Spa Avania — Local services in Scottsdale

I was in Phoenix for a trip for a few days, and my mom and sister had appointments booked to visit Spa Avania. I looked up photos and reviews of the Spa, and it looked so nice that I decided to spend the day there too.

I was primarily interested in using the spa's amenities rather than booking a specific treatment. When I arrived and asked them if that was possible, they told me that a day pass to use the spa would run around $115. This seemed excessive, especially because there are much cheaper spa services that include access to the amenities for the day in their price. I inquired what the cheapest service was that I could still book, which was a $65 30min treatment in the salt room. I would happily have paid $65 for just day access to the spa, so this seemed great to me. But it is a bit annoying that I had to specifically ask about getting a treatment to get this lower price, so I think they should lower the day pass price to be no more expensive than the cheapest service. At least they should tell you that you can book a service to get access to the spa rather than relying on me to ask.

When I arrived I was shown to the locker room area and given a tour of the facilities and provided with sandals and a robe. The spa is broken up into three main areas: a men's locker room, a women's locker room, and a common outdoor area. The men's area included two extremely nice 10-head private showers, sinks with toothbrushes etc., a steam room, a sauna, a waiting area, an outdoor hot tub, an outdoor cold plunge pool, and outdoor showers. From talking with my mom and sister, the women's area is largely the same. The locker room areas are clothing-optional. They were clean, and, at least on the men's side, very uncrowded. I saw only around 4 other people total during the 5 hours I was there. My favorite was the steam room since it was large and dark, making it a very good place to relax. I like to cycle between the cold plunge and the steam room to alternate between hot and cold.

The common area is outdoors and requires swimsuits and includes a mineral pool, day beds, and reclining chairs. The mineral pool is fairly large and kept slightly below body temperature so feels comfortable for extended periods of time. There were a few attendants who make rounds through the locker room and outdoor areas to give people water and take food orders etc. They were super helpful and friendly. We ordered some the salsa and hummus, which was okay but nothing spectacular, so if you're really hungry you may want to eat something more substantial beforehand. There are also two adorable ducks who seem to live in the outdoor area who like to walk around and swim in the pond and are very respectful.

The salt treatment was 30min in a private room where a machine blows super fine powdery salt into the air. I was initially worried that breathing in the salt would be uncomfortable, but it was actually quite pleasant and relaxing. Other than an attendant turning on the machine, the treatment was fully automated and I was in the room alone while the treatment was happening. I enjoyed it but it wasn't the main draw for me since I mainly wanted to use the facilities.

I checked out after a few hours and the total came to $65 even just as they had told me. Overall I had a really positive experience and would recommend anyone to go even if just to spend a while in the steam room and get a nice shower. I would definitely go back, and am sad more options like Spa Avania don't exist near...

Ok. It was my first time here! Where I come from, customer service is very high priority. Especially, at the places like SPA. So, my expectations were really high. When I made my reservation I was asked to come 30 minutes prior my appointment time, so I would get a tour since It’s my first time at this SPA. So I came. I came and I waited for 20 min for someone to come and get me. The reception was occupied by the clients on the phone. I walk through the shop they have at the reception. And then receptionist told me where to go. But the door was locked. I called on he and she let me in, and then I’ve met my guide. The lady was nice, she showed me around but it was very brief because it was about time for my appointment.

In general: I got what I came for! Good massage and a few hours at aqua zone! Aqua zone outside is very cozy and relaxing! I’ll come back.

I was told, that after massage I can stay and relax till 6pm. Resting area is very nice, there you can find tea and snacks. But, when we are talking about resting area, in my opinion, it has to be quiet. So, after massage I went to jacuzzi, I’ve checked out the swimming pool (nice, very nice by the way) and I haven’t felt so relaxed for a long time. I’ve decided to grab a cup of tea and relax on the couch. Sounds of water and beautiful view and you just about to fall asleep but… stuff was walking by all the time and slamming the doors. No chance to relax.

But it’s not it. Around 5pm it becomes even more louder because girls started to clean up the place! Like what? Customers resting in the area and they started to clean up. Collecting towels, bathrobe. Mopping, sweeping, etc. And all of this was really loud. So I had no other option like getting up and live. It’s a good place for girls time out, for couples or just solo time!

So, please, work on service details with your staff! P.S. sauna was cold!

New update: January 2nd 2025

I visited Spa Avanya yesterday for a deep tissue massage and reflexology, and I was truly impressed by how well everything went. The massage was excellent, and the therapist did a fantastic job. Afterward, I spent some time in the AquaZone, which is always a highlight.

The pool remains as great as ever, and I noticed they upgraded the jacuzzi—there’s no fountain anymore, and the changes are a nice improvement. Additionally, the rest area has been refreshed with updated furniture, creating an even more relaxing ambiance. I also appreciated how smoothly the reception process went, both for check-in and follow-up. The team is clearly more organized now, and handling the gift certificate was seamless.

The only suggestion I’d make is to keep a tea pot available until the end of the day. After enjoying the massage, spa, steam room, jacuzzi, and swimming pool, I was hoping to unwind with a cup of herbal tea in the relaxation room. Unfortunately, there was no tea available, which was a small disappointment. It would be wonderful to have tea as part of the experience, especially for those of us who like to cool down and relax for a bit before getting ready to leave.

Overall, though, my experience this year was much better than last year. Even though the spa was busy, the staff managed everything beautifully, and the improvements made a big difference. Thank you for providing such a...

My good friend and I were looking forward to trying this spa out. It is in a great location and on beautiful grounds. Unfortunately it fell short on expectations and service. Though everyone was polite, our experience started in the hotel restaurant Mesa Centrale. It was the only semi-formal restaurant open for lunch in the hotel other than poolside and they did not serve cocktails, instead told us to walk around the corner to order cocktails if we wished and then we could bring them back to the table. Other guests asked as well and were told the same. Chips, guacamole and salsa were brought out to us and unfortunately the salsa had a hair. Food was not the best and chips were stale. Chips, guacamole and salsa were charged when not even ordered to begin with and nothing was compensated at all. The supervisor came by and apologized. We then went on to the spa hoping to have a better experience. The woman that toured us through the woman’s spa lounge area was difficult to understand and we had to help her find a locker that wasn't occupied which we thought was poor service. The robes were over used and the material was snagged from over washing. The waitress at the spa never checked on us once after our initial order. We only saw the one pool side service attendant once the entire time we lounged outside. It was very disappointing to experience the showers were not wiped down in a timely fashion and had hair on drains every time. The massage therapist was breathing heavy the entire time and the essential oil used had no scent (none or the 3 I was offered) During my massage session, I could hear staff talking and laughing outside the room and the cars passing by. To top it all off, when I checked out at the spa after a underwhelming experience the gratuity was already added without choice at 22%! I will not be going back and would recommend people to checkout other spas and restaurants across the street if you happen to be staying at this hotel. This Grand Hyatt...