Situated on 20-plus peaceful acres in the aptly named desert town of Carefree, Arizona, Civana Wellness Resort and Spa is consistently rated among the top wellness resorts in the U.S. The resort upholds a philosophy that wellness is about balancing healthiness and happiness, fostering relaxation and holistic well-being through four core pillars: movement, spa, nourishment and discovery.
Guests of the 144-room property can take advantage of state-of-the-art fitness facilities and participate in a variety of classes, including yoga, meditation and pilates. The resort also has two beautiful pools and convenient access to outdoor hiking and biking trails that allow guests to connect with nature. Additionally, Civana’s award-winning spa provides an array of treatments, including massages, facials, body therapies and an aqua therapy circuit.
The resort’s culinary experience is crafted to align with its wellness offerings, ensuring guests enjoy nutritious, delicious meals that complement their health journey. Rooted in the philosophy that food should nourish the body and delight the senses, Executive Chef Chrissy Skaggs, who also serves as the director of food and beverage, leads a team dedicated to transforming classic dishes with superfood twists.
Guests can enjoy unique dishes like matcha pancakes and beet carpaccio, with menus inspired by seasonal flavors and fresh, veggie-forward ingredients. Skaggs says, “Our guiding philosophy when crafting menus is to inspire our guests with what’s possible with plants, highlighting the flavors of the season.”
Civana weaves its ‘zero deprivation’ approach to wellness into its cuisine. The resort’s two restaurants, Terras and Seed Café, include a careful balance of plant-based foods, sustainably sourced proteins and dishes designed to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. According to Skaggs, the resort also works with local suppliers like Sonoran Pasta Company, Carefree Honey and Ramona Farms to support the local community and ensure that every dish is as fresh and sustainable as possible.
Here’s what it’s like to dine at Civana.
Terras
Terras, the main restaurant at Civana, provides a delightful all-day dining experience emphasizing mindful eating. Guests start their day with breakfast options like avocado toast topped with sunflower hemp dukkah and chocolate buckwheat porridge. The lunch and dinner menus continue this theme, with nutritious choices like quinoa-stuffed bell peppers and wild-caught salmon served with seasonal vegetables.
Skaggs says, “At Terras, many guests opt for our plant-forward twists on traditional dinner dishes.” One popular dish is the carrot pasta, made with locally sourced mafaldine, whipped goat cheese and a savory carrot sauce. Another favorite is the hearts of palm “crab cake,” garnished with mustard vinaigrette, frisée, lemon oil and fennel blossoms. These fresh, innovative dishes not only appeal to vegetarians but also the most devoted meat-eaters.
Seed Café
Seed Café features a plant-based, grain-free and gut-friendly menu. Here, guests can find grab-and-go items, fresh smoothies and a juice bar serving organic coffee. The menu includes delicious and energizing choices such as the golden lassi, cacao smoothie bowl and brie, fig and apple grilled cheese paninis. This casual dining spot is ideal for a quick and wholesome snack in between activities to keep your energy levels sustained.
Culinary Classes
Beyond fitness classes, Civana also has several culinary-related lessons. In the Mindful Mixology class, the resort’s chief mixologist guides participants in making craft cocktails using sustainable and local products. By incorporating juicing, natural sweeteners, herbs and spirits, these mindful cocktails are paired with signature appetizers for a full sensory experience. For those who prefer alcohol-free options, the class also incorporates cocktails using Ritual Zero Proof liquor alternatives.
Civana’s “Sip Your Sign” cocktail program, inspired by the rising trend of astrology-based travel, allows guests to curate a wellness experience tailored to their astrological sign. Throughout the year, Civana’s expert mixologists craft 12 distinct “Sip Your Sign” cocktails, each thoughtfully designed to honor and support the specific needs of each sign during their seasonal period.
In the future, Skaggs aims to expand the resort’s culinary classes and the flavors and ingredients on the resort’s restaurant menus. She says, “My goal is to meet guests wherever they are during their wellness journey, whether they’re journaling by the pool, transitioning from a massage to a breathwork class or breaking their fast with something tasty and nutritious.” This commitment to culinary innovation and personalized wellness experiences will continue positioning Civana as a top destination for wellness travelers.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com.
