Welcome to the Best New Spa in Scottsdale

I start my experience with the Joya Hammam. I enjoy the berber ritual of a dark, earthy cleansing soap, detoxifying my skin. The hammam wet room is gorgeous, golden and jewel-tone tiles give a warm, rich feeling. Next, I am ushered through hushed hallways to experience the Joyambrosia Signature Massage. Using the heavenly signature Joyambrosia blend, the therapist warms my body with organic oils including Morocco's liquid gold Argan oil, enhanced by the essence of the Queen of the Night flower. Circular movements and aromatic waves of Spanish citrus, Moroccan mint, and spices lulled me into the deepest state of relaxation. The gorgeous scents and rhythmic touch combine to induce a state of dreamy euphoria, after which I wander out to the corridor in a daze, joining the other white-robed zombies doing the same. By now, my skin is so soft, body so supple it feels elastic.

Next up, the holy grail of face treatments: the Joya Diamond Experience Facial. This is simply the best thing I have ever drooled through. After a short consultation to determine what my skin needs the most, the talented aesthetician began by by thoroughly cleansing my face and décolletage. A toner was then applied, followed by a glycolic peel treatment. While that got to work, my arms and hands were massaged with a rich Oxygen Body Cream. Peel removed, my skin was again toned, followed by the application of a serum, then a moisturizing mask. This treatment uses the latest in luxurious skin care technology, combined with three targeted massages that sent me on a soulful and connected journey of bliss. Her technique was so magnificent, I reached a near-embryonic state as we passed the 60 minute mark. With over 30 active ingredients, this ultimate facial gives an immediate and genuine cosmetic lift.

One of the most impressive accomplishments of Joya is that the brain trust behind the spa really gets the art of alternating hot and cold in revitalizing thermal therapies. And this benefit comes with the purchase of any treatment on the spa menu, to be used at your leisure on the day of your visit. They offer the best (and most beautiful) hot-cold circuit I have ever experienced: a cold deluge, hot steam room, hammam and thermal water pool. Cold deluge as a healing therapy dates back to the Romans. It has been a part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years.The cold deluge is used to stimulate blood circulation and rapidly cool the body, especially after time in the warm hammam or hot steam room. Cold therapy numbs the nerves around the joint, thereby reducing pain and relieving inflammation and muscle spasms. It also strengthens the immune system. A long period of time is not needed to receive the benefits of the cold water. Even 30 seconds can get the nerve receptors firing. Cold deluge creates the ultimate recovery and revitalization environment for athletes and active people alike.

It seems a luxury holiday is no longer complete without a spa component. I appreciated Joya as the kind of place spas were before they became temples to narcissism. Joya is all about personal bliss and healing. Vast, open and crystal-filled, it strikes just the right note of austere health retreat.

By Si Si Penaloza, Editorial Director, WOMAN.ca

Joya Spa at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort

4949 E. Lincoln Drive
Corner of Lincoln and Tatum boulevards
Paradise Valley , Arizona
85253
Tel:

Si Si Penaloza
		About the author:
		Si Si has cultivated strong ties with editors, producers and publishers at all major Canadian media outlets. She is a seasoned print, radio and broadcast specialist. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in Maine, Si Si moved to Manhattan to study Film at New York University. Her strengths lie in contextualizing relevant content for a broad audience. She's driven to stay competitive and at the top of the market - commissioning exclusive features and launching bold initiatives.
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