Are you looking for a Tucson wellness retreat, but want to avoid the large resorts? Here’s how you can create your own 24-hour rejuvenating getaway.
Keep the purpose of your trip in mind as you plan. Allow plenty of breathing room between activities, so you can move from one to the next without rushing.
Make these reservations in advance, so that when you arrive, details are taken care of and you can relax and immerse yourself in each moment:
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No reservation is needed to enjoy lunch at Tumerico! The vegetarian Latin American cafe changes its menu daily, depending on the availability of fresh, local ingredients.
A couple of miles north of Tumerico, you’ll find Seven Cups, a traditional Chinese tea house, where you can sit, sip tea, and get yourself back in balance. Although they offer over 80 different teas, each one is hand-selected directly from growers in China and hand-packaged in Tucson. If you’re not sure which to choose, just ask!
If you registered for a YogaOasis class, make sure to get there early — especially if you’re not traveling with your own mat. They have just a few available to lend.
You may want to check into Lodge on the Desert before going out to dinner. The former guest ranch’s hacienda-style decor, cozy rooms, and meandering paths lead you to a less hectic pace. As you head to your room, slow down and really take in the beautiful desert surroundings.
The dinner reservation I suggested was for Tito & Pep, a small bistro that specializes in creative dishes centered around food grilled perfectly over a mesquite wood fire. Their current menu includes several seafood dishes, as well as a handful of clearly marked vegetarian and gluten-free items.
If you weren’t able to get a reservation, you may be able to be seated at the bar.
Continue your restful evening back at Lodge on the Desert. Relax in the whirlpool spa or meditate under the stars. Most importantly, get plenty of sleep so you can feel refreshed and ready for an early morning start!
The hotel’s restaurant, Cielos, has a hot breakfast buffet starting daily at 7 a.m. You can also add on the Bed and Breakfast Package during your stay. The buffet style allows you to customize your selections to fit your wellness goals and preferences — whether that means fruit first thing in the morning, oatmeal every day, low carbs / high protein, etc.
After breakfast, meander through Tucson Botanical Gardens. Take some deep breaths in the Sensory Gardens, noticing the scent of plants and blossoms around you. As you continue on, stay mindful of the different sights, sounds, textures, and aromas throughout the gardens. Take time to visit the non-traditional Zen Garden and rake patterns into the sand table. Find a peaceful spot, like the Word Garden, to sit in contemplation.
Linger in the garden until you need to leave for your appointment at Healing Spirit Soaks. Give yourself at least 15 minutes so you can arrive a little early.
Healing Spirit Soaks is a place where you can schedule a massage, an herbal foot soak, a full body bath, reiki, reflexology, a sauna with cold plunge, or other holistic healing services. If you didn’t schedule an appointment in advance, call to see if they have any availability.
Cap off your time in Tucson with lunch at Feast. The menu rotates but always has lots of seasonal vegetables, fruit, and herbs. It’s a perfect complement to a morning of garden walks and holistic self-care.
