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 Phoenix, the spa draws from the land’s history and the stories of the local Pima and Maricopa tribes for its 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 Ho'ship sacred prickly pear body treatment, which includes an application of detoxifying clay and a massage — are highlights from the spa’s extensive menu.
- There’s plenty of wind-down options available while you wait for 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 lounge beside the spa’s adults-only pool.
- 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 luxury spa's café.
Things to Know
- Aji Spa often extends special offers that invite travelers to fully experience the Five-Star spa.
- You can request to have a private meal service from the spa café.
The Treatments
- The spa’s Nahtogig, or Four Directions treatment, translates the tribe’s origin story into a full sensory experience, incorporating water, sunset, illumination and sandstorm elements.
- Allow a therapist to share the healing properties of the sacred shegoi plant with the Ancient Shegoi Wrap & Massage. The treatment begins with a full-body exfoliation to prime the skin to soak up the oil and balm of the world’s oldest living plant.
- The Ho'dai hot stone 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.
The Facilities
- There are several waiting areas at the Phoenix 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.
Amenities
Meals
Outdoor pool
Salon
Spa shop
Getting There
Stories
