A Soul-Soothing Digital Detox Vacation at Miraval Arizona

One look at the giant gong that sits near the entrance to Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, and it’s clear right away that this isn’t your average vacation retreat. It’s a sanctuary of mindfulness and intensive self-care, where you might hear the distant beats of a spiritual drum circle from your room, where your cell phone rests in its own tiny sleeping bag and where you can show up at dinner in your bathrobe without anyone batting an eye. Everything here whispers of relaxation and reflection amid the sun-drenched solace of the desert. And that gong? You’ll hear it reverberate throughout the day as guests strike it while setting intentions to make their time on the property as meaningful as possible.

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa: A Digital Detox Vacation Dedicated to Wellness

Overview

Nestled on a 400-acre spread in Tucson at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Miraval Arizona was designed to offer a blend of natural beauty, upscale accommodations and wellness programming that nurtures mind, body and spirit. Its adobe-style architecture harmonizes with the desert terrain, evoking a connection to the traditions of the Southwest, and the pretty landscaping integrates palm trees, cacti and other succulents that capture the essence of the environment.

Thoughtfully integrated throughout this adults-only resort are seven contemplative spaces that invite you to slow down and be present, like the Labyrinth for meditative walks, the shaded Bird Ramada where you can enjoy the warble and chirp of native birds, and Hidden Creek, ideal for quiet introspection against a backdrop of flowing water. Communal firepits are surrounded by cushy chairs and settees, many with throw pillows that bear one-word mantras like “Peace,” “Light” and “Balance.”

A stay at Miraval begins with a full welcome tour at check-in to get the lay of the land and a grasp on the resort’s vibe. Every facet of the property is meant to encourage grounding and savoring the moment, and you’ll easily slip into what the staff terms Miraval Mode: digital mindfulness that puts the focus on remaining unplugged. Guests are asked not to use phones, tablets or other devices except in their rooms and in a couple of other designated locations (snapping photos is fine, though).

TIP: Most people are too immersed in the daily slate of activities and spa treatments to miss screen time. But should you need a little extra entertainment, the onsite Raindance Pass Boutique is well stocked with books, journals, card decks and other diversions.

All-Inclusive Ease

In keeping with its mission of helping guests decompress, Miraval’s all-inclusive pricing and gratuity-free policy are intended to make your stay as seamless as possible. Rates cover accommodations, all meals and snacks, nonalcoholic drinks (with the exception of select craft mocktails), and some daily activities such as yoga, meditation, hikes, creative workshops, wellness lectures and fitness classes. You’ll also receive a nightly resort credit that can be put toward fee-based experiences like private sessions, specialty activities and spa treatments; the exact amount depends on the package you book.

Accommodations

The resort has 143 accommodations in total, ranging from king and double guestrooms to private villas and multi-bedroom suites. Guestrooms are housed in attractive casitas grouped into six separate villages, each wrapped around a central courtyard. The options include standard-style Native Spirit and Dreamcatcher Rooms (the main difference between the two is that Dreamcatcher Rooms come with small private patios) and, at the top end of the category, Sunrise Rooms. With elevated decor plus a full window wall that frames views of the mountains, a secluded outdoor terrace, a soaking tub and an outdoor shower, these are a worthwhile upgrade.

My Dreamcatcher Room was open and quite spacious, with clean-lined furnishings, neutral colors and a comfortable seating area. A mini Tibetan singing bowl, a meditation cushion and a small rock cairn (symbolizing balance and centering) set the tone for calm and introspection, along with the meditation channels available on the TV. The ultra-soft and fluffy bedding, a Miraval signature, invites sinking in at the end of a full and busy day.

Other in-room amenities are simple but cover the necessities: a single-cup coffee maker, spa robes and slippers, and a small refrigerator holding a carafe of filtered water (very welcome in Tucson’s arid climate). Guests also receive a sturdy tote bag and a water bottle to fill at onsite hydration stations.

Each of the four different suite styles, all king-only, has distinctive touches that set it apart from the others. For instance, Sonoran Suites, the largest at 1,000 square feet, include full living and dining areas as well as whirlpool tubs, while many of the Miraval Suites come with fireplaces (not guaranteed, so request this when you reserve). Desert Sky Suites sit higher on the property for optimal stargazing, and Catalina Suites offer outdoor showers and window walls similar to those in Sunrise Rooms.

Miraval is a popular destination for groups — I noticed lots of multigen, mother-daughter and girlfriend getaways while I was there — and its Villa and Retreat accommodations are ideal for maximum space. The seven Villas (with either two or three bedrooms) all contain a full kitchen and dining area; a fireplace; an outdoor shower; a soaking tub; and a secluded courtyard with a hot tub; out back, there’s a private patio with a dining area, a gas firepit and an infinity pool. Retreats, meanwhile, range from studio to three-bedroom configurations that can be connected according to your party’s size and needs. Their special features vary from fireplaces to hot tubs and kitchens.

Activities

Miraval’s vast menu of experiential activities and workshops is a major part of its appeal. The guide that details the offerings spans nearly four dozen pages, and it would take at least a week to get anywhere near a full taste. Ever wanted to try cardio drumming, an aerial challenge course or dream manifesting? Or perhaps a desert hike, communing with horses during equine therapy, a tortilla making class or a floating meditation, during which you’re cradled in a hammock above the floor as a practitioner plays crystal singing bowls? The options are truly overwhelming, in the best possible way.

With so much to choose from, I recommend working with one of the onsite Experience Planners to create an itinerary tailored to your preferences and goals for the stay. Most guests engage the planning team before arrival, but you can also stop by in person to adjust your selections as needed. Try not to overschedule yourself — two to four activities per day usually hits the mark.

TIP: Space for activities is limited and the most sought-after of them can fill up fast. If there’s one you have your heart set on, book it well in advance.

During my time at the resort, I sampled an array of activities across different themes: pranayama mudra meditation (a combination of breathwork and hand positioning); a traditional cacao ceremony; a creative photography stroll around the grounds. Many wellness sessions are available in private form, and I scheduled one known as Awaken Your Divine Feminine, which is themed around roses and incorporates a sound bath and guided meditation.

My favorite experience of all was Just Cook for Me, in which the chef team prepares a five-course tasting menu for a small group of guests and pairs each course with a different wine. Participants gather in a dedicated culinary kitchen, and it’s a lot of fun to mingle with the others at your table or by the cooktop with the chefs as they stir and sauté — the whole experience is casual and laid-back. Everything we ate was excellent, from Brussels sprouts with miso, pomegranate arils and carrot puree to grilled wagyu flank steak with arugula and preserved lemon. Unsurprisingly, Just Cook for Me sessions are in high demand, so early booking is a must.

Spa and Fitness

If your idea of the perfect vacation includes morning-to-night pampering, you’re spoiled for choice. The Life in Balance Spa provides all manner of treatments, from classic massages and facials to therapies unique to Miraval. You might try a body mask and wrap inspired by Arizona’s summer monsoons, a deep sleep massage that involves a weighted blanket or a pedicure with cold stones and clay. My 80-minute Miraval Grounding massage, targeting the head, hands and feet, was a wonderful way to release tension and drift into a sense of profound tranquility.

You can enjoy the sauna, steam room, hot tub and other spa facilities at your leisure during opening hours (9 am to 9 pm), whether or not you have a treatment booked. During downtime, I gravitated to the Quiet Room, a haven with rows of indoor and outdoor loungers that face the mountains. It’s the perfect spot to bring a book and settle in or even doze off for a catnap.

Miraval offers numerous pools, including a trio of freeform pools adjacent to the spa. The largest of them, the Oasis Pool, is surrounded by chaises and a small bar that serves refreshing drinks and light bites. I found this one to be the most inviting, but it’s also the busiest; for peace and quiet, head for the spa pool just uphill.

You’ll also find a full-size lap pool at the 24-hour Body Mindfulness Center, which holds a full supply of workout equipment and hosts fitness classes like barre, zumba and interval training — though so many of the daily activities involve physical exertion that you might not need to set foot in the gym at all. If you’re in the mood for something active but lower-key, consider guided stretching, yogalates (a water-based cross between yoga and Pilates) or foam roller exercises.

Dining

It’s hard to go hungry at Miraval — the cuisine here is abundant and readily available throughout the day. Cactus Flower, the onsite restaurant, is a bright, comfortable space decked in pale woods and earth-tone leather, with a soaring ceiling and a long open-air terrace. At breakfast and lunch, you can order from an à la carte menu or opt for the buffet, while dinner is à la carte only. All meals include an extensive array of healthy, nutritious choices along with more decadent fare, much of it rooted in the flavors and ingredients of the Southwest. There are always plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options, and the staff is happy to work with you in advance to accommodate other allergies or special dietary restrictions.

TIP: Those traveling solo or in groups of two or three can make a dinner reservation for Cactus Flower’s communal table, a great opportunity to get to know other guests over a complimentary glass of house wine.

If you’re pressed for time to get to your next activity or just want something light, stop by the Palm Court Cafe, which is open from early morning through late afternoon and offers grab-and-go sandwiches and snacks like hummus cups, crudité, whole fruit and muffins. It’s also a go-to for delicious smoothies, coffee concoctions and other hot beverages. The most popular order by far seemed to be the Super Greens Smoothie, a blend of kale, spinach, mango, lemon, apple and ginger; I sampled one and understood why it’s a guest favorite.

Beginning midafternoon, the Coyote Moon Bar & Lounge becomes a gathering spot for a glass of wine or a cocktail and an hors d’oeuvre or two. Many people migrate to the cushy sofas that surround the outdoor firepits just beyond — a lovely place to wind down the day as the sun sinks behind the distant peaks.

Things to Know

• Miraval Arizona welcomes guests 18 and up.
• The resort is a little over 30 miles from Tucson International Airport and offers complimentary round-trip shuttle service. Unless you’re heading elsewhere after your stay, there’s little reason to rent a car as you’ll want to take full advantage of all there is to do on-property.
• While check-in and check-out follow the typical late afternoon/late morning timetable, guests are welcome to enjoy the property as early as 11 am on arrival day and linger until 5 pm on departure day. Just keep in mind that the final airport shuttle leaves at 2 pm.

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Photos by Lisa Frederick except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.