Member Spotlight: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 3, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights.
Whether it’s the latitude or altitude, the Sonoran Desert has long drawn visitors in search of wellness and renewal. With locally-owned CIVANA it’s undoubtedly both, and then some. Nestled high in the Sonoran Desert, CIVANA boasts a stunning setting and lineup of world-class wellness offerings that position it as the premier playground for wellbeing.
Uniquely designed to guide guests on a journey of discovery — of their happiest, healthiest self — CIVANA fosters a gentle transformation of mind and body through world-class hospitality and a state-of-the-art spa. Thrilled to welcome the wellness destination to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 3, we chatted with the CIVANA team about their vision for an inclusive, inspiring retreat that caters to guests wherever they are on their wellness journey.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired CIVANA?
CIVANA: We wanted to create a wellness destination that invited more into wellness. More people. More choices. More affirmation and celebration. More unbounded joy and exploration. We wanted to meet anyone wherever they were in their wellness journey and provide approachable wellness programs and an easy cadence that encouraged guests to tap into wellness’s most potent and powerful result, happiness.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: For those who haven’t experienced CIVANA’s first-hand, can you speak to how this deviates from other wellness experiences?
CIVANA: We see wellness as a personal journey, not a prescribed destination and that living well means honoring what makes each of us feel happy, healthy and whole. So, we designed an experience that honored the idea that sleeping in is just as good for your wellbeing as waking up for a 6am hike and that this is a vacation so an exceptional organic margarita post meditation class should be smiled upon. So whether you’re a devout student of wellness who wants to dive deeper or someone who simply wants to relax and reset, we welcome you.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Functionally, what does that look like?
CIVANA: It looks like movement filled mornings, restorative spa-soaked afternoons, nourishing meals to keep you fueled throughout the day and breathtaking sunsets bathed in a sea of restorative sound to welcome in the night. It looks like access to dozens of daily, complimentary, always optional fitness and movement classes included with your stay and 22+ acres of Sonoran studded grounds to rest and reflect. Basically, it’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a wellness retreat (including the treats).
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: How does CIVANA achieve this unique, ultra-personalized approach?
CIVANA: We offer curated daily programming that caters to each guest’s wellness ideals. We’ve developed 100+ complimentary fitness, personal growth, and spiritual classes each week that draw on varied disciplines and techniques. So whether you’re looking to tap into mindfulness by learning meditation or strengthening your core with one of our many yoga offerings there is something for everyone. We also offer private classes to meet individual needs in a more intimate setting.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: That said, is there a typical CIVANA guest?
CIVANA: There is no typical guest, just as there is no uniform path to wellbeing. We are here to meet anyone wherever they are in their wellness journey.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Is there an ideal length of stay to fully experience and appreciate CIVANA’s offerings?
CIVANA: We recommend guests enjoy three to four days to fully explore and benefit from our offerings.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We know that, in addition to continually introducing innovative classes and experiences, CIVANA also creates seasonal experiences and special programs…
CIVANA: CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa recently announced a ‘Season of Presence’. This October, November, and December experience curated seasonal programming, inventive holiday dining, signature spa services, acclaimed visiting wellness experts, and more. All designed to help you reset, reconnect, and rejuvenate.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you walk us through a typical itinerary?
CIVANA: We invite guests to move at their own pace and pursue their individual interests and goals. But, a sample day might include a superfood latte and overnight oats at Seed: Cafe + Market followed by a guided desert hike. As the sun continues to rise a morning yoga soul flow out on the yoga lawn followed by a mid-day glow up of cold pressed juice. The afternoon might include a little contrast therapy in our award-winning spa’s Aqua Therapy Circuit followed by a massage and then some much needed pool time. As the day begins to wind down a sound bath and yoga nidra bring closure to the day.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk about those spa treatments…
CIVANA: The Spa at CIVANA recaptures the time-honored art of healing through water. With multiple water focused services and amenities, including WATSU, where you’ll surrender fully to the intuitive guidance of the water as your therapist gently sweeps your body through a dance-like series of floating movements or Sonoran Rain Dance, a treatment designed to help reestablish your inner calm and enhance relaxation, while simultaneously increasing circulation, boosting immunity, and restoring homeostasis.
TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is your hope for CIVANA guests?
CIVANA: We hope they leave happier and healthier than they arrived. And we hope they take home sustainable tools they can build upon each time they return to CIVANA.
To learn more about CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa and book a stay, please visit civanacarefree.com. Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
