Miraval Spa

by Lisa Graciano

Miraval, a luxury resort and spa in southern Arizona, is a writer’s perfect retreat and a photographer’s paradise. Miraval features a quiet, relaxing environment where you can write to your heart’s content as well as activities, programs and services to inspire you.

Photography is one of the many programs available, and this desert oasis begs to be captured on film. I would recommend taking your best friend along as I did because there is more to experience than any one person can enjoy alone.

Miraval is nestled in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains with bird and butterfly gardens, winding trails and flowing streams throughout the property. The lush grounds attract an interesting array of wildlife. The in-room information warns of some unique creatures that can be found wandering the property. Javelinas are boar-like animals that can be found in small groups outside the sprawling guest rooms. Apparently, some guests have fed these animals in the past and they keep coming back looking for food. The javelinas are generally harmless, but they look a little intimidating especially if you have never seen one. We saw new critters daily including bunnies, coyote pups, frogs, lizards, tarantulas and a variety of birds.

The casita-style rooms have separate outdoor entrances. They are luxurious and spacious with a southwestern decor. The plush white bathrobes were our favorite amenity and we enjoyed walking around the grounds in our robes and lounging on the lanai. Each room is also stocked with plenty of bottled water and turn down service is provided each evening.

The vacation packages at Miraval are all-inclusive, so we were able to sample the fabulous, healthy cuisine throughout our stay. The food is beautifully presented and it’s even more delicious than it looks. It is hard to believe how healthy it is so nutrition information is provided for each dish. Our favorites included the escolar and the flourless chocolate cake.

The activities, programs and philosophy at Miraval are the highlight of the spa experience. Miraval is based on the concept of living mindfully and maintaining a life in balance. It offers a retreat from the daily pressures of life and an opportunity to enjoy new experiences. While my friend attended nutrition classes, cooking demonstrations and tai chi, I enjoyed the equine experience, a trail ride through the desert and rock climbing. We also participated in activities together including a sunset nature walk, a class called "Create and Rejuvenate with Clay," introductions to Pilates and yoga as well as some of the core classes on the concept of mindfulness or living in the present.

Journaling classes are offered as well, and journaling is encouraged as part of the mindfulness program. Miraval provides countless quiet spots for writing from the private lanais to the rock garden to the spa's luxurious common room to the many outdoor garden areas. A new "Luminaries" series also brings writers, actors and other inspirational speakers to teach classes at Miraval. What better way to inspire the writer inside you?

Several spa treatments were included in our vacation package. We enjoyed top notch manicures, massages and facials, and drinking tea and relaxing in the spa’s common area that overlooks the desert landscape. We also spent time in the jacuzzi and one of the resort’s two pools. If you go during typhoon season in July, you receive discounted rates and can watch some amazing lightning storms in the evening while still enjoying the desert heat during the day. Temperatures run into the high 90’s, so it’s important to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.

Some of the most enjoyable times on our trip were the times spent just hanging out together and acting like teenagers. We read poetry in the evenings and howled over Billy Collin’s marvelous humor and style. We also took photos of each other in meditative poses, wearing our bathrobes, raking the Zen garden, and wandering through the meditation maze and rock gardens. We even put hats on the cacti and took photos which showed just how human they could appear in the evenings after the sun went down.

If I had one wish, it would be to spend a week or two each summer at Miraval. One visit won’t change your life, but a yearly retreat would set you well on your way to living a more balanced life and create memories to last a lifetime.

Lisa Graciano has a BA in Journalism from Seattle University. She worked in Marine Corps Public Affairs for two years before entering the high-tech industry. She recently left her job of 10 years in order to pursue a writing career.