Guests can achieve optimal health with a wide variety of exercise classes at the luxury resort’s state-of-the-art Revive Spa

Phoenix, Arizona—The soothing Sonoran Desert setting of JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa serves as the ideal backdrop for unique classes at the resort’s 28,000-square-foot, two-level, Revive Spa, named in the new book, America’s Best Hotel and Resort Spas by Mobil Travel Guide. One of these classes is called Qigong, the science of working Chi, the energy within the body.

Qigong uses both still and moving meditation to increase and regulate circulation. With regular practice, a person’s mind will gradually become calm and peaceful and their whole being will start to feel more balanced. In addition to improving one’s overall physical and mental well being, Qigong helps shorten the recovery time from illness, injuries and helps slow down and even fight off some diseases. The practice of Qigong will enhance range of motion and flexibility, improve balance and coordination, reduce blood pressure and heart rate, increase longevity and boost the immune system.

Taught at the resort by Franklin Wood, a practitioner of Medical Qigong for more than 30 years, Qigong 50 minute sessions are open to resort guests and the local community for $10.00 each class, complementary to those having spa treatments. To find out the schedule, call 480-293-3700. Other popular classes at the world class resort include Pilates and Yoga.

Complete with 41 elegantly appointed treatment rooms, the spa features a two-story rotunda with a central water feature that flows directly underneath the open skylight two floors above, capturing the grand volume of the space. This earth-to-sky connection celebrates the resort’s unique setting and embraces the outdoors. Wrought iron banisters, fiery copper and tactile stone blend together to highlight the elements of fire, water, earth and sky in this lush desert sanctum. Indeed, Revive Spa mirrors its beautiful and subtle, yet powerful mix of desert elements.

Revive Spa offers a diverse menu of spa experiences that incorporate beautiful, tranquil settings and indigenous flora and fauna into signature treatments where ancient rituals join force with cutting-edge techniques. Treatments run the gamut from Swedish massages and facials to such innovative body treatments as an Avocado Lime Wrap, which works to incorporate lymphatic movement, cellulite removal and hydration of the skin; and a Clary Sage Scrub, which serves as a natural exfoliant that cleanses and nourishes the body.

Spa-goers will also appreciate such unique features as private balconies, indoor relaxation rooms with fireplace, outdoor patios and a private rooftop cactus garden with its flowing water feature. Outdoor celestial showers make it possible to soak in the Arizona sun before or after the pampering begins.

The largest luxury resort in Arizona features 950 guestrooms (including 81 suites), 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, ten dining experiences, Marriott’s first “Revive Spa,” a 28,000-square-foot facility, eight tennis courts and four acres of elaborately landscaped pools including the Lazy River with serpentine slide, two-championship golf courses and Wildfire Golf Club. JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is located where Phoenix meets Scottsdale, just 20 minutes north of Sky Harbor International Airport, with easy access to the new Loop 101 Freeway.

For more information about JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa located at 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85054, call 480-293-5000, toll free at 800-835-6206 or visit us at www.jwdesertridgeresort.com.