Solo Trip to a Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona

Location:

CIVANA is located in Carefree, Arizona, north of Phoenix. It is about a 45-minute drive from Phoenix International Airport. I ordered an Uber to the resort and back from the airport that cost about $40 there and $70 back (price varies during rush hour, etc.). On my drive in, I was shown the historic town of Cave Creek. This small western town is home to the famous Buffalo Chip Saloon, where bull riding is hosted and food is served. I can’t wait to go back and attend a bull riding show.

Food & dining:

CIVANA offers two dining options: Seed Café + Market, where you can grab a quick bite for breakfast or lunch, and Terras, where you can eat at any time of day. Think farm-to-time eats. CIVANA’s dining options are so incredibly fresh and flavorful.

I woke up every morning to grab a smoothie for breakfast from Seed, and for dinner I watched the sunset on the outdoor patio at Terras. I recommend the miso glazed salmon from Terras, and smoothies from Seed.

Seating area outside of Seed Café & Market; Crave Creek Trail Rides The Stables

Activities:

Your activity list at CIVANA is endless. They offer classes from sunrise to sunset, about 20 or more classes a day. I really enjoyed starting my morning with a hike. I liked the Dragonfly hike so I could walk and still enjoy the views of beautiful Arizona. The Vibe & Flow yoga class, located on the yoga lawn, was my favorite yoga class because it was an outdoor activity. I got to enjoy the Arizona warm weather while looking at the mountains, listening to upbeat music and moving my body with yoga flow. I recommend doing the horseback riding experience. CIVANA collaborates with Crave Creek Trail Rides for this activity. This is a very relaxing horseback riding trail filled with beautiful views. I have ridden with Cave Creek Trail Rides a handful of times before and they are always so great. The horses are very well cared for and loved.

A class schedule is listed on the CIVANA website for the activities that are happening every day.

The spa:

I can’t say enough good things about this spa. I have visited many spas in my life and this one is #1! I did one spa treatment, a massage, but spent the entire day at the building just using the amenities. I did the Uplift Aromatherapy Massage. This is the first time I’ve fallen asleep during a massage because I was so relaxed. Afterwards, I was incredibly rejuvenated and was in the most amazing mood. The aromatherapy is a game changer when it comes to a mood boost.

After my massage, I utilized the amenities. I started out in the Aqua Therapy Circuit room, where I cold plunged, sat in the hot tub and used the sauna. I then made my way to the pool to relax in the sun. In my dream world, I would live in this spa building.

CIVANA pool lounge; Horseback riding with Crave Creek Trail Rides

Other tips and things to know:

I did not leave the resort unless it was to attend an activity hosted by CIVANA. I felt I didn’t need to leave because everything I needed was located on the resort. My intention of this trip was to unwind and unplug. I spent my mornings doing an activity hosted by CIVANA on their schedule, lounging by the pool with a good book in the afternoon and watching the sunset while enjoying dinner at Terras. Since it was my first solo trip, I had my reservations of feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, but I felt incredibly safe staying here alone. Many other guests are also staying at CIVANA by themselves, enjoying time away from their busy lives. The staff is so welcoming, respectful and want you to have a relaxing stay and are able to help you in any way possible.

Sunset dinner at Terras; Views from the Dragonfly Hike

I cannot wait to be back at CIVANA for my next solo wellness trip!

I stayed at CIVANA in Arizona in the middle of April. I would recommend this time of year because the weather is perfect. It was cool in the morning for hiking and warm and sunny in the afternoon, warm enough to sit by the pool, about 80 degrees every day. When I was there, I was told this was also pre-rattlesnake season, which means you won’t see any during your hikes or horseback riding. It is too cold in the evening still for the snakes to make their way to that part of Arizona.

The easiest form of transportation to and from the resort was Uber. I preordered an Uber there and back since it was a bit of a drive from the airport. The drivers are very respectful hence this is a bit of a drive.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Arizona page.