How’s the hose pressure working out for you, Leanne?” asks my therapist. I gulp back an inappropriate giggle and peek out from underneath a cool flannel to see the masseuse pummelling my body with a water jet. “Perfect,” I reply, and sink into the jacuzzi to enjoy a hydromassage while inhaling the soothing scent of lavender.
It’s my first taste of an alternative getaway to Arizona, where I intend to discover some of the US state’s lesser known highlights, often overshadowed by the Grand Canyon.
A water massage is just one of many well-being treatments on offer at the Canyon Ranch Health and Spa Resort, where I’m staying. Here, guests are invited to leave the ordinary world behind and regenerate body and soul in the Sonoran Desert. Therapists devise personalised programmes that include eating plans, exercise, outdoor pursuits and, of course, massage.
My days start early, and every morning I awake to a view of the dusty Catalina Mountains, dotted with spiky cacti and bathed in a crisp amber glow.
With a full day of activities ahead, I sit down to breakfast with a surprisingly good choice of healthy dishes. This is not a place for extreme diets, guilt, starvation or rabbit food! There is no salt on the tables and nothing fattening on the drinks list, but the chefs make it really easy to follow a balanced eating plan. Each meal comes with helpful calorie and nutritional information, so I can really think about what I’m eating.
I even learn how to recreate healthy dishes at home. Chef Shawn gives us different recipes to prepare in groups and explains step-by-step what to do.
From 6am until 8pm, there are at least two activities taking place every hour at the Ranch, and there are also gorgeous spa facilities, as well as a high-tech gym, swimming pools and tennis courts to enjoy.
The fresh air and beautiful weather bring out my adventurous side so I sign up to join a fire-making session. Randy, the instructor, is Canyon Ranch’s answer to Bear Grylls, and his passion for teaching survival skills is contagious.
I learn how to carve my own fire tools, which I then use – with a bit of friction – to light a clump of kindle.
After debating whether I should go on a photography hike, track animals in the desert or embark on a bike ride through the mountains, I decide to join an off-site trip to the nearby Rancho Bosque Equestrian Centre for an Equine Inspirations class.
I’m not quite sure what to expect and imagine myself imitating Robert Redford in The Horse Whisperer. I am shown how my body language, energy and even my stare can physically affect the way a horse moves. It’s a great exercise in self-awareness.
Therapists at Canyon Ranch really encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, which prompts me to sign up for an aerial zipline activity. Helmet and harness on, I scale a steep climbing wall.
The view over the mountains is worth the trembles and I almost forget why I am there. One, two, three and off I pop into the air with my eyes half open and a smile from ear to ear.
In need of some relaxing recovery, I experiment with a range of classes designed for peaceful souls who want a bit of ‘me time’. These include sunrise yoga and meditation, watercolour classes and jewellery-making workshops.
I join a ceramic tile painting class and end up with an original souvenir I can take home for my grandmother – the one person I can count on to appreciate my limited artistic talents!
There is no room for inhibitions, egos and embarrassment at Canyon Ranch – everyone finds a way to let go and have fun. For me, waving my hands wildly out of time to YMCA at a dance class is liberating. For others, sitting quietly in a corner and practising downward facing dogs is the ideal way to unwind.
Feeling rejuvenated, I leave the Ranch and travel northeast to Scottsdale, a city full of authentic cowboy charm.
I check into Hotel Valley Ho, the epitome of modern chic with its vibrant colours and stylish interior design. It’s within walking distance of all the shops, bars and restaurants.
I quickly discover that Scottsdale is a paradise for foodies. It’s hard to pick from all the great places to eat, so I join the Arizona Food Tour to sample some of the best cuisine in the area.
From an upmarket brisket biscuit at The House Brasserie, to fruity flavours at the Outrageous Olive Oils & Vinegars shop, the tour is the perfect way to taste the delights of Scottsdale on a sunny evening.
The next day, my alarm clock wakes me up at 5am and I set off for the beautiful Sonoran Desert with Hot Air Expeditions to catch the sunrise. Floating 2,000 feet above the mountains is the perfect wake-up call, with our pilot giving us a detailed commentary about the craggy landscape below. Afterwards, he brings us safely back to earth for a luxurious breakfast.
With my trip coming to an end, there’s just enough time to squeeze in some pampering before a long-haul flight home. The VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho offers a relaxing Myofascial treatment, which uses a combination of bee pollen, honey and ginger to strengthen the immune system.
So I leave Arizona feeling healthier both the inside and outside, having seen this famous US state and it’s desert landscape in a whole new golden light.
BEST OF THE REST...
Wellness breaks will leave you feeling rejuvenated and detoxed, but if you want to burn fat and kick-start your fitness regime choose one of these amazing (and rather tough) bootcamps.
NO.1 BOOTCAMP
Week-long military style bootcamp
WHERE: Norfolk, UK and Ibiza, Spain
THE PROMISE: Dramatic weight loss, toning, inch loss and lifestyle changes and a kick-start to healthier living.
THE WORKOUT: The week-long military style camp will push you to your limits. It’s hardcore, but gets results. Expect to rise to blaring rock/techno music at 6.30am and be put through your paces by fierce ex-marines as you endure a long day packed full of gruelling circuits, hikes, running and team games peppered with calorie-controlled snacks and light meals. Choose the fitness retreat set in gorgeous surroundings on the island of Ibiza, Spain, and at least when you’re face down in the agonising plank position the sun will be shining above you. A typical day’s itinerary will include challenging but amazing scenic hikes around the island lead by renowned islander Toby Clarke, core stability exercises and team activities. There are yoga classes once a week to stretch out those aching muscles before you go home feeling like a new person. This is best for men and women of all fitness levels who want to combine a holiday with lots of activity and healthy eating.
THE DETAILS: Prices from approx Dh5,500 for seven nights, approx Dh600 for single day (Norfolk camp) for more info and to book go to www.no1bootcamp.com
THE NYLA METHOD
Beach Body Beautcamp
WHERE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE
THE PROMISE: Tones every muscle group and boosts metabolism to enable sustainable weight loss.
THE WORKOUT: The NYLA method was born through
a small group of world-class instructors from New York and Los Angeles (NY-LA) and has just launched in the UAE with its Beautcamp, pop-up classes and soon the NYLA villa, which will be home to the NYLA studio, NYLA Kitchen and NYLA Spa. Essentially it’s an oasis of wellness. There will also be designer NYLA apparel available. The workouts consist of an exhilarating new barre fitness concept, 60-minute sessions that target women’s problem areas (sorry guys, girls only) by combining dance, barre work, yoga, pilates and weight training using props such as light weights, stability balls, and resistance bands, with cardio blasts and opening stretches worked in too. Sound gruelling? It is! But tough, coated in a pink gloss. The energetic instructors (Britney and Destiny were awesome) make it fun with lots of encouragement and bursts of retro Madonna as your soundtrack. It’s tough, but after seeing the rapid results you’ll be back for more, no messing.
THE DETAILS: For info on Beach Body Beautcamp,
pop-up classes and packages (prices vary) log on to
www.nylamethod.com or call 04 454 9880.
GI JANE BOOTCAMP
Military-style bootcamp (women only)
WHERE: Kent, UK and Thailand
THE PROMISE: Dramatic weight and inch loss, lifestyle changes and improved mental and physical strength.
THE WORKOUT: Set in beautiful English countryside (you’ll stay in a manor house), this offers high-intensity physical training for 10 hours a day with an expert team of counsellors, personal health coaches and nutritionists to help you achieve your goals. Your daily diet will be a range of tasty (but small) dishes and snacks within a 1,200 calorie limit. Your body will be put through things it has never faced before, but you’ll reach goals you never thought possible to achieve. Expect endurance tasks, cardio, circuits, team games and ice baths all under the watchful (if a bit shouty) military physical trainers fresh from the British Forces. What’s great is it’s not competitive and the trainers know exactly how far to push individuals. Everyone helps each other and you’ll end the week feeling slim, inspired and pretty pleased with yourself having lost around 3.5kg in a week!
THE DETAILS: Prices range from approx Dh6,200 for one week, Dh9,300 for two weeks (UK). To find out more about courses in Thailand go to www.gijanebootcamp.co.uk
