Beautiful hiking trail at Canyon Ranch. Photo courtesy of Canyon Ranch.
There is no better way to escape the winter Chicago blues than to plan a trip to lovely Arizona. I have family in AZ, so I definitely enjoy spending time there, but I usually for some reason or another end up going during the hot season (May-September). This year, my plans didn’t hit any snags and I found myself there during the near-perfect month of March. I enjoyed temperatures in the 70s and 80s, sunny morning nature walks, dips in the pool, and late nights in the hot tub. But the highlight of my adventures was my spa day at Canyon Ranch in Tucson. Some people choose to spend a week or longer at Canyon Ranch, but since I only had the day, I made the most of it!
Canyon Ranch is a luxury spa and wellness vacation destination founded in 1979 by Mel and Enid Zuckerman. It is the ultimate retreat center for anyone wishing to recharge, make a healthy lifestyle change, or begin a new chapter of their lives. The grounds provide beautiful accommodations for 240 visitors, a gorgeous spa, several pools, a clubhouse with fitness center, yoga and meditation studios, an art center, and many scenic hiking and jogging trails for guests to enjoy. A strict no-alcohol policy is in place for the grounds to help promote healthy lifestyle choices, however alcohol is permitted in the rooms if you are staying on the property. Stays and spa days are all-inclusive, which means meals, tips, and most classes, lectures, and activities are included with the price. Certain classes and services require an extra fee. Your days can be filled with spa services, lounging poolside, attending lectures about health or spirituality, guided hikes, art classes, yoga and meditation classes, trivia, high ropes challenge course, getting your hair and nails done, cooking demonstrations, the list of options just goes on and on. Depending on what your interests are, the kind staff is more than willing to help you plan your stay, whether it is for just one day or several weeks.
There are several Canyon Ranch locations in Tucson, Ariz., Lennox, Mass., a new one opening in Turkey this year, and several spas located in Las Vegas and aboard cruise ships. I will only be covering my experience at the Tucson resort for this post.
The most important thing to decide before you plan your spa day is the pace you want. Are you looking for nonstop activity? Just want to relax and unwind? Try new adventures just outside your comfort zone? Work with a personal trainer? Browse the schedule and see what appeals to you. When I received my schedule guide, I was a little overwhelmed. It would be very easy to cram-pack your day -- and some people do. I noticed a couple of people in my classes jetting off to their next service, class, or hike even before the one they were in was over! I tried to achieve some balance in my day by not overbooking myself and allowing the lessons and relaxation to wash over me at a gentle pace. I chose one or two spa services (make sure to book them ahead of time) and one or two classes I really wanted to participate in. I also made sure there was a nice amount of time in between them so I wouldn’t feel rushed, and I gave myself some time to hang out by the pool and wander around the property.
The most important thing to decide before you plan your spa day is the pace you want. Are you looking for nonstop activity? Just want to relax and unwind? Try new adventures just outside your comfort zone? Work with a personal trainer? Browse the schedule and see what appeals to you. When I received my schedule guide, I was a little overwhelmed. It would be very easy to cram-pack your day -- and some people do. I noticed a couple of people in my classes jetting off to their next service, class, or hike even before the one they were in was over! I tried to achieve some balance in my day by not overbooking myself and allowing the lessons and relaxation to wash over me at a gentle pace. I chose one or two spa services (make sure to book them ahead of time) and one or two classes I really wanted to participate in. I also made sure there was a nice amount of time in between them so I wouldn’t feel rushed, and I gave myself some time to hang out by the pool and wander around the property.
After I arrived and got checked in, I headed to the “T-pool.” This pool is just gorgeous and not very busy early in the morning. I enjoyed the hot tub, swam a few laps and lounged in the sunshine. My pale, Chicagoan skin had not seen the light of day in some time. If only I could begin every day this way!
Grabbing a delicious green smoothie at the Double U Café, I then meandered over to my watercolor class in the art complex. We learned useful techniques to create desert sunsets, realistic looking desert foliage, and cacti. We also practiced blending colors to get the desired effect.
| There are several dining options -- the main dining room, the Double U Café or the Demonstration Kitchen. I chose the Double U again since it was outdoors and I could enjoy dining by the pool. The food at Canyon Ranch is nutritious, delicious, and often locally grown and sustainable. |  |
After a satisfying lunch, it was tme to head towards the spa to enjoy my two scheduled services, the first being my facial. Never having had one before, I was slightly nervous. I had heard horror stories about the things people could squeeze out of your face, but I was pleasantly surprised how enjoyable it was. I received a fabulous facial massage from Rene, all the while having my face exposed to luxurious steam. Then she got down to work cleaning out years of who knows what from my pores, and afterwards I enjoyed a lovely arm and foot rub. Though my nose was quite tender for several hours, I was very happy with the results.
Next came my massage. I had heard wonderful things about all of the different varieties of massage at Canyon Ranch, but I decided on just a basic one. My massage therapist was wonderful and helped me enter into a state of deep relaxation -- so deep, in fact, that I considered blowing off my next class to just relax in the spa. But I gathered my energy and continued.
Next came my massage. I had heard wonderful things about all of the different varieties of massage at Canyon Ranch, but I decided on just a basic one. My massage therapist was wonderful and helped me enter into a state of deep relaxation -- so deep, in fact, that I considered blowing off my next class to just relax in the spa. But I gathered my energy and continued.
My final activity was probably my favorite. I attended a "Walk the Talk" class on gut health led by the wonderful Nicola Finley, MD (yes, Canyon Ranch also has a medical department). We took a 2-mile stroll along Canyon Ranch trails with Dr. Finley as she taught us about different gut issues that cause bloating: irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial overgrowth and Celiac disease. Dr. Finley did a wonderful job explaining and answering questions about these complicated issues. Sitting in a classroom or lecture hall might have made the subject matter less interesting, but being able to walk around the beautiful grounds while we learned kept us actively engaged the whole time. I learned so much and even got a handout at the end so I could share what I learned with friends. I am so happy I didn’t skip out on this! Topics vary from week to week. Highly recommended!!
Photo courtesy of Canyon Ranch
Next time I head back to Canyon Ranch, I’m considering experiencing the Life Enhancement Program for an entire week to focus on a particular goal. Different programs include weight loss, brain health, focus on women, and renew the spirit. I can’t recommend Canyon Ranch enough, especially to those working on healing—spiritually, physically, or emotionally. It is a wonderful way to refresh and recharge, and there could not be a more beautiful spot to spend your time.
For those of you who are car-less like me, Canyon Ranch offers complimentary transportation to and from Tucson International Airport.
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