Have a healthy holiday

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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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.