But for those who long for something completely different, Tucson poses an especially daring and so-much-fun change for those weaned on cowboy movies and Clint Eastwood films. Some highlights included being graciously hosted by remarkably strong, smart women.
The French Diet
A trip to Tucson is not complete without a stop or a nod to Canyon Ranch, formerly known as a traditional “fat farm,” before it was chic to get your body in “ready-for-prime time” shape. It is anything but.
This astonishing, gorgeous property whose axiom is, “The Power of Possibility,” has been a Tucson staple for 25 years. Canyon Ranch was founded by prescient Mel and Enid Zuckerman, who foresaw the need to offer guests a respite where true, good health and habits were goals worth striving for.
This resort’s tenets embrace all that health-conscious visitors aspire to attain. Outdoor activities may include mountain biking, hiking, tennis and, of course, golf. But the inside opportunities will please the most discriminating “A” personality type.
Learn proper nutrition, skin care (a French person’s raison d’etre) or even correct walking posture while here. It is an overwhelming (in a good way) destination that has won so many accolades that it spun off satellite locations. Can’t make it to Tucson and curious about the mystique? Try The Lenox, Massachusetts site, the Las Vegas SpaClub, the Queen Mary 2 and most recently, Miami’s Canyon Ranch Living.
If you visit, expect delicious, heart-healthy cuisine, educators who will inform you about topics relating to all aspects of a healthy life and an environment where you are treated like Royalty. Speak French and you’ll be treated like French loyalty, but with permission to keep your head, thank you.
French Dining and Wine
Craving more French classics? Then don’t miss a visit to Loews Ventana Canyon Resort which boasts of French Chef Philippe Trosch’s magical touch. AAA awarded the resort’s French-inspired Ventana Room Five Diamonds for 2006, the only Arizona property to have been elevated from Four Star. Not bad for an old cowboy town, d’accord?
Food critics (more seasoned than I) should note the elegance of the Ventana Room in addition to its impeccable, French-infused service. If you sneeze, ten tissues will be at the ready.
Wine director Kevin Brady will be delighted to suggest a pairing for the extensive wine and spirit menu. And after receiving the Best of Award of Excellence from “Wine Spectator,” plan to book a reservation as soon as possible.
Close your eyes, sip your paired-wine and pretend you’re on the Champs d’Elysses, on a break from strolling the avenue. It’s that good. And the resort’s ample self-guided walking paths offer solitude or choose an off-site trek in the company of others.
European Privacy and Elegance at the Spa
Now that you’ve become acquainted with some of Tucson’s French infusion, it’s time for my favorite oasis — Miraval, Life in Balance Resort & Spa.
This luxurious resort, famed for its dedication to a healthy integration of mind/body/spirit activities (which may include doing nothing on purpose), provides a European-style of privacy and elegance. Just add a stable full of horses, delicious spa indulgences, homey public spaces to curl up with a good book, and you have my vision of perfection. In Tucson. With a French accent.
Miraval’s architectural landscaping and spatial construction succeeds in creating small nooks and crannies to discover, as well as big public places and an open-air sense of space.
Miraval’s inspirational and oft-stimulating programs, including the famed “Equine Experience,” adds up to a fantastic spa (except for that elevator bad-lighting-thing) with impeccably trained staff (for massage, ask for Manny) and a dining staff both knowledgeable and discrete.
There may be a plethora of celebrity visitors, but no one will ever utter a word about it. Famed for its corporate workshops, some involving horses and others exploring couples’ sexuality (if that’s not French…), Miraval allows you to choose your own path, and caring staff will ease you toward whichever direction you choose to follow.
Swimming options are aplenty and thoughtfully designed. For those shy about the whole bathing suit-issue (you know what I mean), a secluded, well-landscaped smaller pool is available a few steps away from the main one.
A perfectly central-to-the-action-situated, main swimming pool is adjacent to the spa. Get a smoothie, made with real fruit, slather on some sunscreen (thoughtfully provided by Miraval) and say hello to heaven.
Naomi Serviss is a freelancer specializing in spas and health trends. She’s working on her first novel.