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Heritage and Healing

Experience Indigenous-Inspired Renewal at Aji Spa

Aji Spa at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass offers a retreat rooted in history, guided by culture, and elevated by a deep commitment to authentic healing. The world-renowned Forbes Travel Guide Five Star destination is more than a place for relaxation; it is a living tribute to the Gila River Indian Community and its longstanding traditions of wellness, artistry, and connection to the natural world. Every element of the spa experience is influenced by the beliefs and stories of the local tribes, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the region’s Native heritage in a meaningful way.

The word “Aji” means sanctified living in the Pima language. This guiding philosophy is reflected throughout the spa’s serene environment with architecture that draws from the landscape with Earth-inspired textures, muted desert tones, and a design that evokes balance between the built world and the land that surrounds it.

Aji Spa is best known for its exclusive signature array of indigenous treatments that were created in collaboration with tribal elders. These offerings are exclusive to Aji and cannot be found at any other resort in the world. One of the most celebrated is the Hoishp, a purification experience that blends prickly pear clay with native herbs. The treatment follows the belief that the earth holds restorative powers that can help remove burdens from both the body and the spirit.

Another guest favorite is the Nahtogig. Inspired by the striking “Creation Story” mosaic that greets every visitor to the spa, this signature experience draws on ingredients that reflect the natural forces central to the tale. Elements such as sunset, light, shifting sand, and flowing water are interpreted through a blend of regional botanicals. Prickly pear, mineral-rich salt, honey, and finely ground blue cornmeal come together to form a gentle exfoliation that softens and replenishes the skin. An uplifting citrus-infused body moisturizer follows, leaving the body refreshed and hydrated. To complete the ritual, guests receive a printed version of the Creation Story, along with a warm serving of prickly pear tea for a peaceful finish.

Beyond traditional Native-inspired treatments, there is also a Connecting with Horses program, during which a wrangler shares Native philosophies and wisdom to guide guests through a personalized experience with a horse. While every experience is customized, it may include touching, grooming, breathing, and moving with the horse to gain confidence and trust. Once gained, horses have a unique sensitivity to people’s feelings and can lift one’s spirits and promote positivity.

Aji Spa also features a full menu of therapeutic massages, body wraps, facials, oxygen therapy, and salon services. Skilled therapists draw from a blend of Native-inspired methods and modern techniques to create sessions that are both restorative and transformative. During the winter months, there are also a slew of seasonal treatments focused on the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol, or CBD, which is a natural compound from the cannabis plant that does not produce a high. It is used to treat a variety of health issues, such as pain and anxiety.

All guests of Aji—no matter the treatments chosen—have access to an impressive collection of amenities to enhance their experience, including indoor and outdoor whirlpools, a steam room, and a sauna. There is also an outdoor pool pavilion where guests can rest between treatments.

Inside the spa, men’s and women’s relaxation lounges also provide a quiet place to enjoy herbal teas and unwind, and just off the spa facilities is the expansive fitness center, which is equipped with both weight training and state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment. For visitors who wish to explore the outdoors, there are also a series of self-guided walks through the preserve and river trails on the property.

Hungry for more? Aji Spa also offers a thoughtful dining experience that reflects the region's culinary traditions. Spa cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients and nourishing flavors—think fruit, lean proteins, and salads, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages—developed to complement anyone’s wellness journey.

In a world filled with noise and constant motion, Aji Spa offers something increasingly rare. It provides quiet. It provides meaning. It provides healing inspired by a culture that understands the power of the land and the stories that grow from it. 

AjiSpa.com

Aji Spa is best known for its exclusive array of signature indigenous treatments that were created in collaboration with tribal elders.

Aji Spa is a living tribute to the Gila River Indian Community and its longstanding traditions of wellness, artistry, and connection to the natural world.

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