Miraval Resort
By Elaine Sarason
August 2004

Our destination this month is Miraval Resort, a true life enhancement spa located in Catalina, Arizona, one hour north of Tucson.

Upon arrival at the Tucson Airport we were greeted by our driver who assisted with our luggage and escorted us to the resort, an additional courtesy offered by Miraval. After a friendly welcome we were provided with a map and offered a short tour of the property. Miraval is composed of 135 acres with casita-style rooms, situated in a village type environment throughout the grounds. Nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains, this oasis in the midst of the Sonoran Desert offers numerous classes in Yoga, meditation, nature, nutrition, and fitness. Before arrival it is wise to try to select your activities from the advance information forwarded to you, so that you can maximize your time spent at Miraval.

As added entertainment to this life enhancing experience, every three months a psychic name Maggie visits the resort. My husband did attend her session and she was right on the mark with many things - plus a prediction of new happenings in the near future for him. You may, if you wish, schedule privately with her when she is there as one of your services. I was unable to attend as I was scheduled for an Ayurvedic massage, an ancient treatment using warm herbalized oils designed to improve circulation, aid in the removal of stored toxicity, calm the nervous system and improve immunity. Truly a wonderful experience!

The Cactus Flower Restaurant (which is the main dining room) offers breakfast, lunch and dinner; all included in the package price, and offers healthy and very tasteful food. The Palm Court is a snack bar open until 6:00PM with coffee, tea and snacks, and the most memorable fruit smoothies, and is where guests gather in late afternoon to share their experiences of the day.

A breathtaking sunset walk, one of our afternoon choices, was led by a most charming young man, Eric, who managed to give us the natural history and geography of the desert environs. There was no way he could have orchestrated our trek better than with the family of Javalinas that crossed our path, the sounds of coyotes in the far distance, or even the bunny rabbits darting in and out of the tumbleweed. Thankfully, no rattlesnakes were encountered!

Miraval offers many diverse options such as horseback riding, wall climbing, cooking classes, mindfulness and meditation, golf, tennis, and a full spa with fitness facilities.

Our three day stay was too short to accomplish all that we had wished for. However, upon our departure we left with good feelings of an accommodating and friendly staff, new friends from all over the country and a feeling of peacefulness. The spa’s message of “keep smelling the flowers and for heaven's sake, keep on taking deep breaths” stayed with us as we departed for the airport.