It took me too long to realize one of the most important components of a relaxing spa experience is to arrive early, leaving plenty of time to unwind and de-stress in the lounge prior to your scheduled treatment.

That’s exactly what I did as I prepared for a massage at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in Tucson, Ariz. I had arrived at La Paloma Resort & Spa, home to the Red Door Spa, the previous day, in town for a business event involving members of the Global Traveler staff and our Globility Board (a group of reader advisors). Several of us scheduled spa appointments, intent on slipping some well-earned relaxation into our busy agenda.

While I usually enjoy savoring a few solitary pre-treatment moments in a spa lounge, I had fun chatting, in hushed tones, with friends and colleagues, all of us decked out in fluffy robes and slippers. The lounge at the Red Door Spa is small, seating only six or seven in close quarters. Deep in conversation with a colleague — probably discussing something important like the season’s hottest nail polish colors — I heard a familiar voice across the room. I glanced around and was surprised to notice Theresa Caputo, star of TLC’s Long Island Medium.

While I’m not a regular viewer, I have caught a few episodes, and I must admit, I waited with bated breath for a beat or two, hoping the well-known psychic would pass along a message from the great beyond. Sadly, it was not to be. Theresa was called to her appointment and I turned back to my colleagues without gaining any paranormal enlightenment.

A Red Door Spa treatment room © The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

One by one we left the lounge and headed for our private treatment rooms. I opted for the Red Door Signature Massage. Heralded for its power to induce head-to-toe relaxation, the indulgent treatment incorporates olive oil and Shea butter cream and includes facial acupressure and foot reflexology. Other variations of traditional massage on offer at the Red Door Spa include the Desert Hot Stone Massage, a classic Swedish massage enhanced by warm stone therapy, and Deep Tissue Massage, slow and deep pressure targeted to unlock tension points.

For ultimate relaxation, opt for Red Door’s Signature Stress Melter Ritual, a two-hour treatment comprising an olive oil softening scrub, a hydrating body wrap and a Swedish massage. If time is not an issue, add reflexology, a hair and scalp massage or aromatherapy enhancement.

Even when time is of the essence, Red Door Spa has you covered. As at other Red Door spas throughout the United States, the Tucson spa offers a roster of 25-minute Time Saver treatments including massages, facials, body polishes and reflexology.

Following a comprehensive one-and-a-half-year, $35 million renovation, completed in October 2013, The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is secure in its commitment to offering a memorable experience. The resort features 487 guestrooms, including 25 suites; five swimming pools; and a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Natural gas-fueled fire pits encourage informal gatherings and offer ideal vantage points for watching the sun set over the Sonoran Desert.

Dining venues include the casual Azul Restaurant, Azul Lounge, the Country Club Patio, Sabino’s Swim Up Bar & Grill, Poppy Kitchen and Espresso Café. Courtside Deli is located at the tennis center, and the 19th Hole is the place to gather at La Paloma Country Club.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
3800 E. Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718
tel 520 742 6000
reddoorspas.com
westinlapalomaresort.com