Nestled in the serene town of Carefree, Arizona, CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa offers more than just a vacation – it provides a transformative journey into mindfulness and well-being with benefits that extend far beyond your stay. But don’t just take our word for it! CIVANA has been named among the top wellness destinations by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and USA Today each year since 2020.
Read on to learn more about what makes this coveted wellness spa such a popular destination and why we keep going back – yes, we’ve stayed there more than a few times!
A Refreshing Approach to Wellness
CIVANA’s philosophy centers on holistic well-being, seamlessly integrating mindfulness into each facet of the guest experience. The resort’s breathtaking 22,000-square-foot spa serves as a sanctuary for rejuvenation, offering a range of therapeutic treatments that begin with a hydrotherapy thermal circuit, designed to heal, cleanse, and restore both body and mind.
Complementing the spa’s offerings, CIVANA provides over 100 fitness, personal growth, and spiritual classes every week, all drawing on diverse disciplines and techniques. Guests can participate in activities ranging from aerial yoga and sound bathing to personal growth workshops, desert hikes, and even a mindful mixology class. The unparalleled variety in class offerings ensures a comprehensive wellness experience for each guest.
Spa Highlights
After you’ve checked into the spa front desk, you’ll be escorted to the locker rooms where you’ll be assigned a complimentary locker, which has a comfy robe and spa sandals waiting for you. The locker rooms have showers, restrooms, and changing stalls, plus sinks equipped with all the necessities / amenities for getting ready pre- and post-spa. Pour yourself a glass of fruit-infused spa water to sip on in the waiting room before your spa service.
Each locker room also has a large steam room with a zen outdoor patio to cool off between steams.
Image: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
Venture down the hall to CIVANA’s one-of-a-kind (in the continental US at least) Aqua Therapy Circuit featuring several alluring water features. Experience waters of varying temperatures – from a chilly cold plunge to a soothing jetted hot tub – in the European-designed Kneipp hot/cold wading pool and Tepidarium therapeutic soaking pool. Gather up your courage to pull the rope which pours a bucket of cold water on you in the deluge shower. This unique therapeutic circuit is one of CIVANA’s most important healing rituals of ‘taking the waters.’ The contrasting temperature circuits are intentionally designed to increase circulation and promote deep relaxation. According to CIVANA, “As part of every service at the Spa, we encourage all guests to begin their journey with this one of a kind experience.” An insider tip: it’s recommended to end on the cold water for maximum benefits! And don’t forget to enjoy the warm sauna (also located in the Aqua Therapy Circuit room) between soaks.
Upstairs, discover the co-ed relaxation lounge that features healthy snacks, fruit-infused water, and stunning views of the surrounding desert and rock formations. This lounge is your haven for resting before and after your spa treatment.
Speaking of spa treatments, CIVANA’s spa service menu is quite extensive, offering a variety of mindfully curated massages, facials and skincare, body treatments, and a smattering of therapy options from watsu, reiki, cranial-sacral, thai massage and more. From a premium foot soak (we recommend the Charcoal Garden Detox), to skincare enhancements (add on the scalp treatment or sound healing to any other service for an enhanced experience), to the hot stone massage and Radiance Renewal Probiotic Facial (all our top picks), there’s no shortage of uniquely enjoyable treatments to choose from.
Image: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
After your spa treatment, head outside to the 25-meter heated saltwater pool, reserved exclusively for spa guests. Enjoy the quiet setting with incredible desert views as you soak in the sun (or shade – the pool deck has ample seating and umbrellas for most chairs). Order food and drinks from one of the attendants so you can enjoy a snack or lunch without taking your robe off!
Bonus Points for the Variety and Frequency of Group Class Offerings
CIVANA offers over 100 complimentary classes each week, including straight-up fitness classes, a wide variety of yoga offerings, personal growth workshops, and spiritual practices.
Guests can choose from a diverse schedule that includes outdoor yoga, meditation, functional fitness, and unique experiences like aerial yoga and sunset sound healing. Some sessions – like prime time yoga classes and sound healing – fill up fast, so we recommend you sign up early if possible. CIVANA encourages you to plan your daily itinerary in advance to ensure you get the most out of your stay and in order to tailor your experience to your specific wellness goals.
For guests who prefer independent workouts, CIVANA offers a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with a variety of cardio machines, free weights, and functional training equipment. The facility caters to all fitness levels, ensuring that every guest can maintain or enhance their fitness routine during their stay even if they don’t partake in any group classes.
Our Favorite CIVANA Wellness and Mindfulness Offerings You Don’t Want to Miss
Sunset Sound Healing: Experience the tranquility of the desert at dusk with outdoor sunset sound healing sessions, where harmonic vibrations facilitate deep relaxation and mental clarity. This will be an experience to remember for a lifetime!
Aqua Therapy Circuit: Begin your spa journey with the hydrotherapy thermal circuit, a series of water-based treatments that detoxify and rejuvenate the body – your perfect preparation for further relaxation.
Aerial Yoga: Defy gravity and deepen your yoga practice with aerial yoga classes, which use suspended fabrics to enhance flexibility and strength. For those who haven’t experienced aerial yoga, this is a great opportunity to try something new!
Desert Hiking: Reconnect with nature through guided hikes that cater to various fitness levels, offering breathtaking views and a sense of grounding. It is often said that the desert has a very special, healing energy to it. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the desert’s natural, rugged beauty.
Nourishing, Consciously-Curated Culinary Delights with a Mindful Twist
Dining at CIVANA is an integral part of the wellness experience. The resort’s culinary team emphasizes plant-forward, local, seasonal, and nutrient-rich offerings that nourish the body and delight the palate. Terras, the main restaurant, is a must-visit culinary experience that is both indulgent and health-conscious. Their food is consistently good, but we recommend standout dishes like the beet hummus and Grilled Caesar Salad, followed by the Raw Zucchini Lasagna. You’re welcome. 😉
For a quick, nourishing breakfast, coffee or a smoothie on-the-go, Seeds Café + Market provides convenient options to start your day with vitality. This mindful approach to cuisine ensures that guests leave feeling revitalized and inspired with healthy eating habits they can incorporate into their daily lives.
Image: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
Accommodations and Amenities for Your Sanctuary of Comfort
CIVANA’s accommodations are designed to be a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, and they do not disappoint. Simple yet beautifully appointed, each room features clean lines, natural materials, and spacious layouts that reflect the surrounding desert landscape. From a double queen studio (great for cost-conscious guests who want to share a room) to a one-bedroom suite, there are a variety of room options to choose from. All rooms feature amenities such as plush bedding, walk-in rainfall showers, and private balconies or patios provide guests with a personal retreat feeling within the resort.
Spoiler alert: When you walk into your room, you’ll be greeted with the complimentary gift of a beautiful stainless steel reusable water bottle to use throughout your visit. Remember – in Arizona’s dry climate, year-round hydration is crucial! CIVANA offers alkaline water refill stations throughout the resort for easy access to purified drinking water.
Enjoy three outdoor pools, hot tubs, fire pits, walking paths, inviting lawns and natural landscaping throughout the grounds – all easily accessible from your room.
Image: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
CIVANA incorporates sustainable and eco-friendly practices throughout the resort. Guests are encouraged to use hydration stations to refill their reusable water bottles, in an effort to reduce plastic waste. The resort’s landscaping utilizes native plants, minimizing water consumption and preserving the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Guest Testimonials: The Reviews Say It All
The true essence of CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa is best captured through the experiences of its guests. According to US News, visitors consistently express profound satisfaction, highlighting the resort’s impact on their well-being. Here are a few standout reviews from the CIVANA site:
“CIVANA was beyond amazing. From the moment you step on property you feel relaxed. The staff was very friendly and had genuine concern for you to have the best time.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my spa vacation at CIVANA. What a beautiful property with the most friendly and attentive staff.”
“The spa was great! the hydrotherapy pool circuit was to die for! modern clean rooms, excellent pools.”
Insider Tips to Maximize Your Wellness Experience
Spa Access: Booking any spa treatment grants you access to the exclusive spa pool amenities, including relaxation areas and the hydrotherapy circuit. It’s an excellent way to extend your spa experience and enjoy additional tranquility.
Labyrinth Meditation: Don’t miss the self-guided labyrinth meditation, especially magical at sunrise or sunset. This contemplative walk offers a unique opportunity for reflection and mindfulness amidst the desert landscape.
Poolside Relaxation: Allocate ample time in your schedule for lounging by the pool and soaking up the Arizona sunshine. For those who prefer shade, indoor daytime activities are plentiful, and evening strolls around the beautifully landscaped grounds provide a serene end to the day.
Day Passes: For locals or those who want to experience a taste of what CIVANA has to offer, consider a day pass! The pass includes a 60-minute spa treatment, two wellness classes, access to the hydrotherapy circuit and outdoor pool, a water bottle and parking spot.
Evening Ambiance: As the sun sets, gather around one of the resort’s outdoor fireplaces or unwind in the hot tub, embracing the cool desert evenings and starry skies.
Consider a package: CIVANA often has special deals so be sure to sign up for their email list. You can also save money with the Inclusive Package – 15% off accommodations, one spa treatment per night, complimentary food and beverage, with access to unlimited daily classes.
Planning Your Stay at CIVANA: Quick Reference Tips for a Seamless Experience
To maximize your experience at CIVANA, consider the following tips:
Advance Reservations: Popular classes and spa treatments can fill up quickly. Booking in advance ensures you secure your preferred activities.
Seasonal Considerations: Arizona’s desert climate varies throughout the year. Check the weather forecast to pack appropriately and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
Transportation: Arranging transportation in advance is recommended for those traveling from Sky Harbor. CIVANA offers group and private transportation, starting at $35 per person for group and up to $300 for round-trip private transport. You may want to consider renting a car if you plan to explore off-site attractions. Ample free parking is available on-site for those who choose to drive.
Our Final Thoughts
CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa isn’t just a getaway – it’s a place where relaxation meets personal transformation. Every detail, from the thoughtfully designed spa treatments and inspiring classes to the nourishing meals and serene desert setting, is designed to help guests recharge and reconnect. Whether you’re looking to unwind, deepen your mindfulness practice, or simply soak up the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, CIVANA offers an experience that stays with you long after you leave. More than a vacation, it’s a reset, a reminder, and an invitation to bring more wellness into your everyday life.
Plan your escape to CIVANA and discover how a few days of intentional self-care can create a lifetime of well-being. Your journey to deeper relaxation, renewed energy, and lasting mindfulness starts here.
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