Miraval Arizona: A Luxury Wellness Retreat in Tucson

Want the full scoop on my experience at Miraval? In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know—what to expect, the best parts, and whether it’s worth it! Let’s GO! “

My Experience

For my birthday, I decided to treat my mom and myself to a stay at Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive, upscale wellness resort. If you haven’t heard of it before, Miraval is all about mindfulness, relaxation, and immersive experiences. Miraval was also featured on “Oprahs Favorite Things” list in 2004.

We arrived early on a Saturday morning and left on a Monday afternoon, staying for two days. This was a very different type of vacation for us—normally, we love to be on the go—but this time, the focus was on intention, connection, and self-care.

Setting an Intention

Before going, you’ll want to set an intention for your stay. For me, it was about self-connection and gratitude—appreciating another year and spending much-needed time with my mom.

What “All-Inclusive” Means at Miraval

Miraval isn’t your typical all-inclusive resort, where you lounge by the pool with unlimited drinks. The concept is relaxation but that does not mean sleeping and laying around (though if thats what you want you can do that to). Here is what’s included:

Here’s what’s included and what stood out to me:

• $175 Nightly Resort Credit – This was a huge perk because it helped cover premium experiences like spa treatments, private sessions, and specialty activities. It typically allowed me to book one to two paid experiences per day without spending extra.
• A Full Schedule of Wellbeing Activities – Unlike other resorts where you have to pay for every fitness class or guided experience, Miraval offers a packed daily schedule of included activities. I took full advantage of yoga, meditation, hiking, and creative workshops, and it felt amazing to try new things without worrying about extra costs.
• Luxurious Accommodations – The bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in, which made it easy to truly unwind.
• All Meals, Snacks, and Drinks – The food was incredible—fresh, healthy, and full of variety. All meals, snacks, coffee, smoothies, and non-alcoholic drinks were included. My favorite part? The juice bar. You have to try the Golden Milk!
• Spa & Wellness Amenities – Full access to the Life in Balance Spa, including the sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Even if you don’t book a spa treatment, you can still use these facilities and unwind in a gorgeous setting.
• Arrival Gift – A Miraval tote bag and reusable water bottle, which was a nice touch.
• Shuttle Service – They provide complimentary transportation from Tucson International Airport, but it only runs during the day, so plan accordingly.

My Miraval Experience: A Look at My Schedule

I packed my schedule with a mix of mindfulness, movement, and creativity. Here’s what I did:

• Manifestation: Become a Conscious Creator of Your Life – A session focused on setting intentions and aligning your energy
• Floating Meditation – A guided meditation while gently floating in silk hammocks
• Qigong – A meditative movement practice that combines breathwork and slow, intentional movements, this was my first time hearing about this practice, I LOVED IT
• Miraval Outback Hike – A scenic hike through the stunning Arizona desert
• Fostering Creativity – A workshop exploring how creativity supports mindfulness and self-expression
• Slacklining – A fun and challenging balance activity that helps build focus and core strength
• The Subtle Gifts of Crystals – Learning about the energetic properties of crystals and how to use them in daily life
• Awaken Self-Connection – A deep, introspective equine session that uses horses to help you tune into your inner self and build a deeper connection

My Favorite Experience:
One of the most impactful experiences was a small-group medium reading in a yurt. The session was intimate and emotional—everyone was encouraged to open up, release negativity, and receive messages from loved ones. It was transformative and unlike anything I had done before.

How I Afforded Miraval (Because It’s Expensive)

This resort is EXPENSIVE but it was worth it. So my secret to making it more cost-effective was a combination of Chase points and World of Hyatt points. If you do not know – Hyatt is one of the BEST places to transfer points for great value.

My savings breakdown:

• Miraval Nightly Rate: ~$1,700 (double occupancy)
• Saved: ~$700 per night
• How?
  • Transferred Chase Sapphire points to World of Hyatt
  • Bought Hyatt points at a discount
  • Paid the remaining balance in cash

If you’re into points and miles, Hyatt is one of the best loyalty programs for maximizing travel rewards. You can start racking up Chase Points with this card – MY FAVE TRAVEL CARD.

Tips & What To Expect

• Set your intention before the trip – Think about what you want to take away from the experience.
• Arrive during daylight – The free shuttle stops around 4 PM, so if you have a late flight, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.
• Use the experience planner – While I pre-planned my itinerary, the Miraval planner gave honest recommendations once we arrived.
• Miraval has three locations – Arizona, Austin, and the Berkshires, each with its own unique offerings.
• Miraval is gratuity-free – Once you pay, that’s it—no tipping required.