Upon visiting Arizona, one is already prepared for the heat, already knows about the Grand Canyon, the desert, and the supernatural force of rain and wind that passes through in the summer season. What one is less likely prepared for is the actual vastness of the state, its mix of mountains and flats, sprawling suburbs and cities; to your right, a shopping center, to your left, a great open space. Between the weather, the monsoon seasons, and the enormous country that illudes no border between earth and sky, Arizona is where time and place, if not carefully eyed, can escape us entirely, leaving us only with ourselves–our mind, body, and spirit keeping each other company. 

So this is why, then, there are towns with names like “Carefree,” and in these towns, there are places like CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, a haven of the Sonoran Desert some 30 miles north of Phoenix. From now until November 5, the wellness stay is offering guests a “Getaway + Giftway” opportunity; when reserving a stay at CIVANA through February 2025, guests will receive a matched courtesy stay to gift away during dates of their choosing in Summer 2025. 

The intention behind this, as co-founder Adam Ross says, is “a natural extension of our mission, our philosophy, and reason for being as a company. We’re giving every guest the chance to not only prioritize themselves and their wellbeing through the end of the year, and into the year ahead, but to then give that same gift to someone they care about.”

Beloved by locals and travelers alike, CIVANA is regarded for its state-of-the-art spa, its spacious property that features over 20 private, scenic areas, and its mid-century modern architecture and design that continues from its restaurants and communal amenities to private guestrooms. 

In addition to the massages and treatments available, CIVANA's spa houses a Watsu therapy pool and an Aqua Therapy Circuit which includes a Kneipp hot and cold wading pool, a tepidarium, a cold deluge shower, and a five-climate KLAFS SANARIUM, which is the only one offered in the continental US. Outside overlooking the lap pool is a sundeck that connects to the spa lounge with views of the surrounding mountains, cacti, and trees.  

To maintain a meditative, relaxed state of mind, the guestrooms are designed to soothe, decorated with natural color schemes and minimalist furniture sourced from local manufacturers and artisans. Beds are topped with memory foam euro-top mattresses, and each room has an outdoor space of either a balcony or patio. 

When not enjoying the spa, the pool, or the several outdoor areas around the resort, CIVANA maximizes its wellness experience with over 50 complimentary classes that focus on a range of fitness to spiritual to self-growth, inviting guests to exercise not only the body but the mind and spirit too. To replenish, there are two restaurants on-site, Terras, which offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine, and cocktails, and Seed, a cafe-style hub with a seasonal menu complete with superfoods and diet-conscious options. 

For those interested in rounding out their trip by exploring the surrounding towns, guests can utilize CIVANA’s complimentary bike rentals or visit nearby cultural institutes like Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Butterfly Wonderland, or the Phoenix Zoo. 

With it’s everything-to-offer style of service and hospitality, CIVANA is the place where you’d want to allow time and place to escape you, where your mind, body, and spirit can be free to relax, engage, and grow. 

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Photos Courtesy of CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa.