ARIZONA: SONORAN SPA AT WESTWARD LOOK
By Naomi Serviss
The Spa: The Westward Look Resort & Sonora Spa is located within the 80-acre desert property just blocks away from a bustling shopping district and 14 miles north of Tucson.
Environment: Set far back from crowded streets and traffic, the resort is a throwback to an era when the west was young, and spas, as we know them today, were yet to be invented.
Located in a separate building just steps from the lobby, the spa is an intimate 3,500 square feet with seven treatment rooms and two mani-pedi stations and is one of the smallest in any Tucson area resort.
Point of Distinction/Décor: The lobby of the resort typifies the decor found throughout the property. In a word: Cowboy. Imagine earth-toned everything, from area carpet of abstracts browns and camel-beiges, to one-of-a kind furniture of fallen trees and simple, and brass lamps with hand-sewn shades.
Spa Menu/Signature Treatments: One of the surprising things about this smallish spa is that it offers its own product line. The Sonoran line includes a conditioner that, I’m told, sells as fast as it comes in – especially the orange mango conditioner which utilizes desert botanicals. Debra Henrickson, spa director, places great faith in the healing powers of indigenous products. “Desert products are especially restorative to skin not use to the harsh sun,” she said. Signature facials are akin to combining massage and skin care. And anti-oxidants, minerals and phyto-hormones claim to result in a radiant, youthful glow. Desert sage is used in many treatments, including pedicures. The menu ranges from Ayurvedic body treatments to a Blue Corn Scrub, Arizona Aloe Wrap and an Organic Back Facial.
The Experience: Upon entering the spa I’m greeted by two attendants standing behind a tall wooden counter. Steps from the entrance, a small lounge area is set for four clients. Décor is a reflection of the resort lobby: masculine with a western feel. There is no spa music but there is a small retail area. Most of the products for sale are from the Sonoran line but Eminence and Tara are also represented plus a new organic line called Erbavia.
Beyond the small lounge area there’s a pedicure-manicure room closed off from the main entrance. In the outdoor lounge guests can enjoy lunch service from the main kitchen. An Elixir bar invites guests to mix their own tonic or opt for a chilled glass of lemon water. I help myself to a cup of hot Numi tea and take it to the0020locker room.
The locker room is even smaller than anticipated—with only 24 small lockers, one bathroom and one shower stall. Since this is a co-ed spa, you can choose to lounge in the spa lobby or stay in the locker room. I stayed in the locker room. My therapist greets me pleasantly and leads me back into one of the facial rooms (that are also used for massage treatments). The Signature Facial I had was heaven—not only did I benefit from “restoring my skin to loveliness” I benefited from an expected bonus: a massage. While my various scrubs/masks/gels were doing their thing, my therapist gave me a head, shoulder, back, neck, calf and hand massage.
Accomodations: Westward Look has 244 guest rooms, some the size of suites. Again the motif here is South West, and each room has its own balcony with spectacular mountain, desert and sunset views. I even watched in stunned silence one morning when I watch a beautiful bobcat stroll languidly under my balcony. Stargazer Spa rooms have private, outdoor hot tubs in an enclosed courtyard.
Where to eat: There are two on-site restaurants—the Gold Room (pricey) and the Lookout Bar & Grille (more reasonable). A typical dinner from the Gold Room includes Roasted Lamb Chops and Cowboy Steak. Nightly specials at the Lookout include Tacos and Tequilas and Baby Back Ribs.
Other Facilities/Features: The resort also offers a swimming pool, hot tub, horseback riding, tennis courts, a fitness center and miles of desert trails.
The cost: At the time of our visit, a signature manicure was $45 for 45 minutes, a signature pedicure was $65 for 50 minutes and the signature facial was $105 for an hour. All prices in U.S. dollars.
What I liked best: The expert care given by my therapist.
Words to the wise: As mentioned, the spa is small and slightly cramped and a co-ed lounge may be off-putting to some. Perhaps it’s time to expand and offer more treatments. Plus, what spa doesn’t offer sauna and steam these days?
For more info: www.westwardlook.com
Naomi Serviss is an award-winning spa and travel writer whose passion is “green” consciousness within the spa industry.