Entry No. 35 — the Phoenix file — filed under: sound bath
Shanti Sound
A 1,200-square-foot studio at the corner of Hayden and McDowell where owner Cary runs weekly gong-and-crystal-bowl sound baths on a floor of yoga mats, bolsters and blankets, plus full-moon events and cacao ceremonies — a strip-mall storefront that turns into a communal trance room after dark.
The story
From the parking lot at McDowell and Hayden Road, Suite 213 looks like any other South Scottsdale strip-mall commercial unit. Step inside, though, and the standard suburban grid gives way to 1,200 square feet of low-lit, heavily cushioned floor space built specifically for high-frequency acoustic work. Studio owner Cary Ballou operates the studio not as a typical yoga studio, but as a dedicated room for acoustic immersion—trading workout routines for gong strikes and resonant crystal bowls.
The setup strips away background chatter and synth playlists in favor of physical sound waves. Guests lay flat across floor mats surrounded by bolsters and blankets while heavy gongs and tuned crystal vessels drive physical vibrations directly through the room. Beyond the weekly acoustic sessions, the space anchors its schedule around lunar cycles with recurring full-moon events and traditional cacao ceremonies.
What it's like
You will pull into the shopping center lot, head upstairs to Suite 213, and leave your shoes at the entrance before finding a spot on the studio floor. You end up lying shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, but once the set begins, the sound of McDowell Road traffic fades behind the steady wall of gong resonance and bowl frequencies. It pays to arrive early to grab a spot away from the entryway door, and bringing an extra cozy layer is smart, as lying still on the floor for an hour can drop your core temperature fast. Stay after the set for tea to let your ears and head settle back to earth.
The move: Book a Friday or Saturday group sound bath, lie shoulder-to-shoulder on mats for the hour-long gong set, then linger for the tea and debrief after — cheaper and weirder than a couples massage.
- 📍 South Scottsdale
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoor or outdoor
Where: 8010 E. McDowell Rd. Suite 213, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- El Molino Mexican Cafe at the Scottsdale Elks Lodge (former POW Officers' Club) — Follow up an hour of deep sonic vibration with green chile and WWII history just two miles down McDowell Road.
- ReVibeU Wellness Spa — Pair an evening acoustic sound bath with a zero-gravity Epsom salt float down in nearby Tempe for a complete sensory reset.
- Hunt's Tomb — Trade the indoor acoustic room for a walk up to Governor Hunt's stark white pyramid overlooking Papago Park just minutes away.
Good to know
Where in Scottsdale is Shanti Sound located?
It is in South Scottsdale at 8010 E. McDowell Rd., Suite 213, right at the corner of Hayden and McDowell Roads near the Loop 101 and 202 freeways.
What do I need to bring to a sound bath session?
The studio provides yoga mats, bolsters, and blankets, but you should wear comfortable clothing and consider bringing your own pillow or additional blanket for comfort.
What special events are hosted here besides weekly sound baths?
In addition to regular weekly group sound sessions, Shanti Sound runs full-moon gatherings, cacao ceremonies, and sessions featuring guest sound practitioners.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, because the studio space is capped at 1,200 square feet, sessions frequently fill up and reservations should be made online through their class schedule beforehand.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp · experiencescottsdale.com · voyagephoenix.com
last checked: 2026-07-19