Wind down in Tempe

December 27, 2007 9:50 AM

I will be in Tempe for the New Year and my friends and I could all use some R & R - any recommendations on hot springs, mud baths, massage etc. in that area? (Or any other take-it-easy type activity).
posted by forallmankind to travel & transportation (7 comments total)

Not in Tempe, but neighboring Mesa - check out the Buckhorn Baths. It looks really quirky. Let me know what you think, cuz I'm too scared to try it first.
posted by Sassyfras at 11:21 AM on December 27, 2007

depends on your price range... I've had pretty decent massages from the Arizona School of Massage Therapy, if you're not looking to spend much. If you want something classier, there's the Sanctuary or the various resort hotels to look into. I don't do that kind of stuff much so I don't have a recommendation, but I've always heard good things about the sanctuary.
posted by Chris4d at 11:24 AM on December 27, 2007

Sassyfras: this page says the Buckhorn Baths have been closed for a few years.
posted by forallmankind at 11:39 AM on December 27, 2007

Sorry forallmankind! No wonder it looks scary as I drive past it. (Although maybe you could look into reviving it!)
posted by Sassyfras at 12:07 PM on December 27, 2007

The Healing Arts Day Spa looks interesting with non-traditional type massage (I think the Barefoot Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy looks awesome). It's located at the border of Tempe and Mesa.

But really, Phoenix, Scottsdale and some of Tempe have some really great resorts with all sorts of spa treatments and R & R. And you can't go wrong walking outside at night wearing only a light jacket (knowing that every one else in the country is freezing).
posted by Sassyfras at 2:16 PM on December 27, 2007

Sassyfras: and they have awesome holiday specials too!
posted by forallmankind at 5:11 PM on December 27, 2007

If you have a car, El Dorado Hot Springs is about 40 miles from Phoenix and sounds like a great place to wind down.
posted by zoel at 7:50 PM on December 27, 2007