By Melissa Larsen
Best Alternative Exercise Option & Personal Training and Best Barre Studio: Re-Barre Studio North Scottsdale
The team at Re-Barre Studio North Scottsdale takes great pride in customizing its clients’ ballet barre fitness classes to suit their individual needs, believing that one size does not fit all. All instructors have been trained to create effective, fun and unique classes. In addition to signature barre classes, Re-Barre offers meditation, Zumba, deep stretch and Pound Fitness in an inviting and inclusive atmosphere. rebarrestudioaz.com.
Best Alternative Medicine: Wellsource Naturopathic Medical Center, LLC
The mission of Scottsdale-based Wellsource Naturopathic Medical Center, LLC is to “serve the well-being of all.” Dr. Wendy Wells, owner of Wellsource, specializes in uncovering the root causes of illness using a holistic approach and treats individuals using evidence-based medicines. When treating patients, she uses the philosophy that the body has innate wisdom and strength to heal when given the right support and when obstacles to health are removed. Services at the center range from nutritional counseling to scalar enhanced acupuncture, IV vitamin therapy to genetics—a range of options to keep clients feeling their absolute best. Dr. Wells has been a licensed naturopathic physician since 2006 and is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Wells says she owes much of her success to Dr. Jared Zeff, Dr. Paul Anderson and the teachings of Dhyan Vimal. drwendywells.com.
AFM Fave! Best Alternative Medicine: The Hormone Zone
The husband-and-wife duo of Drs. Cristina Romero-Bosch and John A. Robinson are at the helm of The Hormone Zone (aka The Sex Docs) in Scottsdale. The team provides medical services with a focus on hormone-replacement therapy, age-management medicine, thyroid management with their unique system ThyroZone, nutritional IV therapy, aesthetic and sexual medicine, and performance optimization. This year, the doctors are focusing on regenerative medicine and stem cell rejuvenation, something they are including in aesthetic services like the popular Vampire facial and particularly the O and P Shots for sexual wellness, to help patients live their best lives. hormone-zone.com.
Best Alternative Spa Treatment and Best IV Drip: MD Skin – The Lounge
The vision behind MD Skin – The Lounge in Scottsdale was to develop a center for skin care and wellness that raises the bar in terms of quality and patient experience. The services at MD Skin combine cutting-edge technology, expertise and compassion to provide each patient with natural, beautiful results. In addition to an outward different, the Vitamin Drip Therapy helps to promote wellness; the drips can provide enhanced energy, rejuvenate skin texture, increase hydration and cleanse the body of toxins. mdskinlounge.com.
Best Blow Dry Bar: Primp and Blow
With locations across the Valley, a proper blowout is never too far away at Primp and Blow. Primp and Blow specializes in professional blowouts, makeup, hair extensions and other salon luxuries, and is committed to exceptional customer service. The team comprises highly trained, continuously educated and professional stylists. primpandblow.com.
Best Board-Certified Female Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan
Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan, who grew up in Arizona, has been in practice since 2008, the same year she opened Oasis Plastic Surgery. Dr. Geoghegan utilizes the newest technology in treating patients and specializes in procedures of the breasts and body doing mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reductions, tummy tucks, liposuction, skin removal after weight loss, bodylifts and breast reconstruction after breast cancer. “I love plastic surgery because every day is different, every patient is different and I love that my job is to work with people to figure out how to best make them look and feel good. I think being a female plastic surgeon gives me a unique perspective on the art of surgery and how to achieve natural results.” oasisplastics.com.
Best Board-Certified Male Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Lawrence Shaw
Dr. Lawrence Shaw of Scottsdale’s The SHAW Center has three decades of experience in the plastic surgery field, forever staying on the cutting edge of trends and techniques. The compassionate doctor and his longtime team strive to deliver the utmost in cosmetic care and patient experience. In addition to being a leading plastic surgeon, Dr. Shaw’s office offers an impressive range of non-surgical treatments, like injectables, EMSculpt, facials, cryotherapy and much more. theshawcenter.com.
Best Body Contouring: The Body Sculpting Center
When it comes to helping you look and feel great, Dr. Ethan Philpott, owner of The Body Sculpting Center, is a dedicated practitioner with a goal of helping patients achieve the body of their dreams. In addition to the cosmetic practice, The Body Sculpting Center has an on-site state-certified surgery center with two operating rooms; a state-of-the-art stem cell program; a full-service med spa and a hyperbaric chamber. bodynew.com.
Best Botox: Megan Davies FNP-BC
Megan Davies FNP-BC of Desert Holistic Health, has more than 15 years of experience in many facets of the healthcare industry. After her experience of working in a holistic medical office and becoming medical director of a Scottsdale med spa, Davies decided to launch her own practice in 2015. Her goal has always been to help people look and feel their best, focusing on natural results. She often is the recipient of top-injector honors and is highly knowledgeable about therapeutic uses for Botox, like migraine management and hyperhidrosis treatment. Though she is an expert in her field, Davies regularly attends trainings to keep up to date with the latest treatments. deserthh.com.
Best Chiropractor: Dr. Cory Baker DC
Dr. Cory Baker DC, of Kinetic Pro Chiropractic located inside of Arizona Aesthetics & Wellness, is an Arizona native who specializes in Sports Chiropractic, working mainly with athletes from all backgrounds. Currently, Dr. Baker offers dry needling, cupping, Gua Sha and soft tissue therapies as well as specific adjustments to his clients. arizonaaw.com.
Best Cosmetic Dentist: Dr. Scott Harris
Dr. Scott Harris of Harris Dental has been designing smiles for 12 years in the Phoenix area, though his passion for dentistry began more than 25 years ago while shadowing his mentor (and father), who is also a cosmetic dentist. Dr. Harris enjoys mentoring other dentists in the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry and takes pride in creating teeth in a way that mimics nature, creating stunning smiles. harrisdental.com.
Best Day Spa or Nail Salon: Skin Addict Studio
At its Glendale-based practice, Skin Addict Studio specializes in acne treatments, micro needling, Brazilian waxing for men and women and Dermaplane facials. The state-of-the-art treatments and upbeat environment keep clients coming back again and again for their day-spa needs. skincareclinicglendale.com.
Best Dentist or Dental Team: Paradise Ridge Dentistry
Paradise Ridge Dentistry was founded in 2006, led by CEO Victoria McVay Peyghambarian. The practice makes dentistry more convenient and affordable for families of all ages with their weekend and nighttime hours, with services including general and cosmetic dentistry, implants and restorative dentistry. Need a smile overhaul pronto? Paradise Ridge Dentistry can make crowns and porcelain veneers made in office on the same day. phoenixarizonadentistry.com.
AFM Fave! Best Dentist or Dental Team: Dr. Todd Mabry
North Scottsdale-based cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Todd Mabry is celebrated for improving smiles in the Valley for 20 years. Dr. Mabry is committed to using the latest technology to make your visit as comfortable as possible with first-class dental care. His hope is to strengthen long-term relationships by educating patients while raising the bar of their dental experience every time they enter the office. Dr. Mabry is also lauded for his work with Smiles Beyond the Bars, a nonprofit with a mission to change the lives of formerly incarcerated people by changing their smiles. toddmabrydds.com.
Best Dermatologist: Dr. Adriana K. Holy
Dr. Adriana K. Holy, Harvard- and Northwestern University-educated dermatologist, practices both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Her office is a one-stop shop for traditional dermatology treatments and novel, holistic treatments, as well as a full menu of cosmetic procedures. Her specialty is rejuvenation using fillers and the natural facelift; she does all her own aesthetic injections and elevates fillers to an art form. “No one gets as much out of a single syringe as we do!” To further results, she recommends laser resurfacing, radiofrequency skin tightening, the new FDA-approved laser fat and cellulite reduction, skin care, micro-needling, and PRP for hair growth. She is currently introducing the latest and most innovative laser treatment for skin pigmentation and redness reduction. With her dermatology patients, after addressing areas for improvement and treating immediate skin concerns, she likes to help and encourage patients to transition from relying solely on traditional medicine to incorporating dietary management and natural supplements, targeted toward managing their conditions. This practice and commitment sets her apart in both the medical and cosmetic dermatology industry. She is passionate about her work and committed to wow-worthy results for medical and aesthetic patients alike. Best of all, Dr. Holy treats each and every patient like family. mddermsolutions.com.
Best Eyelash Extensions: Amazing Lash Studio
Founded in 2010, Amazing Lash Studios has more than 200 open studios in 23 states. Amazing Lash Studio has several lash styles to suit every woman’s unique preference, including Gorgeous, Natural, Sexy and Cute. This spring, the national beauty brand is launching brand-new Featherweight Lashes and a Lash Lift service. amazinglashstudio.com.
Best Facial, Best Spray Tan and Best Waxing: Sugar Sugar
Sugar Sugar opened locally in 2013 and now has popular outposts in Uptown Phoenix and Scottsdale. The spot welcomes clients to look and feel their best through a variety of services, including vegan lash extensions, organic airbrush tanning, custom organic facials and sugaring, an organic method of hair removal using only sugar, lemon and water that doesn’t damage skin. sugarsugaraz.com.
Best Fertility Doctor: Dr. John Couvaras MD, FACOG
Fertility treatments can be difficult to navigate. But Dr. John Couvaras is committed to working with patients to design a personalized fertility plan at an affordable price. He ensures that his patients are comfortable and speaks openly with them to discuss the types of treatment options available to them in their unique circumstance. Dr. Couvaras is a double board-certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist with more than 25 years of experience. IVF Phoenix is a full-service center with offices in Scottsdale and Mesa. ivfphoenix.com.
Best Fillers or Filler Injector: Dr. Ashleigh Ortega
Dr. Ashleigh Ortega is an adult aesthetics nurse practitioner. As an on-the-go working mother, she created Injexts, a convenient injectable practice for both males and females. Injexts is Scottsdale’s only injectable and freeze bar focusing on Injextable Aesthetics and Coolsculpting. Dr. Ortega’s aesthetic boutique practice is in-demand as it makes it convenient and easy for you to book an appointment, receive your treatment and have that refreshed look within minutes. injexts.com.
Best Gym and Best Interval Training: Results Only Fitness
Phoenix’s Results Only Fitness offers complete, full-body workouts along with muscle confusion to get the best workout in limited time. Before embarking on a workout, a trained coach will go over your goals and health history; the objective is to assess the current condition of your body so you can be sure that Results Fitness is the best fit for you and you are moving toward your goals safely. resultsonly.com.
AFM Fave! Best Gym: BODI
At Scottsdale BODI, the dedicated trainers bring out your inner athlete to make you feel strong, empowered and unstoppable—whether you’re a fitness novice or a professional athlete. Classes, many of which are based around High Intensity Interval Training, start as early as 5 a.m. and run into the evening on weekdays so there’s no excuse not to work up a sweat. scottsdalebodi.com.
Best Hair Extensions and Best Hair Stylist: Lisa Fresa Palacios
Lisa Fresa Palacios has been a force in the hair industry for 15 years. She is a respected pro at perfecting hair extensions, boasting a significant celebrity and local clientele. She has transformed the face of hair extensions in the Valley and beyond, altering the perception from damaging and unnatural to a seamless way to accentuate a woman’s beauty. lisafresapalacios.com.
Best Hospice: Hospice of the Valley
Hospice of the Valley, the first hospice in Arizona, was founded by volunteers in 1977, five years before Medicare created a hospice benefit. It is one of the largest not-for-profit hospices in the nation, caring for more than 18,000 patients and their families last year. Hospice of the Valley stays true to its mission of “comfort and dignity” at end of life, while also offering no-cost community programs ranging from grief support to senior placement. hov.org.
AFM Fave! Best Hospital Group: Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) believes that every cancer is as unique as the person fighting it, which is why CTCA has a patient-centered approach to deliver personalized care to each patient. CTCA is part of a comprehensive cancer care network of hospitals and outpatient care centers in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Tulsa and here in Phoenix. Specializing in the treatment of adult cancer patients, CTCA offers an integrative approach to care that combines surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy with advancements in precision cancer treatment and supportive therapies designed to manage side effects and enhance quality of life both during and after treatment. CTCA also offers qualified patients a range of clinical trials that may reveal new treatment options supported by scientific and investigational research. CTCA patient satisfaction scores consistently rank among the highest for all cancer care providers in the country. cancercenter.com/phoenix.
Best Hot Yoga: radi8 HOT YOGA
Whether you’re brand new to hot yoga or a bonafide hot yogi, radi8 HOT YOGA welcomes all guests with open arms. The Phoenix-based yoga studio even hosts special classes for the littlest yogis. radi8love.com.
Best Laser Hair Removal: Ultra Smooth Skin
Ultra Smooth Skin offers a complete listing of med spa services focused on one’s face and body with locations in Scottsdale and Chandler. Laser hair reduction is one of the most requested treatments at Ultra Smooth Skin by both men and women; in many cases, guests see complete removal of hair after a series of six treatments. ultrasmoothskin.com.
AFM FAVE! Best Makeup Studio: The Sparkle Bar
Scottsdale’s The Sparkle Bar is a makeup and beauty bar that has been glamming-up locals for three years. Co-owners Alexandra Bradberry and Leiah Scheibel, who even receive handwritten notes of thanks from happy clients, use only the highest quality makeup lines to accommodate all skin tones and types and ensure flawless application every time. thesparklebar.com.
Best Massage: Movement Restoration
Movement Restoration is a massage therapy concept located in Scottsdale and founded in 2006, focusing on restoring natural movement back to the body through individualized massage treatments. The talented team has treated everyone from professional athletes to business men and women. New this year: Movement Restoration is the official sports massage therapy for the Phoenix Rising, Arizona’s professional soccer team. movementrestoration.com.
Best Microblading: MELT By Melissa
Melissa Pruett, owner of MELT by Melissa, is on a mission to empower women to look and feel their very best by enhancing their natural beauty. Scottsdale’s MELT offers microblading, brow magic, eyelash extensions, organic sugar hair removal, organic spray tans and facials, all within a friendly atmosphere by detail-oriented pros. Plus, MELT has its own line of cosmetics. meltbymelissa.com.
Best New Gym/Fitness Studio: Arizona Aesthetics & Wellness
Founded in July 2018, Arizona Aesthetics & Wellness is a health-optimizing center in the Valley with a goal to de-stress the decision-making process of trying to find quality therapies in a saturated industry. The center is a one-stop shop for all of health, wellness and performance needs: personal training, NeuFit, muscle-activation therapy, hormone optimization, meal-prep services and more. arizonaaw.com.
Best Orthodontist: Dr. Bruce Goldstein, Dr. Michael Feinberg and Dr. Tal Masserman, Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Dr. Bruce Goldstein, Dr. Michael Feinberg and Dr. Tal Masserman of Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics are on a mission is to make you smile. The team strives to make your smile transformation a journey that offers more than just straighter teeth; they want to provide a greater sense of confidence and heightened self-esteem. smilesbyapdo.com.
Best Pilates Studio: Remedy Pilates & Barre
Remedy Pilates & Barre is a boutique fitness studio with locations in Scottsdale and Arcadia (which just opened late last year), offering dynamic small group classes, private training, youth-conditioning programs and is a Pilates Sports Center Teacher Training facility. Remedy members build a powerful core through form-focused discipline and easy-to-understand direction that offers deep-muscle strengthening and total body conditioning. remedypilates.com.
AFM Fave! Best Resort Spa: Joya Spa, Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia
Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia is much more than a spot for a great massage or facial. It is an utter escape from the everyday with decadent treatments and unique, luxurious amenities (hello, rooftop pool with Camelback Mountain views). This spring, Joya Terrace welcomes a new food and cocktail menu while the spa unveils a refreshed retail experience and new rejuvenation services. omnimontelucia.com.
Best Salon: Salon Knotti
Salon Knotti is a full-service, Scottsdale-based hair salon that strives to give clients their dream hair and the know-how to keep it looking great between appointments. Owner Marissa Darroch, who has been in the hair industry for about 15 years, opened the salon in 2017. Her team includes some of Arizona’s top stylists: Jude Sheehan, Teresa Young and Clyde Hale. salonknotti.com.
Best Spin Class: Reformed Pilates & Cycle
Founded in 2013 by brother-and-sister duo Peter and Laura Morgan, Reformed Pilates & Cycle has six locations Valleywide; Reformed’s Central Phoenix location offers both reformer Pilates and cycling classes. The studio uses Keiser M3 Plus cycles to provide go-getters with the most efficient calorie burn possible. reformedpilates.com.
Best Trainer: Monique Machiz
Monique Machiz of Tytin Fitness was an athlete throughout her time in high school and college and started her personal training career in 2012. In 2016, she helped co-found her own personal-training gym, Tytin Fitness LLC., with her fiancé, Ty Mealey, before opening Arizona Aesthetics & Wellness in 2018. Machiz prides herself not only in the one-of-a-kind environment instilled at her gym, but in her client’s life-changing results. tytinfitness.com.
Best Veterinarian: Dr. Katie Kitchen and Dr. Michael Berman, Animal Hospital at Grayhawk
Dr. Katie Kitchen and Dr. Michael Berman, of Animal Hospital at Grayhawk, a full-service hospital in Scottsdale, offers beloved pets state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, comfortable boarding facilities and superior client and patient services in a clean and attentive environment. Best of all, Dr. Kitchen and Dr. Berman are fear-free-certified veterinarians, which helps guide their entire philosophy of how they practice veterinary medicine: trying to make each pet feel more comfortable and less scared of the visit to the facility. animalhospitalatgrayhawk.com.
Best Yoga Studio: Vibetality
As the only fitness studio offering 15-minute classes, Vibetality in Chandler has created a wellness program that gives users back their time. (The classes boost your body to give you the strength benefits of one and a half hours of work in one-fifth of the time.) Its lineup of offerings include WBV classes, float tank, body fat testing and compression therapy. vibetality.com.
Fast Faves
Best Bootcamp: AZ Training Lab, aztraininglab.com.
Best Country Club Fitness Center: La Casa, The Club at Encanterra, lacasainteractive.com.
Best Dispensary: Harvest of AZ, harvestofaz.com.
Best Drip Bar: VIVA IV Therapy, vivatherapy.com.
Best Endocrinology: Endocrinology Diabetes & Longevity Center of Arizona, edlcofaz.com.
Best Family Doctor: Dr. Susan Wilder, lifescapepremier.com.
Best Hospital Group: HonorHealth, honorhealth.com.
Best Hotel Gym: VHSpa, Hotel Valley Ho, hotelvalleyho.com.
Best Mani/Pedi: Luxe Salon & Spa, luxesalonaz.com.
Best OB/GYN: Dr. Tara Brodkin, drtarabrodkin.com.
Best Physical Therapist: Dr. Eric Hefferon, impactptaz.com.
Best Psychiatrist/Psychologist: Dr. Robert Schulte, robertschultemd.com.
Best Resort Spa: LeMonds Aveda Salon + Spa, The Wigwam, wigwamarizona.com.
Best Spa Boutique: Alvea Spa and Wellness, Encanterra Country Club, alveaspa.com.
Favorite Worship Center: Gilbert Arizona Temple, lds.org.
