Recently hubby and I visited Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson. We went to celebrate my birthday and Valentine’s Day this year. And, although the resort was only 40 minutes from our Tucson home, it was as if we had journeyed much further. The tranquil environment, delicious food, beautiful setting and indulgent treatments were just what we needed! It’s no secret that Dennis and I are tremendously active, and our sore bodies needed a little TLC, in the form of massages ππΌββοΈΒ and down time.
This is a popular spa and we had to plan our trip months ago. So far in advance that we sort of forgot what we signed up forπ. We had many options to choose from, and not just in the spa treatments, but the activities list was extensive! Everything from horseback riding to psychic readings was available. We tend toward active pursuits and stayed true to form. We did, however, avoid activities that we already participate in regularly.
The weather was a little cool, but we did get some sun from time to time. Our first goal was to orient ourselves to the property, so we set out to take a look around.
View from the spa, overlooking one of the pools
The mediation area, near the front entrance
We didn’t have too much time because we were scheduled to take the slack line class! I was particularly excited about this one π€©.
We started out low to the ground and them made our way up to the higher line. Dennis was pretty good at this!
I am really in love with this! It’s an excellent way to work on balance and strengthen the core. You will be seeing more of this on Instagram next month, as I already purchased one π
After our class, Dennis headed out to a yoga class that caught his attention. I decided to work on my own practice on the back patio at our room.
And, continued looking around!
We also spent some time in the pool πββοΈ, and next to it reading. So great to just relax for a bit! We both had massages scheduled for later that night, so dinner was first.
Oh the food!! Have you been to a spa? If so, you know that the emphasis is on healthy, tasty mealsπ. All dishes have the nutritional breakdown listed, and is appropriately portioned. Of course it is still easy to consume too much! It is a lot like going on a cruise, where the food is included, so you do have to police yourselfπ
We (tried) to eat lite, as we had the massages later, and no alcohol since we had an early tightrope walking class the next day. Still, we had to try three desserts π
The next morning, it was time to hit the ropes course. I had signed up for this experience and had them add it to my hubby’s schedule too, without telling him! That was two months ago, and I meant to tell him….really!
We went through the safety stuff, were fitted for our harnesses and the order of participation was set. Much to my chagrin, I was lastπ³, and Dennis was to go first.
So, up he went. The course is 35 feet above the ground and is effectively a slack line with ropes to grip as you make your way across the obstacle.
Dennis had no trouble moving all the way to the last rope (on the right of the picture). The vertical support ropes start out close together but grow farther from one another as you progress.
As I mentioned, he was first, and I was to be 8th. So, we watched the other ladies for a while. Most made it all the wayπ
Finally, my turn!
more clouds have moved in!
Yep, I made it too! Dennis took this shot. I look like a spider in a web π·πΈ!
We went for breakfast after this and I was in heaven. Breakfast is my favorite meal and Miraval did not disappoint!
Pesto fried egg on a roasted sweet potato π
And, steel-cut oats with more eggs! π₯
We split up after this amazing meal. I went to the spa to hang out in the hot tub and have a facial, while hubby went to another yoga class. He had another treatment as well, so we did not see one another until the sunset hike later that evening.
The hike itself was fairly straight forward. Since we do live here half the year, we have been on many desert hikes, but never with a guide. She was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the desert environment. Not too much of a sunset though, as it was quite cloudyβοΈ
She did point out this prickly pear that had a heart shaped lobe. Had to grab this image for Valentine’s Day β€οΈ
We finished our 2 hour hike just in time for dinner. This time, there were no restrictions for time the next day, so we had some drinks πΈπ₯π₯Β and, then a few moreπ€ͺ
We also continued to explore the menu! A few appetizers…..
And, two more desserts to sample π
We crowned the dessert winner….This sweet potato tart with white chocolate ice cream π
At some point, during another round of drinks, I noticed that I was feeling a little off.. a cold perhaps? Oh well, not tonight!
The next morning however, ya, I was starting to feel a little yucky! But no matter! We had mountain biking to do π΅ββοΈπ΅π»ββοΈ
I don’t have any photos of this as we were too busy mowing over obstacles, but believe me it was a sight to see hubby on a bikeπΒ definitely not his comfort zone! We did not fall and had fun, all you can ask, right?!
Dennis went off for a massage and I headed to my yoga class. I signed up for a yoga wheel experience, but when I got there, it was just meπ³Β I ended up having a private session in the most beautiful yoga studio.
Just the teacher and me
What a view!
By now, I was limber and feeling the full effects of my cold π€§Β Time for some hot beverages
And, another round of hot tub soaking, and my final spa treatment. I had a sugar scrub and was all set for, more hot beverages, and dinner.
This would be our last dinner, so we wanted to have our favorite dessert one more time. As well as something really tasty for the appetizer and entrΓ©e.
The farm fresh egg appetizer
Roasted shrimp with forbidden rice entrΓ©e
Afterward, we took a walk around and saw a beautiful sunset!
By now, I was ready for bed, with my cold in full bloom!
Our last morning at Miraval and Dennis had one more spa treatment, while I went to the core blasting experience. So glad I didn’t cancel this one!
I had never used one of these boards before! It was fun, not super hard, but I may have been in need of a tougher class for this one. Many other folks seemed to be hurting π, at least I got some exercise in before we left!
One last stroll around the beautiful grounds.
This long exposure almost looks like a cartoon
And, with that, we left for the short drive home π π
Such an amazing experience. We truly felt rejuvenated, and rested. We chose a mixture of relaxing treatments and fun activities for our experience, but you could truly go more indulgent or more active. We recommend Miraval, and the spa experience in general.
I’m already looking forward to our next visitπ
Invisible-No-More 