In 2004 Mobil began rating the spas at hotels and resorts just as it does hotels and restaurants. In 2009 Forbes purchased the travel portion of the business, which became Startle, the online home of Forbes Travel Guide.
The minimum criteria for a spa to be rated by Forbes includes personalized services, luxurious environment, treatments that offer comfort and privacy, and a menu of health, fitness and pampering activities, all being offered with helpful and respectful service. They come up with a mathematical score for the spa, and the highest scores are arranged into the top categories.
Arizona's Best Spas, According to Forbes Travel Guide (2011)
5 Star Spas in Arizona
- None
4 Star Spas in Arizona
- Aji Spa
Phoenix
Visit the Aji Spa online.
Make a reservation at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa - Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms
Phoenix
Visit the Alvadora Spa online.
Make a reservation at the Royal Palms Resort & Casitas - The Centre for Well Being
Scottsdale
Visit The Centre for Well Being online.
Make a reservation at The Phoenician - The Sanctuary Spa
Paradise Valley
Visit The Sanctuary Spa online.
Make a reservation at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain - Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
Scottsdale
Visit the Spa at Four Seasons Resort online.
Make a reservation at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North - Willow Stream Spa at Scottsdale Fairmont Princess
Scottsdale
Visit Willow Stream Spa online.
Make a reservation at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - The Spa at Omni Tucson National
Tucson
Visit The Spa at Omni Tucson National online.
Make a reservation at Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa
3 Star Spas in Arizona
- Revive Spa
Phoenix
Visit Revive Spa online.
Make a reservation at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort - The Spa at Camelback Inn
Scottsdale
Visit The Spa at Camelback Inn online.
Make a reservation at JW Marriott Camelback Inn
What The Spa Stars Mean
A Three-Star spa is esthetically pleasing in appearance. It is well staffed. It might have a well-equipped fitness center, separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, a sauna or steam room, and a designated relaxation area. Services available include, at least, massages, facial treatments, and at least one other type of body treatment, such as scrubs or wraps.A Four-Star spa has a more luxurious setting with enhanced amenities in an elegant environment. Personalized service is provided. Additional services to a 3-star spa might include amenities such as single-sex relaxation rooms where guests wait for their treatments, plunge pools and whirlpools in both men’s and women’s locker rooms, and an array of available treatments, including massages, body therapies, facials, and salon services.
A Five-Star spa will provide services and service at a extraordinary level where guests achieve the highest level of relaxation and pampering. An extensive array of treatments is available.
For more information about luxury hotel and resorts spas, visit Forbes Travel Guide online.
