This post was written by a AAA Arizona expert....

If you’re feeling an urge to escape from everyday stress, chances are you’re overdue for a trip to the spa.  It sounded good to me, even though in the back of my head was the thought “Do real men hang out at a spa???”  I wanted to find out.

Whether it’s personal reflection, maintaining a healthy mind and body or simply decompressing from the daily grind that you seek, you won’t have to look far to find a resort or destination spa that might be just the ticket for you. I was ready for all four, and geared up to the challenge. I picked three of Arizona’s most popular spas – Mii Amo, The Spa at Camelback Inn and Miraval. While all offered pleasant experiences, each had their own unique flavor and style. I have no style when it comes to spas… but was determined to try to really get into the complete experience… despite a little bit of trepidation.

Mii Amo
Inspired by the cliff dwellings of the Anasazi, Mii Amo Spa is located at Enchantment Resort, a AAA Four Diamond property, in the mesmerizing red rocks of Sedona. The staff at Mii Amo seemed keenly focused on letting me direct the level of activity and the intensity of spa services. While some of the treatments seemed a little far out, I dipped my toe in the water and tried one called “Body Wisdom”. Ninety minutes of delightful guided therapy later I learned that my knee is still whining about that old basketball injury. It’s no wonder the spa was named a Top 10 U.S destination spa  by Travel & Leisure magazine. The lunch cuisine was tasty, as well as healthy… but I had to beg for “just a bit more” of the amazing fresh vegetable soup since the first portion was a wee bit dainty.

While it might sound strange, don’t forget to pack hiking boots before heading to this northern Arizona property – or at least a good pair of walking shoes. Mii Amo offers guests wonderful opportunities to explore winding paths and hiking trails through Sedona’s stunning red rock canyons. 

The Spa at Camelback Inn
Located in the AAA Five Diamond award-winning Camelback Inn Resort, the Spa at Camelback Inn has a long history in Arizona. I stood in the impressive 32,000-square-foot spa looking at a menu of spa services and felt a little like a reality show contestant. I nixed the traditional manicure, pedicure, and facial – too girly. I picked an Adobe Clay Purification Treatment, since I figured guys understand dirt and I could relate.  The fitness center was pretty ordinary, but the equipment is all state-of-the-art, with an Olympic-size lap pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Ambiance is everything at this spa, which offers guests some of the most spectacular views of metro Phoenix… from breathtaking sunsets to panoramic views of Camelback and the Mummy mountains. Best of all, the Spa at Camelback Inn is gearing up to roll back prices (by a couple of decades, actually) as the spa celebrates its 20th anniversary. Good thing, because I have a hard time calculating the cost I’m paying for mud in some of these treatments.

Miraval
Located just outside of Tucson in the Catalina foothills, Miraval is a place to be reflective, grow in personal communication, recover from stress, grief, or simply start paying attention to what your true heart has been trying to tell you. I took some of my deeper books, a pen, my journal and prepared to dive in. The property had a great room for me with a nice fireplace, surrounded by grounds that were simply lovely… complete with a stream that gurgled happily through the center of the resort. Miraval offers a nice mix of innovative experiences not found at a typical destination spa. Programs like becoming a horse whisperer at the “Equine Experience” or my daring “Quantum Leap” off a 25-foot pole. I was just glad I didn’t have to change my shorts after that one. I filled two pages for my journal on little 'ahas' from just 24 hours!

Another favorite here was the Sonoran salad. How something this healthy could taste this good is a real mystery… mindfully prepared and utterly “cravable.” Best with a very crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Top rated… Oprah’s favorite… AAA 5 Diamond… need I say more???

Whether you choose Mii Amo in northern Arizona’s red rock country, the traditional Spa at Camelback Inn or head to southern Arizona to experience Miraval’s unique course offerings (and savory food), you won’t be disappointed. Each of these properties has their own unique qualities, yet they all offered a peaceful setting that made me feel great… relaxed, tranquil, and healthy. It’s a pretty big accomplishment when I consider my hectic world and the state of the travel industry today!