Aji Spa
A Native American-inspired adobe sanctuary
The Five-Star Aji Spa, located inside Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, will transport you a million miles away. Traditional Native American healing therapies — such as the Ho’dai Massage, which uses hot rocks to soothe muscles — are the backbone of Aji Spa. You’ll get a dose of culture along with your comfort, too — meditation sessions, medicinal massages and a one-of-a-kind healing treatment that combines massage and ancient Pima techniques are among the treatments that honor Native American traditions. Finish up your day with a healthy, light meal at the Aji Café.
Our Inspector's Highlights
• Aji is the Pima word for “sanctuary,” and that is what Aji Spa is trying to achieve here in the Gila River Indian reservation, where Pima and Maricopa tribes reside.
• Based on the Gila River Indian Community in Chandler, Ariz., luxurious Aji Spa draws from the land’s history and the stories of the local Pima and Maricopa tribes for their healing philosophies.
• Respect for the land and the tribe continues in the interior décor, architecture and artwork throughout the facility, creating a world-class and one-of-a-kind spa experience.
• Ancient techniques designed and practiced by Pima and Maricopa caregivers - such as the Thoachta healing treatment, which includes a gentle massage and traditional healing techniques — are highlights from the spa’s extensive menu.
• There’s plenty wind-down options available while you wait on your treatment to begin. Enjoy a warm herbal blend from Republic of Tea, an iced tea of the day or a healthy snack, while you flip through magazines like Vogue, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, GQ or Car & Driver.
• Based on the Gila River Indian Community in Chandler, Ariz., luxurious Aji Spa draws from the land’s history and the stories of the local Pima and Maricopa tribes for their healing philosophies.
• Respect for the land and the tribe continues in the interior décor, architecture and artwork throughout the facility, creating a world-class and one-of-a-kind spa experience.
• Ancient techniques designed and practiced by Pima and Maricopa caregivers - such as the Thoachta healing treatment, which includes a gentle massage and traditional healing techniques — are highlights from the spa’s extensive menu.
• There’s plenty wind-down options available while you wait on your treatment to begin. Enjoy a warm herbal blend from Republic of Tea, an iced tea of the day or a healthy snack, while you flip through magazines like Vogue, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, GQ or Car & Driver.
Things to Know
• Located just outside Phoenix, Ariz., the desert spa doesn’t attract Phoenicians in droves, making it easy to book a day of relaxation at the last minute.
• Aji Spa often extends special offers that invite travelers to fully experience the Five-Star spa.
• Booking a treatment is a breeze with a phone call to the friendly staff. Although the Five-Star spa uses VIP Guest Services for its online booking system, the site is prone to induce headaches
• You can request to have a private meal service from the spa café.
• Aji Spa often extends special offers that invite travelers to fully experience the Five-Star spa.
• Booking a treatment is a breeze with a phone call to the friendly staff. Although the Five-Star spa uses VIP Guest Services for its online booking system, the site is prone to induce headaches
• You can request to have a private meal service from the spa café.
The Treatments
• With the Mustangs and Massage treatment, you’ll spend your first 1.5 hours riding on horseback through the property, followed by a 50-minute, full body massage and lunch at the spa's café.
• Led by a Native American medicine woman, the Pima Medicine Massage incorporates ancient techniques with a focus on spiritual healing.
• The Vachk Water Massage takes place in a private pool and was inspired by Pima and Maricopa Native Americans’ belief that water was their lifeblood. The idea is that the water allows for movements that are not possible in a traditional massage setting.
• Ho'Dai Massage felt amazingly soothing as a therapist worked on our entire body. Afterward, we were encouraged to take home our choice of stone selected by the spa's resident medicine woman.
• Known in English as the Blue Corn Manicure, the Gaiwesa Manicure includes a lavender hand soak and exfoliation with finely ground blue cornmeal, a native ingredient of the Southwest. It is finished with a paraffin dip and moisturizer.
• Led by a Native American medicine woman, the Pima Medicine Massage incorporates ancient techniques with a focus on spiritual healing.
• The Vachk Water Massage takes place in a private pool and was inspired by Pima and Maricopa Native Americans’ belief that water was their lifeblood. The idea is that the water allows for movements that are not possible in a traditional massage setting.
• Ho'Dai Massage felt amazingly soothing as a therapist worked on our entire body. Afterward, we were encouraged to take home our choice of stone selected by the spa's resident medicine woman.
• Known in English as the Blue Corn Manicure, the Gaiwesa Manicure includes a lavender hand soak and exfoliation with finely ground blue cornmeal, a native ingredient of the Southwest. It is finished with a paraffin dip and moisturizer.
The Facilities
• There are several waiting areas at Aji Spa. The main lobby has comfortable seating in neutral-colored, Native American-style décor. It’s right near the gift boutique and has easy access to the spa's cafe and outdoor pool.
• You’ll also find a coed relaxation lounge here, the main feature of which is a large orange adobe fireplace. Snag a place on the couch facing the fireplace or in one of the chaises or armchairs to await your therapist’s arrival.
• The coed lounge has double doors for accessing the spa pool: a beautifully designed space incorporating desert plants.
• When the coed lounge gets a little crowded, feel free to opt for one of the smaller waiting areas just outside of the locker rooms, which feature dim lighting, comfortable armchairs, votive candles and Native American art.
• You’ll also find a coed relaxation lounge here, the main feature of which is a large orange adobe fireplace. Snag a place on the couch facing the fireplace or in one of the chaises or armchairs to await your therapist’s arrival.
• The coed lounge has double doors for accessing the spa pool: a beautifully designed space incorporating desert plants.
• When the coed lounge gets a little crowded, feel free to opt for one of the smaller waiting areas just outside of the locker rooms, which feature dim lighting, comfortable armchairs, votive candles and Native American art.
Getting There
Stories
