The Solo Spa Pass and Daycation: Unwinding in My Own Backyard

Written by Lisa Saper-Bloom

Aligning with proper spa etiquette, photos in this post are limited to the resort grounds.

In my workshops and coaching, I always remind people that solo travel is a spectrum. There is no single definition that fits us all.

For me, solo travel isn’t always about catching a flight; it’s about claiming space for myself, resetting my energy, and indulging in a little luxury without the premium price tag. This July, I decided to shake up my usual staycation routine to share something different with you. Considering I hadn't been to Agave Spa at the Westin Kierland in over 20 years, and had only ever experienced the Omni Montelucia from its main pool when meeting out-of-town friends at the bar, I thought these two spots would be the perfect place to start.

If you've followed my blogs and social media posts, you know I am a HUGE FAN of taking advantage of summer “spa passes” on Resort Pass. If you can spend a solo day enjoying a resort's premier amenities excluding services, stacking your week this way remains incredibly economical, especially if you're like me and prefer to sleep in your own bed at night.

Whether you are a fellow desert dweller looking for a reset from the heat, or a solo traveler planning an Arizona getaway, take this solo moment for yourself, silence your phone, and dive in.

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Entering Agave, the Arizona Spa at Westin Kierland

Entering Agave Spa, one word comes to mind: balance. The moment you step inside, the blissful aromatics hit your senses. It's that classic, unmistakable "spa scent", a perfect synergy of healing oils, salts, lotions, and splashes melding into one harmonious note. This sensory bliss, combined with the amenities, like the fitness center, adult-only pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and quiet rooms offered immediate serenity. 

The fitness center, while not over the top, has all the basics you would expect, plus sweet little bonuses like disposable head sets and apples! Yes, fresh apples. 

Outside, the Aquamiel adult-only pool is nestled in a peaceful setting with plenty of space and incredibly respectful attendants and servers. To my pleasant surprise, several lovebirds have even made a home in the trees on Kierland's beautifully manicured grounds.

Moving inside, the steam, sauna, and whirlpool area in the women’s locker room is always something I look forward to. Even in 115 degree weather, I love a good steam! This one did not disappoint. I topped off my spa experience with a good read in the relaxation lounges. Both the women’s quiet room and the co-ed quiet room were aesthetically gorgeous, evoking the exact sense of calm and coziness I look for.

Aquamiel Adult Pool, included with your Spa Pass

On the flip side of the coin, and in the spirit of yin and yang, I did experience a few elements that felt a bit "dark" compared to the light. Both the poolside menu and the parking situation were disappointing.

I don’t know about the experienced spa-goers reading this, but I have never had to pay to self-park at a resort spa! I can understand this in a dense metropolitan downtown, but with the vast space Phoenix occupies, a $15 price tag without the opportunity to validate left a sour taste. While I credit Resort Pass with a heads-up, the fee they quoted on the app was $8. Either way, paying to park was a let down.

Additionally, the poolside menu missed the mark. If you've been here a while, you know I have a severe garlic and onion allergy, so I admit I'm a tough critic. However, not only were the food items limited for my dietary needs, but I simply dislike feeling like "bar food" is what’s on the menu at a luxury spa. I much prefer a clean concept that caters to a healthy, wellness-focused lifestyle. And no, the offering of a fruit plate doesn't cut it.

When I set out to write this piece, I never intended for it to be a direct comparison. Yet two things I eagerly looked forward to at Montelucia over Kierland are that parking is fully validated (both valet and self-park) and a fitness class is included with your pass! This small inclusion costs a resort very little, but it is something I deeply appreciate. When I hear spas say that fitness classes are for overnight guests only, it feels exclusionary. With honesty and authenticity upon which 1 2 3 Go Solo brand was built, Agave Spa left me feeling a bit nickel-and-dimed, while Montelucia put the JOY in Joya spa!

Joya puts the JOY in spa!

The unspoken goal of any daycation is to release the pressures of day-to-day life. Upon entering the grounds at Omni Montelucia, I felt instantly transported to a different time and place. Even though I have been on the property before, this time just felt different. As a Solo Travel Coach, I attribute that entirely to mindset, meaning, this day was all about me.

Having a background as a Certified Yoga Instructor, and teaching for 20 years, I used to think that resort fitness centers couldn't meet my desires and needs because they felt too formal and  impersonal. I've grown to truly respect them now. Being in my mid fifties and navigating menopause, my body has been through its fair share of challenges these past few years. In fact, the last Barre class I took was four years ago.

When entering the studio, the instuctor, Lisa, asked the three students in class if we had any injuries. I giggled and told her my body is consistently being challenged in all sorts of ways, but that I will modify as needed and she didn't need to worry about me. Lisa showed zero judgement and zero pressure. Resort fitness classes are truly built for all levels as their students are naturally transient. Lisa's Barre class turned out to be the perfect, joyful way to start my day!

Pro-Tip: If you plan to attend the 8:30 class on a spa pass, note that you won't be able to enter the spa or fitness center until exactly 8:30 AM when the doors promptly open. (Overnight resort guests get 24-hour access with their room key). I viewed this as an opportunity to stay outside and take in the stunning morning beauty surrounding me.

The aesthetics of the Joya lobby and spa are breathtaking. I let out a few audible “wow”s during my tour, and heard the exact same gasps from the guests walking in behind me.

According to Google, “The Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is inspired primarily by Southern Spain’s Andalusia region, but it heavily incorporates Moroccan and Moorish design elements, most notably in its award-winning spa.” 

The experience is so much more than a vibe. It is entirely transforming. From the long, beautifully lit hallways lined with life-sized crystals to the symbolic stars on the ceiling, every detail comes from a deeply intentional place.

Included with the spa pass is access to the Joya Terrace pool. Walking out takes your breath away all over again with its unparalleled view of Camelback mountain. My pool server, Andrej, exuded joy with his warm smile and genuine eagerness to accommodate my problematic allergies.

Because he personally checked the ingredients of the raspberry vinaigrette, I was able to safely enjoy a beautfiul berry salad with fresh strawberries (substituted for the spiced strawberries, which would not have worked for me). Later, I ordered a "sweet and spicy"strawberry-jalapeno lemonade made without artificial sweeteners. It was clean, refreshing, and ridiculously joyful!

Unique to Joya is the traditional Hammam Ritual. It features a beautifully warm Hammam stone bench, steam room, a cold luge (which feels like a glacial shower at waterfall speed), a whirlpool, and a sauna. Cold plunges are incredibly trendy right now for inflammation and circulation. Since I am not a fan of whirlpools or dry saunas (living in Arizoa, I can just step outside for dry heat!), I personalized the ritual to fit my preferences: Hammam bench, steam, cold luge and repeat. Once my breathing adjusted to the shocking cold, I could literally feel my body let go of its tension.

At this point, I thought I was done for the day, but I had zero desire to leave. After rinsing off in a stunning shower that rivaled my lava-rock shower in Hawaii, I changed into a plush robe, grabbed some trail mix, and headed to the whisper lounge.

I have never seen actual beds in a relaxation room before. To this day, I have been most impressed by the relaxation room at The Phoenician, which has been a thirty year love of mine. But with all due respect to the Phoenician... Joya's dimly lit beds separated by exotic, lightweight drapery, created the absolute perfect place to read or take a peaceful nap.

After seven hours of pure bliss, I finally changed to head home. Even on my way out, the staff, including the Director and Assistant Director, left me feeling incredibly valued.

While Joya exceeded my expectations on every level, both of these spa experiences met my needs and successfully blissed me out. Unlike my underwhelming experience at Tierra Luna this past December, I cannot wait to return!

Note: No spacation would be complete for me without a facial from Koltton Fox! Koltton has been a vital part of my wellness journey for 25 years. He and I actually made up the massage/facial "Dream Team" back in our days of working together at Spa Nordstrom in Scottsdale Fashion Square. He has been my trusted brow architect for two and a half decades, and whenever I choose to treat myself to a facial, he is the first and only aesthetician I turn to!

If you are looking to spend some solo time in your own backyard, but don't know where to start, please reach out. I can help you customize what will work best for you and leave you feeling comfortable, confident, and valued. lisasaperbloom@123gosolo.com Schedule a 1 2 3 Renew Your Energy Session with me!