The Spa at Talking Stick Resort

I took my office staff here for a holiday spa day. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend the spa. The staff was warm and welcoming. There were six of us and they had everything organized. My therapist was terrific and the massage excellent. All my guests expressed the same feelings. I had ordered food and mimosas and the spread was lovely. I found the atmosphere very relaxing but not snooty at all. Thank you all for providing my staff with a memorable holiday.

I’ve been coming to this spa, as a local, for well over a year now. In a city filled with amazing spa choices, let me tell you why I keep coming here… Chris. She is a phenomenal massage therapist, in every way. Something that is important to me in an MT is their energy, I know I’m getting hokey here, but having someone who genuinely loves what they do and WANTS to give you a wonderful experience is a critical quality in getting a great treatment. She’s just top notch in every way. Every time I see her I feel so renewed and refreshed.
The spa itself is gorgeous and has every amenity you could want. After you’re done with your treatments you can go down and enjoy the pool. They have a typical resort pool and a wading pool with large loungers you lay in the water in. Also, they are almost always running a special, so check their website before you book. This spa is perfect for someone who wants to spend the day relaxing, couples, bridal parties, etc.

We are here with a large golfing group staying at Talking Stick for the first time. Amazing resort. Rooms are fantastic. Top golf is I party in golf shoes but the best part is my massage therapist Maria. I had a 90 minute deep tissue massage by her and her hands are golden. By far the best massage I have ever had! I felt like she read my aches and pains and then proceed to melt them all away. I was putty in her hands by the time she was done.

Linda was incredible with my manicure and pedicure! She has the most steady hands and is a true perfectionist! Thank you so much for the great conversation and wonderful experience!

The spa was very quiet and the workout area was outstanding with a full view of the mountain on Northwest side of Scottsdale over looking the resort and Golf Course. The mini snack station, relax area (both genders as well as single gender) tea, water, cold towels, hot tub, jacuzzi, steam room are nicely art-​deco furnished. At $ 15 dollar with the hotel stay, it is a true bargain. I am not sure what they charge for public use but it is everything I look for in a spa. Too bad it is only opened during the day but I wished it is ²⁴⁄₇. You might be able to get comped if you are a true VIP member.

The view is great. However, the spa itself was pretty mediocre and so was the massage. Also the jacuzzi is sort of weirdly located. There were some lounge chairs around the jacuzzi but it was difficult to relax, it just felt like the area was not very well designed for relaxation. I was not too happy with the manicure either. No cuticle removal nor hand massages like most nail salons, yet cost more than better nail shops. Nails weren’t precisely painted either.
Overall, it was ok.

They can’t do more than 3 pedicures at a time. Maybe a staffing issue so the 4 of us will have to get our pedis elsewhere. Its too bad… love the b ambiance. Was willing to pay double what I normally pay for a pedi just to have it done here but the silver lining is that I will save some money :)

Had a perfect weekend in Sedona and was finishing it up at the talking stick. My overall experience of the resort was great with the exception of the spa. The customer service, attitude and communication of the spa staff was very poor. My main complaint is Terry the spa manager. Her management skills need some work as her communication style was combative and lacked balance. Unfortunaltley the spa staff are a bit snooty and lack good quality customer service skills. Would love to see the resort get some people I’m there who know how to provide good service!

I had the pleasure of visiting the Spa at Talking Stick again with my finance after receiving a nice note from Steve Gerken, the Director of Hospitality, after not having a great experience at the resort last year. To welcome us back for a second visit, he offered a gift card and it remained on my fridge for nearly a year before we could plan a return trip. By the time we were able to go back, I realized it had expired. I reached back out to Steve to see if we could have the card reinstated and he quickly replied and offered to leave a new card at the front desk. So awesome! He did warn me that this particular weekend there would be a pool party and that they had expected over 3000 people to attend. I thanked him for the warning as we had originally planned on making it a pool day after our spa treatments. We decided it wouldn’t be a big deal and that we would come home afterwards and enjoy our own pool after our treatments.
I called the spa to partake in the Spring Training special of a 60min massage for $ 79 and set up our appointments. I requested Gwen again since she was fantastic last year and was pleased when I found out she was available at the time we wanted.
When we arrived at the hotel, we used the self parking on the west side of building and took a short walk in. No messing with the crazy valet. You could tell the hotel was much busier with the pool party going on. We saw the same person who checked us in a year prior at Registration and she did seem more friendly this time but we had another helpful person assist us with picking up the gift card. Thankfully there was no issue with picking up the card and we were on our way up to the spa.
Upon check-​in the spa was exactly how I remembered it. The staff at the front were helpful and I got a tour of the facility again. It was nice to still see they had the co-​ed area to hang out in. I also noticed in the women’s waiting area some really good trail-​mix that hadn’t been there last time. Dried strawberries and nuts? YES, please! The steam sauna felt good and so did the Jacuzzi. Per Steve’s warning, the pool party was in full swing downstairs. What I didn’t expect was the loud bass throughout my spa visit. I actually enjoyed the music when you could walk out on the balcony and watch the party BUT all you could hear in the spa was the thud of the bass. It was definitely distracting during use of the Jacuzzi but having been warned prior, I didn’t mind it too much. Some of the other spa patrons didn’t appreciate it though. I was told that these parties go on throughout the summer so if you are looking for a total blissed out day, ask the front desk if there will be a pool party going on that day and you might want to consider another day.
Dawn came and got me right on time and took me back to the treatment room. The massage was just as incredible as the one I had last year. Everything she did felt really good and it seem to last a really long time. but in a good way. The table was slightly warm but a quick request to turn down the heat made it perfect. I only wish I could make it back here more frequently! My fiancé had upgraded to a sports massage and while he thoroughly enjoyed it, we were initially charged the full price of that massage rather than an upgrade to the standard massage. They quickly changed it at checkout after I questioned the charge with no push back.
If you’re looking for a great massage, definitely go make an appointment with Dawn!

For Such a big casino this is a pretty small spa. Arizona is spoiled with lots of resorts with really amazing spas. This one is okay. Service is pretty horrible– they seem understaffed. Treatment choices and specials are great, but not worth paying full price. Spa accommodations are limited. Sure they have a sauna, steam and jacuzzi but it’s all crammed into a small space.

The spa services are very nice. I got a really nice massage. The jacuzzi and extra amenities are just average as is the décor/​overall feel of the spa.
In such a lush market of beautiful spa’s in the valley, this one rates average. I would recommend another spa with better extras like Willow Stream or The Boulders… Almost anywhere else.
Staff were nice and helpful.

I’ve been meaning to write this review for about 6 months now, there is no time like the present.
Spa Week comes around twice a year to the «Valley of the Spa, er, um, Sun». We are blessed to have so many world class facilities to choose from when deciding on a spa day or just a massage. I’ve been in the Spa industry for eleven years now and as a Licensed Massage Therapist, it is important for me to maintain good health. That’s how I view most massages, as maintenance, not a luxury or pampering. Although most people would differ from my opinion, massages are essential for good health.
Each visit to the Spa at Talking Stick has been good, very good, not great though. I agree with many of the other reviewers here on Unilocal,the Spa entrance ought to separate from the casino. The first time that I visited, finding the Spa entrance was challenging and odd; walking through a smoky, loud casino floor is not the way to calm the mind and to relax.
After taking the correct set of elevators and arriving at the Spa, the reception area is modest and practical. The front desk is knowledgeable and friendly, each of the 3 times that I’ve been, making sure that an attendant from the Men’s Locker Room is there to great me. As a «Spa Dude», I’m a big fan of the large showers, great desert views and openness that is part of the space design here. Also, if you time it well, you can have the locker room and wet area All To Yourself! Almost like a private spa retreat!
The massage therapist here are a talented group, they’ve been hired because of the intuitive touch, caring demeanor and for being experts in their craft. With that said, we all have our days that we are off. Please be kind and patient if you visit on a busy Saturday or Sunday during Spa Week. I can only imagine how hectic it is in the Women’s Locker Room during these 2 weeks every year (April & October).
The Spa at Talking Stick also offers great specials & offers to locals year round. Visit their website to the see the latest ones prior to scheduling. I will return again and savor the lounging deck (with views of Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains) just off of the hallway near the co-​ed relaxation area, It is the perfect place to chill and to be at one.

I loved the modern feel of the facility. I love the on top of the world feeling of where the spa is located. I loved the amenities. I even loved my massage with my massage therapist. But you know how the saying goes, the receptionist is the business’s first impression and their last impression. And the day I was there, the receptionist working just wasn’t that warm and friendly. In fact, she made me feel like I was imposing on HER time when I checked in and out. I think I interrupted her from filing her nails. Yup, I kid you not. Then when I took my time enjoying the amenities, she madero feel like I was overstaying my welcome. Like it was HER spa. All very weird.
Even now as I writing the review I can recall the feeling of unwelcome she made me feel the day I was there.
The other thing I didn’t enjoy was there was no spa pool. The only pool is the hotel pool. And it’s outside, on the ground floor. You have to take the elevator down and and outside. How nice it would be if there was a spa pool on the roof was part of the outdoor roof patio!!!
Plus I think I ended up paying $ 16 for a glass of champagne I had there. I think it was cost plus 20% facility charge plus 20% service charge. It might not have been $ 16– whatever the amount it was down right expensive.
I really do love the facility and will not rule out going again if I can be assured of a warm and welcoming receptionist.
And no, I will not be ordering champagne again. Their cucumber water will be just fine thank you!

The Spa has a birthday special but you must go on your actual birthday. A reduced cost massage for you and a 15% discount for your partner or friend. My daughter and I took advantage of the special. The only I regret is that we just scheduled time for the massage and didn’t have time to take advantage of all the Spa has to offer — exercise room, jacuzzi, steam room, showers with a view, relaxation room, food and drink. Next time we are going to set aside several hours for the experience.

My husband and I treated ourselves to a weekend at TSR to celebrate our 1 yr wedding anniversary. We also treated ourselves to some Fall Specials at the TSR Spa. I got a facial and a mani/​pedi and he got the Swedish massage.
We arrived a ½ hr early as they suggested. The receptionist was welcoming and checked us in. We both got tour guides of the facility. I thought the women’s locker room was pretty nice. The views were spectacular. Showers overlooked a little oasis in the desert and they offer a whirlpool, sauna, & steam room which I regretfully didn’t endulge in. My tour guide showed me how to set my code for my locker (keyless– which is a bonus) and gave me a robe and my shoes. I was a bit concerned because I’m plus-​size and got a nice robe that fit properly.
I went to the waiting area and enjoyed a glass of cucumber water and read the latest People magazine until my facial appointment. I have only had 2 facials (including thise one) so I don’t really have a lot of experience to compare them to). I got the «special» facial which I was told was OK but I might consider getting a different kind for my skin next time. My skin was left feeling smooth and soft; and I enjoyed the steam bath. I have super sensitive skin and infromed my aesthecian who used stuff for skin with rosacea. Later that evening my husband said my right side of my face was swollen and this morning I awoke to a red face. Looks like I got some sun this weekend but I didn’t.
The mani/​pedi was nothing spectacular. I did buy some of the scrub she used on my hands and legs because that smelled wonderful and felt nice. But I have had better mani/​pedis at my regular nail salon that costs me $ 40 for both of them combined. I was disappointed they didn’t have a massage chair but lost myself in the spectacular view. I probably wouldn’t spend my money here on a mani/​pedi again.
I also didn’t like having the gratuities automatically added on to my bill. I feel like this isn’t motivation to provide good service.

My mom and I went to The Talking Stick Spa today to celebrate her 50^th birthday. We live here locally in AZ so they have a locals special going on right now until the end of September. It’s 89 $ and you get your choice of a massage, facial, or body polish. We both chose massages and they were outstanding! My masseuse was Maria and my mom had Andrea. I would highly recommend them. After massages we relaxed in the big jacuzzi they have in the locker room which was awesome. The views from all parts of the spa cant be beat. We will most definitely be going back!

Summer specials here are awesome. Spa is away from pool and has coed balcony to relax before or after massage. The spa isn’t huge but has all the necessary things to be spa like wet steam, hot tub, quiet room, and you can easily get ready after your treatment. Sheryl was a fantastic esthetician and the body polish is like a body facial. … I had lemon grass and it was amazing but if you don’t like that scent make sure you tell them. Truly one of the best treatments I have ever had. My only knock is the coed quiet room had dirty dishes left from someone’s lunch before and after my treatment… that’s a bit too long. Overall, I look forward to visiting again.

My friend and our daughters spent the afternoon having massages and facials at The Spa recently and had a delightful time. The massages were phenomenal yet the facials were less than expected. For the amount spent for the facials, we did not receive quality treatment. The cleanliness of the techniques used for extractions were inexcusable. Two of us had the same aesthetician who left our faces less clean than when we first started. Although there was disappointment from the facials, I did not let this spoil our girls afternoon. The ambiance of The Spa was awesome.

Facial was good, message was average… although the scented oils were phenomenal smelling, nice key code lockers (what a pain it would have been to keep track of a key during spa day), cucumber water and trail mix between sessions, breathtaking view. They DO not do acrylic nails :(other than that… lovely, but iv had better. The real gem of the talking stick is the roof top restaurant Orange Sky! Go at night, you will LOVE it!

Rounding up to 4 stars…
After a recent food-​fest of brunch overindulgence at the Wandering Horse Buffet, in an effort to ‘walk it off’ we took a tour of the recently-​opened Spa at the Talking Stick resort.
The shiny new facility looked like a great place to take my mom during her upcoming Thanksgiving visit, so I decided then and there to make massage appointments. After all, what better way to prepare for a day of eating than to have a relaxing massage? Even better, for making the appointments that day, I received a 20% discount — yay!
Jump to the day before Thanksgiving and I am more than ready for some pampering and relaxation. Located on the 14^th floor, the Spa is a tranquil space with floor-​to-​ceiling windows offering amazing views. The locker room overlooks a golf course and some beautiful mountains that I wish I could name, but can’t. Even the whirlpool and showers have expansive views (oh I hope that was one-​way glass!).
We both had 90-​minute massages — I had the Therapeutic Deep Tissue, and my mom had the Simply Swedish. We both emerged relaxed and refreshed — and that is the whole point, right?
While we really enjoyed our visit, there is room for improvement. I like to receive a confirmation on the day before spa appointments, and this didn’t happen. At the spa itself, the dressing/​sink area did not have the standard toiletries that are usually present at a spa (Q-​tips, hair products, facial moisturizer). Also, the only available water was in the ‘quiet room’ where guests wait for their appointments. It would have been nice to have a water/​fruit station next to the whirlpool and sauna area.
Are any of these things deal-​breakers? No, but I think a few small changes will make the experience even better.