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Possibly the most gorgeous site in the Phoenix metro, the Sanctuary is nestled directly into the northern side of Camelback Mountain and covers 53 beautiful acres of secluded desert property with breathtaking views. Once the site of the famed John Gardner's Tennis Ranch, the property was acquired by the current owners in 2001, and underwent an extensive renovation. The result of this major facelift is a sleek and very contemporary-looking boutique resort. An amazing setting, privacy, impeccable service, and ultra luxuriousness . . . these qualities combined attract the rich and famous to one of the world's most exclusive resort and spa destinations.
The Sanctuary offers a variety of unique resort accommodations in private, individual lodgings, which are terraced into the steep mountainside. Towards the top of Camelback Mountain are six very private residences with fireplaces and pools, and can be reserved for nightly, weekly, or monthly stays. These individual homes have incredible views, every luxury amenity imaginable, and even an optional in-house butler service!
The Mountainside Casitas offer 1,000-square foot to 1,500-square foot suites. The Spa Casitas are spacious studio-like suites with ultra large luxurious bathrooms. As with the Mountainside Casitas, several Spa Casitas include fireplaces. The interiors are ultra modern using wood and limestone, and muted colors giving a Japanese/California chic feel. Detail to offering high-end, in-room amenities such as plush towels, bathrobes, and slippers, specialty soaps, shampoos, sea salts, and nightly candlelight turn service, all add a special touch. With the design of an infinity-edged pool and the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain, the pool area is a glamorous focal point to the resort and a favorite for guests. The atmosphere is quiet, relaxed, and pampered. No cell phones please. Discreet poolside service by friendly staff offers food, beverage, extra towels and lotions.
The Spa setting reflects the overall atmosphere of The Sanctuary Resort with Japanese influenced architecture and a Zen-like feel. A sense of well being and tranquility are further enhanced by the framed views of "Praying Monk" and other amazing mountain vistas, as well as the meditation garden and reflecting pond. The Spa offers a comprehensive spa experience in a peaceful and truly sublime environment. By incorporating ancient and modern spa treatments, along with mind/body/spirit philosophies (a few examples: acupuncture, reiki, table thai massage, sanctuary stone massage,therapeutic/sports massage, bamboo lemongrass scrub, even with scheduled private consultations in astrology, guided imagery meditation, numerology and labyrinth walking meditation) guests have a wonderful array of treatments to choose from. Directly across from The Spa is the Fitness Center with state of the art equipment, a wide range of exercise classes such as meditation, yoga and Pilates, and a 25-yard lap pool. The property also has five championship tennis courts with professionally conducted tennis clinics offered daily.
The views alone in Elements Restaurant are enough to attract dinner guests for a return visit. The floor-to-ceiling windows afford spectacular panoramic views, which in the evening become even more magical. The cuisine is a fusion of American fare with Asian accents, and is overseen by Executive Chef Beau MacMillan. The menu changes monthly to reflect seasonal harvests, and also incorporates an additional lighter fare menu with a vegetarian emphasis. The Jade Bar and Lounge, which is adjacent to Elements, exudes a very chic and sophisticated ambience, and offers an interesting drink menu, as well as the Elements full dinner menu. Guests can also enjoy the evening views sitting around the lava rock fire pit on the outdoor patio.
Though most guests will want to just indulge in being pampered, and enjoy the beauty of The Sanctuary's rejuvenating atmosphere, for those guests who would also like to venture out, the Sanctuary is literally minutes away from major Scottsdale and Phoenix venues. Old Town Scottsdale and the new Waterfront project area offers great art galleries. Thursday night's ArtWalk attracts both locals and visitors, specialty shops, and new hotspot restaurants like SeeSaw, Cowboy Ciao, Pink Taco, and Wild Fish. Phoenix's Biltmore Shopping Center carries high-end stores such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue, and a variety of upscale restaurants nearby. For spectator sports enthusiasts, the Valley of the Sun is home to several major league sports teams, and recently held the grand opening of the new, high-tech designed Cardinal's Football Stadium. |
