The wide-open landscapes, combined with a rich heritage of Native American healing that goes back thousands of years, have long made the Southwest a siren call for people searching to renew their body and soul. In Tucson, some of the world’s most nourishing wellness retreats offer unparalleled getaways filled with spa treatments and activities. From mud cocoon treatments using Indigenous desert botanicals to sunrise horseback rides, the programs at these world-class spas and resorts bring deep relaxation and revive to any style of wellness traveler.
Canyon Ranch
Renowned as an elevated destination spa, Canyon Ranch’s Tucson location is the original and truly next level. Set your intention (stress alleviation, weight loss, and improved sleep are all popular) and let the spa’s experts do the rest. They’ll get you on the right “Pathway” (they range from Executive Physical and Breakthrough Performance to Integrative Weight Loss and Find Inner Calm), tailored just for you.
Canyon Ranch is synonymous with stylish accommodations and five-star restaurants, and its Tucson location is nothing less than a dreamy desert escape. And a trip there is more than a spa getaway—although you’ll of course enjoy plenty of time at the spa, which beckons with treatments such as Radiant Glow HydraFacials, Angel Card Readings, Omega Body Buff scrubs, and A Slice of Heaven massages. A stay at Canyon Ranch is also a life-transforming journey that begins with a health evaluation by an integrative physician and focuses more on fitness than many other resorts.
Your immersive experience—which lasts between three and seven days—spans lectures, exercises, and activities with dozens of practitioners and therapists to expand your physical and mental limits, while creating an optimized health plan for home that includes everything from recovery routines to an improved nutrition strategy to fuel your body’s physical performance. And when you’re in need of a refresher, you’re always welcome to pop in on a day pass.
Miraval Arizona
The stunning Miraval Arizona resort—a favorite of many a boldface name—offers accommodations that range from cozy guest rooms, with amenities such as outdoor showers and fire pits, to secluded villas that boast private plunge pools and spas, plus unobstructed views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Tibetan singing bowls in every room underscore the emphasis on holistic self-care.
More focused on relaxing the mind and soul than some of its counterparts, Miraval is home to a 16,000-square-foot Life in Balance Spa with 23 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and famously awe-inspiring views. An abundance of energy work and eastern healing practices are on offer, including acupuncture, Thai massage, neuro-reset, and qi awakening. And the daily activities schedule is as robust as they come—wake up with a morning stretch or meditation and make time to don a beekeeper suit for the All the Buzz class or test your fear of heights in …….