When CIVANA opened in 2018, it seemed like a match made in heaven for a wellness resort and spa to be based in the town of Carefree. Located just north of Phoenix in a prestigious part of the Sonoran Desert, it features impressive desert beauty, upscale residential neighborhoods, a vibrant arts scene, and numerous outdoor activities.
Hotel
The resort offers an accessible wellness experience based on four pillars: Movement, Spa, Nutrition and Discovery. Originally built as a conference resort in the 1960s, the property was redesigned to its current form in 2017, adding a modern fitness room, spa complex, and outdoor pool.
This resort is all about promoting health and well-being. All classes are optional, and you’re welcome to relax in one of our three outdoor pools or enjoy the Arizona sun. Although the hotel is located in the desert, you will be surprised by the amount of vegetation on the property. The resort features on-site native plant walks, providing a meditative experience with views of lush greenery. In particular, keep an eye out for the “grandfather” saguaro cactus, which is rumored to be over 300 years old.
room
The hotel’s entry-level rooms, such as the Double Queen Room, are a good size starting at 395 square feet and come with a private walkout patio or balcony, while the suites are considerably larger at 1,200 square feet. All rooms have access to a rich daily wellness experience and may offer breathtaking views of the Continental Mountains or lively pool area.
Sustainability is an important consideration for the resort. You will be given a reusable water bottle upon arrival and can use the FloWater alkaline water hydration station on site. Plush bathrobes, 100% cotton bamboo-blend linens, and highly rated Grown Alchemist toiletries are provided. They also provided a rock balancing kit to help with mindfulness and patience.
Eating and drinking
If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, try Terras. Meanwhile, Seed Café + Market offers a grab-and-go casual dining experience. All restaurants are seasonal, using locally sourced ingredients, and serve healthy and delicious dishes. For example, Terras’ soup of the day includes turkey and chili soup. They try to incorporate protein but use lean meat. Roasted salmon is often surprisingly bland, but this is not the case with the blood orange miso-glazed version.
At Seed Cafe, you’ll find refreshing menu items like shrimp ceviche with pico de gallo and corn tortilla chips. Smoothies include the entire spectrum of the rainbow, from green goddesses to golden lassi. Although it’s not open in the evening, it’s a great place to get your late afternoon caffeine fix with something like a vanilla matcha latte.
spa and wellness
The crowning jewel is undoubtedly the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities, which are the main reason guests book a stay at CIVANA. Due to the popularity of this class, we recommend that you register in advance of your arrival. There is a wide range of activity levels, creating an ideal environment where no one is judged on their performance. Popular classes include myofascial release. This involves using a variety of balls to apply sustained pressure to manipulate and stretch your muscles and fascia. The instructor jokingly said that in every class, there are a few people who sign up expecting a facial.
If you’d like to combine a class with exploring the Sonoran Desert, options include Desert Bathing: A Nature Immersion Experience. It’s a Sonoran Desert adaptation of the Japanese forest bathing ritual. Guided nature walks encourage you to touch and smell local plants and pay attention to the sights and sounds of the desert.
The award-winning on-site facilities are equally popular. It features 24 treatment rooms, a lap pool, an aqua therapy circuit and a salon. Spa treatments are very popular, especially the Revive to Thrive treatment. Starting with a dry glove exfoliation to promote detoxification and stimulate the lymphatic system, the Ayurvedic massage then begins with warm herbal oils to help further remove toxins. You’ll leave the treatment room feeling refreshed and energized.
things to do
We recommend a short, half-day trip near Cave Creek, a quaint western town that feels like you’re on the set of a Hollywood western. It’s a fascinating mix of cowboys, art galleries, outdoor activities, and even live bull riding.
fact box
CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa offers rooms starting at $400 per night.
Address: 37220 Mule Train Rd, Carefree, AZ 85377, United States
Phone: +1 480-653-9000
Email: (email protected)
Website: civanacarefree.com
Hotel image courtesy of CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa
