Sherrie Huebner, the spa director, joined the Biltmore just this year, but her extensive spa experience includes the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio and the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Maui. Huebner has worked in nearly every element of the spa industry and she herself is a massage therapist, so she knows talent when she sees it. "We're in an enviable position because we have a wealth of therapists in the Phoenix area, which allows us to be very selective," she commented. The 75 spa employees average five years of experience, and some have nearly 20 years in the business.

The Swedish-based Hands of Healing massage is quite soothing. Robert, my massage therapist, escorted me to the treatment room. An unusual element was the velvety chenille throw draped over the foot of the massage table to soften the white cotton and add a homey touch. The massage table was layered in padding so luxurious that I could have spent the hour just lounging. The massage was rounded out with well timed and well-placed heat packs, scented eye masks and refreshing Bindi-scented Ayurvedic oil. A refreshing finish to the massage was the Neroli Water mist, a Kerstin Florian product, which lightly misted my face and was the perfect close to the hour.

The brochure states that the Four Hands Massage is "quite possibly the ultimate spa experience," and I couldn't agree more. I have had many massages, but this was other worldly. I experienced a complete transformation of mind as Cindi and Paula worked on my body. It is a choreographed massage, with one therapist taking the lead and the second therapist following the pattern. Wave after wave of tension-relieving sensation is just too much for the mind to manage, requiring the recipient to just let go, Huebner said. This massage is not the most popular on the Biltmore Spa menu, possibly due to the higher price tag, but in my opinion, this is a must-have, even if you only treat yourself once - it is magical and memorable.

The detached hair salon handles hair and nail care and my pedicurist MiNor had been at the Biltmore for years. I enjoyed a 75-minute sports pedicure, which is equally appropriate for men or women. The treatment included a foot and leg scrub, reflexology massage and an impressively resilient polish. The spa has 17 indoor treatment rooms including wet treatment rooms for herbal wraps, two outdoor treatment rooms, three spa pools, steam rooms, saunas, men's and women's locker and grooming facilities and the full-service beauty salon. The attached Fitness Center offers cardiovascular and weight training equipment as well as an aerobics area.

The outdoor treatment rooms were not in use during the 106-degree day when I visited, but what could be better in general than to have a massage while listening to the falling water and the birds? The Biltmore spa is quintessentially cool; whether in the heat of summer or the warmth of winter and it is a spot not to be missed

Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa: (800) 950-0086 or visit www.arizonabiltmore.com.