Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa

BIG FAIL!!! MY birthday weekend was spent here and if it were not for my excellent company and a good sense of humor I don’t know what I would of done. Also Wyatt Webb should get a HUGE raise because he is fantastic and my Equine experience was great. If you want to get your moneys worth of high quality customer service and cuisine and feel special THIS IS NOT THE PLACE!!! Please don’t waste your money.
I am not sure if it is under new management or they just don’t care because of all the Oprah and Ellen hype but at least take pride in your guests by showing some attention to their room i. e some niceties, comfortable robes, etc… It’s just bare and basic. Because it was my birthday weekend, my husband had asked management to deliver a little treat on my birthday with a candle. I never got it :(It’s the little things that make you feel special that bring you back to a resort or spa. I could go on with my in room dining disaster and lack of support and service from management but I am guessing you get the point. My daughter and I are extremely disappointed and I will be definitely contacting the corporate office about my experience at Miraval!
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We last visited over 10 years ago. However our recent attempt to spend a week at Miraval was dysfunctional at best. The van was 30 minutes late to meet at the airport hotel for transport to resort. When we arrived, we were required to take a tour of the property, which we abandoned after 15 minutes. Because we happen to have walked by our room was the only indication where we were to stay. BTW we were traveling with a pregnant family member and the last thing she wanted was to take a exhaustive tour of the property immediately upon arrival. Also the rooms in the 600’s are accessed by a dirt road.
Dinner RSVP was only available for 8:00. However as the menu is limited to only 3 main entrees, none of which were pork or shrimp (which we DO NOT EAT) we ordered the snapper. AFTER 1 hour and 40 minutes after we were seated and numerous apologies by the waitress (asking us if we wanted to go ahead and maybe eat dessert beforehand, more baskets of bread AND offering to go the The In & Out burger and bring us food), we were presented with a shrimp entrée! Refusing the shrimp we were offered a «salmon» dish (which was really trout). NO manager came by the table to make any effort to apologize, leaving the poor waitress to apologize over and over for the for the restaurant. Horrible customer service.
The «spa» sauna didn’t work, the grooming products are extremely limited (NO shaving crème, after shave, etc) and were kept in dented and rusted containers. There was only ONE clean towel available after a shower, and discarded used towels on the floor. After discussing with the resort manager the following day I was informed that they had just fired the spa manager. Poor leadership evidenced by allowing the spa to deteriorate to that degree,
We called 3X prior to arrival and to inquire if we needed clip in cycling shoes for a spin class. We were told each time that their exercise cycles do not have a SPD clip in pedals (which precipitated the multiple calls as it was a curiosity due to the commonality of SPD clip in spin bikes). Therefore we didn’t bring any cycling equipment or proper clothing. HOWEVER their bikes DO have SPD clip in pedals! So the opportunity to cycle extensively throughout the area was negated.
Unlike other resorts In the same very expensive price point, you will be equal to the employees when entering a door, or generally moving around the property. Meaning that when you go to a Ritz Carlton, etc, you are the guest in their establishment and have priority to the common areas, entering a room, etc. NOT in Miraval as the employees will cut in front of you, not hold the door open, etc. Horrible customer service and training. As the resort manager told me, she recognizes that issue and «the millennials just don’t have the same sense of respect and hospitality that people our age do»! However that doesn’t appear to be the case at Canyon Ranch, and the Lowes Ventana Resort which are also located in the Tucson area.
We have travelled around the world and stayed in the finest resorts in Italy, China, New Zealand, Hawaii, all throughout Europe and the Americas. We know what a spa resort should offer its guests and Miraval, for its hyper expensive price point is no better that a moderate mid level overpriced product.
I voiced my complaints to the resort manager and asked for a refund, as we were going to leave immediately and seek other accommodations. Her concern wasn’t for us and wouldn’t return the bulk of the large prepaid deposit because she stated that she «couldn’t lose that much revenue during the Year end period».
Friends… there are numerous better alternatives in the Tucson area, and our advice is to look at other spas that don’t take advantage of the guests. Unless of course you like poor service, indifferent attitudes, poor food and a lack of hospitality. It must be those millennials causing the problem and not a lack of leadership from the Miraval staff.

My cousin and I spent four nights at the Miraval. We enjoyed a variety of services from massages to psychic readings, yoga to Native American healer consults. We ate three meals a day in the spa restaurant and sampled the smoothies and hors d’oeuvres in the bar. The only activities we did not share were those at the gym, since neither of us likes to work out.
The best parts in my experience, were the luxurious bedding, comfortable and understated environment, and two terrific deep tissue massages. Everything at the resort involves earthtones and natural materials. combined with the views and tasteful sculptures, the whole environment is calming and energetically luscious.
There are some aspects of the experience that prevent me from awarding it more than three stars. First of all the restaurant does not give adequate information regarding the provenance of fruits, vegetables, and fish they serve. My impression is that not everything is organic which was very disturbing. You’re trying to make your body healthy, and putting potentially GMO modified or inorganic substances into your body while trying to cleanse it seems counterproductive.
The yoga classes were below par. In one yoga class, the instructor encouraged the participants to actually go to sleep. I cracked my eyes open during this. And she was reading a magazine. There needs to be some triage of the yoga programs to make them as individuated and special as the kind of classes you can find in any yoga studio in America.
Some of the food was also not very good, including the baked goods. The crème Brulé on the other hand was dynamite.
All in all my sense is that the food and offerings at this spa have gone downhill after the place was sold to a corporation. It’s a shame as there are some excellent components here which could really make it a five-​star experience.

I just returned from 5 nights at Miraval Resort. I went 15 years ago in the pre-​Oprah years. I read some ot the other reviews and felt compelled to share my good impressions. As a travel professional I have a lot of experience in critiquing resorts (comparing) I will share my impressions in hopes of helping both you the traveler and this property. (because the staff is amazing) I will skip the information you can easily find on their website. I would definately rate the property 5 stars for Luxury Resorts in the USA. They were recently purchased by a Hotelier that knows how to run a luxury resort and have done a well needed soft goods renovation. It is sparkling and you will too if you go there. Set on 400+ acres of well cared for land, the resort is set againts a backdrop of mountains. Its a haven where I relaxed and decompressed from life and felt very safe. I didnt have to think about much and could be as busy or withdrawn as I wanted. In addition to the spa services there is a daily activity menu of life enrichment classes and activities, several choices an hour. They are given by world class experts in their fields sharing life changing information.
I walked in stressed and I left renewed.
The Food — Miraval has been known for innovative healthy gourmet food and the standard continues. They grow some of their own vegetables, have honey bee hives, and use conventional and organic produce. They have a wide variety of gluten free options. One of my favorite features was the juice/​smoothie bar. What resort can you go to in this country and find freshly made to green juice, the list is short.
Travel Tip — I wanted a bath tub in my room and they have just a few. If thats inportant to you request one at time of booking. After the second day I forgot about it as I was enjoying the spa facilities and the salt water pool.
My major dissapointment was that the food was organic. I’d settle for 90%. I dont eat GMO;s consciously. For such a progressive place I was surprised thay didnt focus on healthy ORGANIC non GMO food.

If more then 5 stars were available I’d definitely choose 10 stars or more. Since we arrived here it’s been amazing!!! We have felt so part of the Miraval family. Staff is amazing here we met amazing people but we will never forget Vanessa, josh, and heather. They have made us feel so welcoming. I got engaged here and seriously Miraval has been so amazing and beautiful! We wouldn’t of asked for anything else. They really go above and beyond for us!

Caught cellulitis and ended up at the emergency room from my stay here.
Old run down facility that is clearly not being cleaned or sanitized properly. I contracted cellulitis at the facility. When I followed up to mention it to them, they kept denying it was them nor did they do anything to compensate for my emergency room visit or this experience. They said they would «upgrade» me to a nicer room if I came back again. You’ve got to be kidding.
What I did like– the equine experience can be life changing. Food was good, good range of classes but you really need to look at the calendar ahead of time and time it right as they don’t offer everything every day.
Room was so so but not worth the price. They also did not give me my welcome bag or water bottle when I checked in and had to hunt them down for this.
I was really surprised by how old the facilities were. I think the price needs to either be lower or they need to ugprade everything to justify the price.
Another pro was other guests were polite and respectfully quiet. No-​cell phone is an excellent rule.
I am going to check out some other spas with equine experiences next– and will hopefully avoid the stress of catching cellulities again.

I just returned from another visit to Miraval. In August I wrote about a cookie, this time I am going to write about an experience.
«All that Buzz» is a 90+ minute journey into the world of honeybees. The Miraval beekeeper, Noël, is a very patient teacher who answered all of our questions and kept the class buzzing!
You put on a protective suit (the suit has excellent air flow so you don’t overheat in the sun) and gloves and because of the care taken by Miraval and Noël, you have nothing to fear.
The real bonus is when you get to taste the honey straight from the hive. I’ve never had honey direct from a beehive before, so this was a taste memory that will stick with me forever.
Don’t miss this class, it’s different, informative and fun!

Just as awesome the 2^nd time ! Brought my husband this trip and he was impressed! Can’t wait to come back!

I booked a rate and rebooked rate that was never adjusted on mine and my sisters. I’m on a relaxing spa weekend for a reason. Food was great spa treatments great.
We went and were expecting workout classes on top notch facility it was closed due to construction and they had it set up in a lil room. One why not let us know and then we can change dates the place is pricey and that’s crazy to think it’s no big deal.
Wine and drinks were soo pricy I am all for paying for a good class of wine but cheapest is like 18 for a glass.
For happy hour we were told they had a spread everyday it was veggies and one small plate. I am pretty sure since this is the downtime and when it’s the cheapest they decided to go on vacation.
Spa great food great service wasn’t there and reviewing bill it’s like you would think they would be on it.
We had a hike and we didn’t get a wake up call we would have missed it but we received a call for family. If I am paying top prices step it up!

Miraval is a lot like what I imagine heaven being like. I can’t imagine a better resort if you are looking to get pampered while learning to live more mindfully. Miraval is in a beautiful setting (the Sonoran Desert with the Santa Catalina Mountains as scenic backdrop) and offers a smörgåsbord of activities and services. From mountain biking, zip lining, cooking demonstrations to Naga Thai Massage, informative lectures, and equine therapy, you can spend weeks if not months here and still not experience everything they have to offer.
The food at Miraval is out of this world, it’s hard to believe it’s all so healthy. One of my absolute favorite amenities was their smoothie bar that served up freshly squeezed kale/​ginger/​lemon/​pear juices in between workouts and spa treatments.
I love their no cell phone policy that really help you unplug and focus on living in the moment. Miraval was the PERFECT resort for a retreat/​girls getaway with my mom and sister. We were pampered all thoroughly enjoyed every minute at the resort.

How can I review miraval? This place is so special and unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been.
The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. From the landscaping to the décor, everything is understated and minimal but well maintained and beautiful.
Our room was the most basic category, but still lovely. It didn’t get much light and was really quite dark, but I didn’t mind that since it was 95 out in Tuscon and our room was a cool oasis. The bed was straight up the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. Bathroom was big and modern and had a door to close in the whole area. This was great because I typically woke up earlier than my mother in law and went into the bathroom to get ready without disturbing her.
Food was fantastic! I loved all of the fresh options at the meals. The assortment of sea salts at lunch was my favorite! I also really enjoyed the juice bar and the lemon ginger tea (try it iced!) At dinner, we bought a bottle of wine and didn’t finish it, and they vaccum sealed the bottle and saved it for us the next night. Loved that option.
I did a lot of fitness classes and enjoyed each one. My favorites, however, were cardio drumming, morning stretch, zen boot camp and the aqua classes. Those were particularly refreshing.
The spa, of course, was great. I had an amazing facial and hammam treatment, and a unique Ayurvedic experience. The only thing subpar was my haircut– it came out fine and the woman who cut it was nice, but I scheduled (and paid) for a 100 minute appointment and it only took 40 minutes. That was a little disappointing.
I didn’t do any of the «experiences» like the equine classes or the high ropes. I wasn’t looking for any serious introspection at Miraval. I simply wanted to eat well, work out, get pampered at the spa, spend time with my mother in law and read books by the pool. That’s exactly what I did, and it was perfect.

Just returned from a multi-​day stay at Miraval, and I was so completely underwhelmed. Yes, the grounds are beautiful, yes the spa treatments were terrific. But I was really surprised by how many little things felt off, especially for a place with such a luxe reputation.
Attention to detail was definitely sub-​par.
A few examples: each time I entered the dining area, there were ALWAYS multiple tables waiting to be cleared of dirty dishes. Every time I entered the spa facilities, there’d be old towels that hadn’t been removed from lounge chairs, spa lockers that had not been replenished with robes or sandals, showers that hadn’t been cleaned /​refreshed. The coffee served with breakfast was worse than a gas station, and the all-​day baristas seemed not to understand how to make the drinks offered (no tamping down on the espresso grinds, «iced coffee» isn’t just hot coffee poured over some ice, etc.) The pools were not skimmed, the pool tables not cleaned. I saw the same huge splat of bird poop on one café table during my entire stay.
I don’t mean to sound snooty, but isn’t this place supposed to be the gold standard?!?
A friend of mine went last year and said it was amazing, but also said the last time she went it felt much more meh. That’s exactly how I’d describe my experience. Meh.

Overall experience at Miraval was fantastic. The grounds and facilities are best in class and the villas are simply over the top. While the staff is excellent, you do not get the type of consistency in warmth and welcoming attitude you observe at the Ritz or Four Seasons and the dining room staff is less consistent, particularly in the morning (when I was told by the server I could get my own butter from the buffet). Also had a very disappointing experience in the dining room last night, when our 7:30 reservations were made, confirmed and not honored, forcing us to change plans. The host was unaccommodating and unwilling to buy us drinks or appetizers in the bar while we waited for a 40 minute backlog to clear. This would NEVER be allowed to happen ANYWHERE else where you spend upwards of $ 4,500 per night for a villa. On another evening, the server could not locate our bottle of wine we had saved from the prior evening until we were midway through our dinner.
The dining room problems notwithstanding, the overall experience at Miraval was outstanding, but not exactly a «value» when compared to alternatives in this price range.

We stayed at Miraval for 7 days. We loved everything about this place: facilities, service, cuisine, spa, activities, location. Steven at the spa– great massage, wonderful, charismatic personality. Charles, Danna, Joan at restaurant were prime example of hospitality!
Adam and Charlie at the concierge took care of planning our activities and provided superior service. Nancy is a delight. She gave us great photography lessons.
General Manager — very nice lady!
We feel certain that this is the best place to relax, rejuvenate, recharge, enjoy beauty.
We are defenetely coming back this year!

The food is excellent, the staff lovely. Our meeting room was in the middle of everything, but right next to the smoothie bar (one of my fav features on property) so the noise and energy was not conducive to a meditative event.
Our rooms were nice, but no bath tub. And spread out all over the property. Would have been nice to keep the group closer together.
The activities and adventures and spa services were wonderful!!!
Reentry back into the real world after a week of bliss was rough. But I know I benefited from the electronic depravation!

I loved, loved, loved it here :-)…all started perfectly, with our oh so nice shuttle driver, Edward, who met us at the airport, to the greeting our shuttle got from staff, who offered us a glass of delicious and refreshing juice as we arrived. The food is amazing! The views are breathtaking… the staff was very friendly and helpful. Other highlights – both the yoga center and gym were excellent. nice variety of fitness classes with terrific instructors. For fitness class and lectures with a charge, they can fill up, so I recommend that you get the schedule and register early for what you’re interested in before you arrive – our schedule was available one month before. Also, you’ll need to make your dinner reservation during breakfast or lunch. I recommend you do it during breakfast if you like the 7pm or 7:15pm slot. those seemed to fill more quickly. The only spa service I had was the relaxation massage, which was wonderful (and I did 3 times)! Most days, a morning meditation is offered. that was a wonderful way to start the day!
I was sad to leave. and hope to be back again :-)

They’re living off their former reputation. They have dramatically increased pricing while dramatically decreasing services. I will miss the Miraval that I stayed at 7 times. They now send the bait and switch emails, promising discounted rates, and then when you call to reserve it, poof, those rates are gone; those days are booked, the service and resort fees increase, etc etc.
The Oprah/​Ellen crowd of freebies can’t rave enough about how great everything is, lets first see if they ever return, and then when they actually pay for their stay what their review would say.
They also apparently have a new policy, if you post a review giving less than 5 stars, you will be banned from ever going there again. I guess that’s one way to raise your overall rating.

Prices at Miraval have gone up — on a recent stay, we paid the same amount for 5 nights as we had for 7 nights in 2011!
Procedures had also changed for signing up for activities, which I didn’t realize — meaning that I only got to go on one hike, all others were full. Total bummer b/​c that had been a highlight of the prior stay.
Classes were very full, which also was disappointing. The food is still awesome, and the rooms are very nice. Although they’ve taken some things away — no more coffee makers in the rooms, no shower caps provided…
On the plus side we had only good size treatment rooms in the spa, and all of the massage therapists were EXCELLENT!
I think next time we’ll end up going to Rancho La Puerta, as rates are now exactly the same and it would be nice to try something new, since Miraval is no longer a bargain and they seem to be taking away more and more amenities and charging for activities that were once included in the rates (i.e. hiking outings, once «free» are $ 15 or $ 55 and you have to reserve the trips well before you get to the resort)

Miraval is an experience — a recharging, fun, healthy, and relaxing one at that.
My sister found a Rue La La voucher, and off we went, with our mom and sister-​in-​law. Noe helped us finalize appointments and such, and he was patient and super helpful for the entire trip. The entire staff was courteous and helpful!
The rooms were luxurious and had crazy-​comfy beds that felt like clouds. The pillows were a bit thin, but I slept more than «just fine.» Their hairdryers are so quick and efficient that I bought one for use back home (not pricey either!). The grounds are beautifully maintained and even feature footbridges over tiny rocky streams.
The spa is very relaxing and simply gorgeous. The views from the relaxation room, as well as the comfortable lounge chairs (indoors and outdoors), make you never want to leave! The pool is also very comfortable.
The classes are fantastic and the variety is evident. My mom did cardio drumming, something you cannot find everywhere, and had a blast. The yoga classes were fun and led by very nice instructors — special shoutout to Melissa who teaches the yogalates class! She is sweet and hilarious!
The food is delicious and healthy, too. The portions are small, but I love that the proteins were pre-​portioned at 4oz, because it takes out a lot of guess work. And the buffets are awesome, too, especially when they feature fresh shrimp! Despite being in the desert, the seafood here is especially good, like the scallops with a romesco sauce. We also, at my request, went to a cooking demo, which was very fun and educational. Additionally, do NOT miss the green essentials juice — although lettuce seems like a weird ingredient to some of us, mix that with green apples and green grapes and a few other things… and it’s pretty good!
The special classes offered are very fun and push you — my sister-​in-​law did some mountain biking and got more than a few bruises, but she was overall very happy she got a chance to try out something she wouldn’t be able to do in the flat Midwest! My sister and I did the equine experience, and despite my sister’s (long-​dormant) equestrian skills, I had never been on a horse and was frankly a bit scared. Kelly was so nice, though, and although I wasn’t racing around on a trail, I got a lot more comfortable sitting very high in the air atop something with its own whims.
I’d recommend Miraval. It’s not an everyday sort of place, sure, but it’s a fantastic vacation spot.

I went here recently as a day spa guest. I must say driving here I felt like I was getting lost then all of a sudden a small sign on the right hand side of the road beckoned «Miraval» in very unassuming way. But I turned in and was met by a gate with a small call box. I was asked my name and promptly the gates opened. I strolled in around 10am, as day spa guests can be on premises from 9a-​3p. I quickly learned of their policy on no cell phones as the bars on my phone immediately plummeted and the signs littering the property remind you to disconnect.
I arrived early for my massage and did have a difficult time finding the spa as everything is tucked away and hidden so you can really appreciate the grounds. Once I could find an employee they pointed me in the right direction. I checked in, received a tote and stainless steel water bottle. Then went wondering around to find the juice bar and enjoyed some fresh & delicious healthy veggie juices. After strolling around some time enjoying the feeling of being disconnected and relaxed I headed back for my massage.
My massage was wonderful. I can’t recommend the Stone River massage enough. Feeling refreshed I headed to the stream room then soaked in the hot tub for a bit until I headed over to lunch. The lunch was buffet style and it was okay not amazing but with a buffet it can be difficult. I must note they had 5 different sea salts available they were quite good and rich in vitamins & minerals.
All in all I think I’d return. The prices are a bit on the high side but being forced to unplug & unwind is priceless!