Located in Phoenix, AZ, Royal Palms Resort and Spa is a 119-room historic property that is reminiscent of a Spanish Colonial-style estate. Originally built in the 1920s, the Royal Palms estate was constructed by Delos Cooke, an industrialist and financier who sought the area’s warm and restorative climate as a wellness retreat for his wife.

Accommodations at the AAA 4-Diamond, Forbes 4-Star luxury hotel include stylish and comfortable deluxe suites, terrace view rooms, casitas and villas—each offering either mountain or courtyard views. In addition to an assortment of dining options, event spaces and local activities including the nearby Desert Botanical Garden, guests enjoy relaxing by the pool and can reserve cabanas or day beds for an elevated experience.

Scottsdale Spa Guide: The Best Scottsdale Spas

The hotel is also a pet-friendly haven and offers a Royal Paws program that provides four-legged companions with the ultimate luxury experience complete with a pet menu, plush branded bed, bowls and tennis balls to enjoy during their stay.

Guests can also indulge in some much-needed relaxation at Alvadora Spa, a relaxing sanctuary with luxurious treatment rooms and suites that offers a wide range of distinguished treatments and experience therapies that incorporate Vichy showers, natural botanical ingredients, and 8-foot outdoor waterfall showers. The resort also has a two-story fitness center, unique trails for biking and running, yoga classes and more.

We interviewed Sara Huddleson, Spa Director at Alvadora Spa, to learn more about treatments to try, insider tips, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: Alvadora Spa is one of the most sought-after spas in the destination for good reason—we’re located at one of the most beautiful resorts in Scottsdale, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, and are known for our talented providers and the intimate, boutique feel of the facility. The property itself has a compelling story and was originally constructed as private wellness retreat, which is a story we continue to honor through a curated treatment menu that celebrates our unique history.

Key Features: The spa features multiple eucalyptus steam rooms, private jacuzzis in the men’s and women’s locker rooms, spacious showers, and a co-ed relaxation space with plush lounge seating and a rotating collection of refreshments complementary of the overall spa experience.

Snacks Served: Alvadora Spa guests can enjoy seasonally rotating infused waters, a collection of teas, dried fruit and a health-forward snack mix.

Insider’s Tip: We have a resident herbalist who handcrafts seasonal offerings with plants, herbs, flowers, berries and more that are exclusive to Alvadora Spa. We also begin and conclude each of our treatments with neroli oil—an oil extracted from the flowers of orange trees, and offer a selection of citrus-inspired treatments as a nod to the historic orange groves on property.

Splurge Treatment: In honor of Royal Palms’ 75th anniversary in 2023, Alvadora Spa is offering The Royal Facial to help guests celebrate like royalty. The service utilizes Knesko products that firm, lift and hydrate, while the mind is relaxed, the skin rejuvenated and the spirit rebalanced. It’s a treatment that’s just as effective as it is luxurious!

Unique Treatment: Our 100-minute Signature Couples Citrus Ritual. The treatment begins with a full-body exfoliation using our Neroli scrub while water gently cascades from above. The couple can then relax in our garden tub and private patio area, which is home to our raindrop shower. The couples’ ritual is then completed with a customized 50-minute massage.

Insider’s Favorite: Aside from The Royal Facial, beginning in mid-February we will be featuring a new seasonal treatment handcrafted by our herbalist called the Kava Rose Bath & Massage. To begin, guests drift into warm waters with a luscious cardamom and coconut milk bath to support a state of deep relaxation. A customized 75-minute massage with tension-dissolving kava and herb-infused oil follows the soap— the aromatics of Moroccan rose and sandalwood elicit instant relaxation. The treatment also includes a cardamom butter foot massage to leave the skin soft and supple.

Featured Products: A few of our features brands include Epicuren, Hydropeptide, Body Bliss and exclusive handcrafted products created by our herbalist.

For more information on Royal Palms Resort and Spa, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @royalpalmshotel

[Photos courtesy of Royal Palms Resort and Spa]

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

5200 E Camelback Road

Phoenix, AZ 85018

602-283-1234