Canyon Ranch in Tucson

Save your money! This place is needs to a complete overhaul — facilities, methodologies as well as the staff. After spending 4 days there, I would have been better off buying a self-​help book, going to Massage Envy and taking classes at the local Y.
The Staff: Everyone that we dealt with had a slight attitude. Nothing was done in a professional manner and we constantly felt like we were being brushed off. Program Advisors were not useful in finding the right classes to take. They just handed us the brochure and a highlighter and told us to go «crazy». Not the service that was advertised to us in any manner. The front desk people were put off when we tried to check out. The examples can go on and on.
The Facilities: I bet in its hay day, this was a fantastic place. However it is starting to show its age. The spa is really not that nice compared to other resorts that are in this price range — same with the other parts of the resort — they need a refresh. The rooms themselves are nice and spacious. The gym is very nice as well. Handicap Accessible Bathrooms — there are 2 on the property. Good luck finding them — took us 3 days — staff were not aware of them when we asked about it.
The Classes: There are plenty of classes that are available. It would have been nice if Program Advising worked with us to schedule certain items based on some of the classes that are offered. It was not clear initially that the classes are only offered in a limited amount at specific times. The exercise classes are intended for individuals that have not exercised in 30 – 40 years — even the level 2 and level 3 classes. So they were a waste of time for me. The Health classes go after a nutrition and wellness programs that are out of date and also focused on individuals that have not been an active participant in their own personal health. In each class, it will all about the up-​sell. Which is okay, however it got to be a little too in your face. My gym actually offers a greater variety of classes with instructors that know what they are doing.
The Spa: we were machines: in and out. The masseuse made zero effort to connect on a personal level. It was all about — rub left leg 5 times, proceed to rub right leg 5 times. Like everyone else that was there, people were very put off by the fact that they had to work. The folks there like to give unsolicited advice. Not their place. Truly the services provided are subpar compared to the prices that are charged.
The Food: the food was decent. Lets not go crazy. I would recommend doing the lunch and learns. The food there is much better. You will not be hungry there, but never quite satisfied either.
And lastly — the name dropping. It was exhausting. Each person that worked there was so proud that this celebrity and that Princess was there or is their current client. Not acceptable and truly shows a lack of class here.
Bottom line, there are plenty of other Health Resorts and Spas where you can get a better value for your money.

This place is amazing! There is so much to do! The staff is always so friendly and attentive. The classes are worth it and everyone is so positive. The rooms are gorgeous and clean. The food is all organic and my friend is vegan so they even have options for her, which she loved. And they even have gluten free dishes. This is a one of a kind spa that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime, especially for people who really want to keep in shape. They also have a hospital there that does all kinds of studies and tests if you need them. Great place to check out!

As a first time guest, with a group and having no idea what to expect, I was very happy with my stay at Canyon Ranch. The Spa staff rocks! They have the most knowledge and experience. The Washu water treatment should not be missed, one of a kind!
The wait staff needs some guidance in customer service.
Food, excellent, think portion control/​no salt or soft drinks which is a good change for us all.
Location, beautiful with four mountain ranges surrounding the 140 acre property. Lots of areas to hike and explore.
Rooms, some better than others. Some are updated, others, not so much. Also need tech updates, plug ins. If you are with a group you need to request rooms nearby or you will be hiking a distance to get from room to room. Very spread out property.
LOVE the no cell phone policy, they are bringing back the art of conversation! And you meet some really great people that way.
Overall, a great time-​out in this busy world that we live in.

One of the best places on earth to reflect, relax, and just be.

I’m staying at canyon ranch for the first time and am currently in their Life Enhancement program for weight loss. I have learned a lot about my body, nutrition, and am down 5 pounds over the past 11 days in large part due to their excellent food!!! They take a holistic approach, so you get sessions with nutritionists and therapists to help you to be successful and motivated once you leave.
I did the DEXA scan, which analyzes your muscle to fat ratio, and that was an eye opener. I’m learning not only that I need more exercise, but I now have guidance on where to focus my efforts.
They have practically everything here and I’m finding activities I really enjoy and will take home with me (golf, belly dancing, aerial yoga, and even some arts and crafts)!
I can’t say enough great things about canyon ranch. I am leaving here feeling more energized and uplifted, which is more than I had expected.
If you have some areas in your life to improve, whether it is getting more physically or more spiritually active in your own life, you need to get your buns here.

This is an amazing place for the mind, body, and soul. They have yoga, pilates, desert drumming, and tai chi. They also have many lectures covering different health topics.
A lot of the instructors are very good, especially Darlene, Elizabeth, Meara, and George to name a few.
In the spa area the best masseuse in my humble opinion is Charity.
So if you find yourself in Tucson I would look for these instructors and masseuse.

Canyon Ranch is not just about physical health and fitness but spiritual health as well. I love the employees that work there. They are fantastic. It lived up to my high expectations.

This is the best and most healing vacation on earth!
If you need to reboot, re-​energize, destress, lose weight, eat healthy, learn about fitness and nutrition, get back on the workout wagon, then this place is for you.
The staff is the MOST friendly group of people I’ve ever met. Whatever you want, they make it happen for you.
They have a lot of great complimentary talks, such as these below which I highly recommend! and yes they’re FREE!
Pillow Talk: is your sleep posture causing you pain?
Public Speaking: Be Empowered!
The Science of Weight Loss
For other services, I recommend:
Head, Neck and Shoulders (with Nancy)
Watsu (If you want to do something you’ve never done before)
If you’re reading this and making the decision if you should go to Canyon Ranch in Tuscon, stop reading. I’m telling you, you will be so happy that you did. When you return you will feel refreshed, renewed and most likely will have found your happiness.

This year they have made some amazing updates to the staff. In addition to great vets in hiking like Petra and Jeff, I hiked with Alex who is a newbie, fountain of information and a great hiking companion.
In the spa, Kevin updated his Rejuvenating Waters treatment to incorporate under water Thai stretching. Intense and out of this world.
And a new addition to staff is Dominic. He gave me two heavenly deep tissue massages. He has firm soft hands and is so intuitive to body issues. He worked out my calf knots from hiking and totally helped my it bands that are constantly hurting. I walk away feeling lush and sore free. Highly recommended.

If you want to get away, relax, and be healthy… this is the place to go! I was there last week and was treated like a princess! The staff was very pleasant, the food was delicious, the room was cozy, and the spa was spectacular. I went on group bike rides in the mornings and the guides were really friendly and helpful. The views at Sabina Canyon were beautiful. The yoga classes were great and the gym was amazing. I made some good friends while I was there too, which I didn’t expect. I would highly recommend Canyon Ranch… and I will absolutely be going back there again!

Met a friend here for some R&R over a long weekend. This place is spectacular but almost too much so. Is there such a thing? Why YES! It’s know for its tranquil settings, great service and a place for wellness but from the second we arrived, we felt overwhelmed with the amount of activities there is to do! We were picked up from the airport via shuttle and given a «book» of activities for the week. The whole 45 min ride to the ranch, we were circling and highlighting (they provide this for a reason btw). Over the 4 days we were there, we did everything from massages, to facials, to wraps, to biking to zip-​lining, courses on astrology, and a whole lot of EATING! The nice thing is that is you will not be bored but if seeking a spa weekend, this is not the place. It truly is a «wellness center»…with that said, we were sore everyday but felt great. If I go back, I would chill out more by the pool and read instead of checking out every single yoga, zumba and rock climbing excursion.
I had a run in with the «slice of heaven» massage which involves 2 therapists working on you at the same time. A minute (literally) before my massage they said one person called out sick so the massage was off. Didn’t like this. I ended up getting massaged by one person (not as exciting especially since I wanted to try this special four hands thing of theirs) but ended up being a good massage and I got comp’d for the inconvenience.
Overall, good but I want to try a different resort next time and compare. OH and don’t be mislead like we were… the «credit» they offer you towards services is for ALL services… not just spa services as we had been told. We found this out on the last day and it was only because of my massage mishap… not cool.

Zero stars. I only put one, because I had to in order to register this review. I used to come to Canyon Ranch for a luxurious fitness retreat and loved it. But in the past few years they have been cutting back in what they hoped were imperceptible ways. An «aging» (but experienced!) instructor here, a little amenity there. Horrible experience in the hair salon, where I was dissed while a celeb was fawned over. Ugh. What used to be a great wellness room is now a place to sell more things. And now, after a long association with their most brilliant contractor — Yamuna Zake — they have utterly ripped off her foot wellness program even to the point of copying her devices. After she TRAINED them in how to do it. The place no longer feels client oriented, cleansing, spiritual. It just feels like another machine. I know people who are selling their homes there because the place has gone so downhill. I’d rather spend the same money at Cal-​A-​Vie or less at Tecate, and get twice the experience. I wouldn’t believe all the high star reviews, many are placed here by marketing folks. You can get a 90 degree pool and a stairmaster anywhere. PASS

I come to Canyon Ranch for the excellent exercise physiology and life management services mostly, for the good overall health and wellness classes and experts, some interesting lectures (last night’s was especially wonderful, on the topic of Kaizen which I had never heard of before). Also the beautiful setting and climate. These are all worth visiting for.
The food however is most definitely not. As on a past visit, most of the time at dinner it was cold. Once I returned my meal to only be served once again less-​than-​hot food. The explanation of «it’s so hot outside» and «we tried to make it like in Italy» just doesn’t cut it. A dining companion one evening concurred, saying that her food had been repeatedly cold on this visit to the point where she wondered if this was simply the new norm for the resort.
As well as the issue of temperature is the fact that the dishes themselves were uninspiring. I found minuscule portions of fresh vegetables, always having to ask for double portions. Much of the time the food seems as though it’s been sitting around for quite some time, hinting at a lack of freshness. Tired lettuce in a lunchtime salad was observed. It is strange that at a health spa, plates don’t comes out of the kitchen half filled with vibrant color. This is how I eat at home and I expect to have even more opportunities to do this at Canyon Ranch, a place wherein the past the food was fantastic. I remember innovative vegetarian dishes with fresh spices served piping hot, and more generous portions. On this recent visit, I faced a plate of glazed carrots and barely edible (disgusting) creamed spinach. What on earth are glazed carrots and creamed spinach doing on a health spa menu anyway?! And this was the same evening when my friend’s face fell upon seeing her to tomato and avocado salad come out pf the kitchen as 2 small slices of tomato and 1 small slice
of avocado, period.
When I go to Canyon Ranch, I want to eat the freshest of veg prepared with lemon, olive oil, spices. Light and fresh and healthy with the focus on the quality of ingredients. This is not what I found on my recent visit to Canyon Ranch, how disappointing.

Ok, so my wife has been ranting and raving about Canyon Ranch for years. It is in a beautiful location and does have fantastic classes. Three problems I had were the food, the no wine on property and the fact that the rooms have not been updated for 30 years. Pillows are pitiful and housekeeping had to be chased down pretty much everyday for turndown service. the bathrooms are also tiny. Considering you are paying about 2000 per day, I expect a lot more and felt cheated. Sort of like the road to Hana.
Would I go back? It makes my wife happy so only for her. But my choice would be to go to a four seasons or aman resort someplace.

I’ve been blessed with an incredibly loving and generous daddy, who has sent my mom, sister and me here for a week each year for about 6 years now. Personally, it’s not a splurge I could, or rather «would», choose to indulge in if it wasn’t for him. So… thank you, thank you, thank you daddy! ;-)
It’s a gorgeous setting, especially when you are coming from nasty, ugly, cold winter weather. In fact, several times I have been sick when arriving at the ranch, and it is a wonderful place to burrow down beneath the down duvet and feather pillows and just let your body heal. At the same time, it’s a shame to waste any time in your room with so much to enjoy. Oh, and just as an FYI, I have found the inhalation sauna to be very helpful in the healing process.
The best part of the place? The spa services, no doubt! I can’t help it. A good workout is nice, hiking in that beautiful scenery is ^^awesome^^, but being rubbed, massaged, «stoned» (he heh), wrapped, scrubbed… well, that’s my heaven.
I subtracted a star because I have seen some decline over the years. They took away those down blankets I loved so much. In fact, more than a few of the ‘extras’ and niceties of the stay have been taken away. Also, the dining room wait staff during several of my trips has been filled with students (?) whom have great difficulty with the English language, causing many mess-​ups with orders. I have no problem with portion sizes, as we just order more if we are hungrier. I would like to see a bit more variety. I know the exact food I’ll be having before I even get there because it’s always the same. By the end of the week, I am craving something other than the same old salad bar, plain salmon, and plain steamed broccoli.
Lastly, several years ago I had a diamond tennis bracelet and earrings stolen from my room. We always used the safe when leaving the room, but I was in larger accommodations, with the bedroom separate. The night before they disappeared, I took them off and left them on a counter… assuming they were ok, because I’d put them in the safe before leaving. The problem arose when my mom and sister left the room earlier in the morning than I did. I stayed in my room sleeping late, with ear plugs in. I did hear someone come in briefly, but assumed it was my mom or sister. Needless to say, it wasn’t. So, lesson learned the hard way. I don’t even wear my wedding ring when I go there.

Simply the best vacation spot ever. I always leave Canyon Ranch feeling like I’ve turned over a new leaf as well as supercharged, energized, and refreshed. While at the ranch I especially enjoy the fitness classes including Boxers Workout, Body Blitz, TRX & Flex, and DJ Dance Party. My favorite spa services include the Detox Ritual, Watsu, and I’ve heard that the Thai Massage is epic (although I haven’t tried it yet). The food at Canyon Ranch is amazing. It’s low cal and optimized for maximum nutrition. I heard the chocolate sauce even has prunes in it, but you can’t tell at all!

This place is Heaven on Earth. I have been visiting here for 25 years. I have lost 100 lbs since I first came here and have been Sober from booze since that same day. It all started here. This is a Health oasis in the desert of life! Surrounded by like minded people who want to enjoy a healthy life one can’t help but to enjoy the healthiest vacation you could ever have. A week here and I felt 20 years younger. The food, activities and staff are all 10 on a one to 10 basis. I can’t express in words the actual incredibleness of this magical energy.

I just arrived back home after a 4 days at this absolutely soothing resort. It was our second visit (our first was 5 years ago), and I really didn’t want to leave. There is nothing like the experience of being totally and utterly pampered that completely rejuvenates the soul.
The Husband and I decided to go the «cheap» (hahaha) route by not booking spa services this time (they can get pretty pricey, although they certainly are amazing!). We spent our time enjoying the many free classes (my personal faves are women’s stretch, intermediate yoga — which was one of the best yoga classes I’ve done!, Yamuna Body Rolling and Foot Fitness). It might sound strange, but there is something completely satisfying about getting to the Ranch, working out and making your body sore… perhaps it is the promise of the hot tub and steam room afterwards that makes it seem so great? Or the homemade gelato after dinner every night?
Speaking of the food — wow! Portions are reasonably small (it IS a health resort, after all), but the superb wait staff is happy to oblige when you ask for an extra appetizer — or an extra entrée, for that matter! And, of course, what would a meal be without dessert (or two?!). The menus detail the nutritional facts for every item and the Ranch really caters to the Gluten-​Free crowd (a HUGE thank you from the Husband!).
I just can’t say enough good things about Canyon Ranch. I met a number of other repeat guests — some there for the 4^th, 5^th, 19^th time! What a testimony to the perfection of this resort. It is a luxury that you should find a way to afford (or get your parents to help you pay for it as a graduation present, like we did!) — you will enjoy every second.

I really enjoyed Canyon Ranch in Tucson.
Very progressive healing techniques (i.e. healing touch, hypnosis etc.). Also, the knowledge provided via workshops etc. is great too. You hardly have enough time to fit everything in! The Program Advisors make schedules for you according to your needs/​wants.
The grounds are immaculate; South Western style (of course). & a very peaceful atmosphere; smoking is banned.
The food is very good, & it’s all inclusive. There are Nutritionists to give you extensive information on anything/​everything you’re consuming.
The spa is great– very clean, friendly service etc. Tea bars are everywhere; just about every little touch you can imagine– it’s there.

In the middle of our 4 night stay here, I turned to my hubby and told him that this was my favorite vacation of all time. Really.
In a nutshell, Canyon Ranch is a 70-​acre vacation resort in the desert near the Santa Catalina Mountains. The resort offers over 50 fitness classes and programs daily, along with an extensive list of spa treatments, personal fitness assessments and consultations, mind-​body courses, lectures, workshops and cooking classes. It serves healthy (read: low-​fat, high fiber, properly-​apportioned) food. Surprisingly, the food ain’t half bad. You won’t mistake it for the French Laundry, but there’s something to be said about guilt-​free eating, too. Plus, the ranch maintains an amazing ratio of 3 staff members for every 1 guest. On the minus side, even a four-​day stay here is insanely expensive.
My hubby and I chose to exercise our asses off during the day and treat our sore muscles to some pampering at night (e.g. Thai massage, Watsu, etc.). We even exercised next to a movie star in a bunch of our classes. Truth be told, my hubby and I were definitely younger than many of the guests at the ranch (median age is 50+) but we had a real blast reconnecting with each other during our stay.
Some tips for newbies: Fly in the night before and stay at a cheap-​ass hotel near the airport or downtown. The Canyon Ranch van can pick you up at your hotel as early as 7 am so you can start your vacation bright and early. Even though your room isn’t available, you can have your bags stored (and they will be brought to your room when the room is ready) and you can get a locker at the spa. Your first meal included on your first day is lunch but we were still provided with healthy snacks and yogurt when we arrived. Also, book an evening flight home so you can take advantage of all the classes on your last day (they even let us have a late 4:30 pm check out). On your last day, your last meal included is lunch but you can still ask for a to-​go meal to take to the airport.
When we first came three years ago, we checked-​in at around 3pm and left on our last day at around noon. We paid the same amount this time (since there was a 30% off discount in December) but got almost 2 more days at the resort.
Since this place is so expensive, we probably won’t be back for a couple of years but the five days we spent here have totally inspired us to lead healthier, more mindful lives. I know I sound hokey but this place is the bomb.