3 Trips, 1 Truth: Why Miraval Is the Resort Moms Need

I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into the first time I traveled to Miraval Austin. I'd enjoyed exploring Miraval's intentions and journeys, and signing up for all of the classes that intrigued me. What I experienced went so far beyond what I imagined it would be. I was pregnant, parenting a toddler, and still finding myself in my early motherhood journey.

Photo from Miraval Austin

This time, I discovered the dream of candlelit aerial meditation, the wisdom of the Miraval experts when I checked out a parenting class, and endless healthy and delicious food for my not-so-stable stomach. I learned what a sound bath is, how to journal with intention, and took hours-long naps to relieve my first-trimester fatigue. Miraval also provides incredible prenatal spa treatments, and I took full advantage! I returned to my family well rested and as recharged as I could be at that moment.

Photo from Miraval Austin

My second journey to Miraval was a last-minute, impulsively booked reprieve—a much-needed escape from grieving in the throes of parenting. My grandmother was dying and I was one of her primary caregivers. It was my first experience with grief as a parent, and I had no idea how to move through the stages while being constantly needed by my children. I hadn’t yet learned how to care for myself while meeting the demands of parenting. My mind was a mess and I told my very supportive husband that I needed to escape to somewhere I knew I could re-anchor myself.

This time, I had only two nights away. During this time, I enjoyed absolute serenity and intentional time for soul searching. I took a class on tarot card reading (always skeptical but so very curious), I tried out a Reiki spa treatment (I’d read this would help me re-balance and anchor myself as I felt that I was in a hurricane of grief), and I enjoyed healthy, well-balanced meals to nourish my neglected body. Candlelit aerial yoga was again a favorite activity, and I balanced it with the joy and movement of Cardiodrumming. The quiet moments in my room, with the most stunning view of Texas Hill Country, were spent allowing myself to cry and reflect on how I could move forward while parenting through grief when I returned home.

The most recent trip I took to Miraval was with my husband. We were in dire need of time away to reconnect, because parenting two young children really takes a toll. This time, we tried Miraval Arizona. It had a similar feel to Austin but a completely different vibe. Both locations are absolutely stunning, with the same luxurious level of service and vast variety of incredible experiences.

Miraval Arizona

We enjoyed taking classes together as well as separately. On my own, I leaned into the exploratory side of Miraval—diving into astrology with my first star chart experience and stepping well outside my comfort zone with a class about women and sexuality.

Together, the most impactful experience we shared was the Face to Face exercise on the ropes course. It was here that I learned how much I trust my husband, and we were reminded how to work together rather than against each other as we navigate our parenting journey. We enjoyed spa treatments, fireside chats, and exercise classes together.

Miraval Austin

It truly was a marriage-changing trip, and we can’t wait to return for more. We showed up as defeated, individual, isolated parents, and came home as a team. We were ready to take on everything that the world threw at us.

All of this to say, Miraval is for every mom. It has helped shape me in so many ways and for so many reasons. Parenting is a total whirlwind and it is so easy to completely lose touch with who you are. Whether your “thing” is yoga and meditation, exercise and adventure, or food and cooking, Miraval's experts help you connect to your intention, leaving you more confident and deeply understanding of who you are at your core. Each time I return, I come back a better parent for so many reasons.

I’ve yet to visit Miraval Berkshires. It is definitely on my list of places—hopefully for Family Week one of these times. See you soon, Berkshires.

• Miraval is an adults-only, all-inclusive, luxury wellness resort. Food, non-alcoholic beverages, and many classes and experiences are included. There are also activities available at an additional cost.

• Book your classes and spa treatments in advance. You can change them as you contemplate your stay. Ask yourself, “why do I need this,” and set your intention.

• Say “yes” to the class that makes you nervous. Some of my favorite classes and experiences have been those that I wasn’t quite sure of.

• Any amount of time at Miraval is incredible; three nights or more is ideal.

• Miraval is for anyone—solo, couples, groups.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our wellness travel page.