The iconic Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort recently debuted a stunning refresh to its Forbes Four Star Spa, Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden. The therapeutic desert oasis now offers a range of modern wellness experiences and holistic amenities, including a halotherapy chamber, Dream Room, cold plunge, hot tub, steam room, rain shower and a health bar serving immune-boosting cocktails and zero-proof spa beverages.
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The iconic Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort recently debuted a stunning refresh to its Forbes Four Star Spa, Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden. The therapeutic desert oasis now offers a range of modern wellness experiences and holistic amenities, including a halotherapy chamber, Dream Room, cold plunge, hot tub, steam room, rain shower and a health bar serving immune-boosting cocktails and zero-proof spa beverages.
Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden also boasts a picturesque outdoor space with views of the mountains and the Sonoran Desert. The 28,000-square-foot spa contains 12 soothing treatment rooms, each named after the 12 astrological signs. Indoor and outdoor relaxation areas and treatment rooms celebrate the Earth’s four elements, inviting guests to fully immerse and ground themselves in nature.
As part of its “desert chic” approach, Tierra Luna Spa’s holistic menu is centered around three core pillars: Desert Botanicals, Cosmic Connection and Dynamic Recovery. Ingredients such as indigenous mud, desert herbs and native scents honor the property’s natural surroundings, and they abound throughout the spa’s massages, body treatments, facials, soaks and even its Cosmic Experiences.
WellSpa 360 sat down with Becky Leuluai, senior director of spa and wellness at the Arizona Biltmore, to find out more about this healing oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
What unique amenities set Tierra Luna Spa apart?
Our aim is to instill our guests with an authentic connection to nature and empower them through an immersive experience. One bespoke wellness ritual that offers this is our home-grown Luffa Wall, where guests can pick their own naturally grown and dried piece of luffa for use in their customizable Sun Worshipper Alchemy Mud & Crystal Bar Experience.
Other wellness rituals include our meditation circle in the Sol Garden, which is the perfect place for those looking to reconnect with themselves while surrounded by nature. The spa also features a range of hydrotherapy options, including a cold plunge pool, hot tub, rain shower and Couples Ritual Room, as well as a relaxation lounge and communal fire pit where guests can unwind and immerse themselves in nature.
How do you stay competitive in your area?
As the spa industry is ever changing, we continue to stay up to date on the latest wellness trends and products in the spa industry and evaluate if they’re a fit for Tierra Luna Spa. For example, halotherapy has made a resurgence, and after researching the benefits and logistics of bringing one to the property, we recently added the Salt Chamber room.
How are you marketing the spa?
We regularly incorporate Tierra Luna Spa into Arizona Biltmore’s offers, and with its recent refresh, we’re looking to highlight the variety of treatments and amenities more than ever. That said, we consider how we can feature the spa while developing programming and activations on property and even beyond—the possibilities are endless. We showcase stunning images on the resort’s social media and keep wellness, travel and regional journalists informed about the latest offerings, using different channels to ultimately encourage all guests to visit.
How do you retain repeat clients?
We are dedicated to creating a customized experience for each guest, which means adapting treatments to their current needs and the unique state of their body, mind and chakras. Even if guests come back for the same treatment, no two experiences are alike.
What is your most unique wellness offering?
Our Dream Room is a rare experience in the U.S., as we are one of only two locations in the country with custom Dream Beds imported from Italy. Here, we offer two exclusive treatments: Desert Oasis Massage and Grounding Quartz Crystal Massage.
The first option treats guests to a full body massage while they lie between pillows of a water mattress, which is warmed from underneath to give them a weightless sensation. The massage mimics the gentle flow and bounce of the water, with the table inclining and declining to promote lymphatic drainage.
During the Grounding Quartz Crystal Massage, guests lie on a bed of warm, smooth quartz pebbles that envelop the body, delivering a cocoon-like grounding sensation. The stones soothe aches and provide an energy-based treatment during the massage, while the table inclines and declines to encourage lymphatic drainage.
What is your most popular spa treatment?
The Alchemy Mud & Crystal Wrap is one of our most sought-after treatments. It features an indigenous mud mask that works to detox and soften the skin, promote circulation and soothe aches and pains. The mud mask is followed by a special blend of essential oils and crystal therapy, where the crystals are tailored to each guest’s energy and chakra needs. Guests may also choose to complement this treatment with an astrology reading.
How do you stay up to date with the latest industry trends and changes?
I read leading industry publications, like WellSpa 360, to learn the latest technologies, products and services that are being used in spas around the world. I share relevant news with my team so we can provide clients with the best possible experience and recommend that they also share what they learn on their own. When possible, I attend conferences and events for spa industry professionals and bring back any findings that can be incorporated into the spa’s practices.
What is most important for running a successful wellness facility?
Team members are our first priority in maintaining a successful wellness facility. We focus on our recruitment efforts, retention and team development to create a culture of wellness and a positive work environment.
Training our spa professionals to provide a holistic experience for our guests is of utmost importance, as well. I want to ensure that every team member thoroughly understands and modifies our treatments to suit each person, whether it’s selecting crystals or desert herbs. This makes guests eager to return to Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden, and we also attract newcomers who read about the spa in reviews from previous ones. It’s important that we develop a memorable and impactful wellness experience for our guests.
