Tucked away amidst the wild greenery of Tucson, near the Santa Catalina Mountains, Canyon Ranch is the type of boutique wellness resort in the USA that will keep you coming back time and time again for more. Having been established in the late 1970s as somewhat of a pioneer in holistic wellbeing ideas and practices, today Canyon Ranch is among the best-run, most exclusive, all-encompassing luxury spa and wellness retreats in America, by quite a margin too. Its private 70-acre estate in Tucson, Arizona’s mountainous cactus-country, certainly seems as natural as they come at first glance. Though don’t be fooled; Canyon Ranch is every bit the cutting-edge facility and spa, as well as being a beautiful boutique hotel too.

Canyon Ranch leans as much on innovative technologies and techniques as it celebrates a back-to-basics approach to physical and spiritual health. So, while you may be getting expertly tailored dietary advice at the Life Enhancement Centre, or cleansing your skin with carefully selected CR Aesthetics beauty products one minute, the next you could find yourself encouraged to enjoy a spot of yoga or gentle walk through the surrounding wilderness. These opportunities to find yourself immersed in nature, thanks to the setting, simplicity and beauty of both the building and surrounds, are just as valuable as the resort’s world-class facilities, comforts, therapies, activities (over 400 available) and services, which themselves are reason enough to book a stay at Canyon Ranch.

A luxe yoga and spa retreat here in Arizona comes in many shapes and forms, which is why Canyon Ranch makes the most of its private 70-acre estate. You can, for example, not even leave the resort and still find time for squash, tennis, Pilates, yoga and dance classes, have an expert analyse your sports footwear and most suitable style, hit the gym, go for a jog, hike or bike ride, but also test yourself on an underwater HydroWorx treadmill in one of the multiple indoor and outdoor swimming pools. There are specialists in homeopathic medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition, maternity care, life management and even spirituality to consult with during your stay. And, throughout it all, you have the elegantly adorned ranch itself and balanced, fine dining cuisine served in each of its cafes and restaurants to look forward to. This then, before retiring to a spacious guestroom whose décor may look understated, yet will be both packed full of in-room extras and primed for a relaxing stay in one.

Rooms: 126

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Nearest Airport: Tucson

Board Basis: All-Inclusive

1. The pools and aquatic centre at Canyon Ranch are a major highlight of any stay here; some for relaxing, others set for an underwater workout or aqua aerobics classes
2. Having access to lifestyle gurus, nutritionists, doctors and physiotherapists as part of what is essentially a five-star spa retreat; priceless
3. The estate: 70 acres of private Arizona wilderness to enjoy however you see fit, a rare gift for any boutique USA property
4. A tailored gastronomic experience is all part of the wellness journey here, with healthy and balanced fine dining meals plus a handful of more indulgent options available in each of the three restaurants
5. This is an out-and-out wellness experience, from Canyon Ranch’s 7,430sqm spa area to the inclusion of all activities, meals and facilities – they do not want you to lift a finger
6. Every possible mod-con has been thought of when it comes to spending time within your guestroom or suite