I spent the weekend with my wife at the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa. While I will publish a detailed review in the days ahead, I’ll offer some observations about my stay here.
1. The Miraval is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort in the Tucson area of Arizona.
This property is part of the World of Hyatt portfolio and all meals are included. Guests also receive at least $175/day in resort credit to be used for a host of activities ranging from massages to facials, from horseback riding to cooking classes. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style while dinner includes a four-course meal. The resort has embraced the farm-to-table concept and most food is organic and/or free range.
Overall, I thought the food was excellent…though fair warning: the food is full of fiber. Full of it…if you get where I’m going with this.
2. My room was secluded and had a beautiful terrace.
By virtue of my Globalist status, I was upgraded to a Sunrise King Room that featured a private terrace, outdoor shower, and Roman soaking tub.
I loved the privacy of this room.
3. When Miraval says to unplug, they mean it.
Two areas of the hotel are designated for mobile phone usage: a courtyard near the lobby and your guest room. If you use your phone in other places, expect to receive evil stares or friendly verbal reprimands from hotel staff.
4. This is a very esoteric property.
Let me just refer you to this page and leave out the commentary. Not my cup of tea.
5. I enjoyed an amazing massage.
The massage technicians are excellent and I received a superb massage from Nick.
6. The coffee is horrible.
The hotel has a coffee and juice bar, which I love in theory. Unfortunately, the coffee (espresso, cappuccino, just plain brewed) was horrible. Horrible. Almost as bad as the Keurig machine in the room. Bring your own…
CONCLUSION
It is currently shoulder season at the hotel as the weather starts to cool down. I used my last two remaining Chase free night certs (sign-up bonus) to book my stay, meaning I paid zero out of pocket. Normal rates tend to run about $700/night per-person this time of year (not per room or per couple). You can also use 45,000 for single occupancy of 65,000 points for double occupancy. Stay tuned for the full review.
I hope that’s a photo of an ice-cream or some other dessert and not of a cappuccino. Otherwise it should be put on trial at the ICC (International Coffee Court)
Unfortunately, that’s a cappuccino.
Skip the trial and go straight to jail. It’s sad that people still think that frothed cooked protein is something that tastes good in coffe.
Driving from LA to Tucson and back for a weekend. Watch out, you’re turning in to me! 🙂
I have to admit, the drive was hell. We took your routing on the way out and I-10 all the way home. What a long drive!
Wow, a 23% resort charge makes those $50/nt resort fees look like peanuts! Zero out of your pocket though — solid.
I thought the Chase free night certificates were only for Cat 1-4 hotels (?)
Matthew, how were the food portions? Along with the fiber, I understand the portions are small, so always hungry?
Ed, The current chase free night certificates are currently only for Cat 1-4 hotels. Previous offers for the credit card sign up bonus allowed two free nights, even at this expensive resort.
Mike, I stayed at the resort about two months ago (when miraval had the 50% points back bonus, and still does) and the food portions were very good. You will not starve. If you want more food, you just order more. For free 🙂 Wine is additional. Under Matthew’s #6 (coffee is horrible) picture, you can see there is a snack bar, that you can grab additional food/smoothies if you are hungry between meals or want to take something with you on a hike.
I guess some hotels have good and bad things to offer. Good to know this tips ahead!