As I mentioned in a prior blog – several years ago, my mom and I started to take yearly trips to Arizona – visiting spas, hiking and checking out different areas. We stayed at Sanctuary, got massaged at Miraval, explored Enchantment (and Mii Amo) and caught rays at Canyon Ranch. All great and we went back multiple times to each but were ready for a change. We thought the entire roster of all-inclusive spots in the state had been exhausted. However, after some diligent internet searches, we discovered a new-to-us locale that opened in 2018.
Civana (in the aptly named town of Carefree) was the brain child of executives that had previously worked at Miraval and Canyon Ranch. Before renovations, the property had housed the 1960’s Carefree Inn (a popular retreat for stars including Dick Van Dyke, Lucille Ball and Bob Hope). The footprint was on about 20 acres.
Having been to bigger, longer-established resorts, we weren’t sure what to expect although the TripAdvisor reviews were enticing. Plus, although I didn’t learn this until post-stay, Civana placed #3 in the 2024 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Destination Spas.
While a guest could pay for the room, meals and other amenities separately, we opted for the comprehensive package which included endless food, a treatment each day and several class options (think yoga, barre, Pilates…).
Our accommodations were traditional hotel room-esque, whereas prior places tended to lean towards private casitas. But, the view was pretty and it was a pleasant surprise not to hear any other guests’ noises the entire stay.
There was a large gym with up-to-date machines which came in handy because Mother Nature had apparently become bored with the southwest’s brief period of temperate weather (after already going through 113 consecutive days above 100) and we were back up in the triple digits…in late September. Thus, outdoor exercising was not enticing.
A café called Seed featured healthy bowls, salads and all-we-could drink smoothies – my favorite was the Golden Lassi, a blend of mango, pineapple, oat milk, coconut yogurt, maple, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. The flavor combo seemed “interesting” at first but quickly became crave-able.
The meals in the restaurant were delicious. A few misses on the lunch menu aside, the breakfast and (especially) dinner were outstanding.
From avocado or smoked salmon (with whipped almond spread) toast to bowls of fresh berries, our days started off right.
In the evenings, we dined on delightfully tender octopus, grilled Caesar salad, grass-fed filet, sesame crusted ahi and spring peas (my favorite veg).
While some items tried too hard to be nutritious (I’m looking at you, tasteless muffins), there was a lot done well. And, while the baked “goods” weren’t delectable (you too, cinnamon roll), other desserts were fantastic such as the chocolate dish that featured gelato and mousse, carrot cake and our front runner – the Mixed Berry Crisp with vanilla bean (vegan though you probably wouldn’t know it) gelato. Was it healthy? Ample blueberries, raspberries and blackberries all brimming with antioxidants… it seemed like a win!
When it was time to pamper, we selected various types of massages as well as facials. My Swedish treatment masseur clearly paid attention to the areas I cited needing focus. The knots melted away, leaving a revived, relaxed and happy customer. Later, another guest was raving about her massage, and of course, it turned out to be with the same person. I won’t name him here – go find your own gem!
For the classes, the Ecstatic Dance was entertaining at first (picture a dark room, unknown music and a bunch of strangers moving to the beat of their own drum) but 20 minutes versus 50 would have been better. The Myofascial Release definitely targeted tightness (no pain, no gain?) and the Meditation class was run by a master presenter who provided strong guidance to those of us new to it. Her suggested chant was “So Hum”, but my brain kept changing it to “So Yum”… a one-track mind where the track is apparently dessert-focused…
Throw in some great sunsets, bonding time with mom and another helping of the warm Berry delight and it was quite a special experience!