"Life in balance" is the promise and tagline of this desert spa resort, which ministers to overstressed and enervated guests with a variety of all-encompassing wellness programs and connected travel experiences. The location showcases two very dramatic terrain features: the Sonoran Desert and the Catalina Mountains, with indoor-outdoor architecture (including outdoor treatment "rooms" in the spa) allowing guests to enjoy the desert air to whatever degree they wish. Besides a traditional pool, there's a three-tiered pond with waterfalls, and in addition to the spa/fitness center, there's a yoga center and Zen garden. The emphasis here is not strictly on golf/spa; it's actually more about low-impact outdoor recreation and lifestyle enrichment. Photography classes and nutrition counseling are on the regular schedule; an Equestrian Center outfits riders to explore the property; and onsite amenities include a climbing wall and outdoor-adventure Challenge Course. Miraval is one of the

"Life in balance" is the promise and tagline of this desert spa resort, which ministers to overstressed and enervated guests with a variety of all-encompassing wellness programs and connected travel experiences. The location showcases two very dramatic terrain features: the Sonoran Desert and the Catalina Mountains, with indoor-outdoor architecture (including outdoor treatment "rooms" in the spa) allowing guests to enjoy the desert air to whatever degree they wish. Besides a traditional pool, there's a three-tiered pond with waterfalls, and in addition to the spa/fitness center, there's a yoga center and Zen garden. The emphasis here is not strictly on golf/spa; it's actually more about low-impact outdoor recreation and lifestyle enrichment. Photography classes and nutrition counseling are on the regular schedule; an Equestrian Center outfits riders to explore the property; and onsite amenities include a climbing wall and outdoor-adventure Challenge Course. Miraval is one of the properties leading the "greening" effort in Arizona, too. It just unveiled 16 new guestrooms that feature sustainable construction and systems. The walls are formed of rammed earth, the adhesives are water-based, and the water is solar-heated. No word yet when or if the rest of the resort will be converted over to this new sustainability standard.

Lena Katz is the author of the Travel Temptations series from Globe Pequot Press, including the recently published SUN: California and SIP: California guides.