When we arrived at Miraval Resort and Spa in the Sonoran Desert outside Tucson, I was full of emotions. It had been a tumultuous year of balancing work, family, life and travel commitments and dealing with the loss of a close family member. My best friend and I were so ready to breathe in the warming desert air and put our cellphones to bed (Miraval encourages you to leave your phone in the custom phone sleeping bags and beds in your room).
We were treating ourselves to a wellness retreat in the hopes of easing anxiety, re-introducing some self-care and compassion into our lives and spending some quality time together. We chose Miraval Arizona as they offer some unique healing modalities that you can’t find at traditional resort spas – or really anywhere other than Miraval properties. The Berkshires Miraval is a picture perfect winter retreat in upstate NY and Austin boasts a colourful organic farm and garden for guests to explore but Arizona is the original retreat.
With almost everything being all inclusive we had signed up for some really fun actives like drum cardio, past life regression, plant based cooking class, aerial yoga, pickle ball, a reflexology session, and several massages and decadent scrubs. I brought a book that I hadn’t cracked open in 2 years, and I was eager to get a few good nights of sleep in our incredible 2 bedroom Unity Retreat and catch up with my bestie without all of life’s distractions.
These villas, which are a little more removed from the main area, are just stunning! When we opened our big wooden front door and saw the high ceilings, private infinity pool, floor to ceiling windows that fully open to turn the patio into an outdoor extension of the spacious living room – not to mention the kitchen, fire pit, outdoor shower and plush bed that’s a Miraval signature – I worried we might never leave.
After a sunrise floating meditation (guided meditation whilst suspended in enveloped silk swings) and Aqua zen (a type of massage where the therapist cradles your body as you float in serene warm water with subtle stretches and guided movement). We were warmed up and ready for the signature Sky Island traverse challenge course. Suspended 45 ft above the desert you tightrope walk, climb a horizontal ladder and shiver and shake your way across suspended swings, discovering core muscles you never even knew existed. We all push ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally before zip lining down to earth where we reflected on our journey. It was terrifying but the most empowering feeling I had ever experienced; I could conquer the world!
We spent the evening giggling and sipping margaritas with chips and guacamole at the Coyote Moon bar, and sharing our conquests with new friends. There are a lot of solo travellers and the no cell-phone guideline really fosters human connection.
On my second day I tried ‘Equine therapy’, reconnecting to my childhood spent grooming and cleaning hoofs brought up a range of emotions interacting with these gentle giants. On my way back from the stables I found myself in a bit of a daze, wandering as the sun was slowly rising behind the mountains. I was in an area I hadn’t been to before and discovered a rock laden maze. No body else was there but I saw a small sign suggesting visitors carry a small stone representing a burden they would like to let go of and then leave the stone in the centre of the labyrinth.
I picked up a rock and started walking. I fell into something of a trance and snaked my way around although never quite reaching the centre. The slow intentional walk took over my mind and it was strangely meditative and soothing.
It turns out that walking a labyrinth is an ancient practice that has been used by many to foster spiritual focus, contemplation and reflection. Contrary to a maze, in a labyrinth there is only one singular way in and out and you cannot get lost. As you seemingly near the center, and then suddenly find yourself being directed farther away yet again, you can think about your life’s goals and expectations. The winding paths of labyrinths can aid in readjusting those goals and expectations, and help us understand how unpredictable digressions can arise in life.
Miraval was truly the perfect remedy for those moments in life.
