The Camelback Inn

Back in May, I attended a close friend's graduation party at her home in Waldorf, MD. At this party I was introduced to one of her coworkers and we all began discussing our love for going to the spa for massages and body treatments. By the end of the night after discussing various spas we all decided that we were going to travel to Arizona to experience one of the state's many spas. As we were walking to our cars, we left the party stating that we were going to stay in touch and make plans to have that girls weekend in Arizona very soon. As I departed, I was thinking how great it would be if all of us could really go to Arizona together and treat ourselves to a wonderful weekend. Although in the back of my mind, I was also thinking that we are all so busy that the likelihood of this trip happening any time soon was probably unrealistic. I'm so glad I was wrong.
By the end of the next week, we had secured a date for the trip, chosen a spa and agreed to make this a reality. I have never seen a turn around so fast among a group of women regarding one simple idea to get away for some rest and relaxation. Usually with something like this, there is conflict about schedules, budgets and various other factors, but not in this case. We chose to stay at the Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort and Spa at the end of July. So after weeks of preparing and scheduling our various treatments, we were on our way!
The flight to Arizona was long, which was expected but well worth it in my opinion. When we arrived we were given a free upgrade on the car rental and the ride to the resort was beautiful!

All of the mountains had a reddish brown coloring but all of the trees (primarily cacti) were an earthy green. Our check-in went smoothly and the staff was very friendly. After going to our rooms, which were very spacious (and also came equipped with a kitchenette) we then decided to explore Scottsdale for a while. We went to the casino, grabbed some food and went back to the hotel to rest up for our glorious day at the spa beginning the next morning.
On Saturday we arrived at the spa for our treatments, were given a tour of the facilities and then escorted to a lovely waiting area. We were surrounded by women in white robes awaiting their day of bliss and we could not have been happier. I chose to get the Desert Rain Loofah body treatment first, which was fantastic. I was scrubbed and lathered with all sorts of great smelling salts and oils and then showered with warm water. After that treatment, I was ready for my aromatherapy massage. This was the first time I had ever had a man as a masseuse, so I was interested in what the difference was going to feel like. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I actually fell asleep and caught myself snoring on the table twice during my massage! He was one of the best massage therapists I have ever had at any spa. After my massage, I decided to eat lunch, which consisted of a sandwich and a salad that had a mix of cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts. The rest of the afternoon was full of relaxing by the pool but experiencing the torture which is the Arizona sun. It was HOT outside and the only relief I could get was to stay in the pool for most of the day. The conversation was fun with the group of women I was with and it was a very relaxing day overall.
Sunday came and it was time to leave Arizona. We were all having difficulty saying goodbye to such a beautiful place that offered us much peace and contentment over the past couple of days. The last pictures of us were taken at various locations on the grounds and we had a goodbye bowl of guacamole at the R Bar at the hotel. (If I wrote about the food on this trip, I would never finish this blog entry.) We went off to the casino once more to try our luck and then it was time to board the plane home. Although we knew the trip had to end, we were not quite prepared. Leaving Arizona was bittersweet. We wanted to get home to our friends and family but we didn't want to leave such peace and tranquility behind.
The best part about this trip to me, is that we did it. So often women are trapped at work or bogged down with the busy details of family responsibilities that we forget that we are worthy of such escapes. There is something very empowering about traveling to a new destination, getting lost in my own world and being completely focused on myself. I appreciate the fact that I have a job that can fund experiences such as this one. I am grateful for the beauty of the earth that God has given us and I am always delighted when I can seize opportunities and live them to the fullest. This trip was one of the best I have ever taken and I look forward to many more like this one. I am thankful to the group of women I went with and who shared in this experience with me. To Ramonda, LaTonya and Elan: the girl talk was fun and I look forward to doing it again very soon!
Thank you all!