Virtuoso Insights - February/March 2009 - (Page 54) Clockwise from left: immersed in the Miraval lifestyle; magical metamorphosis: an Arizona Hairstreak perches on desert blooms; and saguaro cacti stretch across Catalina State Park. MY JOURNEY HERE began yesterday when I arrived at the Tucson airport, where I was met by my driver, H.D., for the complimentary transfer to the resort. I used the leisurely drive to relax and prepare myself for what lie ahead. Arriving well before check-in time, I left my bag in the doorman’s capable hands and jumped right into the Miraval lifestyle. After reviewing the activity schedule, I decided to take part in a Pilates mat class that, quite literally, worked me to the core. After a light lunch of vegetarian chili on the Cactus Flower restaurant’s terrace, I found my way to my casita-style guestroom, done in Southwestern décor with a subtle blend of dark woods and natural hues. A shuttered wall that divided the sleeping area from a deep soaking tub, as well as French doors that opened onto a small patio, added to the sense of spaciousness. While the sumptuous featherbed offered a tempting retreat, it was now time for my first treatment, the Sacred Stone Journey. The Spa at Miraval is world renowned, winning top awards and accolades from the likes of Oprah Winfrey, who led a group of 50 viewers here as part of her recent “Live Your Best Life” contest. Heading to the main building, I lost my way (which I confess, I did a few times during my stay, caught up in the splendor of this tranquil place), although I found all paths well marked, brilliantly landscaped, and eventually leading to the spa, which appropriately sits at the resort’s epicenter. My therapist, Tama, escorted me to one of the open-air rooms in the outdoor treatment garden. The sound of rustling palms through the natural canvas added to the meditative nature of this healing ceremony, which is based on Native American rituals. As I lay on the blanketed table, Tama burned sage and sweetgrass to create a sacred space, then placed a series of hot and cold stones both beneath and on top of my body, as well as in my hands. The warm black basalt stones are believed to ground one, while the cool marble is said to clear toxins; for me, the treatment freed certain pent-up emotions, leaving a sense of inner peace and elation. It also left me with a sense of ravenous hunger, and my 7:00 p.m. dinner reservation seemed an eternity away. Returning to my guestroom I discovered, as if by telepathy, a staff member had delivered a lovely platter of fresh fruits, cheeses, and crackers, compliments of my Virtuoso travel advisor. After a relaxing, aromatic bath, I slipped over to the serene Agave Center for the evening guided meditation, during which we were instructed to focus on balancing our chakras. I found my thoughts trailing off to that pan-roasted escolar with citrus couscous awaiting me at the restaurant — although somehow I doubt this is what Miraval means by “mindful eating.” More Southwestern Sanctuaries on page 56 P 54 Virtuoso insights
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