Parents Only Getaway: Canyon Ranch

Each winter, I go with a group of moms to Canyon Ranch for some much needed rest and relaxation. Although I say rest, those of us who like to exercise take multiple classes each day and push our bodies to the limit. Meanwhile, we know that a long massage and soak in the hot tub await us at the end of the day. And, oh wait, that’s right, no cooking dinner, cleaning or doing the nightly rounds. A real getaway!

But beyond the exercise and spa, what Canyon Ranch really specializes in is educating people on how to live healthier, happier and longer. Canyon Ranch truly offers the opportunity to refresh from the inside out and come away with new lessons to carry back into your day-to-day life.

This past year, I went away in hopes of getting some peace and quiet. In planning my services, I was simply focused on relaxation and getting some nutritional information for my family. With that in mind, I booked some cooking classes and met with a nutritionist about feeding my kids more healthfully. That was all great, but by about the second day in, I thought, forget this, I need to focus on me. It’s funny, because I think that by focusing on my kids even while away helped me ease my guilt about leaving them. However, I quickly moved past that need to justify my trip and took advantage of a great opportunity to take care of myself.

Upon check in, you have the option to consult with a nurse to review your overall health and address any issues that you may have. Personally, I have had an unusual amount of sports injuries that have become a real nuisance. The nurse skillfully directed me to the integrated health professionals.  The tests they ran and plan they came up with has helped me feel much better. Being a mom can get busy, but you realize how important your own health is to your family. Canyon Ranch provides the opportunity and the resources you need to take a thorough inventory of your health needs.

My learnings bolster my health efforts throughout the year. I use their recipes, specific workouts and their medical staff. Even when I am home, I have phone conferences with their doctor, to make sure all is going in the right direction. My New Year’s resolution this past year was to live more healthfully, and with the take aways and inspiration from Canyon Ranch, I was able to really achieve that goal.

As for the relaxation, there’s an endless selection of body and face treatments. My favorite is the basic massage. The therapists are always terrific and it feels great, particularly on second day when you are so sore from all the exercising. At night, there are interesting lectures, live music and well-tended fireplaces that make the perfect setting for sinking into your favorite book.

This is one of the few vacations that gets re-booked before you leave.

Note: Canyon Ranch runs great winter promotions with significantly reduced rates. Also, if you get a group together, you may qualify for a group rate.