If Vegas is about blowing off steam, then Scottsdale is all about having steam blown on you€”along with a host of other therapeutic pursuits.

Adventure, as we know it, includes scaling epic mountains, wrestling dragons and going on exhausting chases. But, as it turns out, there’s another kind of adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Here, in this arid desert climate, with more spas per capita than anywhere else in the world, therapeutic experiences require equal parts bravery (angel card readings and animal communication), fortitude (those email messages can wait until tomorrow) and determination (to stay awake).

Hydrate Hard

The pleasant haze produced at Well and Being Spa at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess comes intravenously: the REVIV IV Wellness Therapy’s Ultraviv hangover recovery infusion is an IV packed with nutrients (minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes) aimed at combatting dehydration, inflammation and vitamin deficiencies all induced by a hard night out on the town.  

Orange You Glad

When it’s time to come down from the drip, head over to the Alvadora Spa at the freshly renovated Royal Palms Resort. This historic Mediterranean-style villa dates back to 1929 when it was first built as a private estate (being almost 100 years old qualifies you for heritage platinum status in this town), but its signature Citrus Grove facial is thoroughly modern. Harnessing antioxidants to combat premature aging for that healthy, youthful glow, therapists use the actual oranges that grow on the property as an essential essence in their arsenal.

Embrace the Out-There

Then there’s the “angel messages” and animal spirit guide classes at the environmentally focused Civana. Once a 1964 mid-century hideaway, this renovated resort works on principles of “sustainability, attainability and possibility.” Our holistic healer and “interspecies” communicator has us choose Tarot-like cards to connect psychically with a pet or generally find out what the future might hold. Quirky, sure, but sneakily rewarding, even to skeptics. 

Head Case

If you need to get your head around all this, there’s the cranial sacral massage at the Joya Spa at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia, where light, intuitive pressure gently relaxes and influences the central nervous system for better balance and alignment. 

Peak Relaxation

The Sanctuary Salt Stone experience at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is a highly re-mineralizing massage that uses hand-carved salt stones from the Himalayas (no climbing needed!) to balance the central nervous system and reduce inflammation. Depleted cells are nourished and meridians on the body are stimulated—that night, sleep comes like a charm.

Local Motion

In a brand-new three-storey spa at the Phoenician, you’ll rise stronger and more peaceful than ever—but first, you must be rubbed into submission. In the Sonoran signature scrub, massage and wrap, salt crystals get mixed with desert sage and wild lavender for a smoothing body polish, then handcrafted rose stones are placed on your back before a full-body massage with healing aloe.