Miraval: Articles

Feb

23

The Miraval Equine Experience™

Self / Spa  Written by / 0 comments

“It’s not about the horse. It’s about overcoming fear and self doubt.” Wyatt Webb’s words and the name of his book.

As mentioned in Miraval…Clue-In to You, by far my favorite offering at Miraval is The Equine Experience created by Wyatt Webb, Miraval’s Director of Equine Programs. You can take it as a Clue-In offering during any stay or an intensive immersion is offered with Wyatt several times each year. This is a truly moving experience…a form of therapy that “blends horse sense with common sense”!

As Wyatt says, “How you relate to this animal will tell us how you relate to all living things. Your basic training has come from learning how to treat people. Remember one thing: It’s not about the horse…What we’re here to look at is what you’ve learned over the course of a lifetime that either works for or against you in your relationships.”

Horses need communication. And this comes from you being fully present  with your intentions, not from words. This was amazing to me, not having spent much time with horses! These 1,500 pound creatures need you to be strong and direct, to take your emotion out of it (hard when you’re standing next to one of these big beautiful creatures). With your energy and behavior, you guide them to what you want them to do.

During the class we worked with specially selected horses and great facilitators. You start off performing basic equestrian skills like cleaning the horse’s hooves. Sounds easy, right?! Its not! Through the process you’ll see your personal patterns come to light. For me, it was about forcing and pulling the horse’s leg into doing what I wanted, which didn’t work. I had to take a step back, get really focused on my intention then go back to the horse with calm and directness. I had to take the fear and emotion out of it. When I went to him breathing steady with intention, it worked.

The other cool thing you do is get in the pin with the horse and use your energy to move the horse around the pin…fr0m walk to trot to run and change directions (you use a guide as an your extension but you only drag it in the dirt near you, no touching the horse!). It really is quite amazing!

For me it was a very enlightening and powerful experience! You tap into your inner self, face some things you may have been supressing and practice living in the present moment. It sums up my Miraval experience overall. I can’t wait to go back!

* Sources: Its Not About the Horse, Its About Overcoming Fear and Self-doubt by Wyatt Webb with Cindy Pearlman, Miraval website

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Feb

12

Miraval…Clue-In to You

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Miraval is the perfect combination of sun, spa and self!  Self, and their Clue-In line up, are what make this one of my favorite spas in the world! They bring the mantra “You won’t find you anywhere else” to life.

Over 100 classes are on their list with 25+ offered each day. Chose from from new and different exercise classes like Cardio Drumming and Rock-N-Roll Tennis; yoga and pilates offerings include Chi Gong, Meditation or Balance Yogilates; or try classes on cooking, nature, photography, drumming, stress relief or their zipline (my girlfriend loves it!).

Some of my favorites classes…

  • Mindfulness at Miraval: An introduction to the concept of Mindfulness; cultivate the present moment in every aspect of your life. This is the philosophy Miraval weaves into everything including other classes on the concept like Mindful Stress Mastery and Mindful Eating.
  • Instructional Trail Ride: I’ve never been an equestrian but always loved horses. At Miraval’s Purple Sage Ranch, you get your chance to interact with the horses in some amazing ways. The Instructional Trail Ride was fun! Your guide instructs you on prepping your horse for riding from groom to saddle, then I hopped up on my quarter-horse mutt Reno for a ride.
  • Lunch with the Nutritionist: Your chance to enjoy a meal with one of Miraval’s nutritionists and ask all your burning questions. We practiced mindful eating (put your fork down between each bite and eating for 5 minutes in silence), got tips on snacking (try a self made trail mix of nuts and dried fruits), talked calories, food myths and more.

You can also book Private Sessions like Astrology, 8 Weeks to Optimum Health (based on Dr. Andrew Weil’s books and programs, he’s also a special guest several times during the year) or Native American Meditation & Healing. My Private Sessions last visit were incredible…

  • Holographic Memory Resolution with Brent: By healing the memories that induce emotional and physical blockages, it is possible to resolve disease, depression, compulsivity, pain and anxiety at their source. This gifted therapist and teacher created Holographic Memory resolution® (HMr®) to teach trauma survivors tools to access their memory and resolve emotions often associated with traumatic events. Very cathartic!
  • Transformations: This intuitive psychic reading with Dana Patterson was fantastic!  You are gently guided into the experience of your inner self. It was fun, revealing and energizing! (I don’t believe this is currently offered.)

By far my favorite offering at Miraval is The Equine Experience, created by and often led by Wyatt Webb.

Classes are included in your all inclusive package and apply your $130 per day spa credit toward Private Sessions. You can literally spend all day in classes, sessions and spa services…leave time for relaxation and reflection by the pool or at the labyrinth and for the fabulous meals!

Take a look their Guide to see how your blissful days can come together at Miraval!

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Feb

11

Miraval…Chill Out in the Spa

Spa  Written by / 0 comments

Miraval is the perfect combination of sun, spa and self! Their Chill Out Spa Services line up features one-of-a-kind specialty treatments I’ve never seen anywhere else. That’s the fun of an award winning destination spa…a safe trusted spot to try new things.

On my two visits, I had my first acupuncture session, first Reiki session and first ayurveda treatment.

  • Acupuncture: The acupuncturist gently inserts fine needles into the meridian points of your body, stimulating your natural healing abilities. I was hooked after this session and I promise you the needles don’t hurt at all!
  • Reiki: This Japanese stress reduction practice uses gentle pressure and energy flow to alleviate tension, reduce pain and free emotional blocks. A really cool treatment… amazing what energy work can do!
  • Abhyanga: I was a greasy noodle at the end of this ayurveda treatment. :) This ancient healing massage uses herb-infused oils that are gently warmed and lightly massaged into the skin using soothing friction strokes.

You can chose from over 90 spa treatments. Try Reflexology, Thai Massage, Aqua Zen or how about…

  • Taiz Sensorium Experience: This new exclusive treatment fuses the traditional benefits of gentle human touch and aromatic essential oils with new vibrational medicine and music therapy to create the ultimate in dream-like sensations.
  • Qi Journey: A fusion of Ancient Thai Massage, Acupuncture and Cranio Sacral Therapy balances the mind, body and spirit.
  • Samadi Healing Ceremony: This Miraval exclusive is a blend of relaxation-inducing methods designed by Dr. Tim Frank, a licensed naturopathic, that brings peace to your body and mind using Native American Shamantic drumming with acupuncture, Reiki and reflexology.

As part of your all inclusive package, you receive $130 spa credit per day you can apply towards your Chill Out services. That’s at least one spa treatment a day. Pure bliss!!  The rest of your day, Clue-In!

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Feb

10

Miraval…Perfect Combination of Sun, Spa & Self!

Spa  Written by / 0 comments

If you’re like me, its the time of year where you’re yearning for a sunny relaxing destination! The perfect spot for both… Miraval.

This glorious destination spa oasis sits on 400 acres in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. In 2010 alone, they won over 17 awards including Best Destination Spa by Travel & Leisure and American Spa magazines.

Why Miraval?

It starts with their mantra…”You won’t find you anywhere else.” Everything Miraval offers is there to provide YOU with the experience YOU need. Their spa services help you “Chill Out” while their classes and private sessions help you “Clue In.” You put it all together in any combination to create YOUR experience.

Mindfulness is their philosophy…Be here now, Be present. “Miraval provides the space – physically and spiritually – to reconnect with oneself on the path to a life in balance.” I’ve been lucky enough to experience Miraval twice. Each visit helped me make a major life decision…the clarity and inspiration four days here can bring you is amazing!

Miraval’s setting is stunning … the majestic mountain range framed by blue sky creates beautiful panoramic views, the walking trails dotted with cactus and bunnies hoping along, streams and waterfalls flow around the grounds. The cuisine is delicious…light, fresh, local, colorful, satisfying. Each meal at Cactus Flower Restaurant is not to be missed…combinations you wouldn’t think of that are even low in calories and fat. Accommodations are warm and comfortable…you start and end every day with the peaceful quiet of your surroundings (and don’t miss the Catcus Cream bath products!). The health and beauty facilities are state of the art, offering classes and services you won’t find anywhere else. The learning and personal growth activities open you up like you’ve never been before.

Miraval has all inclusive pricing, and while definitely a splurge (starting $500/nigh), it includes transportation from Tucson Airport, accommodations, all meals/snacks/non-alcoholic beverages (they service alcohol… many destination spas don’t), access to all resort amenities, $130 resort credit per person per night for spa services and private consultations. Miraval was founded in 1996. In 2006, Steve Case, co-founder of AOL, became the majority owner after his own memorable experience at the resort.

This overview has barely scratched the surface of what Miraval has to offer. Check out my next two posts and imagine your days filled with Chill-Out Spa Services and Clue-In Activities.

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Dec

08

Grape Occasions Gift Ideas: Spa

Spa  Written by / 3 comments

In the spirit of holiday giving and of Grape Occasions theme, this week we’re sharing great gift ideas for wine, spa, travel and you.  Today is SPA… always the perfect gift that fits any size!

Miraval

“You won’t find you anywhere else” … its so true! This continues to rank as one of my favorite spas in the world and I’ve been lucky enough to visit them twice in the Santa Catalina Mountains in northern Tucson, on their 400 acres of idyllic land. This a real splurge gift but worth the money. The visits helped me make two major life decisions…the clarity and inspiration 4 days here can bring you is amazing!

Their website sums it up … “Miraval is a place dedicated to opening eyes, minds, and hearts. Our focus is on healthy and sustainable living. The Miraval experience is:Fresh locally sourced ingredients to make gorgeously flavorful food; Growth and development activities that make the heart-pump and the head re-think; Fabulous spa resources that make the senses ignite and; An unrivaled team of wellbeing Specialists to help you make positive and lasting change in your life.”

Mindfulness is their philosophy… Be Here Now, Be Present.  And its brought to life in their fabulous meals, the incredible classes offered daily (includes photography, exercise, meditation, yoga and the amazing Equine Experience with Wyatt Web) and the spa experiences / 1on1 sessions you can have with Specialists (life coaches, fitness experts, energy specialists).

Miraval has all inclusive pricing (around $500 / night) which includes a $130 resort credit per person, per night to apply toward spa services, private consultations, or a round of golf.

Spa Finder

The Global Spa Resource’s mission is to empower people to find their perfect well-being experiences. Its a great website to find spas all over the world with over 5,000 in their network. The site offers SpaFinder Gift Certificates which are a great gift! They feature local spas, amazing nationally recognized and awarded spas like Miraval and Canyon Ranch, and even international experiences like two great ones in Italy I’ve been to, Grotta Giusti and Terme di Saturnia. I’ve received and given many of their gift cards… get it on line or also in local stores that carry that giant gift card assortment.

My Vinothérapie Spa Escape by Caudalie

If you can’t visit one of Caudalie’s Vinotherapie® Spas (my dream spa & wine combination), bring Caudalie home. This set brings the exclusive treatments of the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spas together in a canvas zipper travel pouch featuring six deluxe Vinothérapie® products..Cabarnet Scrub, Vinopure Purifying Mask, Nourishing Body Lotion, Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel and Hand and Nail Cream.

Spa Magazine

Enjoy a little spa at home every month with the delivery of Spa Magazine.  Focused on travel, beauty and living, this is a great gift that keeps giving throughout the year!

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