2012 Press Clippings
May
Over a quarter of a million guests have come to Miraval since its opening in 1995, seeking not merely massages and facials, but a path to self improvement and life change. Over the course of its sixteen year history, Miraval has become the top-rated destination spa in the United States; winning endless magazine awards and praise from Hollywood’s top stars. This May, Miraval unveils a new “Life in Balance Spa with Clarins” designed to transform guests both physically and emotionally using nurture, rest and renewal.
March
"Weekend Breakthrough" by Aaron Rasmussen
After finally gathering the courage to break free from a bad work
situation that had gone on way too long, I discovered that I was craving change in more areas than just the workplace. I had a surplus of time and nothing to lose. For one weekend, I chose to forgo my usual habit of big travel with close friends to spend a few days at the 400-acre, all-inclusive Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson. I was interested in the “Clue-In” self-discovery and development courses, which ranged from Mindful Stress Mastery to Oprah Winfrey’s favorite, Swing and a Prayer. In a letter to new guests, Miraval owner (and AOL co-founder) Steve Case wrote, “You can do as much or as little as you like.”
Once I checked in, I was leaning toward the latter. As I looked over the list of courses that I was scheduled to participate in over the next two days, I got nervous. In my fervor to reorder my life, everything I had signed up to do seemed way outside my comfort zone now that I was actually here.
What was definitely in my comfort zone? My Catalina suite in one of the
cozy new casitas on the property—and especially the giant soaking tub that looked like Michelangelo had lovingly carved it from a block of glowing white marble just for me. I immediately grabbed Miraval’s signature Cactus Cream soap, filled the tub, and jumped right in. After lazing around for a while, I hit the spa to ease into my weekend of self-discovery with some pampering. The Men’s Hammam was a refreshing five-step treatment that included having my body exfoliated with coffee, crushed almonds, and lemon essential oil scrub, and then wrapped in Jasmine Rose Rhassoul Clay and replenished with a tangerine fig body butter.
January
"Top destination Spa: Miraval in Tucson, AZ" by Katherine Stewart
Deep at the base of Northern Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains sits the iconic Miraval, a veritable oasis in the desert and mecca to spa-goers and wellness advocates since its opening in 1995. With its dizzying array of health and fitness activities, spa rituals, dietary offerings, impressive on-staff experts and even an Integrative Wellness Program created by health guru Dr. Andrew Weil, Miraval remains a standout among the many destination spas around the country. But it’s the wealth of opportunities for personal growth and creating lasting health improvements that catapult this spa to Top Honors status.
The name “Miraval,” in a loose translation from the Spanish, means “view of the valley.” But according to president and general manager Michael Tompkinson, Miraval also means the valley within. “Because of the speed of today’s world, and the multitasking that we all engage in, we rarely have the opportunity to stop and just be,” he says. “Miraval provides an opportunity to have that space, a chance for our guests to look at themselves and their lives in a different way, and to get a clearer indication of the direction they need to go.” The rugged mountains, breathtaking vistas and hardy desert flowers only serve to underscore the spa’s ethos of resilience, optimism and a sense of possibility. And Miraval’s core philosophy of self-discovery is reflected through its experience-based programming. “Programs such as The Energy Project, Mindful Stress Management and our outdoor challenge activities make each visit to Miraval an adventure of self-discovery,” says Tompkinson.
Choice, rather than restrictive regimen, is the guiding principle here. As such, guests can sample a variety of fitness activities—yoga, kickboxing, cardio drumming, horseback riding, rope climbing and zip lining to name just a few—while also indulging in a seemingly endless menu of pampering rituals, including detoxifying mud wraps, mineral salt pedicures, al fresco hot stone massages and a variety of energy treatments, all of which aim to bring guests back into the healing fold. “We begin by focusing on breath, through the use of inhalations and aromatherapy, so that each guest can get to a place where she can get the most out of her experience,” says spa director Simon Marxer. “It’s not about doing a treatment to somebody, it’s about establishing a healing treatment space. We also try to blend a bit of the place into some of our services, such as our Prickly Pear Sugar Scrub, made with indigenous ingredients.” Indigenous and regional ingredients, many of them harvested from on-site gardens, are also plentiful in the spa cuisine. “Food should be enjoyed as a beautiful, delicious meal first, and afterwards it should dawn on you, ‘Wow, that was good for me too!’ rather than the other way around,” says chef Chad Luethje. “We are well-versed in all kinds of dietary preferences and can provide any experience our guest wants, whether it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, anti-inflammatory, Paleo diet—you name it.”
"In the Moment" by Jezebel
Life is a marathon. But unlike a punishing 26-miler, it’s the journey that matters most. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-in, day-out business of a busy life. If taking time to recharge seems impossible, hear this: Serenity is as easy as a quick trip to Tucson—home to a luxurious wellness outpost in the high northern desert of Arizona. Now let me start by writing that Miraval Resort & Spa—which, not surprisingly, sounds a lot like “miracle”—is not your typical destination spa. In fact, it’s not standard, period. Situated on more than 400 acres at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this flagship oasis peddles tranquility for the mind, body and soul. Throngs of spa-goers flock to this all-inclusive, top-rated destination spa resort, in large part urged on by its biggest and most enthusiastic endorser, Oprah, who for years has raved about its transformative powers.
A self-professed spa junkie, I had heard of Miraval and, eager to experience its uniqueness firsthand, made plans for a quick weekend getaway. (Note: Those with a full week available should book a longer stay. You’ll thank me. More time is needed to experience everything this all-encompassing destination offers.) Among the many exclusive programs Miraval touts are Clue-In self-discovery activities and classes, as well as Chill-Out spa services—all right in my wheelhouse. Indulgence, a live-life-in-the-moment core philosophy? Check me in! Come Thursday afternoon, I’ve had weeks of back-to-back deadlines, and I’m dying for a balance adjustment—one focused on workouts, spa treatments and almighty downtime (to reflect, reboot and revitalize). Included in my all-inclusive package are accommodations, classes, spa treatments and round-trip airport transfers. Wheels down produces a kind welcome from a Miraval driver, and from this point forward, all stress is behind me.
I quickly fall prey to the desert. While gazing out at the beautiful landscape surrounding the spa resort, a bunny crosses my path—welcome to Miraval. I’m warmly greeted and escorted to my Catalina suite (the resort spa’s array of accommodations include multiple guest rooms and suites, straight up to villa ownership), where both the space and décor have an immediate impact. Inspired by nature, its warmly modern interiors boast earthy hues, and a unique glass wall overlooking a mountainside filters in spectacular views. Contemporary amenities—a flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station, a soaking tub, an outdoor shower and a large living space—impress, but obsession is reserved for the amazingly fragrant products from Miraval’s signature Cactus Cream Bath collection. At the center of this mod, 900-square-foot sanctuary is the heart of Miraval’s signature sleep experience—a well-dressed king bed, which beckons after a day of fitness.
Frequent visitors with means, and those calling Miraval home, reside in the villas. Each luxurious, LEED Silver-certified spa residence is not only large (measurements begin at 2,500 square feet), but also fully outfitted with two master suites (each boasting private courtyards, one with an outdoor shower and the other with a private hot tub); a well-appointed gourmet kitchen and indoor gas fireplaces; glass patio doors that allow for panoramic views; and a welcoming outdoor fire pit. While all existing villas are spoken for, guests may opt to rent one for their stay.