Resort Spa Review: Canyon Ranch Arizona

By Traci Reid on February 8th, 2007

My stay at the Canyon Ranch was a gift from several well-meaning family members, and I can’t thank them enough.

Having recently discovered that I’m considered to be at high risk for developing Type II Diabetes, I yearned to travel to Canyon Ranch, learn as much as I could, and make a commitment to my health.

The spa is gorgeous. Everything I’d read about the spa was true, and the photos I’d seen in magazines and travel guides didn’t do it justice. The pastel adobe buildings, the mountains wrapped around us in the distance, the stunning desert - If only I could move in!

There were so many choices to boost my activity level while at Canyon Ranch. Trying new things was part of the fun. I never fancied myself as a weight lifter, but now I know the proper techniques to get the results I’m looking for.

Rather than my usual fear of jumping in to play basketball or tennis for fear of someone making fun of my ample thighs, I felt comfortable with the men and women stay at the spa and had a great time.

I indulged in deep-tissue massage, practically lived in the tranquil waters of the indoor pool, and felt like a celebrity chef during the enlightening (in more ways than one!) cooking classes.

One of the best things I’ve ever done for myself was to sit down with their nutritionist and discuss my desire to avoid Diabetes. In the past, one-size-fits-all diets haven’t worked for me, and it was refreshing to know that the nutritionist was listening to my likes and dislikes and helping me make choices that were not only healthy, but tasty and satisfying.

I’ve definitely learned habits that I will take home with me and put into practice. The Zuckermans have created a refuge for guests to look deep inside and make a pledge to ourselves, provide us with the tools needed, and instill in us the confidence that we will conquer whatever demons may have held us back in our previous quests for healing.

My next goal is to tow my husband down here for a week. He deserves a treat like this, too, although I’ll have to help him overcome his impression that spas are a luxury reserved for girly-girls. There were several manly men here during our stay, and they seemed to enjoy the leisurely atmosphere and focused care once they loosened up and decided to have a good time.