Tucson is an attractive destination for wellness-focused travelers because of our spectacular location in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, great climate including more than 330 sunny days per year and easy access to outdoor activities and healthy, local foods.

“The Sonoran Desert is known for its restorative powers, so it’s no surprise two of the top destination spas in the world—Miraval and Canyon Ranch—are located here” exclaimed Mary Rittman, Senior Director of PR & Communications, Visit Tucson.

“Sunny days, gorgeous scenery and clean air inspire visitors to explore our many hiking and biking trails, play a round of golf or marvel at the starry nights.” Further adding, “UNESCO recently recognized Tucson as a City of Gastronomy which has led to more heritage ingredients and locally-sourced foods to appear on restaurant menus.”

Miraval

This Arizona refuge, a place where the sun always shines, welcomes guests to escape, renew, improve and connect. Located on 400 acres of desert, this property offers a wide array of wellness experiences from their renowned equine therapy to immersive experiences and retreats designed with a purpose.

Perfect For: individual’s seeking to live a life in balance.

Classes & Services: Miraval offers more than 150 complimentary wellness activities, lectures and fitness classes weekly.

A Typical Day: Start your day with an intention and take time to slowly walk the labyrinth. Fuel up with a healthy breakfast and then head outside while it’s still cool. Take a two-hour hike, a challenge course activity, Go Mountain biking, running, or take an easy walk. After recharging with a hearty lunch, take time for introspection. Later, learn ways to boost your emotional IQ with facilitates like Tim Frank, Brent Baum, Tony Redhouse, and Rebecca Saxon. Rehydrate with a drink from Palm Court smoothie bar and then head to the Life in Balance Spa for Naga Thai or Deep Tissue Massage. Unwind with a creative cocktail at the Brave Bill Lounge. Savor a four-course dinner in the Cactus Flower Restaurant. Slow down, relax, and sleep well.

Most Popular Weekly Package: Miraval 5th Night Free Package: Includes a $175 nightly resort credit and unlimited outback hiking, mountain biking, group fitness classes, group photography classes, challenge activities, climbing wall and more. Rates start at $698 nightly, per person.

Insider Tip: Try Vasudhara, a unique service embracing the weightlessness of water and the deeply relaxing stretches of Thai massage. Eyes are shielded to block all light. Suspended and adrift in darkness, this is an opportunity to let go of all that binds you. Floating in heated water, powerful underwater speakers bathe your senses in vibration and relaxing sound. Muscles lengthen, joints open, as the traditional movements of Thai massage and the weightlessness of water take you more deeply into stretches than you expect. (50 Minutes: $285). Want to become a more conscious eater? Sign up for Conscious Cooking where you will learn to use leftover pieces of vegetables, fruits, and animals, to cook creatively and reduce food waste. (60 Minutes: $35)

Canyon Ranch Tucson

Canyon Ranch Tucson is a luxury vacation destination dedicated to life enhancement. Located on 150 acres In a lush desert landscape of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains, the property features an 80,000-square-foot spa complex with an exercise and weight training gyms, squash and racquetball courts, a yoga/meditation studio, indoor cycling studio and spacious Pilates studio. There are also seven lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, three outdoor pools and an 11,000-square-foot Aquatic Center with an aquatic therapy pool, whirlpool, a cross-training pool with conditioning equipment and three Watsu® pools.

Perfect For: restoration and transformation. Canyon Ranch is more than just a place to relax or focus on fitness; it’s a place to make transformative life changes that last beyond the vacation.

Classes & Services: There are 50+ classes for guests to choose from as well as close to 200 wellness and spa services. At the Health + Healing Center, guests may select a number of science-based services including bone density assessments, physical examinations, lifestyle counseling (including stress reduction, weight management, and smoking cessation), nutrition, movement therapy, sleep assessments and services related to hormonal health, optimal performance or longevity and lifestyle medicine.

A Typical Day: Start the day in the stunning Sonoran Desert with a group hike or walk. Refuel with breakfast at the historic Double U Café. Try something new such as aerial hammock yoga. Gain insight into individual genes and learn how to create an eating lifestyle that works with your DNA. After lunch, meet with a board-certified physician. Spend the afternoon exploring the grounds and walk the labyrinth or visit the Meditation Garden. Enjoy dinner in the Canyon Ranch Grill and end the day with a night walk. Learn how to use night vision technology to explore the desert and the night sky.

Most Popular Weekly Package: During the week-long Life Enhancement Program®, guests meet with physicians, nutritionists, life management experts and exercise physiologists to adopt a healthier lifestyle in order to achieve optimal health through long-term change. This program allows guests to focus on their unique interests, concerns or intentions. Rates start from $7500 per person, per week. *Prices and packages subject to change.

Insider Tip: Canyon Ranch recently added a selection of aesthetic treatments including injectibles, fillers, and eyelash enhancements as well as micro-needling, derma-planing, and chemical peels to enhance beauty.