Last week I spent three nights with my mother Canyon Ranch in Arizona. If you’re not familiar, Canyon Ranch is known as a top-tier health and wellness retreat and spa. This has been on my dream list for quite some time now because of the positive experiences I’ve heard from friends and the internet and I can confirm that it definitely works.
As I’m about to share my experience, first I need to tell you that this experience was not in any form of partnership with Canyon Ranch. I’m sharing this because when I gave the list to my friend she joked that it looked like I was advertising the place because I was fangirling so loudly- ha! Me Too Be very clear if they ask Did If I wanted to go ahead and partner up, I would jump to my feet and run towards them with an enthusiastic heck yes because I felt no chills and would happily turn back in a heartbeat.
It sets the tone quite well, doesn’t it? But let’s talk in detail!
I drove to Atlanta to meet mom and pulled into the parking lot right behind her. Perfect timing! Getting through security was easy, but since we were unsure we arrived extra early we had a lot of time at the airport, including an hour delay to our flight. Thankfully the flight went smoothly and we arrived in Tucson mid-afternoon. Our shuttle was waiting for us and we were taken for a 45 minute journey to the farm.
Upon arrival we were given a tote bag, t-shirt and refillable water bottle while we received a full tour of the farm, then were shown to our room. The grounds are absolutely stunning, filled with cacti, native plants and a small stream running throughout. We quickly settled in and then headed out for our first dinner experience.
The food, included in the cost, deserves its own spotlight post. The variety offered is incredible and a great tip we learned is to order half portions to maximize the number you can try. I started the meal with a half portion of bone broth (delicious!) and enjoyed blackened salmon, nopales escabeche, tomato confit and turmeric vegetable rice.
We ate quickly as we both had spa appointments to end the evening. We booked the “All You Can Spa” package and we took full advantage of what was offered, so Mom started getting her hand, scalp and foot massage and I went to enjoy a hydrating facial. Needless to say, we both went to bed happily that night.
Then the next morning we signed up for the Sabino Canyon Walk at 6am. After a brief introduction and 10 minute shuttle ride we were off in the most glorious 68 degree, humidity-free temperatures of the Sabino Valley. Our guide was full of great information about the local plants and wildlife, but we loved that this walk was self-paced. Mom and I covered 4 miles in our allotted hour and enjoyed every minute!
We arrived back at the farm ready to refuel and headed straight for breakfast. We squealed with joy at all the options – fresh juices, espresso drinks, kefir, fresh fruits, omelet stations, curated options, and more. We used the half portion option at every meal and dined like queens.
Feeling invigorated and satisfied, we headed to the spa to clean up and prepare for our day of pampering. The All You Can Spa package has a list of services included that is quite extensive and truly means you can do as much as you can fit into your schedule. So we planned quite an enjoyable day.
We started with manicures and pedicures which we enjoyed together. Then spent some time in the spa facilities including hot tub and sauna. We hit the spa during lunch, enjoying a coconut sugar scrub and an 80-minute massage (not a verb?), which we both described as the best of our lives.
Once we felt like lame noodles we got dressed and went in search of margaritas, which we found at the cantina. We enjoyed the little signs telling us about each plant (and of course took a photo of Mom in a tree because that’s her kind of thing), before making our way to our dinner reservation, we sipped and took ourselves on a short property tour.
The steak was excellent, the Pad Thai black bean noodle dish was delicious, the pho lacked flavor, but the dessert? Oh wow, it beats everything! Chia Seed Pudding with Caramel, Whip Cream and Caramelized Bananas stole the show! We both declared ourselves too full for dessert and yet we all licked our bowls clean.
The next morning we signed up for a walk that started on the property, wandered through the nearby neighborhood, and ended back on the two-mile walk around the property. I liked that they had two leaders, one who walked at a fast pace for at least three miles, and another who walked at a more leisurely pace. It was another beautiful morning and we covered 3+ miles before breakfast. We got some extra pep in our step when we ran across two wild spears our way – exciting!
We returned ready for breakfast and again we enjoyed the options (once again using half the portion). My favorite of the meal was the steel cut miso oatmeal with poached egg and roasted mushrooms and baby kale. Delicious!
After breakfast, it was another day of complete bliss. I enjoyed the full body massage, hand, scalp and foot massage and anti-aging facial.
Since we had booked under the All You Can Spa package, this was our focus. But I have to admit that neither Mom nor I fully understood all of the ranch’s offerings for health and wellness and experience options. There is plenty to choose from for body, mind and spirit.
One service I added at the last minute* was a body composition session with the BodPod, a device that uses air displacement to accurately tell you body fat percentage and lean body mass weight, along with other metrics. I’m going to do a separate post on that experience because I found it really valuable.
*Using the Canyon Ranch app, you can easily add, remove, and adjust your appointments and schedule. There’s also a section to “See what’s available today” for any last minute addons. Mom and I both found it helpful to be able to make changes to our schedule at any time.
We both ended the afternoon with hair and makeup services (also included in the package). Mom got the Kerastase treatment and I was shocked. We both enjoyed the makeup consultation so much that we came home with several new products to play with.
With what light we had left, we got a glass of wine and sipped it by the pool. The photo of me laughing below was the result of realizing that there were some people eating on the lawn behind me. Oh- I didn’t mean to photograph them!
Our last dinner was delicious as always, although we were both happily exhausted at that point, knowing we had to leave very early the next morning. We packed our things and lay down on the bed.
You wouldn’t think there would be much to say about a departure, especially one that occurred at 4:00 in the morning, but it’s worth noting that even at that time Canyon Ranch had a departure meal packed for us to take to the airport.
Even more remarkable? Our driver, William. I’m sure he must be an angel. Our journey to the airport felt like an entire therapy session, discussing life, loss and purpose. When we got out, Mom looked at me with wide eyes and said, “I felt like Dad was in that car.” Same.
Our experience at Canyon Ranch was excellent and it was very special to have this experience with my mom. I’d be back in a heartbeat. One of the most impressive parts that isn’t really mentioned in the recap is the people. Not only the wonderful people who work there (all very kind and helpful), but also the other guests.
We had many conversations with the same guests we had met over the past few days and everyone seemed full of positive energy and an optimistic outlook on life. It was really inspiring, because there were guests of all ages, but many were 70+ and thriving, which contributed to this idea of ​​staying excited about life – having something to look forward to, having real connections with a community of people who are uplifting, who have goals, and of course, taking care of your body, mind, and spirit.
Canyon Ranch Q&A
I received a few questions on IG, but would be happy to answer any other questions if you have any. Just leave them in the comments!
We will go in October! What should be done in your opinion?
It totally depends on how you want to structure your experience but I recommend taking advantage of the morning walk! The scenery is gorgeous and it felt great to get the blood pumping at first.
Oh, and if they have banana pudding, chia seed dessert – get two. 😉
Is everything ala carte?
All meals and non-alcohol drinks are included. There is also a long list of offerings such as fitness classes, hiking, mediation, yoga, nutrition seminars and much more included in your stay. There are many other additional offerings at the price (like the BodPod I did, mom’s personal training sessions, etc.). You can see the current daily schedule of Prasad HereAnd any additional costs are marked with a dollar sign.
What was your favorite dish at the ranch?
The meals that stand out in my mind were the Miso Steel Cut Oatmeal Bowl, Bison Short Ribs, and that amazing Chia Seed Pudding dessert!
Been on my list forever too, but isn’t that worth billions of dollars?
It’s definitely a luxury experience and it’s priced to match. However, it’s probably cheaper than going to Disney World! 😉
Okay, in all seriousness, I was very pleased that the cost was reasonable based on the level of service provided. I also learned a few tips from frequent guests:
- Special rates are offered in the summer time when fewer people want to see the dessert.
- You can arrive and depart at any time on your scheduled days, meaning if your check in is on a Sunday, you can arrive at 8:00 am and enjoy meals and classes all day, and do the same on the back end (leaving late in the day) to maximize your investment.
- they offer lots of different packagesAnd if you have a single focus (like a spa), it’s worth booking under one of those packages.
Mom and I both said we would return and that I would also love to go with David. we met some people there longevity8 program And they were raving about it. We’ll definitely have to save our money for that experience, but as a health data enthusiast, it sounds incredible. On the shuttle we met a woman (who was absolutely delightful and full of life) we met a few days later and she told us how amazing the program was and that she found it totally worth it.
