Back in the 1970s, when destination spas like Tucson's Canyon Ranch first opened, spa-ing was more like military boot camp than a vacation. While there's less emphasis on dropping the pounds and more on enduring lifestyle changes, Tucson is still the spa capital of the Southwest, with longtime favorites sharing the Saguaro-covered landscape with newer, award-winning facilities.
WHAT TO DO: Plan to spend the whole weekend in a robe and flipflops. Start with JW Marriott's Hashani Spa's Petals and Leaves Balancing Ritual (one word: "Wow"), then move onto Loews Ventana Resort's hot stone massage (who knew warm pebbles between the toes could feel so good?). The trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the top-rated Miraval, where the all-inclusive spa offers myriad treatments in a Zen-like property. (visittucson.org)
WHERE TO STAY: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Loews Ventana Resort and Miraval are all relaxing options; The first two are open to both hotel guests and day visitors, while the latter — set behind a guard gate in the middle of nowhere — is accessible only to guests and requires a three-night stay, minimum.
GETTING THERE: Southwest Airlines flies nonstop in just over an hour. Be sure to rent a car, as the properties are located all over the scenic city.
Copyright 2007 Las Vegas Life
