Miraval Spa Arrives In SoCal. Here’s Hoping It’s The Start Of A Trend

31.03.2024 - 00:51 / forbes.com

I’ve been to all seven continents and to some of the most unique spots on earth yet the one place I return to time after time is Miraval. Although they now have wellness destinations in the Berkshires and Austin, Texas (neither of which I’ve visited yet), as well, the original Miraval in Tucson, Arizona will always feel like home to me and my husband.

Because we had to cancel a multi-generational family trip there when Omicron hit in 2021 and haven’t been able to find the time to reschedule, I was delighted to discover that Miraval was opening Life in Balance Spa Aviara at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Carlsbad, California – practically in my own backyard!

This is the first time Miraval has launched its world-renowned Life in Balance Spa concept outside of its own resorts and Park Hyatt Aviara is a great choice for the debut because of the near-perfect weather and array of activities for other family members.

Park Hyatt Aviara has been a memorable part of my own family’s experiences for the past couple of decades. We’ve often celebrated Thanksgiving and special occasions at the resort; my husband and son enjoyed many hours of golf on the top rated, Arnold Palmer-designed course; my mom and I regularly treated ourselves to afternoon tea in the lobby and, of course, I took advantage of the spa.

Eager to see how the idea of Miraval translated elsewhere and, mostly, to indulge a little, I booked a spa day with my mom and sister. While Miraval Aviara does offer many of the treatments, classes and activities I loved in Tucson – Naga, meditation, yoga – what we needed now was to be pampered. My mom and sister opted for relaxation massages and facials while I went with Warrior’s Recovery (a Miraval Aviara exclusive) and the Juniper Leg & Foot Massage.

Valet parking is complimentary so we dropped off the car and walked through the hotel lobby, stopping to admire the stunning views. We took the elevator to the spa and, as soon as I smelled that peaceful and welcoming Miraval scent, I felt my shoulders relax for the first time in months.

After changing into our robes and slippers, we spent a few minutes breathing in the eucalyptus in the steam room before parking ourselves in the lovely solarium, where we would meet our therapists. We put up our feet and helped ourselves to the muffins and fruit-infused water. Honestly, we probably would have been very happy just staying like this for hours.

While walking through the lounge, Spa Director Angee Smithee reminded everyone to set their intention – a cornerstone of Miraval and something that raises the whole Miraval experience to something much more powerful and meaningful. Speaking of corners, she explained that the four corners of the Spa contain