September 01, 2016

Explore Your EL Benefits // Welcome to Canyon Ranch

Your EL Concierge Team is here to bring your Jet Linx Elevated Lifestyle benefits to life – join EL Concierge Danielle Meier for an exclusive preview of your next stay at Canyon Ranch!

Before I left for my stay, I did all the things I normally do when going out of town – research!

I checked reviews on the property, checked the weather forecast for the local area, looked it up on a map, etc. It is not often you find consistent, excellent reviews on a property of any kind, but I actually did with Canyon Ranch. I knew it was going to be great, but still was not sure about what to expect from a world renowned destination spa resort.

I started packing for my trip like usual (the night before – which turns into the middle of the night, early morning hours). I wanted to make sure I was prepared for everything, so I had a selection of workout clothes, a bathing suit, some casual shorts and tops, and a few pairs of shoes (ok – maybe 5, or 6, but all casual!). I did manage to get everything into 1 large duffel bag so I could avoid having to check a bag.

I headed to the airport about 4am, thoughts still going through my head about what to expect, but anxious to get there and start exploring. I always love heading to the airport, because it means I am going somewhere (other than home or work), an adventure!

I arrived into Tucson to find Allan from Canyon Ranch waiting for me at the bottom of the escalator holding a card with my name on it – I already felt special! Bless his heart, he took my heavy duffel bag, handed me a cold water and a Welcome Packet with an itinerary of choices to review for my stay, and we started our drive to the ranch.

We drive up a beautiful tree-lined driveway to the Clubhouse and I am so ready to hit the ground running. I enter the Clubhouse – a very warm and inviting atmosphere, with a smiling happy staff, and check in. I knew I wanted to meet with the Program Advisor so I could get tips on planning out my days, and I sign up for a tour of the property that was happening in about 30 minutes.

My room is already ready, so I go take a peek really quick before heading to my first “class.” My room is amazing, the same warm, welcoming feel, including a lounger on my front porch (I picture myself having a cup of coffee and reading a book in the early morning). There is a sitting area as well as a dressing area with a lighted vanity mirror (I will look at myself in it, maybe after a facial). Of course there is a King Size fluffy looking bed with fluffy pillows that looks wonderful, but no time for that now! I am out the door!

I proceed to attend 3 Appointments and 6 “classes” on my first day – after only a few hours of sleep. Some were lectures, and some were physical classes that were very fun, but at the same time you felt them “working”- and you knew you were going to feel it the next day as well (so that is what that comfy bed is for!).

I noticed how everyone was on their way to somewhere. Everyone was dressed in their exercise gear, carrying the Canyon Ranch tote bag and water bottle you are given upon arrival (you will NEED the water bottle). Everyone seemed relaxed and said hello to each other. You get on a first name basis with some of the other guests. Each individual has their own reason for visiting Canyon Ranch – reunion, girl trip, mother/daughter trip, couple’s getaway, an annual tradition – some just to get away from it all. There are people of all ages as well, from teenager to elder.

As I walked around the gorgeous grounds surrounded by mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina mountains, I knew I was going to have an adventure for sure, a personal journey, and a wonderful experience. I had time to think, take in the beautiful Meditation Garden, listen to the water flowing from the numerous works of art in the guise of fountains. I saw so many types of cactus – I never knew cactus could be so pretty! What was I going to do next? Well, at the end of my first day, I was going to sleep, and sleep well.

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