We have been in the Southwest – Tucson, Arizona – for the Great Harvest Convention all weekend. I have more to share about that later, but first I must share the wonderful mother’s morning out I had on Saturday, our first day here.
Flying across the country with Mazen went OK – a few cries and yells on the first flight but overall he tolerated the traveling pretty well. Our travel plans began at 5pm and ended at 1am EST so by the time we were all asleep Mazen was nearly ready to wake up again. I was awake for the day at 4am on Saturday morning and packing a bag to take to Canyon Ranch by 8. Visit to a world-renowned spa > sleep!
My friend and blogger colleague Gina works as a fitness instructor at the spa, and upon finding out that I’d be in Tucson for the weekend, Canyon Ranch invited me to attend one of her classes and enjoy a spa day after!
MY OTHER RECIPES
Canyon Ranch holds a special place in our family’s inside joke vault. My mom actually visited when my sister and I were in middle school and came back just raving about the experience. She promised us when we were in high school she would take us back for a girls’ weekend. Well, that day has yet to come! We are always asking her: “Hey mom, when are we going to Canyon Ranch.” I’m sorry she couldn’t join me on this visit, but I’m thrilled to have gotten to finally see what she had found so lovely about her stay.
Gina picked me up at our hotel and we headed to Canyon Ranch bright and early. The grounds were stunning and well landscaped with interesting sculptures, flowers and plants.
I especially loved the statues : )
Canyon Ranch is much more than a pampering spa – they offer everything from nutrition counseling to health assessments of all kinds to overnight sleep studies.
But for my short visit, my time was focused in the spa and fitness building.
I knew I was in for a treat when I arrived at the 9am fitness room to find a full set of drums set up.
Our class was called World Beat and it was the most fun I’ve had in group fitness…ever!! Gina and Sasha co-taught a dance class inspired by the dancing in Africa, India and more. It takes a lot for me to sweat and get out of breath and I was both by the time the warm up was over!
I laughed when everyone in the class looked a little sleepy and Sasha said “are you guys AWAKE yet!?” My 4.5 hours had me dragging a little, but there is nothing like the rhythm of live drumming to wake oneself up!!
African dancing is one of my favorite styles because it’s just so cool. I love how loose and flowy it can be, and the choreography was easy to follow. I haven’t had this much fun dancing since I was literally dancing IN Africa itself! I so wish I could start every Saturday morning with this much energy.
One of my favorite parts of the Canyon Ranch experience was all the delicious ways to hydrate. I was given a water bottle upon arrival and kept it full of herbal teas, lemon-infused water and homemade sports drink all morning. Note to self: if you want to drink 8+ glasses a day, infuse in some flavor!
After World Beat I was feeling beat myself and opted to take a 2 mile hike into the desert for my second hour rather than another intense class. Gina pointed me to a marked trail and I headed out for some fresh air and reflection.
I started to sweat when I stumbled across this sign…
But I ran into another hiker who seemed to know the area and said it was very unlikely that any mountain lions were around. Whew.
I was careful to watch out for those man-eatin’ jack rabbits….and that killer cacti…..Heeeeey Duuuude.
By the time my 2 miles were complete, I was regretting not wearing a hat and more sunscreen!
The desert is my sauna.
Back indoors I cooled off in a shower and snuggled into a fluffy robe and slippers before I headed in for a head, neck and shoulders massage. My mom had encouraged me to try some crazy mud dip or herbal wrap, but what I really needed 7 months after having a baby was a deep shoulder massage. Carrying around my little 20 pounder has left me a ball of knots. The lavender-scented massage was wonderful and my back loosened with lots of chest opening.
Perhaps my favorite part of my spa experience was the women’s locker room. The showers were stocked with Lather products of all kinds, and there was no shortage of fluffy towels or hot water.
They even had razors and shave gel to use!
I took a looooooooooooooong hot shower, lathered up in fun lotions and got dressed for lunch.
Gina had just finished an abs class and joined me
Having had breakfast many hours prior, I couldn’t wait!
The food at Canyon Ranch is super healthy with minimal butter, oil and salt (if any at all). It is truly like eating out of a home kitchen run by the utmost health-minded chefs.
I packed a salad plate with vegetables, hazelnuts and crackers
Gina recommended the flatbread pizza, which we shared. It was topped with tomato sauce, chicken sausage and mozzarella on a cracker-like crust
I chose the fish tostadas for my entrée – corn tortillas with blackened fish and cabbage.
And to close, we tried the Berry Brown Butter tart (although we weren’t sure how much butter was really involved 
) and homemade vanilla ice cream!
I had such a wonderful visit to Canyon Ranch. Now that Mazen is here and my time alone is limited, I especially appreciated the few hours to recharge. (Matt, Karen and Maze went hiking and ate avocados while I was out!) I felt so rejuvenated in just a half day visit – I can’t imagine how amazing one would feel after a week of putting the mind and body in top focus, eating spa food and finding peace in the desert. Thanks so much for the experience Canyon Ranch!
This looks beautiful! What a fun day filled with luxurious surroundings 😀
That sounds like a little slice of Mommy heaven!
Such a beautiful, relaxing place! Looks like a perfect day. 🙂
I’m soo jealous, this place looks amazing! Now I know when Gina talks about work on her blog that she works in heaven! 🙂 I’m glad you got to take some time for yourself, I’m sure it felt great!
What a beautiful place! And a day of pampering? Sounds PERFECT to me!
I LOVE the reflection rock. Literally. It says reflection. Too funny!
I’m so jealous it’s not even funny. What I would give to be able to take a shower that lasted longer than five minutes… and to shave my legs 🙂 Heaven.
OH. MY. GOODNESS!! That place looks absolutely amazing! You can now razz your mom with authority knowing what you’ve been missing all this time. HA! Oh and the mountain lion thing would wig me out because all I’d be able to think about is the “Ecotone” episode of Six Feet Under. (You just have to watch the first 2 minutes to know why. 😉 )
Wow that place looks amazing! I wouldn’t want to leave! Good call on the massage, it’s always my top option at a spa!
Ahhh that sounds so decadent! I’d love to get a small group of my close girlfriends together for a weekend at a luxurious day spa like Canyon Ranch!
Wow! That looks Amazing! I have been trying to think of a place that I could go on a retreat alone to recharge and that looks wonderful! I’m sure I will have to save awhile but this has encouraged me to start researching :). Beautiful pictures!
You look incredible, Kath!
That looks like a perfect day of pampering! I’ve never been to a spa but I have done my own spa days at home. Although, I suppose it’s a little bit less relaxing when you have to massage your own feet. Haha!
That looks so fun. I would lve to go there. What a great place and great food! Jealous 🙂
Looks beautiful and incredibly relaxing! You deserve it!
I went hiking alone in CO Springs a few weeks ago and saw several similar mountain lion signs, it totally freaked me out!
How did you go that long without having to pump or breastfeed Mazen???? I would’ve been in a lot of pain. Are you supplementing with formula now? (It’s totally okay if you are!) I am a single working mother to an almost 10 month old. So, I know how it feels to need to rejuvenate after working so hard! Your spa day sounded AMAZING. You’re a very lucky girl! 🙂
I was gone for 5 hours, and we gave him one bottle of pumped milk we brought from home on ice halfway through (I fed him right before I left) . I took my hand pump with me but didn’t need it. But when I got back I was ready to go!
I was wondering the same thing, until I read the part about him being 7 months old. I could safely not pump at work every four hours on the dot when she was around 6 months old. I was a serious overproducer though, so even at 7 months, five hours would’ve been my max LOL
Two of my favorite bloggers together. 🙂 Sounds like a fabulous trip – I’ve always enjoyed Gina’s recaps of where she works.
Mountain lions? Eeek! That would scare me a little bit. I’d probably do all my solo walking with a baseball bat or something, you know, just in case.
Wow, what an amazing place! I write about Arizona all the time for my job and have always wanted to actually go. Such an interesting landscape!
I feel relaxed and invigorated just reading about your spa day! It sounds so wonderful.
That looks like such a great day! I’m impressed you had the self control to leave after half a day- I think I’d try and stay forever.
Sounds like an absolutely amazing way to spend the morning!
I think it’s supposed to be Canyon ranch in the title, not “Canon” ranch – canon ranch sounds like a civil war re-enactment site =)
Ahhhhh!!! Thanks! : )
Okay I am sold. Canyon Ranch has aways been on our list
but we have never pulled the trigger.
I’m just bummed there is no video of you dancing
in that african dance class however…… 🙂
Thanks for the post!
What a wonderful time. I have a massage gift card burning a hole in my pocket. It’s hard to find time to use it though! I’ve got to find a babysitter first haha! You really do learn to enjoy the little quiet moments that’s for sure.
I’m from Phoenix and have yet to make it to Canyon Ranch, but I think you may have just sold me on taking the trip down there. Looks like you had a beautiful stay! Hope you enjoyed the desert 😉
I have always wanted to visit here. I have only heard marvelous things. Your pictures make me want to make this happen now. Glad you could check it out.
I’ve been wanting to go to Canyon Ranch since I was little, since I am a spa-freak. I used to intern/work at a spa and I’m obsessed. I am so glad you had a chance to go and do a workout class/hike and have a massage. I bet you needed it! Thanks for sharing your trip 🙂 Just more proof I need to try it for myself!
My mom, sister and I take a spa trip to a spa in Austin once a year, and it is soooooo fabulous! If I ever win the lottery, I’m going to live at a spa, ha! Looks like a great time!
Looks like you had a wonderful time of much needed relaxing! That’s so fun that you got to spend time with Gina. I love her blog too!
Lovely! I was in AZ this past week too – but in Flagstaff and Phoenix. Next time I wanna stop by here!
OMG that looks AMAZING. At least it’s hot and sunny here today, otherwise I’d probably die of jealousy. When do you get back? I saw that CaitlinHTP is staying at your house – funny!
Headed home! Can’t wait for warmth! And yes, I hate that I missed Caitlin
That really does sound like Paradise. You’ll have to go back with your mom and sister definitely now!
Are you guys gonna be back to cville in time to enjoy Tom Tom fest?
Yup. Be there soon!
Now I want to go! That place looks amazing–from the food, landscape (natural and man-made), and the fitness/nutrition focus! I need a pampered vacation.
BTW, I saw you have a house guest while you are away. Hope she doesn’t make a mess 🙂
Next trip, definitely! It was great to have dinner with you last night 🙂 Thanks for the blogging talk!
Sounds like my perfect day! 🙂 Glad you were able to enjoy the warm Arizona weather. It’s beautiful there this time of year!
What a fun day! I am definitely inspired to take my own trip to Canyon Ranch sometime in the future. Are there any African Dance classes in Charlottesville?! We should explore… 😉
Indeed!
I have heard a lot about the Canyon Ranch from my friend in AZ. She has been in the place several times for a spa treat. She always say that the place is amazingly wonderful. After seeing your photos, I would say it is heaven in the middle of the desert!
I need to go there ASAP. It looks lovely! Reminds me of the famous mirasol resort!
Ooops meant miraval!
Oh, wow! what an amazing morning that must have been! I read Gina’s blog and am always so jealous of her job and the fact that she gets to be at that gorgeous location every day! I need a morning/day/week like that for sure!
Wow, Canyon ranch is absolutely breathtaking! The scenery outside, food, and locker room amenities all sound wonderful!
Doesn’t Dr. Andrew Weil work there? I need to plan a spa vacation. Glad you posted this incredible blog.
When I am out in Las Vegas the #1 thing I do is visit the Canyon Ranch spa and fitness center at the Palazzo/Venetian. It seems pretty similar to the one you visited in Arizona. Thanks for posting – I have always been curious about visiting that one!
That looks amazing! And you have a lot of energy back for having a 7 month old!
Did Canyon Ranch sponsor your visit and the post? If not, were the treatments crazy expensive? Do you get a pass to do classes with a treatment. There is a spa in my town where if you get a treatment you can use all the dunking pools (of various temps) and hang out there for awhile. Its great!
Yes, I was their guest. Sorry if that wasn’t clear. All kinds of pricing and things are available on their website. I’m pretty sure as an overnight guest some treatments are included in your stay
Thanks! I think I missed where you mentioned it (I get so used to seeing the disclosure at the end of sponsored blog posts that I tend to look there. Bad habit.)
Glad you liked it and got to go! Seems like a great time of year to be in AZ!
It wasn’t a sponsored post (I wasn’t compensated in any way) but I was invited by Canyon Ranch as a guest
Thanks! Clearly I am not a blogger so its all new to me.
Always happy to clarify 🙂
So I’m confused…were you a paying guest? Or did Canyon Ranch comp your visit? Looks amazeballs!
No, they invited me to enjoy the day on them
Looks beautiful! The desert is such a stark contrast from lush NC and every time I go to Tucson I soak it in.
I’m sure you didn’t know but water conservation is actually a huge initiative in Tucson, so for most residents ‘looooooooooong showers’ are a no no!! I always have to be extra mindful when visiting because water is a serious commodity in the desert (and many, many other places around the world).
Oops! Didn’t realize
I know! (Although I do think the spa should inform guests) I’m guilty of taking advantage of the shower as baby-free time. My grandma (in Tucson) takes conservation very seriously and even reuses gray water for watering plants, etc. It’s a good reminder every now and then that water is precious!!
Now that you mention it, when I was a kid, my mom used to tell me that she’d take me there with her when I was older. I should bring that up again!
I would love to go to Canyon ranch one day and your photos reinforce just that. Look at the beautiful place, great food, and the fun I can get being there. I’m planning to go there sometime this year.
Hope to meet lots of friend there.
I adore canyon ranch! I live about 1.5 hours north in Scottsdale and make a point to drive down at least once a year.
This place looks A-mazing! I’m trying to decide where to go on vacation this year, and your photos and description has definitely helped placed Canyon Ranch on my shortlist! Now to convince the husband! 🙂
Kath what an awesome trip and time there! We lived in Phoenix for 9 mos and this brings back memories of that time. Although I never made it down to Canyon Ranch I would have loved to. Truly five star…wow!
You and Gina both look wonderful and so glad you two were able to connect!
I hope to visit Canyon Ranch one day! How relaxing!
Are you planning on doing a weight loss update at some point? I’m curious to know how your intuitive eating approach is going versus counting. You look fabulous!
Thanks – I don’t feel so fabulous after this vacation : ) Yes, I’ll do an update soon. I also haven’t lost much. On the scale at least.
Wow! I could feel the nice warm, dry weather radiating from your pictures! This sounds a lot better than my day stuck at my desk in cold, rainy Michigan. Glad you had a great time! Thanks for sharing 🙂
That sounds like a fun day! It looks very warm at Canyon Ranch. All those drinks look so tasty and fresh. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!
I am putting Canyon Ranch on my wish list. It sounds perfect!
Wow! This place looks fantastic. My wife and I have been dealing with a ton of personal and professional stress lately and this place looks like just what we need. I am hopeful that my job will bring me on fulltime soon, which might make this type of trip more of a possibility financially-speaking. I love the fact that it’s all-inclusive too–we have gone on cruises and to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico before and being able to order whatever we want without worrying about cost is a real treat.
So glad you got to go!!
Sounds like theee most amazing day!!
I am so incredibly jealous!! I have 1 more day in clinical rotations & I think I have earned a spa day! Arizona has a special place in my heart after going for the 1st time last year. Have fun! Food looks delicious.
I love Arizona! A beautiful place? So your mother-in-law came with you? To help with the baby?
Yeah, and she’s part of our business too
Is Karen a bit more comfortable babysitting Mazen now that he is older?
He’s way more chill when it comes to feeding now, yes
I can see why your mom raved about the place so much – it looks amazing there! I would have totally freaked out about the mountain lion sign too though!
Looks fabulous! I’ve not been to the southwest, but I’d like to experience that dry heat right about now 🙂
Kath, next march I will be traveling to Phoenix with a 9 month old. Could you write up a post on what you brought with you and your experience traveling with a baby? As I’m not a mom yet, I don’t know what I expect, but your posts about baby products and tips are so helpful!
In the works!
Hi Kath,
Just wanted to remind you of Nanny in the Clouds for your next trip with Mazen. This time you had a few extra sets of hands, but feel free to reach out if you need an extra set of hands on your next flight. This visit looks amazing. I hope you enjoyed every moment!
Julie
This looks wonderful! So sunny and such a lovely garden…It’s always so refreshing to find restaurants that offer food choices that are similar to what you would make in your own kitchen 🙂
Wow gorgeous pictures! I don’t think, there’s a place that nice anywhere here in Germany…
So happy that you had a great trip!
I would love to go here with my family for our next trip. The place is a great place to relax and there are plenty of amenities to try. My family would surely love the food. Everything seems to be really delicious.
It is so nice that it is a family run business. It makes all those little boring trips so much easier to cope with. The ranch looked beautiful and the food looked to die for. I must visit some time this year.
I absolutely agree Canyon Ranch is one of those hidden gems that very few people know about. It is a bit pricey but the quality of service, grounds and facilities explains the price. I have gone to the one in Lenox, MA and definitely after reading your post want to go to the original one in Arizona. I know that there is a location in Miami but I doubt that would be a relaxing vacation. Hope you had an amazing time!
What a wonderful trip that must have been…beautiful surroundings, food and blissful atmosphere! 🙂
Wow, I have to go there!
I’m so jealous! I’ve always wanted to go 🙂
What a wonderful trip!! I think I need to make a trip in the future, and tanks in April? Amazing!
LOVE your Hey Dude reference!!!!
One of my all time favorites!
Agreed!!
Does invited to be a guest mean all your expenses are covered? Sorry, don’t understand!
Yes
What an amazing day!
Your pictures bring back happy memories… and make me really hungry!
Wow, what awesome pics, this place looks absolutely stunning.
This place looks like a far away land… somewhere you can get lost (mentally)..