22-05-2025
Miraval Arizona Turns 30: Visit This Pioneering Wellness Resort
Miraval Arizona
The wellness travel industry is booming, with a slew of new mindfulness-oriented hotels opening this year. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa isn't a newcomer but a pioneer in this space. For decades, it has seamlessly blended nature, luxury, and personal growth. Located just outside Tucson, this desert sanctuary invites guests to connect with the surrounding Sonoran landscape and with themselves. The property's enduring popularity is a testament to the notion that wellbeing is a way of life, not just a passing trend.
This year's milestone birthday brings a fresh wave of celebrations making it an ideal moment to visit, whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time traveler curious to discover the Miraval ethos.
'Back when Miraval opened, the idea of traveling not just for relaxation, but for real personal growth, was almost unheard of,' says Mark Stebbings, General Manager of Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa. 'Over time, as awareness grew, the world began to better understand the critical role wellbeing plays in our lives.'
A stay at Miraval is an opportunity to check out of the frenetic pace of everyday life and digital overload. Upon arrival guests place their phones in symbolic 'sleeping bags,' and are encouraged to unplug, except in designated areas. From sunrise to sunset, you can partake in a wide range of activities from introspective to adventurous. Whether you're learning about your tarot archetype, exploring past life regression, practicing archery, or engaging in equine therapy, the offerings are designed to teach you a new skill or help you rediscover yourself.
Equine Therapy
The 'Equine Experience' is a particularly renowned and sought-after program as it helps guests uncover emotional truths and deeper meaning with themselves in unexpected ways. One of the earliest programs like this, 'it really set the tone for Miraval's philosophy: that personal growth can happen in extraordinary and imaginative ways,' says Stebbings.
Set against the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, the resort provides a striking contrast between stillness and vitality. Chilly mornings invite scenic hikes, while sun-drenched afternoons are perfect for recharging by the pool. There's also a spa on-site to pamper yourself with massages, facials, and signature blowouts. And unlike some wellness resorts around the world which restrict caloric intake, caffeine and alcohol consumption, this isn't the case at Miraval. Enjoy Southwestern flavors (among other cuisines), their signature beef burger, and tasty cocktails during your stay.
Miraval Arizona
To commemorate its 30th anniversary there will be some special events to celebrate the big birthday. Highlights include an Authentic Circle Celebration, a special event recognizing longtime guests who have been part of Miraval's journey for decades. There will also new offerings like the Ultimate Wellbeing Package providing an immersive experience, blending mindfulness, movement, culinary arts, and spa therapies. Also, expect enhanced Signature Immersions like equine therapy and intuitive guidance alongside thought-leadership collaborations with NAMI and Elise Banks, will reinforce Miraval's commitment to mental health and resilience. Their anniversary isn't just a moment of reflection, it's the start for the next era of transformative wellness at Miraval.
In 2007, an Oprah Winfrey endorsement brought Miraval to the world stage showcasing a place where people could grow, reconnect, and heal. Since then, interest in both the brand and the broader wellness movement has surged. Today, Miraval operates two additional U.S. locations, in Austin and the Berkshires, and is set to open its first international resort in Saudi Arabia later this year. With its 30th anniversary, there's no better time to dive into the Miraval experience for the first time or to return to a place that continues to evolve, while remaining deeply rooted in its mission of mindful, meaningful living.