Forty years ago (1979), owners Mel and Enid Zukerman founded Canyon Ranch and developed their concept of a health resort dedicated to life enhancement. Set in the foothills of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona’s lush Sonoran Desert, it has long since become a world-renowned center for wellness. They have indeed created  a unique haven for relaxation, recreation and optimal health.

Canyon Ranch is an amazing place that almost defies description.  I first went there over 20 years ago thinking I knew what to expect. Of course, I was aware of its reputation for being an award-winning  spa.  I had read that it was a luxurious, ultra-all-inclusive, popular with celebrities (including Oprah!). In fact, it has received the Best Destination Spa Award from Conde Nast Traveler magazine multiple times. But I was about to learn that there is a lot more to their  immersion resort experience. I would come away delightfully surprized and completely overwhelmed and continue to go back for more.

Find out WHY as we begin making use of their abundant resources in the next post.

For more information, go to: www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
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Thirty years ago (1979), owners Mel and Enid Zukerman founded Canyon Ranch and developed their concept of a health resort dedicated to life enhancement. Set in the foothills of Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona’s lush Sonoran Desert, it has long since become a world-renowned center for wellness. They have indeed created  a unique haven for relaxation, recreation and optimal health.

Canyon Ranch Clubhouse

Canyon Ranch is an amazing place that almost defies description.  I first went there almost 10 years ago thinking I knew what to expect. Of course, I was aware of its reputation for being an award-winning  spa.  I had read that it was a luxurious, ultra-all-inclusive, popular with celebrities (including Oprah!). In fact, it has received the Best Destination Spa Award from Conde Nast Traveler magazine 11 times. But I was about to learn that there is a lot more to their  immersion resort experience. I would come away delightfully surprized and completely overwhelmed and continue to go back for more.

Find out WHY as we begin making use of their abundant resources in the next post.

I was promptly scolded by both resident managers for walking up to the central pavillion alone this evening. It’s true, I wouldn’t have known what to do if I had crossed paths with a wild animal. Stand still. Back up. Certainly not run and invite a chase.

Anyway, we’re here now and the open bar is open for sunset cocktails called sundowners, also enjoyed in the bush at sunset. Can I get you something to drink? 
A gin and tonic for my friend and a Shweppes Black Currant for me, please.
Let’s join the other guests and the managers in the lounge.

I did learn some interesting tidbits from the managers over cocktails and dinner. The staff is from the surrounding villages and there are also semi-nomadic tribes in the area. The camp uses solar panels to collect the energy that powers the camp. Provisons are brought in on the same air service we used. The Survivor Africa tv series was filmed in the immediate vicinity (3rd season/2001). 

While we were enjoying dinner, the butlers were providing turn down service – unfurling the heavy canvas flaps and tying them down; making sure the heavy gauge zippers were zipped up tight; unrolling the canvas covers over the net windows and leaving on the small night light to welcome us back. They appeared briefly in the dining area to inquire about our wake up call and beverage requests for the next morning. We had an early game drive scheduled before breakfast.

Several people decided to adjourn to the campfire for after dinner drinks and more casual conversation.

This is all-inclusive travel at its best – relaxed and relaxing.

I wanted to be well rested and alert for tomorrow. The managers insisted that I be escorted back at the end of the evening by the night watchman. I didn’t put up any resistance.

I was promptly scolded by both resident managers for walking up to the central pavillion alone this evening. It’s true, I wouldn’t have known what to do if I had crossed paths with a wild animal. Stand still. Back up. Certainly not run and invite a chase.

Anyway, we’re here now and the open bar is open for sunset cocktails called sundowners, also enjoyed in the bush at sunset. Can I get you something to drink? 
A gin and tonic for my friend and a Shweppes Black Currant for me, please.
Let’s join the other guests and the managers in the lounge.

I did learn some interesting tidbits from the managers over cocktails and dinner. The staff is from the surrounding villages and there are also semi-nomadic tribes in the area. The camp uses solar panels to collect the energy that powers the camp. Provisons are brought in on the same air service we used. The Survivor Africa tv series was filmed in the immediate vicinity (3rd season/2001). 

While we were enjoying dinner, the butlers were providing turn down service – unfurling the heavy canvas flaps and tying them down; making sure the heavy gauge zippers were zipped up tight; unrolling the canvas covers over the net windows and leaving on the small night light to welcome us back. They appeared briefly in the dining area to inquire about our wake up call and beverage requests for the next morning. We had an early game drive scheduled before breakfast.

Several people decided to adjourn to the campfire for after dinner drinks and more casual conversation.

This is all-inclusive travel at its best – relaxed and relaxing.

I wanted to be well rested and alert for tomorrow. The managers insisted that I be escorted back at the end of the evening by the night watchman. I didn’t put up any resistance.