The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, located in the foothills of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, has been a majestic and historical landmark since its opening in 1929 when it was crowned "Jewel of the Desert." The Biltmore is the only existing hotel in the world with a Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced design and boasts four dining areas, afternoon tea, poolside dining services, eight spectacular pools, tennis courts, a driving range, a putting course, two 18-hole championship golf courses and of course, the spa.

The Arizona Biltmore Spa opened its doors in 1998 and has 17 indoor treatment rooms, a poolside cabana treatment area, salon, expansive fitness center, three spa pools and private men's and women's lounge areas each with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi whirlpool. The spa's treatments and signature products are derived from native desert herbs such as aloe and rosemary and ancient Native Americans traditions. The full-service salon, located in a separate building, has three spa pedicure stations and specializes in scalp therapy treatments and revitalizing hand and foot services. In keeping with the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and Native American influences, the 22,000-square-foot spa and salon is a serene escape that celebrates the natural beauty of the desert.

Amenities: boutique, lockers, sauna, steam, whirlpool,grooming and styling tools, outdoor treatments in private garden setting, power shower and complimentary refreshments including the signature biltmore breeze tea, robes, slippers, three outdoor spa pools, towels, fitness center

Other Services: reiki, maternity massage, specialized body wraps and treatments using desert botanicals, custom skincare, scalp treatments, hand and foot therapies, fitness, stress management, nutrition consultations, child care

Products: Arizona Biltmore, Pevonia, TRUE Cosmetics, MD Formulations, Tara, Deserving Thyme, Shelly Kyle, Darphin, Phytomer, Molton Brown, Phytologie and Bumble and Bumble

Rates: $$$ ($ Inexpensive, $$ Moderate, $$$ Pricey, $$$$ Ultra Pricey)

Square Footage: 22000

Hours: Fitness: 5:30am to 10pm
Spa and Salon: 8am to 8pm

What's Nearby: The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, located in the heart of Phoenix's prestigious Biltmore District, is minutes from fabulous shopping at the Biltmore Fashion Park and dining at award-winning restaurants.

Insider Tips: Call for seasonal specials.

SpaGirl Review

Nothing like getting covered in honey and oats to cool you off on a sweltering summer day, and that's exactly what I did during my visit to the Arizona Biltmore Spa.

But first, I had to find the place. After parking, I wandered through the grounds past the lawn chess and croquet, through the Paradise Pool area, and around the landmark waterfall that crowns the pool and cabanas. Once I stepped into the spa through the modest entrance and out of the 110 degree Phoenix heat, I was greeted by a friendly spa receptionist who checked me in and escorted me through the well-stocked boutique and into the women's locker room. I was given a quick tour and left to don my spa robe and slippers.

The locker room had all the amenities a girl could want: a dry sauna, a wet steam room, a power shower with a waterfall shower head, and a large jacuzzi flanked by two comfy lounge chairs. Once I did the obligatory slathering of all the fragrant Biltmore products found in the vanity area, I moseyed into the comfortable waiting lounge just outside of the locker rooms. As I awaited my treatment, I sipped on the signature Biltmore Breeze tea and took in the atmosphere of the warm, understated surroundings.

Finally, it was time for my treatment: the Cactus Flower Wrap, a hydrating body therapy exclusive to the Arizona Biltmore Spa. Once in the dimly lit therapy room, I reclined face-up on what was basically a huge sheet of waxy plastic wrap while the therapist prepared the cactus flower, honey, wheat germ, cornmeal and oatmeal concoction that would hydrate and exfoliate my skin. As the table heated up beneath me, the therapist vigorously rubbed the mixture on my body and then wrapped me up in the plastic, a sheet, and finally a cozy blanket. I was feeling real good right about now.

While I laid there mummified in my warm little cocoon, the therapist gave me an intense cranial and neck massage. After about 10 very relaxing minutes, she carefully unwrapped me, helped me to pry my warm sticky skin from the plastic, and left the room so I could shower off the grains and honey. All scrubbed off and feeling tingly from head to toe, I returned to the table where the therapist massaged a citrus-infused oil onto my buffed skin. Overall, although the treatment was sticky and a bit of work to remove, the end result was worth it.

As I made my way back to my car, I felt significantly different than when I had taken this same walk just a few hours before. I was struck by the architectural beauty of the resort and majestic Squaw Peak rising up just beyond the grounds. I smelled heavenly, my skin was soft and glowing, and I felt lucky to have this magnificent jewel, the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, right in my own backyard.