Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort

480.488.9009

34631 N Tom Darlington Dr
Carefree, AZ 85377

Type: Resort Spa
Services: Alternative Therapies, Body Treatments, Facials, Fitness Instruction, Hair, Makeup Application, Massage Therapy, Microdermabrasion, Nails and Waxing

Framed by a scenic desert backdrop, this world-class retreat weaves Native American and Asian influences together for an enlightening experience.

Website link: Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort

Contemplation, restoration and renewed energy channel through the air of the glorious Golden Door Spa. Injected with Native American influences like rounded corners and kiva ceilings, the style alludes to the Japanese flair of the first Golden Door location in Escondido, Calif. The spa's energetic west wing hides a octagonal yoga studio, fitness center and spa cafe while the tranquil east wing offers 24 spacious treatment rooms, a tea room spilling with natural light and huge Niwas (AKA, locker rooms) for men and women. Each Niwa features lavish snail showers, relaxation areas and Japanese O'furo baths. And outdoors, a labyrinth, meditation Tipi, affirmation rock and organic garden are among the reflective amenities unique to this property.

And don't forget to pop into the spa boutique before you leave. There, you'll find the Golden Door skincare line along with other top beauty brands (not the overrated, overpriced kind), yoga and spa apparel, jewelry and unique gift items.

Rates

$$$ Pricey

Square Footage

33000

Hours

Daily, 8am to 8pm

Payments Accepted

American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa

Amenities

000-square-foot fitness center with strength and cardio training equipment and cafe, circular tea room, complimentary tea and snacks and grooming basics, labyrinth, meditation areas, movement studio and yoga studio, organic garden, outdoor pool and jacuzzi with cascading waterfall and lap lane and a 4, rock and sand garden, affirmation rock, boutique, lockers, sauna, steam and whirlpool

Other Services

activities such as rock climbing, aqua aerobics, body composition analysis, cardio combo, core conditioning, Feldenkrais, fit ball, fitness activities such as yoga, hydrotherapy, night vision excursions, personal training, Pilates, qi gong, scenic guided hikes and mountain biking classes, spinning, stretch, walks, weight loss and Ayurveda

Products

Cellex-C and others, Golden Door and Phytomer

What's Nearby

Carefree is a small, eclectic town known for its namesake attitude. Be sure to head north into town and stop one of the classically popular eateries like Crazy Ed's or The Horny Toad. Or end your day with shopping, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and on certain summer nights, music at El Pedregal, which is actually a part of The Boulders Resort property, located just south of the resort.

The moment I arrived at Golden Door Spa at The Boulders, my habitually hurried gait slowed to a stroll. I hadn't even made it to the check-in desk before stopping to admire a trickling stream that welcomes each guest in a Zen courtyard before the entrance. Once inside, Golden Door lived up to its welcoming foundation.

With such loving respect for flow, form and detail, Golden Door Spa at The Boulders designers somehow tapped into the Arizona SpaGirl wavelength. It's exactly the place I want to live one day--rooms allow natural light in, while retaining privacy, and natural elements are incorporated in every aspect of the facility. You will not find any 90-degree corners at Golden Door. Under the philosophy that "evil hides in corners," the facility is a series of curving, winding walls, resulting in an esthetically pleasing, almost emotionally healing environment. In addition, sandstone room markers, Kiva ceilings (exposed natural wood beams), candles, linen window treatments, rooms with choice of music and even a stream flowing throughout the interior and exterior of the property are just a few of the finishes that tie this spa experience together.

My day started off with a little business--eyebrow waxing. Using a green and pink hard wax with aromatherapy oils, the aesthetician skillfully whipped my ornery little brows into shape. Veterans to brow waxing will appreciate the hard wax they use because it not only enables accurate shaping, but is also skin friendly--typically a contradiction in waxing terms. Later in the day, the same aesthetician sought me out to see how I was doing, a decidedly caring touch.

My second treatment, a Golden Door Massage, further lived up to the Golden Door promise. Sitting on a heated table, my therapist had an intuitive touch. She asked for feedback but allowed me to drift away into my own little world. The massage, which incorporates natural oils and a chamomile eye pack, however seemed to end slightly prematurely. Later I realized that the massage was only 50-minutes, consistent with a recent spa trend of 10-minute, pre-hour intervals between treatments so that appointments can be booked on the hour.

My day culminated with a Golden Door Custom Facial. Laying on a heated table with raised knees, my hands and feet were spoiled with massage, heated mitts and heated booties. After analyzing my skin, the aesthetician cared for my face with a cleansing, massage, purifying and hydrating mask, moisturizing mist and hot towels. This treatment does not include steam and exfoliation so if you're looking for either, be sure to upgrade to the Golden Door Tranquility Facial. (Just as a follow up note, we did request extractions on a subsequent trip and the aesthetician happily accommodated. Be sure to let him or her know your preferences.)

Golden Door's Spa Cafe cuisine is a selection of carefully designed meals for the health conscious crowd, which sometimes does not include the likes of me. Both breakfast and lunch was nutritious, fresh and delicious--but I'll have to admit, I missed my usual mini-vice of something crunchy or sweet at the end.

Nestled into the historical and humbling boulders that landmark the resort, the pool is quiet, private and serene, a perfect setting to read a book, float in the pool or lay out. But if you're a nap aficionado, head to the tearoom's covered porch. I took the most luxurious nap here, with the sun setting at my head and the stream flowing at my feet. This deeply restorative nap, spiked with the inspirational scenery and wonderful treatments gave me a genuinely renewed zest for life.