Renovation of an Icon

We were privilleged to work with the team at the iconic Arizona, USA resort, The Phoenician on the creation of their new three-storey spa, boasting a rooftop pool with breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain.

The transformation of the spa at the iconic Phoenician in Arizona was part of a massive, multi-year resort renovation – the largest ever undertaken since the property opened nearly thirty years ago.

The 645-key Phoenician is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, and owned by Host Hotels & Resorts, who selected Spa Strategy for the job. Spa Strategy provided business analysis for growth as well as design technical review services for the brand new three-storey, 24-treatment-room Phoenician Spa, which replaces the original facility, The Centre for Well-Being.

Arizona is one of the most competitive spa markets in North America, and Scottsdale has a very high concentration of luxury offerings. This makes it a challenging market to operate in, and it was imperative that the new spa set the benchmark high. Our business analysis, combined with input from director of spa Sheryl McCormick and the resort team, created a wish list of items for The Phoenician Spa that would set it apart from its competitors and drive business growth – a key reason for the new construction.

A Nurturing and Contemporary Approach

The premiere spa celebrates the individual spirit, with a nurturing and contemporary approach to personalised service, relaxation and fitness. A significant change was the decision to create a slightly larger footprint, so that the spa could enhance the guest experience and expand key revenue areas.

Features include a larger fitness area so that membership can be offered, expanded retail space, luxurious changing rooms, hydrotherapy area with beautiful Sonoran views, a luxurious couple’s suite, dedicated relaxation area, and to top it off – a vertical expansion to add a third floor with a stunning rooftop pool and views overlooking Camelback Mountain.

An important factor in the design process was to create a spa that is flexible. The rooftop pool and terrace with 360-degree views is such a space. It presents a host of opportunities to attract larger private groups and expand programming for other events. Similarly, the couple’s suite and adjoining treatment rooms are designed so that they can be combined to create a more private area for small group events, such as for a girlfriends get away.

A 1,400sq ft retail boutique features an aromatherapy blending bar to customise spa treatments and take-home products, and also includes a grab-n-go refreshment area with healthy snacks and juices.

“The new-build is a huge transformation, and our guests are loving everything,” says director of spa Sheryl McCormick. “Some of the comments I have heard since our recent opening include ‘prettiest spa’, ‘best spa in America’ and ‘my new favourite spa.’ We couldn’t be more thrilled.”

The spa is attracting lots of press and we are thrilled to hear the wonderful comments and to see the spa achieve phenomenal success.