In celebration of Arizona’s centennial this year, it is fitting to pay tribute to some of the State’s best resorts located in this desert land that is known as a mecca for health and wellness.
Mii Amo at Dusk
With a health and healing centre run by a staff of medical experts, a wide range of fitness classes and inspiring spa cuisine, some consider Canyon Ranch Tucson to be the mothership of all destination spas. The original location in Arizona was founded in 1979 and spawned other sites in Lennox, Mass. and Miami Beach as well satellite locations in Las Vegas and on cruise ships.
Canyon Ranch Tucson offers a diverse selection of activities, from ballet to boot camp to chair yoga. These combined with the high-end equipment available for use (underwater treadmills, anyone?) will ensure that your recreational time spent here will be challenging and fun. There are also a number of learning sessions and, of course, a variety of spa services available (the basic Canyon Ranch massage is a perennial favourite).
In terms of dining, the “Balanced Selection Menu” provides delicious calorie- and sodium-controlled choices. The thought put into dishes like the Red Curry Vegetable Dish or the Blackened Fish Jambalaya illustrate how much better we’d eat on a regular basis if only we had the time and energy to prepare meals like this.
An integrated approach to wellness remains the focus of this destination spa – guests come here more for a life change than for pampering. But even with its comprehensive diagnostic services, the resort hardly has a clinical feel to it. Instead, it pays homage to its southwestern roots, as is evident in the locally-grown ingredients used in the dishes, the Native American inspired programs and the daily outdoor excursions through the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Lobby at The Saguaro
Mii Amo at Enchantment Resort, Sedona
Located on 70 acres of Boynton Canyon in Sedona and offering treatments that draw on Native American healing rituals, Mii Amo (the name is a Yuman Indian word that means “journey”) is a mystical, new-age haven. This is especially evident in the Crystal Grotto where guided mediation classes are held twice daily. Mii Amo is more intimate in size than Canyon Ranch, and this allows for greater ease in moving from one activity to the next. There are a number of fitness classes offered – some more challenging than others – but the best workout comes courtesy of the daily hikes in the local red rock mountains (space is limited, so book your spot as early as possible). Though not particularly lengthy, they nonetheless succeed in getting your heart rate up as you climb nature’s most beautiful Stairmaster. Upon your return to the resort, you can lounge by Mii Amo’s outdoor pool which is set against 400-foot-high red rocks, swaying cottonwood trees and a brilliant blue sky. Aqua fitness classes, held here a couple of times a week, are made enjoyable given the surroundings. As GM Chris Bird explains, “Mii Amo is a luxury destination spa resort that embraces the beauty of its natural setting.”
In terms of dining, the spa cuisine at Mii Amo is delicious and healthy. Hopi Blue Corn Waffles offer a great start to your day; the English Pea Soup with miso and feta cheese and the Portobello Mushroom Quesadilla are also tasty. The dinner menu features a number of meat dishes (Grass Fed Filet Mignon; Buffalo Tenderloin) – not surprising, given the region – but there are also a few vegetarian and fish options (try the Seafood Paella). For desert, a trio of mango, raspberry and Limoncello sorbets provides a nice, light finish to your meal. A comprehensive wine and cocktail list is available, but ardent spa goers will likely opt for iced lemon water or perhaps a smoothie with a wheatgrass shot.
Consistent with its themes of healing and spirituality, the spa offers an array of locally-inspired massage and body treatments such as the Sedona Clay Wrap, along with sessions focused on more inner-soul searching, such as Tarot Card readings. The latter is perhaps too hippie-dippy for some, but what’s so great about Mii Amo is that you can customize your visit in a number of different ways. This is probably why the resort has been ranked as one of the best destination spas in the world.
The Saguaro is no destination spa, but that doesn’t make it any less able to lead you to your happy place. Once a mid-century motel located on the cusp of Scottsdale’s historic Old Town neighbourhood, the recently-renovated property now pops with enthusiasm and joy. City building codes stipulate that properties must possess a natural desert colour scheme, resulting in repetitive motifs of the Sonoran desert, and an endless stream of sandstone and terra cotta. But the masterminds behind the firm of Stamberg Aferiat Architecture were able to get around this municipal by-law by painting the Saguaro the colours of twelve indigenous wildflowers (think orange, pink and purple Desert Mariposa Lilies and bright yellow Sunflowers). The outcome is a modern and eye-catching tribute to the southwest so unique that it made Condé Nast Traveler’s recent Hot 100 issue (a cover feature, no less).
The fun doesn’t end with the design, though. The fabulous Picante Pool area includes an Olympic-length swimming pool surrounded by colourful cabanas and the Saguaro Spa provides locally-inspired treatments such as the Prickly Pear Sugar Scrub exfoliation treatment. There is also a fitness centre, outdoor yoga classes offered to guests each Saturday and the property is near the spectacular Camelback Mountain, should you still be in the mood for a hike.
As for the hotel’s dining options, well, let’s just say you should consider slotting in your cheat days here: the Distrito’s breakfast includes scrumptious banana pecan pancakes soaked in tequila-raisin syrup, and menu items such as pulled pork tacos or pickles served with black olive tapenade, whipped ricotta and toasted sourdough bread don’t exactly scream “spa cuisine”. But after several days of exercise and clean eating at destination spas elsewhere in Arizona, you’re probably ok to indulge just a bit.
Press materials provided by Canyon Ranch, Mii Amo and the Saguaro; accommodations were provided by the Saguaro.
