Summer unfolds slowly in the Sonoran Desert, where golden light slips over saguaro-studded hills and the air carries the stillness of something sacred. At CIVANA, a tranquil wellness resort in the foothills of Carefree, just north of Scottsdale, that expansive energy becomes the setting for Summer Camp for the Soul, a sun-soaked, soul-stirring retreat that feels like both a gentle escape and a return to yourself. Campfire smoke gives way to palo santo, bunk beds to minimalist-chic suites, and carefree days stretch out in a rhythm of sunrise yoga, sound healing, curated rituals, and desert-foraged cuisine. This is wellness for the modern traveler: grounded, luminous, and deeply in tune with the natural world.
CIVANA’s philosophy is rooted in simplicity, intention, and joy. The goal is never perfection; it’s presence. Guests are encouraged to leave with more than they arrived: a steadier breath, a softer outlook, a ritual worth keeping. Spanning more than 20 acres of sun-drenched terrain, CIVANA blends the elegance of a luxury resort with the soul of a sanctuary. There’s no strict regimen or single path—just the belief that well-being should feel as natural as the desert itself: restorative, radiant, and quietly transformational.
Surrounded by towering saguaros and soft desert light, the resort melds high design with natural calm. Clean architecture, calming interiors, and sprawling views of Black Mountain set the tone for a stay that prioritizes stillness and personal discovery. CIVANA’s approach is centered around four pillars—Movement, Spa, Nourishment, and Discovery—and every experience is designed to create space, not pressure. It’s not about detoxing or pushing limits. It’s about finding a rhythm you might actually want to bring home.
That ethos comes to life this season through Summer Camp for the Soul, a three-night retreat series that reinvents the nostalgia of childhood camp with the comforts of a world-class spa and the freedom to simply be. Hosted June 26 to June 29, July 24 to June 27, and Aug. 21 to Aug. 24, the retreat is designed to reconnect guests with the lighter side of wellness through movement, reflection, and immersive desert experiences.
Days begin slowly, often with a soul-flow yoga session as the sun rises over the desert horizon, followed by fresh juices and a plant-forward breakfast at Seed Café. From there, the itinerary gently unfolds: breath work sessions, journaling workshops, dance breaks, sound healing, and even high-ropes challenges that push guests out of their comfort zones in the most uplifting way. There’s also ample time to rest, nap, soak, float, or just listen to the wind through the palms, the water in the Watsu pool, or your own breath.
Guests are guided by seasoned wellness practitioners, but the real guide is the rhythm of the desert itself—slow, expansive, and gently transformative. Each retreat includes access to CIVANA’s full lineup of more than 10 complimentary daily classes, ranging from aerial yoga and TRX to meditation and myofascial release. It also includes a $225 resort credit and a 60-minute spa treatment of your choosing, allowing you to personalize the experience based on your needs.
CIVANA’s spa, ranked among the best in the world, is a destination in its own right. The 22-room facility includes the Aqua Vitality circuit—a progression of hydrotherapy experiences such as Kneipp walking pools, sanitarium heat, and cold deluge showers—as well as a Watsu therapy pool, 25-meter lap pool, salon, and sun-drenched sundeck.
The food at CIVANA is just as thoughtful. Meals are curated to support energy and pleasure in equal measure. At Seed, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and anti-inflammatory dishes keep guests nourished between activities. At Terras, dinner is a more elevated experience—seasonal, inventive, and satisfying. The menu balances fresh produce with responsibly sourced proteins and accommodates every kind of dietary preference, so everyone can enjoy a beautiful meal without compromise.
Each night winds down with something grounding: candlelit sound healing, intention-burning under the stars, or a cup of Rest Well tea, thoughtfully prepared and offered as a ritual of closure. By the time guests gather for the communal farewell dinner, they will feel lighter.
For more information or to book Summer Camp for the Soul, visit civanacarefree.com.
37220 Mule Train Rd.
Carefree, AZ, 85377