The Miraval Resort outside Tucson, Arizona promises to be a space for dedicated relaxation far from the distractions of the busy digital world. The property, situated in the Sonoran desert about half an hour’s drive from downtown Tucson, has attracted wellness-seekers since it opened in 1995. The Miraval brand (its two other domestic resorts are located in Austin and western Massachusetts) was acquired by Hyatt in 2017.
Today, the Tucson location of Miraval offers daily activities that range from blood-pumping HIIT classes to intimate Dream Circles and introductions to Transcendence. For those seeking a spa day, the treatment options are ample and worth the splurge. For me, the property offered a peaceful mother-daughter escape from the chilly Northeast weather in early November.
Pros:
- Spa offerings are extensive and high-quality
- Meals and many activities are included
- Spa staff and activity instructors are highly experienced, friendly, and engaging
Cons:
- Meal times can be busy and it’s occasionally difficult to get a table at dinner
- Popular classes can fill up
SheBuysTravel Tip: Spa treatments book up early so be sure to call and make reservations in advance
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Accommodations
The Mirval Arizona isn’t massive, but it feels sprawling (if you’re anything like me, expect to get lost regularly). The property has 143 rooms ranging from pared-down singles and doubles to spacious suites with fireplaces and patios to 2- and 3-bedroom villas with private plunge pools. The largest accommodation options are expansive “Retreats” with outdoor showers, hot tubs, and fire features, designed for larger groups or families travelling together. A Retreat room would be a great refuge for a girl’s trip or bachelorette party.
I stayed in a double room, which was generously sized for two. It had a small private patio, ample closet space, and a well-apportioned bathroom. The room decor is simple and neutral to match the desert earth tones out the window.
Dining
Unless you sign up for a special event, such as a cooking class or lunch-and-learn, all meals at Miraval are included in your price and take place in the same dining room. Breakfast and lunch are come-as-you-like (spa robes are encouraged) and served buffet-style with a small a la carte menu. You can always request additional proteins, such as shrimp, chicken, and salmon, at lunch. The buffet spread is fairly standard each day, with Tex-Mex influences present in tortilla chips, giant bowls of guacamole and salsa, plus your standards like scrambled eggs, sausage, and toast.
Dinner seating must be reserved ahead of time, and you can only make reservations once you’re on-propety. We arrived midday on our first day and all prime-time reservations were booked, but we had no issues eating between 6:30 and 7 pm during the rest of our stay.
The dinner menu is slightly refreshed each day, with a few standard items always available. I found the food uneven in quality and flavor. For example, fish was often overcooked, while a roasted chicken entree and pureed vegetable soup were both well-seasoned and perfectly executed. The portion sizes are small, and the calorie content for each item is listed on the menu, which removes a bit of the high-end luxury feeling.
The kitchen staff are very accommodating of dietary preferences and allergies. Each menu item is clearly labeled, and the waitstaff takes care to ask and cover your needs.
If you’re peckish between meals, The Palm Court Cafe offers smoothies, baked goods, and light snacks. The Oasis Pool and Bar serves refreshing ice pops and drinks, and the Coyote Moon Lounge is open in the afternoon for cocktails and wine, plus a light spread of chips and crudite before dinner.
Amenities
The spa is likley the most-used amenity on at Miraval. It’s a popular (and sometimes crowded) space to take a dip in the hot tub or a breath in the steam room or sauna. Of course, massages, facials, and body treatments are also popular.
I highly recommend making an appointment for a Naga session. This exclusive-to-Miraval treatment involves the practitioner using silks hanging from the ceiling to massage and stretch your muscles while leveraging their entire body. It’s deep and incredible for unlocking tight muscles.
The daily activity calendar is full from the 7 a.m. morning stretch to yoga and spiritual drumming at 7 p.m. Many activities are complimentary, including stretch and yoga classes, photography workshops, and dance classes. You’ll have to pay for nutrition and sleep workshops with experts, arts and crafts, cooking and cocktails, and using the rope’s course or visiting the resort’s horses. Your day is entirely up to you though, and if you’re not interested in a hyper-scheduled vacation, there’s ample time to lounge poolside, explore the nearby hiking trails (which are moderate), or get in a quick workout of your own.
The property includes a tennis and pickleball court, multiple pools (including a large lap pool), and well-equipped gym with cardio and weightlifting equipment.
Getting There
Miraval Arizona is a 30-minute drive from downtown Tucson and just under an hour from the Tucson airport. Guests can book a complimentary airport shuttle once their flights are reserved.
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