5 Desert Detox Escapes
As the effects of last night’s champagne wear off, book a recharge at one of these retreats.
by Maridel Reyes, Q by Equinox
After weeks of indulgence, few things sound as appealing as heading to an arid climate to literally and figuratively dry out. At these health-centered West Coast spas, boldface names and mere mortals rub terry cloth-clad shoulders while experiencing cutting-edge treatments. Keep reading to find your own desert oasis.
For fitness fiends
The spa: Miraval, Tuscon, Arizona
Notable Guests: Ellen DeGeneres, Sharon Stone
The must-dos: Set against the Santa Catalina Mountains in the High Sonoran Desert, you can sample more than 90 classes and workshops per week, ranging from rock climbing on Mt. Lemmon to equine therapy to meditation while suspended from the ceiling in a yoga hammock. While your muscles are recovering, engage your creative side with art classes on smartphone photography and clay sculpture.
For cleanse warriors:
The spa: We Care, Desert Hot Springs, California
Notable Guests: Ben Affleck, Gisele Bundchen, Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani
The must-dos: Talk about being ahead of its time: This juice fasting spiritual retreat about 125 miles north of Los Angeles has been extolling the virtues of a liquid cleanse since 1986. Sign up for Raindrop Therapy, where essential oils are dropped in sequence along your spinal column then feathered out along neural pathways.
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For spirit seekers
The spa: Mii Amo, Sedona, Arizona
Notable Guest: Gwyneth Paltrow
The must-dos: Nestled in a canyon within Sedona’s red rocks, this resort’s offerings are grounded in Native American traditions. Treatments are themed around moon phases, walks to the “Vortex” energy center and a meditation labyrinth. Try the Inner Quest, a 60-minute treatment where you’re wrapped in a blanket (mimicking the warmth of a sweat lodge) while sweet grass is burned.
For outdoor enthusiasts
The spa: Lake Austin Spa Resort
Notable Guests: Jennifer Aniston, Renee Zellwegger
The must-dos: Located in the heart of Texas Hill country and steps away from Lake Austin, this resort makes it easy for you to be alfresco almost 24/7. Borrow a hydro-bike so you can cycle on water, learn the Olympic rowing sport of Sculling and, during the season, take a paddleboard yoga class.
For treatment junkies
The spa: Canyon Ranch, Tuscon, Arizona
Notable Guest: Tory Burch
The must-dos: It’s the go-to for spa luxe for a reason. Enter the 80,000-square-foot spa and choose from treatments such as Ashiatsu (a therapist uses overhead bars for balance while using her feet to release tight spots), a crystal facial, Watsu (a floating water massage), and more.
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