Where To Experience The Top Wellness Trends in Greater Phoenix (2024)

The truth is, yoga trends come and go. So, whether you're looking for a new studio to check out during your stay or just a trendy new experience while you're in vacation mode — both of which offerhealth benefits, regardless of your skill level — you'll find exactly what you're looking for in Phoenix.

Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga

There's something magic about combining yoga with the element of water — not to mention the added ambiance. Greater Phoenix is home to a wide variety ofpristine resort pools as well desert lakes thatchallengeyou to a SUP yoga sesh. Pro tip for all you full moon aficionados: Check out Go Paddle AZ for a brilliant full moon/sunset kayak tour of Lake Pleasant, too.

Riverbound Sports Paddle Co.
1425 E. University Drive, Ste. B-102, Tempe
480-463-6686

Go Paddle AZ at PleasantHarbor Marina
(classes are temporarily postponed, but individual rentals are available)
8708 W Harbor Blvd., Peoria
602-904-0519

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa
(available to guests and members only)
5700 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley
480-948-2100

Goat Yoga

If you've never heard of the poses "Goat Bridge" or "Goat Hug," chances are pretty good you've never done goat yoga — so now's your chance to get all baaaaamaste with these cute companions in a socially distant outdoor studio. Please note: Classes fill up fast and booking one month in advance is recommended.

AZGoat Yoga at Welcome Home Ranch
26601 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert
480-269-4144

Goat Yoga PHX
2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix
623-628-6866

ZodiacYoga

If you know more about your friends' horoscopes than they do, this one's for you. Guests are invited to take their spiritual, emotional and physical well-being to the next level with custom Zodiac Yoga and Sound Healing. Held outdoors, on the scenic rooftop deck at Mountain Shadows, these one-hour sessions incorporate horoscope insight, including the perfect poses based on your sign. Class is followed by a mini sound healing session with Tibetan healing bowls to create vibrations that relax both body and mind.

But wait, there's more. Time your stay accordingly and you can also catch co*cktails Under the Cosmos,astrology-themed co*cktail hoursto celebrate such events as supermoons and meteor showers — all with an expert astronomer (and telescope) as your guide.

5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley
480-624-5400

Butterfly Yoga

Have you ever imaged the butterfly pose surrounded by butterflies?Aptly referred to asYoga in the Rainforest, this experience atButterfly Wonderland takes place inside the 10,000 square-foot conservatory, which is home to 3,000 tropical butterflies and lush vegetation with flowering plants. This hour-long class — scheduled to resume March 8— guides you through a series of poses to help build strength and gain flexibility. Breathing and meditation techniques throughout the class will help youfind peace and steadiness. Modifications and adjustments are available, so you'll feel welcome and supported regardless of your skill level. This class is recommended for ages 18 and up; mats not provided.

9500 E.Víade Ventura,F100, Scottsdale
480-800-3000

There are few things as magical as a dip indesert hot springs. While water temperature can change with the seasons, the experience will leave you feelingrejuvenated year-round. Within 50 miles of downtown Phoenix, you'll find two very different soaking experiences to choose from.

Castle Hot SpringsResort

Untouched fornearly 40years, this natural gem in the Bradshaw Mountains reopened as an adult-only, luxury resort in 2019. While you can't go wrong with any of the all-inclusive treatments and excursions here, the Zen Wellness Package invites you to immerse yourselfin a customized program for balance, harmony and well-being — including a 60-minute massage, a personal elemental assessment, private and small group yoga and meditation classes, guided nature walks, healing soaks in the restorative thermal waters, balancing protocols from master-level instructors and guidance on maintaining balance post-visit. The renovated property is home to only 30 bungalows and cabins, so booking well in advance is critical.

5050 East N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown
844-348-1601

El DoradoHot Springs

This super secret spot is almost unnoticeable from the nearby I-10. Behind overgrown palms, other flora, fences and weathered decor lies a rustic oasis. Once inside, check-in is low key: You'll likely be greeted by any combination of the peaco*cks, ducks, chickens and quail, then make your payment and get directions to the private soaking pool you reserved — yes, reservations are required.

There are five distinctly different pools to choose from, depending on whether you're in the mood for the shady Duck Pond or the sunny Desert Vista. Each area is usually quiet, private, accommodates four to six people and offers chairs for lounging while you're not soaking. Less ideal, but still an option, is the common area that hosts variety of smaller tubs in a secluded, but shared space (people are coming and going at their leisure and in whatever attire they deemappropriate for soaking).

41225 Indian School Road, Tonopah
623-386-5412

Asdigital detoxescontinue to gain momentum, so do spaces that invite your whole being and evoke every sense. At these spots, it's not out of the ordinary to wander without yourphone or headphones (but, fair warning, the photography is irresistible).Either way, theseplaces make being in the quiet of the present moment that much easier to achieveand sustain. So, go aheadand focus, breathe, walk, or whatever helps you reach your inner Zen.

Desert Botanical Garden’s ContemplationGarden

Mostvisitsto this 140-acre outdoor exhibitof over 50,000 plants naturally evoke asense of calmness, but you can take it to the next level at thismultisensory space. TheContemplation Garden istreasured spotwhereameditative labyrinth, shaped in swirls of terrazzo,is flanked with seating and a large, reflective water feature mirroring the image of the surrounding cactus on the surface. It’s also a favorite of the birds, too, who are often found perched on the edgefor asip of water. The garden is also home tofive thematic trails that illustrate topics such as conservation, desert living, plants and people of the Sonoran Desert, and desert wildflowers — so plan to stay for a bit.

1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
480-941-1225

Elsie McCarthy Sensory Garden

Developed to stimulate sight, sound, smell and touch, this sensory garden invites your senses to engage with specific plants and trees for texture and scent, water features for sound,dramatic visuals— especially during evening lighting —for sight and touch.

The garden contains five points of interest, includingthe Wisdom Garden;the Contemplation Garden;the Reflection Garden;the Story Totem Garden, featuringsculptures by artists Joan Baron and Robert Miley; andthe Celebration Garden,where you'll find four unique labyrinth rocks to explore.

7637 N. 55th Ave., Glendale
623-930-2000

Japanese Friendship Garden

Located near downtown, this3.5-acre authentic Japanese stroll gardenwill transportyou from the hustle and bustle of daily life to a tranquil and serenehaven that feels a world away.Take your time along the path and you willencounterflowing streams, stone footbridges, a 12-foot waterfall,a pond with over 300 colorfulkoi fish, more than 50 varieties of plants, atea garden andtea houseand, perhaps,even a Tai Chi class.

Also known asRoHoEn—Ro means Heron, a bird symbol of Himeji City;Hōis the Japanese word for the mythical Phoenix bird; and En means garden—the gardenis a sister city project between Phoenix andHimeji, Japan.

1125 N. Third Ave., Phoenix
602-274-8700

AjiSpa at SheratonGrandat Wild Horse Pass

Named after the Pima word for sanctuary,this 2020 Forbes Five Star Award-winning spa offers everything you'd expect while celebrating Pima and Maricopa culture and traditions through design, story-telling art, music, gardens, programs and treatments developed from ancient rituals. Here, such ingredients such as red clay from the Gila River and theCholla cactus bud bring a local aspect to this purifying and rejuvenating experience.

5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd.,Phoenix
602-225-0100

SanctuaryCamelback MountainResortandSpa

Acclaimed by Forbes and Travel + Leisure, this spa is known for its serene luxury and dramatic desert views. Here, a very Sonoran Desert experience awaits you, as the indoor-outdoor treatment rooms give way to a tranquil meditation garden and soothing reflection pond. Begin your rejuvenation by choosing from Asian-inspired treatments, body therapies and more, and then relax and enjoy the lavish spa amenities, including the Watsu pool and peaceful Sanctum suite.

5700 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley
480-948-2100

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Nestled in the high Sonoran Desert, CIVANA is a wellness-focused destination that beckons those who seek the journey. Here, guests areinvited to choose from more than 70 complimentary weekly fitness, personal growth, therapeuticand spiritual classes to suit yourindividual needs. So, whatever combination of hiking, yoga, sound bathing, meditation, nutrition guidance you're looking for, it can be entirely customized here.Additionally, the spa featureshealing through water viaitshydrotherapy thermal circuit of hot and cold pools, cool waterfall shower andSanariumsaunaoffering humidity and five climate zones.

37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree
480-653-9000

This list is loaded with ideas, butperhaps theyhit different after so many months ofworking from home, social distancing and sheltering in place.To that we offer acupuncture, the benefits from which have been known to successfully treatbackand neckpain, migraines, anxiety,depression, insomnia and so much more — because youdon’tneed any of that in your life onceit’stime to travel again.

Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa atMontelucia

Monteluciais Spanish for “mountain of light,” and an acupuncture treatment here is as healing as it sounds. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your journey coordinator who will escort you to the Joy of Intention room where you're invited to place both hands on a 55-pound quartz crystal, inhale deep breathsand exhalestress and negative energy from the outside world. Then choose from five healing stones — Tiger Eye, Blue Lace Agate, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz or Hematite — (or let one choose you) to set the tone for your day. Now you're ready for your acupuncture + acupressure treatment. Of course, there's a bevy of other selections here, too. Pro tip: Day passes include admission to the Joya Terrace with rooftop pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and relaxation lounges.

4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale
480-627-3200

Mount Sunny

As an acupuncture and wellness studio that's focused on what goes in and on your body, Mount Sunny is (understandably) catching on in its central Phoenix spot. Sure, you can find acupuncture plenty of places, but here it's more approachable, no-nonsense and beyond trendy. Book an acupuncture sesh for $90, cupping for $40 or both for $110. Just be sure to scope out the gift shop on your way out.

826 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-607-5319

For those who wishto clear a personal space, set intentions,meditate,heal, or just take a little namaste with you, you’re in luck. These shopsoffer a wide variety of essentials for creatingZenand maintaining a Phoenix-inspired pampering routine. Here’s where to shop forcandles, sage, crystals,soapsand skincare.

Stardust & Sage

New to downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row Arts District, this Black-owned crystal shop and spiritual botanica serves to demystify aboriginal healing while raising vibration frequencies through crystals, stones and smoke cleansing sticks — including Palo Santo, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, cedar and sage. Not sure where to start? Just ask. Or check out the kits that pair items for specific uses, including chakra balancing.

610 E. Roosevelt St., #136, Phoenix
602-314-4409

Frances

This boutique offers a seemingly endless assortmentof the trendiest Phoenix-inspired gifts, so count on finding candles, sage bundles and even turquoise jewelry here. But, for that spa-fresh face, check out the line of offerings by LUA Skincare. Skin tonics include Wildflower, Rose Mint and Desert Garden, which brings the magical scent of the desert with all of the wild scents from plants of the southwest: orange blossoms, creosote, white grapefruit and aloe vera.

10 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-279-5464

Bunky Boutique

If browsing scrubs, salves, soaps, salts, masks and oils is your happy place, look no further. Here you'll also find items ranging from smudging and offering bowls to antianxiety crystal sets and jewelry — along with just about any souvenir your heart could possibly desire. Look for The Ultimate Calming Kit by Liv Rocks, which includes a sage bundle for smudging, a Palo Santo stick, an amethyst crystal, lepidolite, green aventurine and a feather. Or keep up that browsing and build your own.

1001 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-252-1323

Phoenix General

TheSonoran Desert has a distinct vibe and one of the best ways to capture it and take it with you is creosote bundles. Phoenix General is known for sustainably harvestingbranches of the creosote bush. Wrapped themin hemp, these bundles are intended to hang in the shower, where the humidity activates the sweet, earthy aroma reminiscent of a desert rain. Both of these locationsalso showcase well-curated collections of incense, essential oils, diffusers, candles and more. Get to know a little bit more about the owners here.

Phoenix General Uptown
5538 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-237-6922

Phoenix General Downtown
214 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix
623-248-8686