Agave, The Arizona Spa at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
By Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill

When it comes to the Hill Team, those who know us realize that Brenda is more adept at taking relaxation time than Maralyn. That difference contributes to our providing a good balance for each other. Frequently, Maralyn will get her spa treatments and then immediately go back to work. However, this was not the case at the Agave, The Arizona Spa.

When the Hill Team walked through the door at Agave, they experienced instant relaxation. After their first treatment, they immediately added an additional service for the late afternoon and spent the entire day relaxing.

Agave offers all the services listed in the Starwood Spa Collection. Plus, the fitness center and pool are right at the spa. However, it goes even further by honoring its namesake and the history and healing traditions of the people who formed Arizona. The Agave plant inspired those who developed the spa and is incorporated into many of its treatments. It also showcases a signature scent which is a mix of pure agave, hazelnut oil, lemon oil and lime oil in its body lotion and shower gel. This way, guests are able to discover for themselves the moisture-rich qualities of the agave plant.

We started out by using the sauna and steam room and then enjoyed an Agave Master Massage.  This treatment included a full body massage that utilized long strokes and kneading to reduce tension, soothe sore muscles, and increase circulation to promote total relaxation.

Taking a break, we enjoyed a wonderful smoothie, offered as a free testing for guests. After sitting and relaxing, we then experienced one of Agave’s Eastern Essence treatments, which combined traditional Chinese medicine, electro-medicine and other holistic modalities that support the body’s own healing mechanisms. This combination is known for improving overall health naturally.

We decided to try Tui’Na, a 50 minute massage that strives to establish a more harmonious flow of qi and blood in your body. Tui’Na uses a variety of hand techniques to stimulate acu-points and meridians. It is terrific for loosening tight muscles and joints, while, at the same time, stimulating circulatory, lymphatic and neurological systems throughout the body. For those new to massage and hesitant to disrobe, this is a great introduction, as you do wear loose clothing.

After a break for a nice salad, we just relaxed until it was time for our Agave Signature Organic Facial. This is not a one size fits all treatment. Instead, it is an organic renewing customized facial with a repairing, refining or firming serum chosen to meet your own specific requirements. This particular treatment is a foundation for healthy, vibrant skin. What surprised us was that, seasonally, they change the facial to include components for the season.

A fact we both found very interesting, was that most of the therapists had been at the spa for quite a while, with no desire to leave.

After these three wonderful treatments, we just sat and relaxed. We enjoyed some E•lix•r tonic with water. We were not interrupted my any thoughts of writing stories or getting back to the computer…just sheer abandonment to enjoy the moments in time.

When we were ready to check out, a basket of products for us to consider based on our skin types, was on the counter. The spa features several lines of such products. Our one indulgence was purchasing bottles of E•lix•r tonic, “Mind Over Muddle,” for mental clarity, focus and memory. This herbal supplement is wonderful, so when we run out, we’ll just have to go back and spend more time at Agave.

We focus on signature treatments when we visit spas. There are many more wonderful Agave Signature Therapies, including but not limited to mud wraps, body glows, and brown sugar oasis. Oh, for another day of Agave bliss. We could handle it once a month easily.

After a shower and shampoo, we were ready to dress for a delicious dinner at Deseo.

Big Blend Radio - Maralyn was a featured guest on Vacation Station on January 19, 2010. To meet the rest of the guests and listen to the entire show, please click here. To listen to Maralyn's interview, please double click on the Play Button below.


Agave, The Arizona Spa at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 E. Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Tel: (480) 624-1500
www.kierlandresort.com