Now this is how you do a remodel. Nestled on over twenty acres of pristine land in the aptly named town of Carefree, wellness-centric Civana resort just completed a comprehensive, $50 million renovation and have clearly spared no expense.
From the rooms to the lobby to the stunning, new, two-story, 22,000 square-foot spa, this serene resort has been transformed into one of the preeminent destination wellness retreats in the nation — a first-rate escape from all of everyday life’s many troubles. And with about a dozen wellness experts, two health-conscious gourmet restaurants, six fitness and movement studios, and tons of free classes, they have clearly gone out of their way to ensure your stay is as enriching as possible for your mind, body, and soul.
“Our goal at Civana is to offer guests options and flexibility in all aspects of wellness, including at the spa,” says Civana CEO Maggie Lang. “We invested a lot of time in thoughtfully curating a wide-ranging menu of distinct and customizable treatments to allow each guest to uncover their own wellness journey. Wellness means different things to each person, and the addition of our new innovative spa allows our guests to customize an experience that is right for them.”
That experience begins from the moment you check in, are greeted by the warm and attentive staff, and begin planning your escape. Everyone I encountered onsite during my stay at Civana was exceptionally friendly, helpful, and spoke with with a relaxed and calming tone that certainly added to overall serenity and enjoyment of my retreat. And even though they have an almost obscene abundance of activities and classes, they never allow you to feel overwhelmed. You are free to enjoy your stay however you so please.
The renovated rooms really help augment that enjoyment. Modern-yet-inviting with crisp lines, a clean color palate of creamy whites and taupes, and an affluence of natural materials like stone, wood, metal, and glass, a lot of careful thought clearly went into renovating these rooms. From the beds to the fixtures to the bathtubs, all the amenities are first-rate and functional. And most offer stunning views, particularly the lavish, two-room, 1,200-square foot Tranquility Suite which overlooks the resort pool and Continental Mountains.
The renovated fitness center eclipses most resort offerings I have encountered and is more akin to a small, upscale gym. The equipment is all brand new and there is a genuine feeling of cleanliness and vibrance throughout. As mentioned, there are about a dozen unique, quality fitness programs available, and a team of almost as many wellness experts on hand to help you navigate them and discover your path to rejuvenation.
For most that path will lead to the palatial spa. And even though it was not entirely complete when I visited, I was still able to appreciate it in all of its splendor. One imagines the bulk of the renovation budget was spent here and it shows. Every single detail and design element is well-thought and near flawless, while the list of amenities is staggering. There are 28 treatment areas at your disposal, including a Watsu therapy pool, two couples treatment rooms, three wet treatment rooms (including a Vichy shower), five facial rooms, and 13 massage rooms. And as if that wasn’t enough there’s also a lovely 1,600 square-foot co-ed relaxation lounge with an outdoor balcony offering sweeping views, and a communal area of hydrotherapy immersions (amongst other things).
The treatment menu at the spa is holistic and full of distinct and fully customized treatments which draw upon varying schools of practice and tradition, from ancient to modern. There are energy and Eastern therapies like Reiki and Thai massage, right alongside more traditional treatments and distinctly Southwestern offerings like Sonoran Rain Dances. Suffice it to say there is something for everyone here. And the service is impeccable across the board. I would easily stack this spa up against the best in Scottsdale, and perhaps even some of the best in the nation.
There are two brand-new restaurants at Civana, Terras and Cafe Meto, and each features fresh food and sustainable ingredients. Adjacent to the spa, Meto is a place to grab a quick, nourishing breakfast or lunch, while Terras is the more formal option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu is diverse, the dishes colorful and vibrant, full of greens and fresh ingredients completely devoid of GMOs, hydrogenated fats, hormones, and preservatives.
In summation, after a few days at Civana one begins to forget their troubles and just savor the enveloping experience they carefully provide for you. The resort does a great job of distinguishing itself from the plethora of quality retreats in nearby Scottsdale by offering a refreshing, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience across the board, making it certainly worth checking out if you are in need of an escape.
Oh and we should add that currently, as a promotion, Civana is offering a complimentary fourth night whenever one books a three-night stay, just a little added incentive for a respite from your stress….
For more information and to book a stay, visit civanacarefree.com.
 | About Author Ty Fahlman The former Managing Editor of Jetset Magazine, Ty Fahlman has earned a stellar reputation for his probing, introspective interviews of celebrities, as well as his in-depth profiles of resorts, restaurants, and destinations. With over 150 articles published, Ty has ghostwritten for New York Times bestselling authors and celebrities, and given thoughtful and in-depth profiles and interviews of dozens of A-List celebrities including Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Leonardo DiCaprio. He currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona but travels as much as he can. |