When I first began exploring destination spas, there were two names that appeared on nearly every “best of” list: Miraval and Mii amo.
As someone working my way through many of the world’s most celebrated wellness destinations, I knew it was only a matter of time before I made the trip to Tucson to experience Miraval for myself. Like many spa travelers, I was curious how it would compare to Mii amo. The two properties are frequently ranked among the best destination spas in North America, often trading places on top-ten lists.
What I discovered was a lesson that would shape how I think about spa travel to this day.
The first thing I noticed about Miraval was its scale.
Miraval feels expansive. The property offers an impressive range of accommodations, restaurants, wellness facilities, activities, and gathering spaces. With that scale comes a vibrant energy. There are more people moving through the resort, more opportunities for social connection, and an activity calendar that seems almost endless.
For some guests, that abundance is exactly the appeal.
Miraval has long distinguished itself through experiential programming that goes far beyond traditional fitness classes and spa treatments. Signature activities such as challenge courses, equine experiences, mindfulness exercises, and team-building programs create opportunities for personal insight in unexpected ways.
Several of the lessons I learned during those experiences remain with me years later.
In many ways, Miraval was one of the first places that expanded my understanding of what a spa could be.
It was here that I experienced aerial yoga for the first time, a practice I enjoyed so much that I later sought out classes closer to home. It was also where I encountered treatments and wellness modalities I had never seen before, including Chi Nei Tsang and other mind-body experiences that encouraged exploration beyond the traditional spa menu.
Miraval invites curiosity.
Whether through physical challenges, spiritual exploration, wellness lectures, energy work, astrology, or intuitive services, guests are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and discover something new about themselves.
That spirit of experimentation is one of the resort’s greatest strengths.
Over the years, I visited both before and after the property’s ownership transition. While I noticed some subtle changes in the details that matter to a frequent spa traveler, the overall experience remains one that many guests find transformative. Most visitors would likely never notice the differences. It is simply the perspective that comes from seeing many spas over many years.
Who Thrives Here
Miraval is especially well suited for the Embodied Adventurer and the Soul Seeker.
Embodied Adventurers will appreciate the variety of activities, challenges, and opportunities to learn through experience. Soul Seekers often connect with Miraval’s mindfulness offerings, spiritual programming, and opportunities for self-discovery.
It is also an excellent choice for couples, friends, and small groups who enjoy sharing experiences together and thrive in a more social environment.
What This Spa Teaches Us
One of the most important lessons I learned at Miraval is that there is no such thing as the “best” spa.
There are only spas that align more closely with who we are, what we need, and how we recharge.
Miraval is undeniably innovative. It offers experiences, treatments, and personal growth opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere. I learned lessons there that I still reflect on today.
Yet despite everything I admired about the property, I never felt quite as at home there as I have at other destinations.
And that realization was valuable.
Sometimes wellbeing isn’t about finding the place that everyone else loves. It’s about finding the place that feels like it was designed for you.
Why It’s in My Little Pink Book
Miraval earns its place in my Little Pink Book because it expanded my definition of wellness.
It introduced me to new practices, challenged my assumptions, and delivered experiences that continue to influence how I think about personal growth years later.
While it may not be the spa I return to most often, it remains one of the most important stops on my spa journey. Sometimes the places that teach us the most are not the places we stay forever, but the places that help us better understand ourselves.
