Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa
Resort hotel · Catalina ·
Spa pioneer offering wellness, lavish casitas, healthy cuisine
Spa pioneer offering wellness, lavish casitas, healthy cuisine
"Celebrating its 30th anniversary with a Trust the Journey equine immersion weekend in late November 2025, this 400-acre desert sanctuary set against the Santa Catalina Mountains centers its Equine Experience at Purple Sage Ranch on communication rather than riding. In guided sessions, horses have complete freedom—to approach, retreat, and express themselves—so connection emerges through presence and mutual trust. Through mindful groundwork, creative exercises, and intuitive offerings like Spirit of the Horse and Connection Over Perfection, participants attune to subtle, non-verbal cues, often deepened by The Way of the Horse Equine Oracle Cards to translate symbolic messages and clarify intuition. By dropping the reins and relying on subtle energy and intention, guests are invited to turn inward and find the authentic emotional vulnerability needed to meet a fully empowered, free-roaming horse." - Chloe Frost-Smith
"A spa pioneer that helped popularize the spa-break concept, Miraval offers confident, competent wellness with lavish casita accommodations, plush beds, and a culinary program that emphasizes adding healthful foods rather than punitive restriction—resulting in consistently delicious, comforting meals and an overall reassuring experience." - CNT Editors
"A wellness-focused, off-the-grid sanctuary in the U.S. Southwest dedicated to mindfulness and self-discovery, offering spa treatments, counseling, education, physical training, and locally inspired cuisine. Mornings commonly include stretch classes and yogalates, and guests can join chefs in the Balance Kitchen for artisan taco-making that combines lessons on farming, sustainability, and community with practical culinary skills." - AFAR
"My stay was truly the most relaxed I have ever felt," says Fora travel advisor Nadia Bess, who praises the exemplary staff—"all of the guest services staff are friendly and helpful, and the practitioners are all experts in their field." An adults-only, all-inclusive resort, the desert-inspired spa includes a serenity pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge; regionally inspired treatments include the Cara Vida facial that uses local Arizona honey. "All meals, snacks, coffee, smoothies, and non-alcoholic beverages are included, and, let me tell you, the food is spectacular!" (as quoted in the original coverage)." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A desert wellness icon near Tucson that blends immersive programming with experiential practices like an equine-guided experience designed to illuminate personal patterns and Ayurvedic-based Discover Your Dosha workshops. Housed in adobe-style buildings with private patios, the retreat offers a wide range of workshops and activities focused on nutrition, sleep, mindfulness and equine-assisted learning." - Devorah Lev-Tov