Photo: Jasmine Brett Stringer
My girlfriends and I love a spa getaway, and since we’re scattered across the country, we typically choose to visit a destination spa. We often choose Arizona for its amazing spas, and it’s an easy destination to travel to from almost anywhere in the country. (There are 13 daily nonstop flights from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to Phoenix!)
Last summer, we discovered a gem nestled high in the Sonoran Desert just outside of Scottsdale, Arizona: Civana Wellness Resort & Spa. It’s located 30 minutes away from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in the charming and quaint town of Carefree, Arizona. We enjoyed a lot of quality time outside, from hiking in the morning to walking around Civana’s beautiful grounds and soaking up time at the pool.
We’ve also visited Sedona, Arizona, which is two hours north of Phoenix and known for its beautiful red rock formations and vortexes. During our trip to Sedona, we stayed at the Amara Resort and Spa. Highlights included the rugged, bumpy and fun Pink Jeep Tour; lighting prayer candles in Chapel of the Holy Cross and hiking Baldwin Trail.
Tucson is two hours south of Phoenix and is the home of some of the country’s most well-known spas. Miraval Arizona has been touted as one of Oprah’s favorite spas, and after a few visits myself, I can see why. No matter what type of spa experience you’re seeking, Arizona is my recommended destination for a relaxing and epic girls weekend!
Contributed by Edina resident Jasmine Brett Stringer, a professional speaker, on-air lifestyle expert, author, consultant and founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine and #ShareTheMicMN.
