you don't have to go far to go solo!

Living in Arizona, I always like to plan trips for both June and July. It is important to my soul to escape the extreme heat every year. This past June, I spent time in Kauai. In July, I was intending to go hike with the puffins and do some yoga with my favorite yoga instructor, who was planning to guest teach in Newfoundland, Canada. I had never been to Canada before, so naturally I thought yes! I will plan a trip to Newfoundland and meet up with you for some activity!

Unfortunately I found the logistics for this particular trip to be too much for the time I would spend there. It turned out that my yoga instructor was feeling the same on her end. So we decided to possibly table the thought for another time.

Meanwhile, I was on a mission to find an alternative to the potential July plan that fell through.

Chicago and Denver are two easy trips for me to plan last minute. For various reasons, neither one worked out. That is when I thought, “OK Universe, you obviously want me to stay in Phoenix this July.” I have to admit, at first I wasn’t thrilled with that thought. However, I am one who is known to adapt and pivot when needed, so I came up with what I refer to as a Spacation! 

The thought of a week-long Spacation became EXCITING to me! There are at least a handful of world-renowned spas just on the other side of the mountain from me! They are literally a five minute drive! That is when I decided, you don’t have to go far to go solo!

For those unfamiliar with Resort Pass, I encourage you to take a look and download the app! This app, along with one of the Spa Directors that I have a personal relationship with, helped me book one of the best weeks ever! Especially for it being July in Arizona!

Monday: I did a day pass to the pool at the Sanctuary. Their restaurant, Elements, had options that were served poolside. I had a beautiful, healthy salad for lunch. Their Blackberry Basil Smash drink was highly refreshing on a 110+ degree day in the late afternoon! The Sanctuary has the most lovely infinity pool looking out towards the mountain. To spend the day there is just divine.

Tuesday: This was the only day I did not attend a spa. I took time to shop (which I NEVER do) at my favorite local bookstore, Changing Hands. While this is not a spa treatment, it was the continuation of self-care, which was the point of my spacation and not going far to go solo!

Wednesday: I enjoyed another spa pass at one of my FAVORITE spas, the Camelback Inn. My day included all of the spa amenities, including their lovely spa pool, which is separate (and much more private) than their main pool. I also had a delicious, healthy, poolside lunch and ended my six-hour day with a Crystal Bowl Sound Meditation. There was also time in my day to steam, read, color a mandala in the quiet room, and of course enjoy some tea and healthy snacks.

Thursday: This was the most special day! Remember the Spa Director I referred to earlier? Sheryl McCormick, Director of Spa, spent time prior to my day, getting to know what I like in a service and booked the PERFECT therapist for me! Now, before I tell you what I did both at the Phoenician, and the following day, I want to pause to explain how special the Phoenician is. 

First, there are special touches and details throughout. Not only did Sheryl go out of her way to leave me a gift when I checked in, there were no details of the day left behind. From the dark-chocolate-covered-coconut nuggets, which were among a beautiful and tasty array of snacks, to the variety of teas, to the quiet space lit with starlit lanterns. The placement of the steam room and whirlpool, which I come to find out is one of Sheryl’s favorite spots in the spa, overlooks breathtaking scenery.  Sheryl has worked with the Phoenician for almost 33 years! When asking her why she finds it special she stated, “I feel a great sense of ownership and pride with what we have created and with the staff that provides excellent, luxury service to every guest.”

I would fail you all if I do not mention the grounds, the reflection of the mountain on the back entrance of the spa door, and the architecture! Sheryl actually had the opportunity to work with the architects, giving them their “wishlist” of everything the spa needed. She made sure the vitality pools in each locker room had the windows and natural light coming in to showcase the view of Camelback Mountain.

At the end of the day, Sheryl unexpectedly met me outside the fitness center, before my class, to say hello and ask how my day went. Talk about hospitality! Sheryl is top notch at her job as she truly cares about the client experience. I topped off my special day with a Sound Meditation Bath. I left buzzing with creativity and joy in my soul.

Friday: I received a yummy facial from someone I worked with in the spas YEARS ago. I have remained a dedicated and loyal client of Koltton Fox as he is a MASTER at brow structure! His facials are like no other, as they are complete with warm mitties and booties. Koltton never steps out of the room while your face mask dries. During those twenty minutes, he is massaging your feet and hands. You can book services with Koltton at The Dale Modern Day Spa. 

Since my most special day at the Phoenician, I have been back to their boutique for face and body products as well as shopping for unique gifts for the holidays. When shopping for the holidays, I met Carolina. Carolina assisted me with her expertise and knowledge in choosing the products that were right for me. She listened to my needs and recommended them accordingly. After shopping and unexpectedly chatting with Sheryl, I found out that Carolina just took her first solo trip to Mexico City! I was so excited to talk with her about it! This is what she wants to share with people who are new to the idea of solo travel:

I love traveling and I am always up for a road trip or flying.  Since I moved to the US my vacation has been to visit my beautiful country of Guatemala (which I’m not complaining about) but I decided I want to go to at least one new place every year and last year wasn’t the exception. México City was definitely calling my name! 

I was a little bit concerned about the idea of traveling by myself; when I travel I usually go to visit a friend or family so I’m not completely alone. This time it was different but I think I was more excited than worried.

It turns out this was the best decision I ever made! I think it was one of my favorite trips and one of my favorite places to visit so far! I liked it so much that I want to live there! The people, the food and the city are just magical, which made my trip so special. I was able to do whatever I wanted, which became the greatest lesson of solo travel!

I think we all need to take that trip at least once in our life. It will definitely help you to know yourself better and empower you to make your own decisions. It can be a little scary at the beginning but that is actually when freedom starts! You can do whatever you want! Just listen to yourself and  trust your intuition, that's your power! Stay safe!

Being a massage therapist and yoga instructor for over twenty years, I have  passion for connecting people with great services and spas. I love to spa when I travel and I consider spa-ing a great practice for those who hesitate to travel solo. You do not have to plan a trip overseas to travel solo. You do not have to hike and kayak by yourself to travel solo. You don’t even have to go far to go solo! You just need to be willing! For those who are, I can help!