Miraval Arizona

This place is magical! My third trip here and the experience is always very worthwhile in terms of feeling well cared for and nourished. Everyone always tries to go a step above and beyond, especially at the front desk and in the activities. It really seems like a place where the stars align to create unexpected experiences that can’t otherwise be explained by the physical world - And I say that as someone who is very much science/logiv/evidence based and not religious, so for me to feel the spiritual energy side really is remarkable. I love seeing the stars out at night, the comfort of the dream beds, the high quality of the food, the variety of activities that move your body, mind, and soul! Already mentally planning my next trip!

This was my first visit to the Miraval Tucson resort. The second day I was there, I booked my trip for next year. I loved the entire experience. It started with booking my spa treatments and various activities and classes with the experience planner. Every time I connected with someone, they were real living examples of Miraval mindfulness. They directed me to a custom schedule that worked out beautifully. The pickup at the quiet and stress free Tucson airport by a kind gentleman who drove us about 1 hour to the resort went smoothly. On the shuttle ride, the 6 of us started chatting and instantly bonded. Check in went smoothly as well. I had the sunrise room and it was gorgeous. Had a private fire pit and outdoor shower. The view of the Santa Catalina mountains was stunning. I would have my morning tea and watch jackrabbits and coyotes roam by. The food at the restaurants is delicious and local organic fare. Portions are normal. The setting and service are great. Every meal was healing and delicious. The activities were all thoughtful and fun and taught by teachers, many of whom have been at Miraval for decades. The spa was a level beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. They have many signature treatments, but even the plain relaxing massage was healing in the Miraval way. I met many like minded guests who were amazing people in their own right. Everyone was so open to meeting others and sharing that it would be fine to come here alone and make many friends along the way. Many guests came solo. I was sad to leave but am very happy I have a chance to return, this time for a longer stay. 3 nights was too short.

I am so disheartened to be writing this review. I've been to Miraval Arizona 7x; am Hyatt Globalist; and am an Authentic Circle member. I've been visiting Miraval annually for some time; it's become a personal retreat, and over the years I've brought my family with me. My most recent visit was in November 2024, with my parents and sisters. It also coincided with my mom's birthday. We had an awful experience, which was unusual for Miraval. Awful as in: the only dinner reservation available for us was consistently at 8/9pm, instructors did not show up to certain courses, our entrees took 1.5 hours to come out each night, we asked for a bday dessert for my moms birthday which never came, I never got my Authentic Circle gift I was owed, our bills got messed up at check-out, there was VERY limited availability for spa treatments, etc etc. It was just consistently bad, and extremely crowded. I wanted to organize a private challenge course for my family and I. I emailed them before our arrival; they said they'd research some options and get back to me. Nada. I followed up, nothing. Figured I'd get it handled while onsite. Onsite, I spend 20 minutes speaking to an Experience Planner who has all these ideas and promises to let me know by 5pm that day which challenge courses we can sign up for. Great! I left her office excited. 5pm came and went, she never got back to us. Other guests had a similarly bad experience too. I know because during 2 separate yoga classes, the guests were openly talking about their similarly awful experiences. We all seemed to know that Miraval had overextended itself by welcoming the high # of guests that it did. I don't mind crowds, but it was clear Miraval wasn't staffed appropriately to accommodate the high volume of guests. The hostess at the restaurant was so unpleasant and visibly unhappy. I assume she was overwhelmed, which is not quite the calming vibe we pay $1k/night to experience. What really took me aback is how, despite my repeated attempts at communicating with Miraval about these issues, they have effectively ghosted me. They initially called me to apologize, asked for my home address so they can at least send me the authentic circle gift I was owed, and said they'd get back to me with a resolution. I would have been happy with a coupon to be used at the store for my next visit, or points, or whatever. Just SOMETHING. They ghosted. Didn't even send the authentic circle gift. I would normally move on, but I find the whole situation so bizarre, unprofessional, and unlike the Miraval I know. So I emailed them again. Nothing. I have probably sent 10 emails to Miraval, even to the special "VIP" email address as an Authentic Circle member, and it has been crickets. I'm heartbroken by this whole experience, because visiting Miraval annually has been such a treat. And while I understand things happen, the mark of a truly great resort is how they respond when things go wrong. And Miraval has responded so poorly, time and time again, and I'm just at a loss. I worry Miraval's best days are behind them. That, or, they just really do not want me coming back! While its hard not to take this personally, I assume Miraval is just overextending itself, and sadly that has had a terrible impact on its ability to offer a truly holistic and peaceful experience for its guests.

I so badly wanted to love this resort... And I didn't dislike it. The Miraval Arizona is a beautiful place to unwind and relax. The desert and Catalina Mountain backdrop is incredibly peaceful and serene. The reason I might not come back is simply because I was not overly impressed; and for the price, I wanted to be blown away. The food was good. Over the top? No, just good. The 2 hour morning hike with Nikki and Voss was excellent. Don't miss it! I had an amazing relaxation massage with Will. One of the best I have had. I was surprised and disappointed at the amount of activities that were an extra charge - from classes to the challenge course, many were not included. A couple people who stood out and should be recognized: Brynne and Marty were two of our first contacts at the resort. They were both outstanding. If Miraval could hire a couple dozen more of those two, they would be set. Also, Malachi and Nick in the restaurant were wonderful. They both had great personalities and made our dinners extra fun. Some concluding remarks - If you are looking for a desert environment to unwind and recharge, and you don't set your expectations too high, you will have an enjoyable time at the Miraval Arizona.

This is my second solo retreat at Miraval. It is something I hope to do annually given how incredibly peaceful, nourishing, and healing it is. To be held in such beauty and luxury is beyond marvelous! Everything from the delicious and nutritious food, the thoughtfully and gorgeously laid out grounds, the mountain range, the activities, the spa, and the retail options is the highest standard. I am in love with Miraval!