Miraval Arizona: What to Expect on Your First Visit
Miraval is the all-inclusive destination spa that celebrities including Oprah, Ellen, and other stars continue to retreat to for a few days of de-stressing and relaxation. I stayed at Miraval in December 2011 and made the most of the Tucson winter with daily morning walks, swimming in the heated pool, and just taking in the beautiful views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Miraval is the perfect destination to get away from everything – the resort even has a no cell phone policy to encourage guests to completely unplug and relax.
You’ll be treated like a star the moment the driver picks you up from the airport (transportation from Tucson International Airport is included), and you can take your pick of dozens of activities and experiences throughout your visit.
Here’s what to expect on your first visit to Miraval Arizona:
Private casita accommodations. Whether you stay in a room, a suite, or a Miraval Villa, you’ll be treated to luxurious accommodations and deluxe in-room amenities. All of the casitas have patios with views of the desert and mountains. These rooms and suites are like private sanctuaries and are ideal for clocking in some much-needed R&R.;
Daily spa treatments. Make the most of your daily resort credit by treating yourself to a spa treatment on every day of your visit. Whether you want a hot stone massage, a soothing body wrap, or are eager to try one of the spiritual treatments, enjoy at least one indulgent spa treatment per day. I highly recommend the Hammam Ritual at Miraval because you get to experience a bit of everything – a body scrub, wrap, full body massage, scalp massage, and some reflexology. I enjoyed this spa treatment on my first night at Miraval (after more than seven hours of traveling) and slept very well right after.
Access to all classes and workshops. The all-inclusive package at Miraval includes group fitness classes and most workshops. There are only a few that you need to pay an extra fee for (private sessions with wellness professionals and experts are priced individually). As a first-time guest, try and schedule in as many sessions as you can. From the cardio dance classes to the nutrition seminars, you’re bound to learn something new.
Amazing spa cuisine all day long. Many guests rave about the food at Miraval, and I know why. Miraval serves a buffet breakfast with a few cooked-to-order menu items each day, as well as a lunch buffet and a menu-based dinner. All snacks and smoothies are also complimentary, and you can enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic beverages throughout your visit. There’s also a mini-fridge in your room – you can fill a small take-out box with anything you like during meal times and enjoy it as you please. Everything is labeled with nutrition counts so you can keep your diet in check. Still, if you’re here to indulge, nobody is going to monitor your calories – you’re free to enjoy whatever food you want and sample away.
Time to relax and decompress. When you cut yourself off from the Internet and cell phones, it’s much easier to be “in the moment” and take in the beautiful surroundings. Any time outside of meal time, spa treatments, workouts, and wellness activities can be spent exploring the resort, enjoying some quiet time near the water features, or just soaking up some sun by the pool. Time just seems to stand still at Miraval so you’ll have plenty of time to relax, decompress, and just tune out for a true Zen-like experience.