About 15 years ago, before Oprah discovered it and made it famous, I discovered Miraval Resort (http://www.miravalresort.com/) in Tucson. I have been to many spas, but this is special in many ways. As the spa has become more famous, nothing has changed. Oprah brings a group there once a year, but attention to every guest, regardless of fame, is their trademark. They truly do make you feel special.
I first went there in the 1990's with my friend Elaine. I was an active travel agent at the time, and they offered us a special rate during the summer for a very reduced rate. I think we paid $200 per person, per night, which included one spa treatment everyday. What a deal. Prices have gone up. I have been there about five times over the past ten years, and each time it has been a little bit more expensive than the time before. Until now. Prices have dropped, and you can go to Miraval for about $350per night, including a spa treatment each day, plus the taxes. It comes to about $450 per night, down from a high of $600 a few years ago. So here's what you get for all that money.
A driver from the resort meets you at baggage claim upon arrival, and whisks you off in an air conditioned van to the hotel. After check in, you are escorted to your casita, and given a brief layout of the property along the way. The rooms themselves are spacious and functional, done in a Southwest style. Don't even think of tipping the driver or the person who takes you to your room. One of the best parts of Miraval is that there is NO TIPPING. You never have to think about when or what to tip. That's a stress reliever all by itself.
The food. I could go on and on about how delicious, abundant, healthy, and beautifully presented the food is, but I'll keep it short. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, with bowls of berries, hot and cold cereal, toast, muffins, bacon, pancakes and juice served for breakfast. For lunch, there are a minimum of four different salads, cold cuts, chili, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad bar, soup, fruit, breads, and sweets. Dinner is a gourmet sit down meal. Each day is a different theme, and if nothing appeals to you which is highly unlikely, they always have a beef filet and baked potato. Don't worry about men getting hungry at this resort. You can eat as much as you want, but the calories are listed on all food. Snacks are always available day or night, in the lobby or poolside. Smoothies, fresh fruit, fresh baked cookies, sandwiches. Whatever you want.
This is not a weight loss spa, although if you eat sensibly you can and will lose weight. This is a lifestyle resort. Their motto is "Life in balance" and that's exactly what they strive for.
Activities are up to the individual. Each day they have a sign up board for things like horseback riding, equine experiences that help you learn more about yourself, hikes, bike trips,and photography class. There are many individual challenges you can try, like rock climbing, out on a limb, desert tightrope, and a swing and a prayer.There are many exercise options. Morning walks, weight training in the gym, pool aerobics, yoga of all sorts, stretch, ball classes, step classes, everything.
The spa and its therapists are outstanding. Every treatment I've had has been excellent. I love the hot stone massage and the aqua zen treatment. The latter is one of the most relaxing hours I've ever spent in my adult life. I can't explain it...You have to try it if you go to a spa that offers it.
Evenings are low key. Sometimes they will have an astronomer from the University of Arizona there to teach you about the stars. Other times they will have an Indian drumming class. Frankly, you're so tired by nightfall all you want to do is eat and go to sleep.
Finally, there are NO cell phones allowed on the property. Of course you can use the phone in your room all you want, but you don't hear that constant ringing and people talking. It takes a little getting used to, but it really helps you relax. I remember when I came back from four days at Miraval (my first trip). I ran into someone who hadn't seen me in a few months and he wanted to know if I'd had a face lift! This is true!! Miraval is an experience that everyone should have once in their life. I feel lucky to have been there many times, and I hope to go again soon.
Thank you, Jan for the beautiful pictures of Miraval, taken on one of our three night getaways to this fantastic resort. You can check out more of Jan's photography at her web site: www.web.me.com/vwjohnson.
I first went there in the 1990's with my friend Elaine. I was an active travel agent at the time, and they offered us a special rate during the summer for a very reduced rate. I think we paid $200 per person, per night, which included one spa treatment everyday. What a deal. Prices have gone up. I have been there about five times over the past ten years, and each time it has been a little bit more expensive than the time before. Until now. Prices have dropped, and you can go to Miraval for about $350per night, including a spa treatment each day, plus the taxes. It comes to about $450 per night, down from a high of $600 a few years ago. So here's what you get for all that money.
A driver from the resort meets you at baggage claim upon arrival, and whisks you off in an air conditioned van to the hotel. After check in, you are escorted to your casita, and given a brief layout of the property along the way. The rooms themselves are spacious and functional, done in a Southwest style. Don't even think of tipping the driver or the person who takes you to your room. One of the best parts of Miraval is that there is NO TIPPING. You never have to think about when or what to tip. That's a stress reliever all by itself.
The food. I could go on and on about how delicious, abundant, healthy, and beautifully presented the food is, but I'll keep it short. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, with bowls of berries, hot and cold cereal, toast, muffins, bacon, pancakes and juice served for breakfast. For lunch, there are a minimum of four different salads, cold cuts, chili, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad bar, soup, fruit, breads, and sweets. Dinner is a gourmet sit down meal. Each day is a different theme, and if nothing appeals to you which is highly unlikely, they always have a beef filet and baked potato. Don't worry about men getting hungry at this resort. You can eat as much as you want, but the calories are listed on all food. Snacks are always available day or night, in the lobby or poolside. Smoothies, fresh fruit, fresh baked cookies, sandwiches. Whatever you want.
This is not a weight loss spa, although if you eat sensibly you can and will lose weight. This is a lifestyle resort. Their motto is "Life in balance" and that's exactly what they strive for.
Activities are up to the individual. Each day they have a sign up board for things like horseback riding, equine experiences that help you learn more about yourself, hikes, bike trips,and photography class. There are many individual challenges you can try, like rock climbing, out on a limb, desert tightrope, and a swing and a prayer.There are many exercise options. Morning walks, weight training in the gym, pool aerobics, yoga of all sorts, stretch, ball classes, step classes, everything.
The spa and its therapists are outstanding. Every treatment I've had has been excellent. I love the hot stone massage and the aqua zen treatment. The latter is one of the most relaxing hours I've ever spent in my adult life. I can't explain it...You have to try it if you go to a spa that offers it.
Evenings are low key. Sometimes they will have an astronomer from the University of Arizona there to teach you about the stars. Other times they will have an Indian drumming class. Frankly, you're so tired by nightfall all you want to do is eat and go to sleep.
Finally, there are NO cell phones allowed on the property. Of course you can use the phone in your room all you want, but you don't hear that constant ringing and people talking. It takes a little getting used to, but it really helps you relax. I remember when I came back from four days at Miraval (my first trip). I ran into someone who hadn't seen me in a few months and he wanted to know if I'd had a face lift! This is true!! Miraval is an experience that everyone should have once in their life. I feel lucky to have been there many times, and I hope to go again soon.
Thank you, Jan for the beautiful pictures of Miraval, taken on one of our three night getaways to this fantastic resort. You can check out more of Jan's photography at her web site: www.web.me.com/vwjohnson.
No comments:
Post a Comment