A perfect spa day itinerary

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, a wellness destination in Carefree, Arizona, is nestled in over 20 acres of the Sonoran Desert. It’s the perfect spot to revitalize while you enjoy the beauty of the natural desert surroundings. 

Rated #3 Best Wellness Retreat in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report, #3 Destination Spa in the World by Travel + Leisure 2024, and #6 Spa by USA TODAY Reader’s Choice Awards 2024, you must put CIVANA on your itinerary if you are looking for a wellness retreat. As a local, it is my go-to destination for self-care.

CIVANA offers custom wellness experiences and caring hospitality, allowing guests to create a meaningful retreat. Whether you want to unwind and relax or explore personal growth and wellness, CIVANA provides the perfect setting for your journey. I did both with personal growth sessions, myofascial release training, and one of the best massages I’ve ever had.

About Carefree, Arizona

Carefree, Arizona, is a small town in Maricopa County, about 30 miles north of Phoenix. It sits in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, near the towns of Scottsdale and Cave Creek.

While it feels delightfully remote, Carefree is easily reached from Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix by rental car or ride share.

Carefree’s peaceful desert environment and the upscale, laid-back vibe it offers make it unique. The town is known for its scenic landscapes, including towering cacti, rugged mountains, and clear desert skies. It also features quirky street names like “Easy Street” and “Ho Hum Road.” Unique art galleries and boutique shopping are a short drive from CIVANA.

 

My Itinerary for the Perfect Spa Day

When my husband asked what I wanted for my birthday, I chose a spa day at CIVANA. We live only an hour away, and I would make the most of my time there. I avoided rush hour traffic by going early in the morning and returning home after dinner. It also allowed me to schedule all the activities I wanted without rushing and missing out.  

Fitness Classes

The first order of business to plan my visit was to review the class offerings on the website.

The many classes offered for all types of self-care can be overwhelming. With 70+ fitness, personal growth, and spiritual classes each week, I was like a kid in a candy store.

After reviewing all the options and reading the supplemental information, I found some classes I was keen to attend. Aerial yoga was fascinating because I’ve only seen photos of participants in poetic ballet poses suspended on hammocks or silk robes, and I want to experience it first-hand.

Once I selected the classes, perusing the Class Schedule led me to the day of the week I would visit. I chose to visit on a Monday to avoid crowds that might be there on weekends. Even though I booked three weeks in advance, many classes were already filled, so they put me on a waitlist.

Morning Meditation and Daily Set: Intention Ceremonies are 30-minute sessions every morning, Monday through Sunday. 

The Daily Reset: Gratitude Circle is every afternoon at 5:00 pm for 15 minutes. These sessions are complimentary.

Making Reservations By Phone

After drafting my itinerary, I called CIVANA and spoke with a delightful woman who guided me through the reservation process. She advised me of the cancellation policies for classes and spa services, confirmed my class and massage selections, and emailed my itinerary. 

The Spa

CIVANA boasts a state-of-the-art 22,000-square-foot spa where guests “take the waters.” I enjoy “taking the waters,” as it is the ancient healing, cleansing, and rejuvenation tradition. Besides, it feels great! Every experience at CIVANA begins with this grounding ritual.

The Aqua Therapy Circuit offers pools of water with varying temperatures. This therapeutic circuit is one of the most important rituals for circulation and relaxation. 

Starting in the hot pool was easy because I enjoy hot tubs. The cold pool, however, was much too cold, and I couldn’t complete the plunge to my shoulders. I went up to my knees but had to retreat to the Tepidarium soaking pool to complete the circuit. I did, however, get inspired by the cold deluge shower by pulling on the bucket handle to pour cool water over my head and body.

The outdoor 25-meter saltwater pool is accessed through the Spa Building and reserved for those guests with Spa appointments. The pool is ideal for quiet paddling, lazily swimming, or simply sitting on the underwater bench and reading a book at the edge. Voices are subdued, and service is quietly proffered. Meal order and delivery are efficient and with limited discussion.

Spa Treatments

The massage menu held eleven delicious-sounding experiences. My go-to massage is deep tissue, but hot stone, reflexology, Thai, and other specialty massages are listed options.

Facials, body and water therapies, scrubs and wraps, energy healing, manicures, pedicures, couple’s massages, and in-room services for guests staying overnight are also available.

Day Visit

If you’re looking for a daycation, like I was, CIVANA caters to locals at special rates. The Day Pass is unavailable year-round, and you must make advanced spa reservations.

Day Pass

The Day Pass includes two complimentary fitness and wellness classes, in addition to the Morning Meditation and Gratitude Circle, use of the Outdoor resort pool, lounge chairs, poolside food and beverage service for purchase, towel service, fitness center, a complimentary water canteen and access to on-property FloWater alkaline water hydration stations, complimentary Wi-Fi (in case you need to keep in touch), and complimentary self-parking close to the front door.

Day Pass with Spa Access

In addition to all the amenities included with the Day Pass, this level includes access to the Spa Relaxation Lounge and Aqua Therapy Circuit.

Day Pass with Spa Treatment & Spa Access

In addition to all the amenities included with the Day Pass with Spa Access, this level includes a 60-minute spa treatment, and you can choose Swedish or Deep Tissue massage or the CIVANA Signature Facial.

Starting My Spa Day

When I arrived, the simple yet elegant atmosphere and staff welcomed me and made check-in effortless. I received an insulated water bottle to refill at the FloWater alkaline stations around the property, as staying hydrated is important, especially in the desert. I also received a Go Explore booklet, which included a map of the resort and important information about CIVANA.

The Itinerary

6:30 am Arrival

7:15-7:45 am Morning Meditation

8:00 am Breakfast Smoothie at Seed, the Grab-and-Go café

8:30 am Labyrinth and Hammocks

10:00 am Myofascial Release

11:30 am Spa Check-In

12:00 pm Sauna, Aqua Therapy Circuit

1:00 pm Lunch, Spa Pool

3:30 pm Deep Muscle Relief Massage

5:00-5:15 Daily Reset:  Gratitude Circle

6:00 pm Dinner at Terras

7:30 pm Depart

The Massage

Guests check in to the spa at least 20-30 minutes before the scheduled treatment. Because I already checked in after my morning activities, I went to the Relaxation Room upstairs in the Spa Building at the assigned time. Reclining in a lounge chair on the balcony overlooking the pool, desert, and mountains is a nice way of gently preparing for your massage. 

Comfortable furniture with numerous pillows in cozy alcoves inside the co-ed lounge begs guests to relax and get in the right frame of mind for their massage. Healthy snacks and infused waters are on a sideboard.

When Shanna, my massage provider, called my name from the doorway, I glided across the floor in my CIVANA-provided slippers and robe and into one of the 22 treatment rooms, where I enjoyed one of the best massages I’ve ever had.

Dining at CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Two dining options at CIVANA provide healthy, clean eating, and imaginative menus to carry you through a day of self-discovery, exertion, and relaxation. 

Seed

Seed is a café with plant-based, clean, whole foods offering gluten-free, grain-free, vegetarian, vegan, anti-inflammatory, and gut-friendly options. I selected a made-to-order smoothie and took it outside on the patio to enjoy it between sessions.

Lunch Poolside

While in the Spa Building, I enjoyed a bento box lunch delivered to my lounge chair under an umbrella. The luxury of this service is not to be underestimated.

The Pool Menu offered smoothies, bites like hummus and guacamole, a fruit plate, tacos, salads and bowls, and sandwiches.

I chose the Forager Bowl with kale, cucumber, avocado, edamame, sprouted lentils, dehydrated chamomile quinoa, sweet potatoes, pumpkin seed, dehydrated kale chips, and chlorella vinaigrette. It was a delightful and crunchy meal with lots of texture and a large helping of virtue.

Terras

Terras offers farm-to-table produce, grass-fed meats, sustainable seafood, and decadent desserts. The wine and cocktail menu presents a nice selection of rosé, sparkling whites, reds, and non-alcoholic wines. CIVANA Classics and Signature cocktails and low-proof and zero-proof beverages are an interesting option. You can also select from a few bottles and cans of beer.

When I was there on my Spa Day, I brought the day to a close with a Night Cap (zero-proof beverage with a tangy blend of cardamom, turmeric, ginger honey tea, lemon juice, apple juice, and hot water, with a star anise floating on top). 

The entrée I chose was the grass-fed Filet Mignon with a generous side order of Wild Mushrooms sautéed with rosemary. I did not order dessert because I enjoyed such a healthful day and was feeling extra virtuous.

Final Thoughts

CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa has become my go-to destination for local self-care. If I lived further away, I would make a weekend spa experience or longer because their lodging is terrific, too. It is truly a destination for mind, body, and spirit.

Photos copyright ©2024 Julie Diebolt Price

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