Reconnect with Resolutions at Miraval in Arizona

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed)
Feb 6th 2010 at 10:01AM

Okay, so we're into month two of the new year -- how are those resolutions doing? If you find yourself in need something of a jump start, think about booking a visit to Miraval, north of Tucson, Arizona.

Miraval is a little hard to find -- don't rely on your GPS, mine got confused -- but its location is part of its discretion, no doubt due to its roots as a drug rehab facility. But it's been a destination spa now for some time, and there are 16 new, eco-friendly rooms in which to luxuriate. These free-standing rooms were constructed out of truly local materials -- the walls are from rammed earth, the outdoor shower, from local clay, sand and straw, and the shower floor from river rocks. As you'd expect, the palette of the room echoes the exterior, so that when you're sitting on your patio, it's not jarring to shift your gaze from uninterrupted Sonoran Desert and the Catalina mountains back inside to, say, contemplate a nap on the big, soft bed.

Check out the rooms in the gallery below -- if you're wondering what the chain is near the front door, it's neither a security system nor a newfangled spa treatment, I'm told its for water drainage.

The spa itself is top notch, with the wide array of treatments that you'd expect, including several designed to rehydrate, which is an absolute must in the desert environment. The relaxation room offers a properly contemplative desert view before and after treatment, although I'd say that the changing rooms could use an update.

You can go just to bliss out and get massaged, or you can pump your adrenaline up on Miraval's ropes course, which offers the opportunity to do things like testing your balance 30 feet off the air, or leaping from a 25 foot pool or a 35 foot platform.

Gallery: Miraval in Tuscon Arizona

For something in between, there are plenty of fitness and culinary programs as well as activities that involve rock climbing and horseback riding. And while Miraval's drug rehabbing days are behind it, you can still sign up for "Balanced Living Programs", like smoking cessation, weight management and the like.

Bear in mind that there are several special events throughout the year: guru Dr. Andrew Weil, for instance, will be making his first of three annual appearances at Miraval on February 28th to March 3rd, presenting a wellness workshop that covers stress reduction, nutrition, a good night's sleep and other resolution-worthy ideals.

Tags: arizona, health, spa