Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
by Maralyn Hill & Brenda Hill

 Describing Spa Avania would include a different, interesting and a unique concept. It’s true that a good percentage of spas have signature treatments or philosophies. This was the first time of taking part in this particular concept.

It starts with the name Avania, in Greek means tranquil. The goal in this facility is for guests to be elevated to a sixth sense of well-being and tranquility.

A large portion of the philosophy ties into balneotherapy which uses mineral water to detoxify the body’s system. Soaking in the seaweed tub was an exceptional experience. The other part of the water aspect is called Kneipp therapy. This holistic healing focus is on hot and cold water immersion. A German priest, Sebastian Kneipp, first developed this treatment which is said to enhance the immune system as well as stimulate circulation. It was indeed freezing going into the cold immersion, but quite rewarding to return to the hot.

In addition to the water therapy, they have morning, midday and evening menus based on nutrition and digestive impact on biorhythms of the body. The entire focus is around the time of day, including the type of music played and the skylights that allow the time of day light stream into the treatment rooms.

The spa manager says,  Spa Avania’s holistic, total-immersion treatment offerings based on the six spa elements deemed most essential to bodily equilibrium—customized spa treatments, mineral water therapy, music styling, diet, the antioxidant benefits of the world’s finest teas, and natural light—are designed to enhance the body’s natural rhythms and requirements during the morning, midday and evening…

The three time lines correspond to awakening and revitalization; restoration and balance; and relaxation and renewal.

The staff says they are the first spa to incorporate fine teas into its treatment philosophy. Tea is part of many spas and the origin is beyond our personal knowledge. But this spa has one of the largest selections of fine blended teas we’ve experienced.

After having an introduction to the water therapy with iced tea, relaxing with more hot tea and a wonderful massage, the desire to spend more time in this delightful atmosphere was powerful.

Spa Avania is a custom designed 21,000 square foot building located on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa. It boosts 19 treatment rooms, with four couples’s treatment rooms, five indoor/outdoor garden treatment suites and a fully equipped men’s suite as well as a fitness center, French Celtic mineral pool, and elaborate spaces for rest, relaxation and escape. It also features steam rooms and saunas as well as a complete salon.

With a dedicated spa concierge, it is easy to get advice and plan exactly what services fit your personal needs. They have specials on a regular basis and it is worth inquiring.

To escape there again would be wonderful. Arizona has many spas to discover and we’ll have more including many worldwide.

Spa information:
Spa - 7:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. daily
Fitness center – 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. daily with 24-hour access for resort guests.
Spa Avania Concierge – 480 483-5558
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch – www.scottsdale.hyatt.com 
Tel: 480 483-5597