Amara Spa

Then the Amara's new spa is for you.

The boutique Amara Creekside Resort opened its $2 million full service Amara Spa in December 2006.

Though it’s cozy when compared to many Arizona resort spas, the Amara blends a well-rounded treatment menu, Zen-like atmosphere and friendly service into one soothing spa retreat.

As an added bonus, Amara Spa is only one of 5 spas in the United States that use Elemis spa products.

The red rocks of Oak Creek Canyon tower over Amara Creekside Resort

Currently it is the only spa in Arizona to offer the exclusive line.

Elemis is a London-based company known for its luxurious, skin-pampering, botanical-based skin care.

Their diverse selection of moisturizers, eye treatments, herbal bath soaks and body-firming creams use organic extracts and pure essential oils to provide gentle but effective skin therapies.

Amara Creekside Resort is set along the verdant banks of Sedona’s famed Oak Creek.

Centrally located in Uptown Sedona, this chic, contemporary resort offers quick and easy access to shopping, hiking and sightseeing.

If the cost of most spa treatments makes your wallet plead mercy, you'll be happy to know that the Amara Spa offers less expensive taster treatments.

Asian-inspired art work adorns the walls at Amara Spa

That's because the Elemis line was created to blend the most effective natural ingredients with the latest in skin care science to combat the effects that time and the environment have on our bodies.

Many of the spa’s treatments are designed to combat stress and fight the aging process.

Therapies blend both Eastern and Western techniques and ingredients.

You can experience the exotic with the Elemis Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual ($115/60 minutes).

This traditional Balinese ceremony combines an opulent, skin-rejuvenating wrap with a de-stressing facial pressure point massage and scalp treatment to refresh your mind and body.

The Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial ($140/75 minutes) firms and rejuvenates the skin and reduces dark under eye circles.

The spa lounge offers a tranquil retreat

I was surprised to find it tucked beneath the parking structure opposite the Amara Resort entrance.

From the outside, the spa is nondescript. But inside, a Zen-like serenity pervades the Amara Spa.

From the Buddha statues to the mandala paintings, this spa evokes the meditative air of a Himalayan retreat.

The spa lobby is small with its combined reception desk and spa shop filled with Elemis bath and beauty products.

The locker rooms have spacious showers, curtained changing rooms and a eucalyptus steam room.

Nearby, moist washcloths and fresh cucumber slices sit atop a bowl of ice, ready for cooling warm brows and soothing puffy eyes.

The women’s locker room at the spa

A full tray of Elemis products next to the sinks gives guests a chance to sample lotions, cleansers and body washes.

The relaxation lounge is a quiet retreat with wood lounges and chairs topped with comfy ivory pillows and Buddha statues.

Here you can wait for your therapist while sipping a cool glass of peach-green tea iced tea or nibbling on oranges, apples and grapes.

Post-treatment, take a dip in Amara Resort's heated saltwater pool.

Or enjoy a gourmet meal in the art gallery-like dining room of the Gallery on Oak Creek restaurant.

The resort sits beside the banks of the lovely Oak Creek, a perennial stream that runs through Sedona.

Unlike other facials I’ve had, this one began with me lying face up on a heated massage table.

The Relaxation Lounge at Amara Spa

My therapist started by giving me a mini foot rub with acupressure.

The facial included all of the basics such as cleansing, toning and exfoliation followed by a warm steam with cotton washcloths draped over my face.

While I relaxed with a mask on my face and soothing eye pads over my lids, the therapist worked the tension out of my scalp with a soothing massage.

A final swirl of moisturizer completed my facial.

Afterwards, the therapist led me out to the spa shop to show me which products she had used.

How did the Elemis products measure up?

They felt very soothing and light on my skin. My face looked rejuvenated and felt great.

• Spa and salon treatments must be guaranteed with a credit card.
• It’s recommended that your reserve your spa appointments at least two weeks in advance.

Service: Very good. The spa has a very friendly and efficient staff.

Location: Uptown Sedona.

Address: 310 North Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location.

Phone: (928) 282-6088

Hours: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Size: 4,000 square feet.

Amenities:

• Separate women’s and men’s locker rooms with eucalyptus steam room
• Six treatment rooms
• Co-ed Relaxation Lounge
• The spa offers Kripalu yoga classes and private yoga sessions
• Heated saltwater pool and whirlpool behind the Amara Resort.

Spa Services:

Amara Spa is a full service spa offering massages, body treatments and facials including:

• Elemis Deep Tissue Body Massage ($120/60 minutes)
• Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Facial ($140/75 minutes)
• Elemis Skin IQ Facial for Men ($140/75 minutes)
• Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow ($85/30 minutes).

The spa’s Salon offers manicures, pedicures, nail repair, eyelash applications, and professional waxing.

Age Policy: Amara Spa services and steam room are available to guests 16 years and older.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations or reschedules must be made 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for a scheduled treatment.

Service Charge: None.

Facility Fee: No.

Spa Check-In Policy: The spa recommends arriving at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled treatment time.

Spa Etiquette:

• Amara Spa requests that guests refrain from wearing fragrances to the spa.
• Guests are asked not to use cell phones in the spa and to turn off all mobile devices as a courtesy to others.

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