Longevity Special Issue
Luxury Design for Longevity
Why luxury well-aging design is strategic and wise at 55.
The ultimate luxury is being safe and comfortable in a home you love. It isn’t exciting to think about aging, but if you want to stay in your home long into the future, it makes sense to think about beautiful design today that you will fully appreciate tomorrow.
As young as 55, our bodies are undergoing subtle changes, from vision and balance to mobility and overall
well-being, that gradually impact our daily lives. We have surgeries such as knee or hip replacements. And despite feeling like Superman or superwoman, we are at high risk of falling and sustaining a debilitating injury. Over 60% of falls happen at home, most of which are in the bathroom. Falls are physically, emotionally, and cognitively life-changing and they are costly in recovery time as well as financially. More importantly,
our homes are not built ready to prevent mishaps, let alone facilitate health recovery, safety, or accessibility, but they certainly can be.
According to a Harvard Housing Study, 99 percent of U.S. homes are not aging-inplace ready.
Regardless of size or price point, aging is not typically a forethought or priority in the architecture and design of homes when they are built. That’s why a lot of people end up in assisted living. Their homes are not able to accommodate their needs as they age.
Homes have never been considered a golden opportunity to boost longevity but they should be! It’s crucial to recognize that taking preventative measures in your living space is not just a necessity for people over 55, but a wise choice for everyone.
Photography by DeCastro Photography
Bonnie J. Lewis Design creates luxury interiors incorporating special design elements that provide critical preventative measures and allow your home to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. The result? You boost your longevity and get a design that allows you to stay independent, living happier and longer in your home.
Nationally recognized for her expertise, Bonnie is one of just a handful of professional interior designers who are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) in the country. She is also experienced in healthcare and senior living design. When you work with Bonnie, you are working with a degreed, award-winning designer who combines stunning aesthetics with safety and accessibility in a way that isn’t obvious or disruptive.
AS BEAUTIFUL AS IT IS SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE
Recently, Bonnie J. Lewis Design completed a project for a physician couple who bought their forever home in North
“OUR HOMES ARE NOT BUILT READY
Scottsdale. While they are still young at 55 and 65, they knew they wanted to plan for the future. It’s a smart investment for homeowners to do one remodel versus two, which is also better for the environment as it preemptively puts less in the landfill.
The primary bathroom involved designing a new ADA-compliant floor plan with abundant lighting, improved functionality, and accessibility while selecting appropriate finishes and ADA fixtures. Some of the standout design aesthetic elements include a custom 10-foot-high solid walnut, modern barn-style entry door, textured white wood-patterned tile plank flooring, a unique custom translucent blue window treatment, organic patterned wallpaper, 3-D wall tile, and custom cabinetry.
Bonnie always meticulously weighs the impact of every design decision and selection as she incorporates well-aging design, evidenced-based design, and Biophilic design to help clients proactively live safely and independently.
“Bonnie created and executed a breathtaking renovation that exceeds any spa bathroom I have ever seen anywhere in the world. She flawlessly incorporated accessibility features we did not think we would need for many years. I came to appreciate the larger shower, which could accommodate both my husband and me as I needed help with showering after I fell during a hike, breaking my wrist within months of the remodel.” Michelle Anderson, M.D.
TOP DESIGN AWARDS IN NON-AGING AND AGING DESIGN CATEGORIES
The project has already earned top national and regional design excellence awards:
• GOLD – Contemporary/Modern Bathroom over 60 sq. ft. from ASID Arizona North
• GOLD – Universal Design from Master Design Awards-Qualified Remodeler
• 1ST PLACE – Aging-in-Place/Universal Design from NKBA Arizona.
If you want to consider both splendor and safety as you remodel your home, downsize, or are planning to build a new home, call or visit bonniejlewisdesign.com.
Beauty Destination Welcome to Your
The medical spa that enhances your God given assets.
At Aesthetic Assets, we take a multi-faceted approach to deliver amazing, natural results for our patients. Offering only the best FDA approved injectables and ten of the latest award-winning medical devices for face and body rejuvenation to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Pam Andow, Founder and Aesthetic Nurse Specialist started her nursing career in pediatrics and has provided aesthetic services since 2005. She spent her early career in the aesthetic industry teaming up with some of the leading medical device companies in the field, where she traveled globally training Key Opinion Leaders advanced techniques
MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS
using the latest medical device technologies. She utilized those experiences to create a unique brand and team at Aesthetic Assets, Face and Body Rejuvenation Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“At Aesthetic Assets, our top priority is our patients. We create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable expressing your aesthetic goals and concerns,” Andow says. “We treat every patient like family, holding ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, trust, and generosity. We understand your unique needs and desires and utilize the best technology to deliver the safest, most effective treatment outcomes. Our providers stay up to date with the latest advances in the industry through ongoing education, ensuring you always have access to the top tier care.”
Step into the world of beauty as we introduce you to the skilled and passionate team at Aesthetic Assets. From non-surgical facelifts to body contouring, our experts are dedicated to bringing out your natural
radiance and confidence. Get to know our talented team and let us help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Here at Aesthetic Assets, we have three priorities:
• Enhance your God Given assets
• Produce natural results
• Keep you looking like the best version you
We do this by taking a comprehensive holistic approach to aesthetics and utilizing the many assets we have in our beauty arsenal such as: RF Microneedling by Potenza, LaseMD Ultra, Body sculpting (AccuFit/CoolSculpting), Full line of Juvederm and Restylane fillers, Versa, Botox/Dysport, SkinPen microneedling, photofacials, laser hair removal, chemical peels and non-peeling peels, Hollywood Laser Peel, DiamondGlow facial and medical grade skincare lines.
The 3D non-surgical facelift is one of our most popular treatments that was curated by our team to address all signs of the
aging process. Our 3D non-surgical facelift produces tighter, thicker, and smoother skin; creating an even skin tone and smoothing texture; and hydration for your skin that gives it a glowing complexion; increases collagen production; and volumizes the temple and cheek areas while redefining the jawline, giving you an overall balanced and more youthful appearance.
Don’t settle for less than the best version of yourself. Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a complete transformation, we’re here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Schedule a consultation and elevate your aesthetic assets to the next level!
8415 N Pima Rd #115 Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-790-7260
info@aestheticassets.com
Your Sanctuary in Scottsdale
Experience true wellness at the newly renovated Agave, The Arizona Spa.
Nestled in the serenity of the desert at Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, Agave, The Arizona Spa is designed to help you relax, recharge and rejuvenate both your body and mind.
Discover all our treatments, including brand new offerings such as red light therapy—an emerging anti-aging technology, soothing steam and sauna experiences, and our state-of-the-art dream beds which harness the revitalizing power of water for unparalleled tension relief.
Learn more or book your experience by calling 480-624-1525 or visiting www.westinkierland.com.
Renee M. Dee Publisher
renee@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag @iconicreneedee
LONG LIVE YOU!
What was once a discussion on lifespan has turned into a narrative on healthspan. It’s not about living a long life; it’s about living a quality life, a life that is active, alert and alive. We aspire to live many years, but we want to preserve youth every step of the way.
Welcome to our second edition of ICONIC LIFE Longevity…an edition committed to sharing the information that will support your journey of living beautifully for a long time.
This topic personally inspires me. For the last decade, I’ve been immersed in the biohacking community of people who want to optimize their health. While there are many answers, there are still so many questions. What works? What should I invest my time in?
Do I focus my diet on meat or plant-based? Am I doing HIIT training or heavy weights? Will cold plunging make a difference? Does meditation extend my life? It’s more an art than an actual science, though science matters.
I follow some health gurus, such as Dr. Andrew Hueberman and Peter Attia. And, I have a concierge doctor who I trust, well, two. (Message me if you want to know who).
I have a lot of great resources for my health info. But in the end, it’s all about you, your gut instincts, your choices and your commitments. You are in the driver’s seat in this new era of wellness and medicine.
When we launched the inaugural issue of ICONIC LIFE Longevity in January, we were super proud of its beauty and the information we shared. The issue was well received, and now it’s a twice-annual addition to our publishing roster. This second issue is an add-on to the first, with all the stories we didn’t have room to share the first time.
In this issue, you’ll hear from our trusted resources. Plus, I’m excited to share some wellness journeys I’ve experienced recently…one of them is about my new favorite resort in the world.
It means so much to us to hear from you…what do you want to know? What questions do you have? Please share feedback with me at renee@iconiclife.com.
Happy reading! Here’s to your health!
May the best of everything be with you.
Renee M. Dee Publisher
Renee at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Experience Whole Health & Vibrant Longevity
“You have no idea how fortunate I feel to have a physician like [Dr. Wilder] helping me. This "medical thing" is so damn complicated. It takes a lot of knowledge, skills and experience rolled together to figure things out. One thing is for sureAI will never replace a really good doctor."
- RS, LifeScape Patient
Our members prioritize healthy living and anti-aging, and embrace integrative & functional medicine to achieve this. Members receive:
Whole family concierge care
Comprehensive annual executive physical with Fit3D advanced biometric screening
Expert functional & integrative medical care
Evidence-based longevity, heart and brain health strategies
Unlimited visits
Direct access via cell or email with your concierge provider
High level of personal clinical support
Partnering with LifeScape is like having a doctor in the family. Contact us today to learn more about our services and tour our facility. Partner with LifeScape to take your next steps towards transformational health. 480.860.5500 | www.lifescapepremier.com Schedule a Meet & Greet or Functional Consult today
Longer visits
RENEE
MEG
DOROTHY
SYDNEE
ERIN
NAKAYLA
EMILY
NANCY
MARK SACRO |
Envision a place where indulgence meets sophistication and regality is the norm. You’ve arrived at The Perfect Secret; Scottsdale’s exclusive destination for unparalleled beauty, wellness, and undeniable confidence.
Schedule your treatment and discover the allure of The Perfect Secret today.
THE LIST
By Emily McKenzie
Restore
Longevity Luxuries
Discover the wellness essentials you didn’t know you needed!
Everybody wants a healthy lifestyle. But achieving one is harder and more time-consuming than it seems. Sometimes, it requires regular doctor visits, gym memberships or regular trips to the spa. With advancements in technology, monitoring and taking control of one’s health has never been easier. Here are some wellness essentials that take healthy living to the next level.
HATCH
2. $170 via Hatch.
ŌURA
Ring Gen3 - Horizon. $349 via Ōura.
BALOO
Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask. $74 via Baloo.
DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE
DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro. $455 via Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare.
PLUNGE
The Plunge Pro. $4,590 via Plunge.
Are you remodeling your home and want to limit your impact at the landfill while helping Arizonans at the same time?
Call Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona’s Deconstruction Services for your next remodel! Our GREEN DEMOLITION process salvages what can be recycled or reused, giving your high-end household items a second life, and keeping them out of our landfills.
Deconstruction Services are a no-cost solution to remove kitchen cabinets, appliances, bathroom fixtures, and doors from a space before a remodel or renovation. Plus, Habitat’s Deconstruction Services enables homeowners and businesses to offset their remodeling costs.
To schedule, contact the Habitat Deconstruction Team at habitatcaz.org/restores/deconstruct or call 623-551-6000 and select option 3.
MUST HAVES
By Nakayla Shakespeare
JONES ROAD
PERBELLE
Skin Tone Adjusting CC Cream SPF 43. $47 via PERBELLE Cosmetics.
100% PURE
Fruit Pigmented® Ultra
Lengthening Mascara. $28 via 100% Pure.
NaturallyBeautiful
Sought-after beauty products that enhance your natural features.
In the beauty world, there has been a shift; gone are the days of heavy matte foundation and blocky, structured eyebrows. The natural beauty phenom enon is in full swing. People are now seeking products that enhance their natural features, giving an elevated yet authentic look. While this can be challenging, look no further; here are some ICONIC products that bring out the best in you.
Lashbond
OLAPLEX
Building Serum. $68 via Sephora.
LE ROUGE INTERDIT BALM.
Miracle Balm. $38 via Jones Road.
NO WINE-ING
The zero-sugar wine to bring to your next wine night.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Nothing beats the first sip of a good wine. The feeling of all your stresses and troubles melting away as you indulge in the warmth it provides is euphoric. While in the moment it was precious, sacred and just what you needed on the lips, the wine may plan an extended stay on the hips and leave you with a nasty headache.
Wine with high sugar content is the culprit for those not-sofun mornings you may have after a well-deserved wine night. However, don’t let this steer you away from the beverage. Wine brands are beginning to venture into zero-sugar products. FitVine is one of those brands.
In 2015, Tom Beaton and Mark Warren founded FitVine. To prove that wine can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, Warren and Beaton put their entrepreneurial spirits to the test. They spearheaded the wellness category of wine, one of the fastest-growing segments in the wine industry today.
FitVine creates wine for those who work hard on their health and physique so they can indulge in this luxury without sacrificing their efforts in the gym or with their diet. FitVine wine has less than one gram of sugar per liter and is low on tannins and sulfites but still has that rich flavor we search for in a good bottle.
FitVine offers both red and white wines with varietals ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Grigio. They even provide a bubbly option with Prosecco.
Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free wine, or just want to wake up without a bugging headache, FitVine is an excellent option to consider. With FitVine, you can enjoy your wine knowing it’s a healthier alternative.
DR. ALAN H. BRYCE NOW AT CITY OF HOPE
By Jessica Wellman
City of Hope is a world-renowned pioneer in cancer research, treatment and prevention. Located in Goodyear, Arizona, with clinic locations throughout the valley, it has continued to expand patient access and attract the nation’s top oncology leaders.
City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix is proud to announce Dr. Alan H. Bryce as the newly appointed Chief Clinical Officer. Dr. Bryce also serves as the Professor of Molecular Medicine at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of the City of Hope system. As the region’s clinical leader, he guides cancer care across the state and implements clinical research to yield better patient outcomes.
Before joining, he held positions at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale for 12 years, including Chair of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology in the Department of Internal Medicine.
“This move is motivated by my desire to build a top quality, coordinated cancer center for Arizona that includes both community and academic practices and enhances access to cancer breakthroughs,”
Dr. Bryce explains. “When you think about the burden of cancer in this state, there is a need for top-quality cancer care, which City of Hope can provide.”
Dr. Bryce’s transition to City of Hope was fueled by his passion for enhancing patient access to cancer care. In addition to holding his executive role, Dr. Bryce will continue to treat patients, primarily focusing on prostate cancer with a unique emphasis on individualized medicine.
With his dual appointment, he will represent City of Hope and TGen to enhance the pace at which healthcare professionals turn scientific breakthroughs into effective treatments for patients.
When asked what this means for Arizona, Dr. Bryce says, “it’s a connection that benefits the community in Phoenix and far beyond. We’re accelerating our findings in labs by turning them into options for patients. By linking our strengths in genomics and patient care, we develop comprehensive treatment plans offering patients better quality of life and survival rates.”
Live
BEAUTIFULLY
Re:Bio is your new go-to for prebiotics, probiotics and collagen.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
After moving to the United States from Japan in 2011 to fulfill a dream of living a free and authentic life, Saika Satomi, founder of Re:Bio, faced many challenges regarding gut health due to differences in food and ingredients used today.
“As I immigrated to the United States in 2011 to fulfill my dream, I suffered from various symptoms like food allergies, chronic stomach issues, fatigue and bad circulation for several years, all due to the rapid changes in my living environment and work-related stress,” Satomi explains. “While I was looking for relief after trying and failing numerous hospital visits and health tips, I learned about gut health and started to pay more attention to what my body was telling me.”
Her innovative solution to these health issues was Re:Bio, a product that not only improves gut health but also enhances your complexion. Re: Bio is not just another wellness supplement. It’s a carefully crafted blend of more than 7 billion live ingredient probiotics, prebiotics, collagen and supportive ingredients like dietary fiber and oligosaccharides, which are essential to kickstart them.
Re:Bio Symbiotic Packets promote beauty as much as they promote gut health, “Not only does strong gut health already promote healthy looking skin, a clear mind and many other benefits, but the product also includes collagen to help additional skin radiance,” Satomi says.
One struggle with most supplements is the taste, but with Re: Bio’s rose strawberry flavor packs, each drink tastes like a dessert! The elegant scent of rose combined with the gentle sweetness of strawberry creates a pleasant experience with all the health benefits.
Re:Bio is a simple solution to a flourishing gut and a beautiful life.
Photos courtesy of Re:Bio
Founder, Carly Klein
Timeless Elegance
FOR YOUR HOME
Unlock a world of possibilities with iron doors, that not only guard your home, but also enhance its beauty. Iron Doors offers you the opportunity to make a bold architectural statement, combining security with elegance with a classic or modern look.
Offering Arizona’s largest selection of single and double iron doors, wine cellar doors, pivot doors, barn doors, aluminum slider doors and bi-fold doors, every door we build is customized to meet our clients’ needs. We handcraft each door with only the highest-quality materials to ensure your door is built to last.
Visit our concierge-style integrative wellness practice that focuses on biological methods to promote regeneration and healing related to athletic performance and anti-aging/longevity.
Each patient receives a customized approach to accomplish their end goals from increased energy to improved weight loss to hormone balancing to other anti-aging modalities… all to help you feel the best you can be.
Dr. John Oliver M.D. specializes in stem cell, exosomes and genetic-based treatments to help the body heal the way it’s naturally designed to do. Partnered with Dr. Brandon Gough M.D. of Gough Surgical, BIOPERFORMANCE also supports clients before and after surgery.
bioperformanceaz.com
MIND BODY SPIRIT
Sound bath
healing will have you at peace with yourself.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Life can be stressful. During the course of our lives, we experience traumatic moments that can often stick with us subconsciously, even when we think they’ve been dealt with. These moments can hinder our daily lives without us even realizing it, causing the body to operate at a frequency that emits negative energy. How can this be solved? The answer lies with sound bath healing.
Sound healing operates on the principle that everything in the universe is in a state of vibration, including every cell in the human body. When the body’s vibrations become imbalanced, it can lead to stress, illness, or emotional disharmony.
Sound healing utilizes specific frequencies and vibrations to resonate with the body’s natural rhythms, helping to restore balance and promote holistic healing. Sound bath healing sessions are unique in their embodiment of deep relaxation, offering a sanctuary for those seeking innovative ways to unwind, recharge and find inner peace.
“This is based on science,” Maysa Toledo, Reiki Master and healing guide, explains. “When you play the sound bath instrument, each instrument emits a distinct tone that resonates with the body’s cells. Extended exposure to these vibrations harmonizes our cellular frequency, facilitating the reception of healing Reiki energy.”
Toledo was raised in a Christian household and grew up with a close connection to God. She discovered her gift for sensing others’
energy early in her life. However, after losing both of her parents in the span of three years before she turned 19, she shifted her focus from pursuing her passions to making money as she believed back then it was the only way to be successful.
She devoted more than two decades to a successful corporate career, notably at General Motors. It wasn’t until Toledo had a health scare that she shifted her perspectives back to utilizing her gift and reawakening her purpose to share her innate healing abilities with others.
“After my accident, I realized how fortunate I was to be alive and decided to embrace my true calling,” Toledo reflects. “I knew then that my path was to facilitate healing and wellness for those in need.”
Toledo’s sound healing sessions offer a profound path to self-discovery and renewal. Stress melts away as your body and mind align with the harmonious vibrations, opening up a world of relaxation and healing. Experience the magic of sound healing and discover a new (neuro) path to inner peace and well-being.
Photography by Jason Williams
Life Time fitness is bringing the workout home.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
We all know those people who “live at the gym.” The ones who seem to spend all their free time getting in that extra workout, triggering endorphins and working on their physique. Well, their dreams are coming true; living at the gym is now possible, literally.
Life Time, the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand, will join Paradise Valley in the more than 100-acre redevelopment of the former Paradise Valley Mall, with a first-to-Arizona, fully integrated concept consisting of the Company’s athletic country club and luxury-for-lease residences.
Life Time is partnering with RED Development on this project. The planned 11-story Life Time Living Paradise Valley will boast more than 300 luxury residential residences and a new 92,000-square-foot luxury athletic country club to inspire a holistically healthy lifestyle.
“From the beginning, we set out to build something original that would elevate the community to a new level. Partnering with Life Time is a testament to that goal and a sign of the innovation Arizonans can expect at PV,” Mike Ebert, managing partner at RED, says.
Anticipate the completion of this exciting project in 2026. The new residences will offer luxurious and spacious floor plans, and residents will have full access to the state-of-the-art amenities and gym equipment provided by Life Time Fitness centers.
Hitting the ICONIC Life Time Fitness gym isn’t the only feature this residential community will have to offer to promote healthy living; the project will also contain a three-acre central park and community gathering place situated amongst a mecca of dining, entertainment and retail experiences. Livework-play is given new meaning by lush landscaping, linked open spaces and expansive walk and bike paths.
“We are thrilled to work with RED in bringing Life Time to PV in this tremendous, game-changing development,” Parham Javaheri, Chief Property Development Officer and EVP at Life Time says “In addition to serving members and the surrounding area with our ICONIC athletic club experience, we cannot wait to debut Life Time Living at PV, all as part of one vibrant experience that embraces the ethos of our healthy way of life brand.”
With optimal access to healthy dining options and many recreational and fitness activities, classes and equipment within steps of your home, a healthy and balanced lifestyle has never been easier to achieve.
Not Your Typical Psychiatrist
Mon’Vie Mind Wellness is a unique and innovative concierge psychiatric practice that focuses on the whole person to enhance your mental well-being.
Just as you may rely on a physical trainer to maintain your body’s peak performance, Mon’Vie Mind is your resource for optimal mental wellness.
Mona Amini MD, MBA is a boardcertified psychiatrist. Her point of view is to provide a welcoming, boutique private practice that redefines the concept of traditional psychiatry with a luxe experience.
“’Elevate your mind, with discretion and empathy. I offer exclusive, personalized one-on-one support tailored to help you thrive. By celebrating your unique style and habits, I customize a wellness plan that guides you to achieve your dreams and live your most optimal life.”
Book a Discovery Call with Dr. Amini today!
Dr. Mona Amini Board Certified Psychiatrist
LET’S DO THIS
Scottsdale is now on its way to becoming a Blue Zone Certified Community.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
It all started with Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones, National Geographic fellow and best-selling author.
Buettner’s groundbreaking research on the world’s blue zones and the longevity practices of those living there identified five communities: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.
The key takeaway is that people in those regions didn’t choose to live longer, but their physical and social environments were set up in such a way that made that easier to do. Buettner created Blue Zones Project so healthy choices are easily available, thereby improving well-being for all. Blue Zones Project has already touched more than 75 American communities to enhance the places and spaces where we spend 90 percent of our time.
The Blue Zones Project came to Scottsdale in March 2022 at HonorHealth’s invitation to improve the city’s well-being and ensure that all residents have a fair and just opportunity to live long and healthy lives by lowering healthcare costs, increasing productivity and improving the economy and quality of life for residents, neighbors and visitors.
Individuals and organizations are provided a menu of evidence-based best practices to choose from to create long-term sustainable change. The change is designed to help people move naturally, eat wisely and develop the right outlook; all important factors in leading a long, fulfilling, happy life.
The criteria for becoming a Blue Zone Certified Community are extensive. Scottsdale will implement
Photos courtesy of Blue Zones
Project Scottsdale
well-being improvement strategies in thirteen pillar areas focused on people, places and policies to become a Blue Zones Certified Community. Achieving those targets will allow the community to move the needle forward so that positive environmental changes become integrated in the community and the healthy choice becomes the easy choice for all residents.
Blue Zones Project Scottsdale is set to reach its goal of transforming Scottsdale into Blue Zones Certified Community by improving the well-being of individuals living here. It is dependent on the leadership of the community influencers across all of the sectors that Blue Zones Project engages in including schools, worksites, restaurants, grocery stores, faith-based organizations, civic and social organizations and media.
Since being assessed by Blue Zones in 2022, Scottsdale has built momentum and is on its way to becoming a Certified Blue Zones Community. When all three aspects of improving people, places and policy are successful, the community will be recognized and celebrated as a Blue Zones Certified Community.
For more information about the Blue Zones project and how to get involved individually or as a Blue Zones Approved organization, please visit bluezonesprojectscottsdale.com.
belowSEA LEVEL
Simulating deep sea pressure, hyperbaric chambers deliver a 100-percent pure oxygenated environment. Dr. Carrie Bordinko of Benassair Health explains.
By Fran Miller
Hyperbaric chamber treatment optics might resemble still shots from The Matrix and the technology might seem equally sci-fi, but the medical science behind the technology is undisputed.
Simply put, a hyperbaric treatment involves breathing pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows body tissues to ingest more oxygen than under normal conditions, boosting the immune system and, helping the body fight bacteria and aid in releasing growth factors and stem cells, which promotes healing.
Jay Leno and Jeremy Renner, for instance, both benefited greatly from hyperbaric treatment after their respective traumatic accidents—Leno from severe burns caused by a garage fire and Renner from broken bones suffered in a snow plow accident. Professional athletes frequently utilize hyperbarics to optimize athletic performance and recovery.
Flushing tissues with high oxygen levels increases stem cell activation, faster bone and cartilage regeneration and reduces muscle fatigue and exhaustion. Hyperbaric oxygen
before and after plastic surgery can reduce pain and swelling, improve circulation, speed up recovery and even improve results.
Treatment can also increase recovery from concussion and traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and back and spinal injuries. While there are many healing benefits to hyperbarics, they can also be used to increase vitality and energy.
One of the nation’s leading providers of hyperbaric treatments is Scottsdale’s Benessair Health, which also offers an evidence-based approach to high-touch concierge medicine, integrative medicine, physical therapy and more.
Founded by board-certified Internal Medicine physician Dr. Carrie Bordinko, Benessair utilizes the latest technology and knowledge to treat acute medical conditions and structure wellness programs for overall health, weight management and athletic performance. “Our motto of ‘Live Better, Longer’ isn’t just a clever tagline,” says Bordinko. “It’s a promise to help you do it.”
Hyperbaric oxygen treatments at Benessair are generally painless and enjoyable. One lies
comfortably in the chamber while listening to custom music playlists, watching premium streaming television, or enjoying a refreshing nap in a quiet, therapeutic calm.
Benessair is unique in that few facilities in the United States offer the same full spectrum of medically supervised care. While hyperbaric treatment chambers can easily be found, Benessair’s personalized attention and recovery plans, all under the on-site supervision of an MD, allow it to stand out in the field.
“In the professional sports world we all know about the benefits of hyperbarics, but what they don’t teach you is it’s just as important where you get your hyperbaric treatments,” says Benessair client Derek Barnett, NFL defensive end for the Houston Texans. “I only choose the very best at Benessair Health.”
“Benessair Health and its hyperbaric treatments are my secret weapon for recovery and healing. When my crazy life takes a toll, this is where I get the training, bodywork, and the newest valid treatments for my health and longevity,” clinical psychologist and sleep medicine expert Dr. Michael Breus adds.
I love my extensions!
The entire team is well trained to provide an excellent experience, whether its installing or maintaining my extensions to regular blowouts and color. Maintenance is a breeze with their exclusive membership for a busy businesswoman like me!”
Step into a world where sophistication meets simplicity at Xtension Envy – Arizona’s premier Full-Service Hair Extension Salon offering you one-stop shop for all your hair needs. Our skilled stylists, masters in both color and extensions, bring you the height of expertise.
We are the first to offer a membership model, which makes maintenance a breeze. For the last 7 years, Xtension Envy has proudly maintained its status as Arizona’s go-to destination for luxurious locks in our full-service extension studio with master colorists as well.
Align yourself with excellence. Schedule your consultation today and discover why, for the past 7 years, Xtension Envy has proudly maintained its status as Arizona’s go-to destination for luxurious locks.
Awaken your Senses with a Bespoke Sleep Experience.
Enter a new class of rejuvenating rest with a luxuriously tailored sleep solution. It all begins with a private Personal Mattress Fitting where we help you uncover your ideal mattress fit based on your sleep style, comfort profile, and lifestyle goals.
For generations, Custom Comfort Mattress has been dedicated to traditionally handcrafting all-natural and double-sided mattresses in our Southern California factory.
customcomfortmattress.com Uncover the Nature of Great Sleep
Pizza Palooza
After visiting 150 pizzarias, this was my favorite, and it’s healthy, too.
By Ryan Adamson
Photography by Paul Moore
Ilove pizza! I love pizza so much that I decided to go to 150 pizza places in 29 different cities all over Arizona. I made a mini-pizza documentary about my journey, and the number one pizza place I found in Arizona was Mimi Forno in Laveen.
Domenico Cavallo, the owner of Mimi Forno, is from a city that overlooks Positano, a compound in Italy. He opened his restaurant in 2018. With a four-acre farm nearby, Cavallo produces his own olive oil from his olive trees and grows vegetables—which are featured toppings on his weekend specials pizzas—from his garden. Cavallo imports all his meats, cheeses, flour and tomatoes from Italy to supply customers with authentic Italian pizza. The dough and pasta are handmade daily.
I knew I was tasting greatness the first time I tried his restaurant, but all was confirmed when I had the opportunity to go to his farm and indulge in this delectable pizza with the master himself. He shared many fun facts about his pizzas, including when he imported truffles from Italy.
After our lovely dinner, I saw his passion for providing delicious and authentic Italian food for the community. My favorite pizza at Mini Forno is “The Butcher,” which contains San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, salami, pepperoni, sausage and Italian bacon. So tasty!
The combination of authentic Italian ingredients imported from the source, a nearby farm to produce fresh vegetables, a deeprooted passion for Italian cuisine and sharing the culture makes for an awesome Italian restaurant. Check this place out and experience the taste of Italy for yourself. Your tastebuds will dance!
If you want to see the full pizza documentary check it out at youtube.com/rippleofjoy.
Water Makes You Work
Got a pool? Fitness instructor Jodi Stokes says the best workout is in your backyard.
By Jodi Stokes
Do you want to play with or pick up your grandchild, travel, climb stairs, play pickleball, simply get off the floor easily, or participate in a Centenarian decathlon? The latter may be far-fetched; however, training for a longer lifespan requires the same mindset as training for a decathlon—that of a warrior.
A touch on my backstory. Why I’m in the profession I love, how I encourage people daily to live a healthy life, and, most importantly, how I turn it around now? It began with my father, who had Polio. However, you would have never known this man had a crippling disease as he rode his bike daily, played golf, swam and did 50-100 push-ups a day.
To me, I never saw my father as someone who was bearing this terrible disease but more as a superhero. That man defined my future in fitness because I felt like anyone with good working arms and legs should have no excuse not to exercise. With that, I adopted the phrase, “Exercise is not a Chore; it’s a Privilege.”
Most of my clients at LifeScape are “active agers” in the 50-80 age range. My primary objective is to keep them moving by helping them build and maintain muscle and bone density.
I also work with clients in the water, as water exercise is beneficial for any age, has properties that provide eccentric and concentric movements and can assist with more mobility than some land activities.
Water exercise is becoming the “Wave of the Future” in workout programming among fitness enthusiasts. Research dictates that the water’s buoyancy effect eliminates shock and trauma to the joints and surrounding tissues.
The hydrostatic pressure reduces swelling, and the cooling effect of the water keeps body temperatures lower for a longer duration, which ultimately affects caloric expenditure. It is also believed that the workload placed on the body can be twelve times greater in the water than on land due to the constant resistance placed on the muscles or double concentric contractions.
Water exercise benefits all types of needs, ranging from pre-postnatal to injury prevention and recovery to arthritis. It helps those who suffer from MS or other limitations that may prevent them from participating in “onland” exercise programs. It is also beneficial as a vehicle for seasoned athletes.
Water exercise improves cardiovascular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, range of motion and balance. By focusing on the strong structural center, referred to as the core, we can engage the stomach muscles for the duration of the exercises, which, in turn, will strengthen the back.
The water pressure on the lungs encourages deeper breathing, improved lung capacity and a more efficient cardiorespiratory system. Breathing should be continuous and rhythmic during all phases of an exercise routine.
I encourage you to find your fitness passion; there is always time to start living longer.
Jodi Stokes is a fitness expert with 30 years experience. She has her BS in exercise science and is ACE, RRCA and AEA certified. In 2011, she was named Elite Trainer. She trains at LifeScape Premier in Scottsdale.
A favorite local spa gets the elevated refresh it provides to its clients.
A Ta Da
By Renee Dee
Photography by Jeff Zaruba
The all-new Agave, The Arizona Spa at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, reopened this spring and provides guests with an elevated wellness journey complete with high-end treatments, a tranquil atmosphere and opportunities to feel refreshed, recharged, and renewed.
I had the opportunity to indulge in a spa day at Agave, The Arizona Spa and loved the new look. It’s bigger. Now equipped with 27 treatment rooms, its brighter, refreshed, neutral palette is super on-point with its latest offerings.
The spa has transcended from a tradition of offering massages, facials and body treatments to a more modern, biohacker approach to services that include red-light therapy, topical hyperbaric with oxygen therapy for the face, gemstones, water cushion therapy, hydro-facial therapy and Atoxelene, an anti-aging serum to target fine lines.
The new spa has a full-service salon, a movement studio, an awesome gym, a spa pool and a juice bar—every spa should have a juice bar! The renovated locker rooms offer a dry sauna, a steam room and a whirlpool, with a stunning relaxation room just beyond the doors. Plus, there are plenty of amenities to use after services to get ready for the rest of your day.
With so much to enjoy, I was excited to start my spa day.
Spa check-in happens in the upscale spa boutique with a full complement of workout apparel, swimwear, cute hats and well-curated, extensive skincare products. I couldn’t resist a good spa boutique, so I spent time digging into its offerings.
Once escorted to my locker, I found a super-soft spa robe for my day…the first indication of a luxurious experience. I started with a beautiful Desert Essence massage from Holly, who incorporated essential oils into my treatment.
I had an excellent massage, which impressed me because spa massages don’t always offer the deep work I appreciate.
After my massage, I was really looking forward to my body treatment, as my skin had been feeling like it needed a boost. My next therapist, Lisa, escorted me to the wet-dry room, where I had a Cactus Glow body treatment. Finegrained fresh sea salt and citrus grass make a gentle scrub that helps smooth the skin. The treatment finishes with a mineral-rich cactus toning gel to firm and tighten the skin. This invigorating body treatment nourished my body and made me feel smooth and hydrated.
Following my treatments, I enjoyed reading in the relaxation room (where I found an ICONIC LIFE magazine!).
Once again, in the spa boutique, I sampled and bought Lisa’s recommended products before heading to the spa pool to finish my day.
While I didn’t experience it, I want to share that with the new spa menu, the resort has made a commitment to providing services for those living with and beyond cancer. Safe and effective treatments are available for those with compromised health during active and post-cancer treatment. This spa body treatment and foot ritual are provided by certified, highly skilled massage therapists who understand the unique needs of these clients.
“We are particularly eager to introduce comfort touch therapy, which offers a moment of solace for individuals with compromised health, both in active treatment and beyond cancer,” said Brittany Flores, director of Agave Spa. “To ensure the most effective and relaxing experience for our guests seeking advanced comfort, our therapists have completed continued education focusing on cancer care in addition to their massage therapy certification.”
I loved my time at Agave and look forward to returning as a local who can enjoy the amenities, excellent gym and providers who can provide regular services to keep me feeling my best.
Cha n React on
We’re all talking about peptides, but what do they have to do with longevity?
By Renee Dee
Peptides are short protein chains of about two to 100 amino acids.
Your body produces peptides that serve essential functions in some of your body’s most necessary processes, but why all the narrative now?
“People are trying to really understand what peptides are, if they’re safe to use and how they might utilize them in their everyday life and protocols,” says Dr. John Oliver, founder of BioPerformance, a fully integrative wellness facility.
“IT’S AN EXCITING AREA OF MEDICINE BECAUSE WE’RE ALWAYS IDENTIFYING NEW PEPTIDES.
WE’RE SEEING A LOT OF FANTASTIC CHANGES, AND WE’RE HELPING PEOPLE LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES.”
“Amino acid chains, depending on their size, can be called different things. It can be used for different things within the body. At their purest form, when they’re strung together, they can be a peptide, a hormone, or even proteins when they’re large enough. Depending on how big they are in the sequence of amino acids, what they do in the body varies greatly,” Oliver says.
The collagen you put in your coffee is a peptide that falls into the protein category. They are much different than the smaller amino acid chains that Oliver uses for cell signaling and cell communication, where he’s working towards a desired effect within the body, like improving a dysfunction or improving health and longevity.
“I use peptides pretty conservatively and they have a high safety profile when used correctly. We can target certain pathways more specifically than some of the drugs and treatments we’ve had in the past. The side effects and undesired results come when peptides are misused likely without supervision. The more doctors like me and scientists learn about and use peptides, the more we learn about them,” he says.
One of the big ones on social media and in the news is Ozempic, a semi-glutide that was developed for diabetes but later discovered to help people lose body weight, an off-label use.
“With anything that causes metabolic changes and shifts in the body, there needs to be caution by monitoring the dosage and
duration of use. Patients need to be guided by a healthcare provider who understands this, or you can cause major metabolic shifts and dysfunction within the body,” says Oliver.
“I do have some people who have reached out after self-administering Ozempic, and they were having issues with their liver, pancreas and GI tract. Every patient will react to these things differently. So, it’s essential to work with a provider who understands how peptides work, understands the human body and will look at each patient individually to see if this peptide is even right for them.”
Another popular peptide Oliver uses is NAD in the form of drips, daily injections, or nasal sprays. “It really does move the needle regarding cognitive function and short-term memory improvement,” he says.
“We also do things that will help patients increase their natural growth hormone production by the pituitary gland better than any synthetic growth hormone,” Oliver explains. “That helps patients maintain or increase lean muscle mass and bone density. It also strengthens tendons, ligaments and cartilage tissue. It increases metabolism and decreases inflammation, supporting longevity and anti-aging.”
“It’s an exciting area of medicine because we’re always identifying new peptides. We’re seeing a lot of fantastic changes, and we’re helping people live healthier lives,” says Oliver.
Daily Dozen for Optimal Aging
These 12 simple steps from LifeScape Medical’s Dr. Susan Wilder can profoundly impact how well you age and how long you live.
By Susan Wilder, MD, IFMCP
Iam passionate about living an optimally healthy life, and I believe in transformative care that strives to make chronic disease obsolete. We have a way to go.
The average American spends the last decade or so of their lives in what I call the 4 D’s: diseased, depressed, disabled or demented. Americans rank 83rd globally for healthy life expectancy. How is that possible in one of the greatest nations in the world?
Here’s the good news…most chronic disease, disability and 90 percent of dementia is preventable without expensive supplements, prescribed drugs or inconvenient interventions. Here are my lifestyle hacks to turn old age into the golden age with energy, mobility and mental wellness.
I’ve based this on my more than 35 years as a medical professional and Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s aging deceleration book Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better.
If you want to make a difference in your life, let’s go! If you want to get a baseline to understand where you stand today before you make any changes, you can assess your “biologic age” with a test like the one that we use from Tru Diagnostic, that helps you understand your pace of aging based on epigenetic DNA methylation patterns.
Here are my Daily Dozen:
1. EAT MORE PLANTS!
A recent Harvard study shows we could save 6 million lives globally just by shifting to a more plant-based diet. Eat organic as much as possible.
• 2 cups organic leafy greens: 1 cup chopped or 4 ounces of organic green juice.
• 1 cup colorful veggies: eat the whole rainbow daily; especially beets.
• 1 cup cruciferous veggies: eat 2 cups if taking hormones or hormonal cancer risk.
• 2 whole fruits, especially berries.
Prioritize methylation superfoods from my list below.
There are 12 veggies referred to as the “dirty dozen,” and they represent the most contaminated produce. If you’re eating organically sometimes, these are the ones to make sure you purchase from the organic section. These include strawberries, greens, blueberries, spinach, pears, apples, peaches, nectarines, grapes, peppers, cherries and green beans.
2. FERMENTED IS FABULOUS
Eat fermented food daily for a healthy microbiome, that means gut health. You can have 4 to 8 ounces of organic kefir or yogurt or 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup of fermented organic veggies, like sauerkraut, beets or pickles.
3. OPTIMIZE YOUR PROTEIN
We suggest eating 25 to 30 grams of protein three to four times a day. You can get that from legumes, tofu, nuts, fish, eggs, dairy, poultry, meats and liver. I prefer raw nuts to roasted; I like free-range, corn-free poultry; and grass-fed, hormone-free meats.
4. YOU WON’T GET FAT ON FAT
Make sure to have 1 to 2 tablespoons of healthy fats. Those come from extra virgin olive oil, avocados, olives, beef tallow and ghee. The best-rated olive oil brands in 2023 were Life Extension California Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil with very high polyphenols, Lucini Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and California Olive Ranch extra virgin olive oil everyday blend. A handful of nuts and seeds or 2 tablespoons of organic nut or seed butter will do the job as well.
EAT THREE SUPERFOODS A DAY
These superfoods provide methylation, which means detoxification, aging deceleration and cancer prevention.
GREEN TEA
TURMERIC/CURCUMIN
BLUEBERRIES/ALL BERRIES
ROSEMARY
CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES BEETS
ORGANIC OMEGA 3 EGGS
ORGANIC GRASS-FED LIVER
SEEDS
(Sunflower/Pumpkin/Flax/ Chia/Hemp)
WILD-CAUGHT SALMON
SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS (Also Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane)
DARK LEAFY GREENS
5. GO WITH GRAINS
Unless you’ve got a gluten intolerance/allergy or an inflammatory condition, we suggest 2 to 3 servings of healthy, organic whole grains, like oats, whole wheat, buckwheat, quinoa, legumes or couscous.
6. DRINK WATER
You hear this all the time, and that’s because water has so many benefits. Dehydration is as dangerous as driving under the influence. Hydrate with at least 80 ounces of fluids within 10 hours of waking up for brain, heart, kidney, liver and cellular health. It’s best to start your day by front-loading 16 ounces of water when you wake up before you have your first cup of coffee. Add 24 ounces per hour of exercise (double if hot or doing endurance exercise.)
7. GET MOVING!
This can take so many forms. I want to see my mobile clients moving 20 to 45 minutes daily. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise is best, plus strength training 2 to 3 times a week and some form of balance exercise. I have some patients who set a daily alarm to move and stretch each hour. I have some patients who schedule these workouts on their calendars. Remember that walking your furry friend counts. However you do it, get moving daily
8. CATCH YOUR ZZZZZ
I heard a new phrase that not sleeping is the new smoking. While that is hard to really quantify as a medical profession, the theme here is that not sleeping has a big impact on your health. I want to see you sleeping 7 to 8 hours a night uninterrupted. If you are waking tired, daytime dozing, snoring or sleeping with lapses in breathing, get checked for sleep apnea.
Photography by Mark Sacro,
9. YOU GOTTA HAVE FRIENDS
According to the Blue Zones, four regions around the world boast people living to the oldest ages. Key to their longevity is social connection. Research consistently demonstrates that people with strong social connections tend to live longer than those who are socially isolated. By investing in social connection, you can experience improved mental well-being, better physical health, and a greater sense of fulfillment in your life. It’s important to stay engaged and useful.
10. NEVER STOP LEARNING
Keep your brain active by learning new things. Challenge your brain with activities that rely on logic, math and visuospatial skills like crossword puzzles, Sudoku games, puzzles, and other games that promote mental gymnastics. These types of games require multiple cognitive abilities, which challenges your brain and improves processing speed and memory.
11. DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT
Manage stress in a healthy way. I suggest meditating 15 to 20 minutes a day. Practice mindfulness or just breathe 10 deep breaths daily. Use a cyclic sighing technique: in through the nose, sigh out. Doing this for 2 minutes daily is proven most for reducing stress. Do this simultaneously as you get up and stretch during the day.
12. LESS WINE-ING
Minimize alcohol to one drink per week for optimal slowest aging. Cease drinking if you have a memory or cancer risk. Have alternatives ready to go for social situations or times when you habitually reach for a drink.
ABOUT DR. SUSAN WILDER
Susan Wilder, MD, IFMCP is the founder and CEO of LifeScape and a board-certified Family Medicine and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and her medical degree from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. She completed her specialty training in Family Medicine as a commissioned Air Force officer at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Next, Wilder joined the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, founding its Family Medicine residency program and serving as its first Director of Clinical Genomics Education. In 2003, she launched LifeScape, where she practices full-spectrum Family Medicine.
She studied meditation with Deepak Chopra, brain health with Dr. Daniel Amen, human motivation with Tony Robbins, and Functional Medicine with the Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Mark Hyman.
Dr. Wilder has special expertise in evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle interventions, hormone management, and advanced nutritional and genetic testing. She emphasizes collaborative, transformative care striving to make chronic disease obsolete.
Glob
Local Spa ally
There’s a new spa in town, and it was created by the great mind of Sam Fox, founder and developer of the internationally inspired hotel, The Global Ambassador, his first entry into the world of luxury hospitality. Gathering and sharing all his experiences, from traveling globally to his love for the local community, Fox imagined every detail and delivered his promise of charm and sophistication.
Fox took the same award-winning and curated approach to dining in the world-class wellness center, The Spa, complete with internationally inspired services and cutting-edge wellness innovations we’re all talking about.
Spanning 16,000 square feet, the spa’s ten rooms offer facials, skin enhancements, massages, body treatments, sculpting, acupuncture, light therapy, IV drips and wholebody cryotherapy. Guests begin their experience in the locker rooms equipped with a hot plunge, cold plunge, eucalyptus steam room, Finnish dry sauna, an expansive hosted beauty bar with Augustinus Bader and U Beauty products and complimentary gourmet refreshments replenished throughout the day.
Alongside the brands presented by the spa, some highlights of The Spa’s treatments include the method facial by augustinus bader, oxylight sapphire lift & sculpt facial, Biologique Recherche luminosity facial, Environ skin
World-class research culminates in a spa that has everything.
By Renee Dee
ritual, U Beauty siren glow facial, MOVA (movement) lymphatic massage high definition by Camilla Perez, Biologique Recherche silhouette shaper and reiki & craniosacral therapy.
A veteran in the spa industry, Shazz Narduzzi serves as the director of spa and well-being and has been instrumental in crafting the meticulously curated services and product menu.
By the way, Shazz also leads The Spa’s Sound Journey, a private guided meditation accompanied by a live soundscape of crystal alchemy bowls and various meditative instruments worldwide. Combining breath work, meditation, restorative poses, raw vibrational sound and aromatherapy, the Sound Journey evokes a state of deep relaxation.
Deep relaxation was what I was after for my spa day at The Spa. The tour of the locker room made me feel like Fox had put together a list of everything he has liked from every spa and then brought it here. The locker room had juices, teas and rosé on tap to go with gourmet popcorn, chocolates, fruit and nuts. I imagined my next girls’ spa day starting an hour early here.
I was escorted upstairs to the relaxation lounge, where I was served another assortment of refreshments, including house-made kombucha and nut-butter protein balls. The
attendant also brought me a heated neck wrap to unwind before my treatment.
I started with the Biologique Recherche bespoke facial designed to detox, nourish and brighten my skin—the customized experience provided exfoliation, hydration, tightening using massage techniques and draining of the face. I felt defined and lifted when it was complete. My aesthetician was super knowledgeable and recommended some new products for me, given that my skincare routine from my twenties was no longer relevant…that indeed created a chuckle.
The treatment rooms have doors and windows to the outside, resembling balconies. Floor-length drapery made
each room luxurious and elegant. From the eye covers to the hydrated eye patches to the linens on the massage beds, every part of this facial oozed luxury. Following my treatment, I was presented with a house-made ginger-turmeric shot…love. I make these at home, and I so appreciate this amenity. Fox thinks of everything.
My second treatment was new to me, and if I tell all of you too much about it, it will be booked solid. I won’t be able to schedule myself into another treatment. Simply put, the MOVA by Camila Perez is the kind of treatment celebrities do before walking the red carpet. Known for serious slimming and debloating, you can see the results at the end of the treatment. My therapist shared that the ladies of PV are catching on and that she’s seeing more weekly regulars.
Camila Perez is the creator of this Massage high-definition treatment and has personally trained the staff in her signature Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage massage treatment. This technique increases lymph and blood flow and, with specific movements, releases superficial connective tissue, opening space and breaking adhesions to improve the circulatory flow.
This body sculpting treatment uses a vacuum device on the lower body and very specific hand work. My therapist burned as many calories performing the treatment as I had the appearance of losing. The results last just a few days, but this treatment is worth it for those important days.
For the rest of the day, I used all the amenities in the locker room and remarked that full-size Augustinus Bader products were throughout, which was pretty decadent. Of course, I later bought some.
While I didn’t work out, I should have. The Spa also features a 9,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness facility featuring Technogym and Eleiko equipment, along with a movement studio, spin studio and Pilates room, all designed around the picturesque views of Camelback Mountain.
The hotel is also home to Arizona’s first and only Forma studio, a luxury boutique-style Pilates studio founded by Liana Levi that offers exclusive invite-only workouts in Los Angeles and New York City.
With my now chiseled face and sculpted body, I had but one choice to wrap up this lovely day by dining at Le Amé, where the best Hamachi I’ve ever had awaited me. Yes, Fox knows food, but now I know he gets what spa-ing means at the highest level.
SERENITY SWEET
Eagle Dancer Resort offers a tranquil escape deep in the Sedona mountains.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Sedona is a sacred place, from the towering red rock mountains and canyons to the overwhelming positive energy that emanates throughout the community. It’s a place to heal, unwind and surrender yourself to growth and transformation.
The unique formations of Sedona’s horizon are no accident; more than 300 million years ago, the beautiful mountains and canyons were submerged entirely underwater until the Earth cracked, thus leading to the carving of the canyons, creeks and streams. What we’re left with are magnificent works of terra-cotta-colored art.
Nestled deep into the canyons and surrounded by the picturesque mountainscape is Eagle Dancer. This five-acre sanctuary Airbnb resort allows its guests to relax, disconnect from the hectic atmosphere of everyday life and absorb the magical energy Sedona possesses.
What sets Eagle Dancer apart from typical Airbnbs is its commitment to providing resort-style amenities. The resort offers a deluxe Hot Spring therapeutic hot tub designed to target specific muscle groups, a saltwater swimming pool adorned with mother-of-pearl tiles, an aromatherapy porcelain steam room, a deluxe sauna and an array of wellness services such as a traditional massage, myofascial release sessions, aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, guided meditation, yoga classes and crystal light healing.
Activities on the property include access to Sedona’s most popular trails through a private trailhead, a wine tasting with the owner and master sommelier Huib and guided vortex tours.
Sedona has a rich and interesting history and the Eagle Dancer property is deeply rooted. Built in 1969, the home was designed by architect Bob McIntyre, a famous architect in Sedona known for his work on the landmark arts and shopping center Tlaquepaque. The Adobe bricks of the property were all handmade and baked in Mexico, giving them a multicolor look. In addition to the property’s unique architecture, the owner lineage of the home is quite interesting.
Originally owned and built by Platt Cline, the home then became Ann Miller’s, a famous Hollywood actress best known for her classical musical films in the 1940s and 1950s. The house was then purchased by the Wrigley family until it was sold to its current owners, Iona and Huib.
Iona and Huib are a power couple whose passion lies in providing people an escape to restore and reconnect with the essence of life. They love incorporating their travels and explorations into the property and connecting with others. Grounded in spirituality, Iona and Huib live their dreams of sharing their love for nature and spirituality with the guests staying at the sanctuary they built.
After browsing Eagle Dancer’s website, I was intrigued and excited to experience not only the essence of Sedona for the first time but also the historic Eagle Dancer Resort. So I packed the car with my mom, and we were off!
The drive was therapeutic. When we passed through the gate and entered the property, three steel signs greeted us with clever quotes, prompting us to begin disconnection from the outside world and be present.
Iona and Huib helped us with our bags and escorted us to our upper casita. The room had undergone cosmetic renovations, but the building’s original character remained unchanged. It had a brick-wood fireplace, cedar-lined ceilings, a full kitchen, a dual granite shower and a private balcony with 180-degree picturesque views of the red Sedona mountains.
The room smelled of fresh eucalyptus and carried positive energy from the salt lamp and aromatherapy diffuser. We went outside to bask in the views when we were given a fantastic gift.
A symphony of rain showered the mountaintops and fell into the canyon, creating the illusion of diamonds falling out of the sky. The serene static of the rain gently falling onto the rocks made you feel like you were listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Shortly after the showers, a beautiful technicolor rainbow formed.
We were taken on a tour of the facilities available to us throughout our stay. There were Buddha statues scattered throughout the property; Iona explained that she and Huib shipped them home after their trip to Bali. All of the statues are hand-carved and some are more than 150 years old.
The most impactful amenity for me was the lookout terrace. A concrete theater covered by a cantilever roof allows you to immerse yourself in the amazing views while being shielded from the intense heat. A unique twisted tree was growing at the end of the terrace.
This phenomenon is believed to happen because the terrace sits near an energy vortex, a swirling center of energy that
aids in conducting healing and meditation and opens you up for self-exploration. I was skeptical about this concept until I sat there momentarily and felt a subtle tingling sensation on my fingertips. It was incredible.
My mom and I retired early that night, because we knew we had a full day of relaxing activities ahead of us. The next morning, we woke up at dawn. To kick start my day, I did a short abs workout on the terrace, and we hiked the local trail to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. The views from the top were surreal; it felt like we were at the crest of Sedona.
We went to town to try a local breakfast spot recommended in the welcome book: Pump House Station. There, we shared a fresh granola bowl and a croissant breakfast sandwich.
We did some shopping at the local crystal and energy stores before returning to prepare for our massages with Omkari, a healing guide focused on providing spiritual awakening services for clients worldwide for more than 30 years.
The healing room, which was once used as a library, was calming and quaint. I had never had a massage before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I left feeling refreshed, relaxed and replenished.
After our massages, we explored the famous Tlaquepaque shopping center, a Spanish-style mall filled with local art galleries and retail shops.
Next was our wine tasting with Iona and Huib. We spent five hours tasting fine white and red wines, and learning about the delicacies and complexities of wine pairings and the process of creating quality wine. I learned so much during my time with them, and I can’t wait to educate my friends when I host my next wine night.
We left that evening with hugs and “thank yous” and fell asleep immediately. On our final morning, we took in the beautiful mountains one more time before packing the car and saying our goodbyes.
The amount of work and attention Iona and Huib put into their resort-style Airbnb is evident. Their efforts have created an escape from reality and a place for people to find peace and serenity.
The trip to the Eagle Dancer allowed me to relax and connect with nature on a level I have never experienced before. I truly feel that even though my time there was short, I left a different person with a new appreciation and understanding of the special effects Sedona holds
BY DESIGN WELL NESS
Interior designer Stephanie Larsen creates homes with a higher purpose.
By Fran Miller
Photography by Carl Shultz
by Laura
Photography
Moss
It’s a given that interior designer Stephanie Larsen crafts beautiful home interiors. As one of Arizona’s leading luxury interior designers, she blends modern and contemporary elements with the traditional. Recognized for her ability to create personalized spaces that reflect her clients’ lifestyles and tastes, her projects are more than simple renovations; many of her homes incorporate wellness and vibrational aspects, a lifestyle concept based on the idea that everything in the universe, including our thoughts, emotions and physical surroundings, vibrates at different frequencies.
interconnectedness and the realization that raising one’s vibrational frequency improves overall health.
Designing such a home involves creating a living space that supports and enhances the resident’s well-being. The goal is to raise one’s vibrational frequency to align with positive, high-energy states, leading to improved happiness and overall life satisfaction. This is a heady goal for sure, but one that Larsen accomplishes time and again by ensuring that her spaces embody the simple joys of upscale luxury living.
Isaac Bailey
by
Vibrational living is rooted in key aspects, such as belief in the law of attraction, which states that positive and negative thoughts beget positive or negative experiences. It is also rooted in the acknowledgment of
Key wellness aspects considered in the design of a vibrational home include energy flow and layout. The space should be minimalistic—open and uncluttered, allowing free movement and a sense of spaciousness. Natural
Photography
elements like plants and eco-friendly materials like wood, stone, and organic fibers are essential.
Natural light should be maximized to create an uplifting environment and interior lighting should be energy efficient to reduce environmental impact. Color is important; Larsen prefers a neutral palette in which art and décor provide added color and interest. Sound is also key. Soothing music or natural sounds enhances the vibrational quality of a home, as does soundproofing—the reduction of noise pollution from the outside.
Crystals and minerals such as amethyst and rose quartz can be placed in different home areas or used in furniture
and décor to promote healing and positive energy. Collaborating with the Ted Bradley Studio, Larsen recently designed a beautiful quartz crystal lamp within a selenite base, which is understood to have physical and emotional healing properties. “Curated in a beautiful way, crystals always elevate a space,” says Larsen, who also favors onyx, which is believed to have several metaphysical energy characteristics.
Air and water quality are important, as are purifiers and filtration systems. Larsen often incorporates dedicated spaces for meditation, yoga, or other mindful practices. Finally, the homeowner is encouraged to include items of personal significance and positive association.
by Laura
Photography
Moss
by
Photography
Laura Moss
by Carl Shultz
Photography
Photography by Isaac Bailey
Larsen also likes to incorporate Lutron lighting systems into her designs. These systems mimic circadian rhythms by adjusting to natural daylight patterns and dimming as the sun goes down, all of which promote better sleep and overall well-being. She is a fan of the “sleep chamber,” blackout bedrooms where television and tech are not allowed. If television in the bedroom is a client’s must, she hides the device in a specially designed footboard from which it rises.
She is a fan of water, which she feels calms the senses. She’s designed cold plunges and float tanks that are enhanced by salt rooms and infrared saunas, adjacent to
what might be movement or wellness studios, tech-free zones and meditation areas where the homeowner can find solitude for the practice of yoga or Pilates.
For those seeking to enhance their living environment, Larsen recommends planting herb, fruit and vegetable gardens and perhaps adding a juicing station to promote healthy, farm-to-table eating.
“In designing a more intentional home, the key is creating an indoor/outdoor feel where each space flows to the next,” says Larsen. “Whether it’s a desert home or near the water, bringing in the natural environment is key.”
Wellness Within
By Renee Dee
Publisher Renee Dee shares her favorite wellness journey with her son.
Bottom
Photos: Photography Courtesy of Wellness
Hotel at Hanalei Bay
If there is one thing we desert dwellers love, it’s experiencing lush green terrain and moisture when we travel. Kauai is a mecca for both. Kauai is the most northern island in the Hawaiian chain. Known as the garden island, it is draped in emerald mountains, tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls. I traveled there with my son, Spencer, for a week of wellness in the perfect environment for restoration, renewal and relaxation.
When we landed, our desert-parched skin was immediately treated to the high humidity of the islands. It felt like the air itself was the first part of our wellness experience.
Our destination was 1 Hanalei Bay Resort on the island’s northern side, about an hour from Lihue airport. I knew this was the perfect trip for this mother-son duo as we are committed to healthy living, eating an organic diet and delighting in the latest bio hacks. While he is 22, and I am well, his mother, we’re both focused daily on turning back the hands of time. We’re a little obsessed.
Upon arrival, the modern, biophilic design of the resort impressed us both. The entrance focuses on bringing the outdoors in with an open-air lobby and large windows that give way to the dramatic view of Hanalei Bay and its majestic, mountainous coastline, which was our view from every vantage point of the resort for the entire trip.
Spoiler alert! We loved this trip! I could easily declare this my very favorite resort. I wouldn’t be alone, Condé Nast Traveler added 1 Hanalei Bay Resort to its Gold List this year (the only Hawaiian resort to be named to the list.) Spencer declared it totally “dialed in…” which is a high praise in wellness hacker lingo.
The resort is a mission-driven, sustainable resort founded on the idea that those who travel the world should also care about it. That philosophy was consistent throughout our week.
Our hotel room had a purified water bottle filler with refillable bottles. The spa uses products found on the island. The organic, locally sourced juices are sourced from a beloved local purveyor, Kauai Juice Company. A sign in our room invited us to donate our gently used clothing upon departure.
Some of the local wellness experiences include joining a team for beach clean-up and spending time at a pet rescue shelter.
This was more than just a pretty resort; the goal was to significantly impact us. And it did.
The rooms are beautiful, with an organic feel and local art on the walls. Let’s not forget the best part: the stunning view. An AD100 award-winning designer, Nicole Hollis was the bright mind behind these bohemian chic interiors.
The design theme is organic textures, with puka lava rock in the showers and basalt flooring with natural jute rugs. Handwoven lighting, reclaimed wood ceilings and woven willow wall features ground the space. Handmade furnishings from reclaimed teak elevate the Kauai vibe.
Moments into settling into our room, a wellness sage named Josh stopped by to bring us treats, as he called them. I was expecting strawberries, but instead, he revealed a cart with leg compression pants, an infrared mat, a percussion massager, healing crystals, a weighted blanket, a noise machine and a meditation cushion, all to be used as in-room amenities.
With a complete itinerary of fitness, spa and no-touch therapies, our week was nicely stacked up with our favorite things. The fitness center is enormous and it has everything. I shared with a friend that it almost looked like someone with an unlimited budget outfitted the gym with everything they could invest in. From weights and machines to Peloton bikes and a BMI scale, there was more equipment to keep us working out once if not twice a day.
Multi-day journeys are created to accomplish specific wellness goals. The resort calls it Within Wellbeing, which embodies complete wellness journeys supported by expert practitioners, including board-certified physicians. Organic pioneer Carole Bamford founded Bamford Wellness Spa.
Our journey included a private yoga class taught by Kinsey, who applied gentle pressure to deepen our moves. We used canvas straps to deepen the stretches we practiced. The stretch felt so amazing we ordered the bands when we got home.
We did a private meditation class on a waff (a donut-like inflatable designed to help with balance). It gave the feeling of weightlessness. While on the waff, we focused on Wim Hof breathing, sound bath healing and silent meditation.
I was so calm that I eventually felt I didn’t need to breathe. We learned the benefits of nose breathing and breathing in cycles. Kevin, the instructor, is a true expert and inspired me to think differently about meditation.
I enjoyed the intuitive herbal ritual in the spa, which utilized noni leaves on my back to melt away tension. The products used came from Kauai Farmacy, which is made with comfrey and noni plants to encourage circulation and detoxification. The service started with a foot bath and
Photography
of Renee Dee.
ended with a light facial. Hopefully, every cell of my body soaked up the mineral-rich goodness of the treatment.
During that time, Spencer experienced the rainbow chakra mat, a no-touch service that detoxifies the body with heated crystals, far infrared, negative ions, photon lights and PEMF. He shared that he felt grounded and calm from the treatment.
Other options include a sunlight infrared sauna, soma dome meditation pod, ocean float tank and the pièce de résistance: a four-person hyperbaric oxygen therapy pod, where you breathe in 100-percent pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. I’ve wanted to do this for so long but have been concerned about claustrophobia in smaller chambers. No problem here! Cryo and cold plunge therapies are coming soon; we missed them on this trip.
The spa has two pools, both offering majestic ocean views: a quieter day-bed environment surrounding a negative-edge pool and a bustling pool with a sandbox restaurant for casual bites and beach drinks. We had a private cabana on the beach with pillows, shade and a front-row seat to the ocean’s splendor.
All this working out and wellness can create an appetite. We dined daily at 1 Kitchen, founded on plant-forward, hyper-local and sustainably sourced cuisine from the island and its surrounding waters. The menu features the best ingredients from Kauai’s farmers, ranchers, fishers, and growers.
1 Kitchen’s evolving wine list is one of the island’s largest, featuring more than 165 labels highlighting organic and biodynamic vineyards, plus zero-waste cocktails made with local rum and spirits. Daily brunch sustained us until dinner, with a stop at the organic juice bar, Neighbors, each day for a snack. The juices come in glass containers, which matters very much to me.
One evening, we had sushi at Welina Terrace. The breathtaking views of Mount Makana at sunset and live music made for a total Insta moment. As expected, the sushi was exceptionally fresh and delicious. I can’t stop thinking about the truffle Hamachi roll while Spencer indulged in the Wagyu Tataki.
A trip is only complete with shopping. The resort shops were well-curated with beautiful products, swimwear and workout attire. We shopped before we departed.
What can I say? 1 Hanalei Bay is my new favorite resort. It fits my vibe. The staff became like friends, and we truly felt cared for.
We look forward to returning soon.
Follow us on social media @iconiclifemag for engaging, daily content. Engage
Get luxury in your inbox when you subscribe for fresh content daily. Go to ICONICLIFE.com or scan this code. Get Fresh Content Daily
Listen
ICONIC HOUR with Renee Dee is the podcast of ICONIC LIFE, hosted by publisher Renee Dee. Go to ICONICLIFE.com
If you’d like to get every issue, scan this code or go to ICONICLIFE.com/subscribe. Subscribe
ThePolar Plunge
Where the cold plunge craze all started.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Cold plunges have become a rising wellness trend over the years, so much so that they have become a common added feature in residential spaces. Immersing yourself in one shocks the body with temperatures as low as 40 degrees.
Making the cold plunge a regular practice reaps many health benefits, like faster recovery times, immune system support and improved cognitive function. It also boosts mood and aids in better sleep and focus.
Before the cold plunge became a national health craze, it was a symbol of community and charity, The Polar Plunge. This event, held all over the U.S., is a testament to the power of collective action. The most popular is The Polar Bear Plunge in Maryland, an annual event at Sandy Point State Park that raises money for the Special Olympics. It’s not just about the cold; it’s about coming together for a cause.
Whether embracing the cold for fun or seeking its health benefits, cold plunging is a practice to jump into!
Pure Smart TruColor ™
By PureEdge Lighting
The Best in Biophilic Sustainable Design!
Pure Smart TruColor™ by PureEdge Lighting is an excellent choice for achieving sustainability in your space. Pure Smart TruColor™ offers 16 million colors to choose from and a tunable white range of 1500K-6500K, powered by WiZ pro controls. You can use the tunable white feature to regulate your circadian rhythms by scheduling your white colors to mimic the natural color of the sun. Use beautiful pastels to represent a sunset or use red in the evening to avoid disrupting people’s sleep cycle at night. By using lighting controls, we can monitor energy and schedule lighting to save on energy consumption. Using amber tones outside can promote better plant health and not disrupt migration patterns in animals. All these factors are part of biophilic design and are essential contributors to sustainability.
Available from
