The Boulders Resort
34631 North Tom Darlington Drive
Carefree, AZ 85377
(480) 488-9009
(480) 595-3500 (spa direct)
(800) 553-1717
Opened in October 2001, the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders brings the distinct philosophy of the original Golden Door in Escondido, California – the oldest, continually operating destination spa in America – to the serene, inspirational Sonoran Desert of Carefree, Ariz. The 33,000-square-foot spa wraps around the north side of the base of the resort’s signature boulder monument. It offers a warm Southwestern feel and complements the existing signature architecture of The Boulders.
When Deborah Szekely created the original Golden Door in 1958, she drew inspiration from the ancient Honjin inns of Japan, where weary travelers sought sanctuary. Great attention was paid to personal service and therapeutic treatments such as massage and soothing baths. That concept is continued at The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders, where guests find restoration, pampering and renewed energy. The facility incorporates the elements of feng shui and the Zen-like ambiance of the original Golden Door while staying true to the natural environs and Native American influences of The Boulders.
The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders is designed with an active (West) wing and a more tranquil (East) wing. Its 24 treatment spaces are complemented by such signature elements as a labyrinth (path to tranquility), and an authentic Tipi for guided meditation. The West Wing houses the check-in area, fitness center, and mind/body and movement studios, as well as the Spa Café. The facilities in the West Wing all feature sweeping views of either the awe-inspiring 12-million-year-old boulder pile or Black Mountain in the distance. The East Wing has a more contemplative setting with meditation areas, treatment spaces, hydrotherapy, a full-service salon, elaborate locker rooms, and a circular tea room.
The facility boasts a pool specially dedicated to Watsu (underwater treatment designed to bring partakers “back to the womb”); three Vichy treatment rooms; one couples suite (with private whirlpool, terrace and outdoor fireplace); and one “Ultimate Spa Suite” (700 square-feet with private access, steam showers, private patio, outdoor shower, private Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor massage tables, and television).
The state-of-the-art 2,000-square-foot Fitness Center features LifeFitness strength-training equipment, treadmills, Tectix bicycles and steppers, EFX elyptical cross-trainers, and free weights. A Movement Studio provides the optimal environment for Pilates, Spinning, Step Aerobics and more. And the Yoga Studio is perfect for Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, stretching and meditation.
Health and fitness services include fitness assessment, one-on-one workouts and personal training, body composition, cardio coaching and nutritional analysis.
Rock-climbing is available for adventurous souls who love a thrill and a challenge. Taught by The Boulders’ professional guides, the clinic is geared for beginners and utilizes crystalline granite and metamorphic rock, estimated to be about two billion years old, which defines the spectacular desert landscape surrounding The Boulders.
