Spa Scottsdale in Paradise Valley, Arizona delivers both exterior
and interior journeys whether you are there for an hour or days.
 Alhambra
Walkway leading to Joya Spa at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
in Scottsdale, Arizona | 
Joya
Spa at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona |
*Joya
Spa Entrance, Reception and Grand Staircase
Befitting the arid surroundings,
the design of the 31,000 square-foot Joya Spa building and décor has been
carefully detailed to transport you to Andalucía, Spain - Moorish architecture,
whitewashed walls, billowing "tents," hand-made Moroccan tiles and an
authentic 200 year-old hammam table.
 *Arched
screened windows and rich colors are typical of the décor in Joya Spa.
The Joya Luxury Suite 2 offers a king-size bed in addition to two treatment tables,
a private bathroom, and an outdoor patio with tub and shower | 
*Private
bath in the Joya Luxury Suite 2
| Joya
Spa also provides a guide to an interior journey throughout the spa experience
to help you get the most out of it. As I passed through the arched entrance to
the spa courtyard, I noticed a fountain to the left with an invitation to rinse
away my cares, return to the pure essence of me and experience the "Joy of
Purification." Across from the fountain I noticed a night-blooming
cactus. The essence of this flower is infused into all of Joya's signature products
and elixirs. According to the spa, this essence provides clarity and imparts the
"Joy of Insight."
*The
Joy of Purification at the Fountain in the Joya Spa Courtyard
| 
The
Essence of the Queen of the Night Cactus Flower Provides Clarity and imparts the
"Joy of Insight | After I checked
in, I was escorted up the 40 steps of the large circular staircase and down a
long hallway. Before entering the innermost spa, I was invited to experience the
"Joy of Intention" by choosing one of five stones - Tiger Eye (provides
clarity and focus, assists in problem solving), Blue Lace Agate (enhances courage,
combats depression, gives strength and energy), Rhodonite (helps you achieve your
greatest potential in life and career), Rose Quartz (the stone of love, romance
enhancing) and Hematite (stress relieving, a healing stone that provides protection
from negativity). I made my choice then walked into a rotunda lined with shimmering
drapes and with a large, drum-like object with candles and stones scattered on
it. I placed my stone on the blessing bowl, stated my intentions and tried to
clarify what I wanted in my mind. The sound of my voice echoed off the bowl and
ceiling and enveloped me. As a final preparation,
I entered another rotunda. This one had a starry night sky above and a large,
glowing crystal in the center of the area that "turned darkness into light."
I was invited to experience the "Joy of illumination" by placing my
hands on the crystal, taking a deep breath and delighting in the present moment.
*The
Joy of Intention at the Blessing Bowl in Joya Spa | 
*The
Joy of Illumination under the Starry Sky of Granada, Spain |
Now well on my journey, I exchanged my clothes for
a soft robe in the locker room and continued my spa experience in the wet area.
Here I had the signature Hammam ritual, which is designed to prepare the mind
and body for spa treatments. I spent about 10 minutes resting in the Hammam warming
room before my therapist, Veronica, escorted me into the dimly-lit, tiled treatment
room. I climbed on the authentic 200 year-old hammam table, and Veronica gave
me a body scrub using an exfoliating mitt, traditional Moroccan black soap and
essential oils. When it was over, I returned to the warming room for a few minutes
then continued with the self-guided portion of the ritual.
Joya Spa Hammam Warming Room | 
*Joya
Spa tiled Hammam Treatment Room furnished with an authentic 200 year-old hammam
table |
Next came 10 minutes the
steam room, a quick cool down in the cold deluge shower, 10 minutes in the shallow
whirlpool, 10 minutes in the hot sauna and another cold deluge. This alternating
hot and cold is good for the circulation.
*Joya
Spa Lounge
*Monkey
Wood decorates a Joya Spa Treatment Room Hallway | 
On
each treatment room door in Joya Spa hangs the Hand of Pratima, a symbol used
to keep negative energy out (and to signify the room is in use).
|
The massage was fabulous. I spent most of my time in "the
zone" - a very, very relaxed state somewhere between being awake and being
asleep. At end of the massage, Veronica let me choose a wish card. It was a Spanish
proverb that said, "How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward."
How true!!! And that's just what I did . I rested for about 20 minutes in the
women's Quiet Room then put on my bathing suit and lounged by the private rooftop
spa pool for the rest of the afternoon. The view of Camelback Mountain was spectacular.
I enjoyed a delicious salad and a Ruby Elixir with a hint of cinnamon. The spa's
Jewel Elixirs are organic herbal tonics with energetic infusions of precious gems
like diamond, sapphire, ruby, emerald, jade, and pearl for boosting the immune
system and re-energizing after travel, while enhancing joy, relaxation, energy,
and love. These elixirs were created by the same alchemist that created Joya's
signature spa and body products.
Joya Spa
has 19 large treatment rooms - 5 facial rooms, 9 massage/body treatment rooms
(some with massage tables that vibrate in tune to music in the room), 5 deluxe
couples suites including Rendezvous Suites with private showers, Grand Rendezvous
Suites with private terraces, outdoor Jacuzzi and shower and signature bath services
and the 850 square-foot Palace Suite furnished with a $20,000 king-size day bed
covered in pillows to lounge on, private access to the spa pool, infinity tub
for two, fireplace and a flat-screen TV. There are separate men's and women's
changing areas with lockers, showers and lounges, a women's quiet room, a co-ed
quiet room, a hammam with hammam room with tiled benches made to fit the body,
a wet room with iridescent tiles and an authentic 200-year-old hammam table, cold
deluge, eucalyptus steam room, a very shallow whirlpool (under 3') and sauna.
*Joya
Spa Treatment Room
| 
*Joya
Spa Treatment Room
|
Joya
Salon is located just of the spa reception area. It has 9 hair stations, 6 manicure
and 5 pedicure stations and an outdoor courtyard. I enjoyed a shampoo, mini manicure,
a few minutes in the very comfortable, zero-gravity, massaging pedicure chairs,
and a Pear Martini in the courtyard during Happy Hour Thursday. I also bought
custom-blended foundation makeup.
*Joya
Salon
Joya Salon Pear Martini
3 parts pear vodka
1 part triple
sec
1.5 parts sour mix
a slice of pear boiled in half merlot, half beaujolais
and 2 cinnamon sticks
| 
Custom
makeup at Joya Salon
*Joya
Salon
|
Joya Bazaar is a
retail boutique tucked under the grand staircase behind the spa reception. It
offers clothing, jewelry, accessories, and spa products used in Joya treatments.
The spa's signature scent is called Joyambrosia, a blend of enticing aromas and
the flower essence of the night blooming cactus. It is used in signature Layla
and Qays organic body care products named for the Moroccan Romeo and Juliet-like
tale of star-crossed lovers, Soleil sun care products, Zafiro hair products, and
Aisha fully-customizable make-up, air diffusers and spa chocolate. Some of the
other lines carried in the bazaar include Spanish Natura Bisse, Eminence organic,
Charme de Orient, Phyto Fleurs, and Lillian Terry mud and clays. There is even
Joya logo jewelry custom designed by Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers. Joya Bazaar
hosts monthly trunk shows to offer spa guests even more choices.
| 
Layla
and Qays Organic Body Care Products
Joya
Hair Products at Joya Bazaar
|
The
Fitness Center overlooks Camelback Mountain and is located on the second floor
of Joya Spa is equipped with Techno Gym equipment with 19 cardio and 18 strength
machines, a movement studio and a juice bar. Additionally, there are two free
weight areas and a stretching station. Sunrise yoga, sunset spinning, dance, Pilates
and other group fitness classes are also offered in the studio as well as outside
on the fitness center terrace.
I used the elliptical and chatted with the
personal trainer, Tom Drath, who has plans to release a new Physio-Active fitness
program later this year. I particularly enjoyed my Vinyassa Flow Yoga class with
Kelly. She ended the session with this poem by Thomas F. Crum: I
know I am centered when:
I am balanced and stable
I am breathing deeply
from my belly
I am relaxed, calm and focused
I am aware, internally and
externally.
I am appreciative of myself and others.
I am feeling my emotions
and learning from them.
I am compassionate and connected to others in my environment
I
am able to receive and give sincere acknowledgement
I am energized by purpose.
I
am bigger than my story.
I am unattached to the outcome of a situation.
I
am having fun and laughing often.
Namaste 
*Joya
Fitness
Other services offered by Joya Spa at the time of my visit
include: Guest
Rooms There are 293 guest rooms, 38 luxury
suites, two presidential suites and 34 singe family homes at Intercontinental
Montelucia Resort & Spa. I stayed in the lovely and very comfortable guest
room #125. I LOVED the deep tub and appreciated the spa items available for purchase
in the room - Soleil SPF 30 sunscreen, lip balm and sun relief, Layala and Qays
Liquid Sapphire organic body wash, Layla and Qays Diamond Light organic moisturizing
nectar, Layla and Qays Moon Magic organic massage and body oil, a and Kama Sutra
Weekender Kit.
Intercontinental
Montelucia Resort Guest Room #125
| 
Guest
Room #125 Bathroom
| 
View
from Guest Room #125 at Intercontinental Montelucia Resort
& Spa
Dining
The Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa offers a number of dining choices.
For a quick bite on the run - Crave. For outdoor dining, live jazz (Saturday nights)
and delicious sangria - Kasbah. For outstanding grilled entrées - Prado.
I had the pleasure of sampling a number of Chef Claudio Urciuoli's creations.
| 
Prado
Features Wood Fired Grilling over an Open Fire
| The
Resort Montelucia means "mountain of light."
The dark skies of Paradise Valley allow the lights of Phoenix to illuminate Camelback
Mountain, creating the illusion of a mountain of light. The $325 million resort
opened November 4, 2008. In addition to Joya Spa's, the resort offers 2 pools
as well as hammocks and private courtyards throughout the property. There is an
art gallery, 27,000 square feet of indoor and 74,000 square feet of outdoor meeting
space, Castillo Lucena wedding chapel, Bocce lawn and more. Off Resort While
I spent most of my time at the resort, we did venture into downtown Scottsdale
for a few hours. We stopped by the farmers market. We watched Payton Curry, Executive
Chef at Digestif, demonstrate making mozzarella cheese. We sampled Chef Sara Signature
Creations - organic, raw and vegan food. Afterwards we enjoyed lunch in the back
courtyard of Arcadia Farms. Before heading back to the resort, we sipped champagne
and "played dress-up" with spectacular jewelry at Molina Fine Jewelers
while our jewelry was cleaned. The consultants suggested pieces to complement
our skin tones and the shapes of our faces. Fun!
| 
Payton
Curry, Executive Chef at Digestif, demonstrates how to make mozzarella cheese
at the Scottsdale Farmers Market
Molina
Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona
|
Contact
InterContinental
Montelucia
Resort & Spa - Joya Spa
• Address:
5641 East Lincoln Drive
Paradise Valley, Arizona
85253
• Joya Spa: 480-627-3020
• Joya Spa Web Site: http://www.joyaspa.com/
•
Resort: 480-627-3200
• Resort Web Site: http://icmontelucia.com/
•
Toll Free: 888-627-3010
Book
Now |
|
|
Creating Your Joya Journey
•
Joya Spa appreciates hearing about any special requests you may have. The Experience
Designers are experts at creating unique experiences perfect for you.
• Please
share any health concerns you may have when reserving your treatment so that the
spa can create a perfect day that meets your specific needs.
• If you are visiting
from outside the resort or are not currently a member, please have a credit card
available at the time of scheduling to secure your appointments.
• Joya Spa
is happy to confirm all reservations either electronically or by phone the day
before your journey begins.
• Joya Spa welcomes those 18 years of age or older. Arrival
•
Joya Spa recommends arriving 30 minutes prior to the start time of your first
treatment. To provide the best possible journey, all services will end at the
designated time to avoid inconveniencing the next guest. The original treatment
price will apply. Spend the day
Once
your treatments are complete, continue your experience. The purchase of a one-hour
treatment allows full use of all Joya Spa amenities for the day, including saunas,
whirlpool, refreshing deluge, Joys of Discovery, Joya Terrace, Fitness Center,
and daily classes in yoga, spinning, pilates, and more. Cancellations
•
We kindly request that any service cancellations be received by 7:00pm the evening
before your scheduled appointment to avoid being charged the full amount.
Gratuity
• A 20% Service Charge which is modifiable will be
added to your treatments upon check-in, leaving you to relax and enjoy your day
without having to check out. Spa Etiquette
•
To enhance your experience, we ask that you refrain from using cell phones and
pagers.
• Consuming alcoholic beverages less than
two hours prior to a treatment is not advised as the effects of alcohol may be
intensified. If the spa feels that providing a service may endanger your health
or safety we will ask that you reschedule your appointment. Limousine
•
For a completely stress-free day, let Joya Spa take care of the driving. Joya
Spa is happy to arrange limousine service for anyone receiving a Spa treatment.
| Music
•
Each treatment room at Joya Spa features a portable music device docking station.
Bring your own favorite selections or choose from four specially programmed Joya
Spa soundtracks to enhance your experience, including an exclusive Montelucia
collection, light jazz, traditional spa, or Moroccan lounge. Request the So-Sound
therapy table which softly vibrates in time to your musical selection, or experience
our Diamond Magnetic Body Treatment in which each choreographed move is performed
to its own special soundtrack. Joya Terrace
Spa Café
• Joya Terrace's spa café offers signature
elixirs, sangria, healthy salads, gourmet fries and a selection of wonderful Moroccan-inspired
dishes. Luxury Suites
• Choose
from five exquisite suites in three distinctive styles to experience any Journey,
Ritual or a la carte spa treatment. Suites may also be reserved without services
for the ultimate half or full-day private retreat.
Cabana Rental
•
Ask your Experience Designer about renting one of the three luxury poolside cabanas
located on the Joya Terrace overlooking beautiful Camelback Mountain. Each is
available for half or full-day use in which to receive your Joya treatment outdoors,
with luxurious billowing curtains and fresh air.
Groups
•
Parties of six or more can reserve their spa treatments through the Joya Spa Group
Coordinator. This highly skilled agent will assist with scheduling and confirmation
of appointments, arranging special events and celebrations, creating custom gift
bags, and the arrangement of any special transportation considerations. They serve
as your personal contact throughout the entire experience ensuring every detail
exceeds each guest’s expectations.
Wedding Packages
•
Enjoy the perfect customized experience for Bride, Groom and the entire wedding
party. Make-up and hair artists from Joya Salon, wedding dance instruction, pre-wedding
stress relief and the Joya Couples Journey are just a few of the unique items
found the special Joya Spa wedding menu. Each featured treatment has been selected
to enhance this most exceptional life experience. Child
Care
• Planet Trekkers, the resort's unique kid’s club experience,
is available for children 5-12 years of age between the hours of 9:00am-5:00pm
daily. Special hourly, half, and full-day rates are offered to Joya Spa Members
and anyone receiving spa treatments. |
Photos
copyright Julie Register 2009
unless marked * which are courtesy of InterContinental
Montelucia Resort & Spa |
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=*EJTVpauQ/0&offerid=61746.10000013&subid=0&type=4
Lantana Spa at JW Marriott San Antonio
Farm to Treatment Table Lavender Experience
This package is available Saturdays only, May 12 – July 14 (excluding June 8), must be booked one week in advance and requires 48 hours notice for cancellation.
Includes
Hill Country Lavender Farm tour,
a bottle of organic lavender massage oil made at the farm,
lunch at Replenish Spa Café with items featuring lavender, and a lavender-based spa treatment featuring the organic lavender massage oil from the Hill Country Lavender farm.
|
You can clean your home, fruits, vegetables and meats with the same 'Aqueous Ozone' that spas and other companies use. Tersano's ‘Aqueous Ozone’ Cleaning Systemt is the world's most effective chemical-free cleaner. ‘Aqueous Ozone’ quickly oxidizes (kills) viruses and bacteria (including E.coli, Salmonella, MRSA, C-Difficil), mold, mildew and other contaminants on any item or surface - from toilets to bedspreads - before changing safely back into water and oxygen. ‘Aqueous Ozone’ is 3000 times faster and 50% more powerful than bleach and chlorine-based cleaners. It is 100% chemical free - no toxins, carcinogens or chemical residue - and safe for babies, pets and people with sensitive skin or those with strong reactions to normal cleaners. ‘Aqueous Ozone’ has long been used in water treatment, food sterilization and medical therapies for its remarkable anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It sounds too good to be true, but the data show how effective the system works.
I'm a believer.
~ Julie
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Hearth Health Month at mySpaShop including the best in health and wellness products from companies that give to those in need.
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