CIVANA is a wellness resort on more than 20 acres of Sonoran Desert in Carefree, just outside Scottsdale, Arizona. It suits adults and older teens who want a flexible wellness stay, with over 100 weekly classes, a large spa and plant-forward food, without committing to a strict program.
What it's like
CIVANA sits on more than 20 acres of high Sonoran Desert in the town of Carefree, just outside Scottsdale. The desert setting does a lot of the work, with big skies, warm light and trails close by.
The resort's motto is about being healthy and happy at the same time, and that shapes the feel. It's a wellness resort rather than a boot camp. You can fill your day with classes and treatments, or spend it by the pool with a book, and both count. The approach rests on four pillars: movement, spa, nourishment and discovery.
CIVANA was named Arizona's best wellness retreat at the 2025 World Spa Awards.
Classes and programs
The heart of a stay is the class schedule, with more than 100 complimentary sessions a week. Expect outdoor and aerial yoga, sound baths, meditation, fitness classes, a ropes course and desert hikes from easy to challenging. Some specialty sessions cost extra.
If you want more structure, CIVANA offers personalized journeys themed around Total Wellbeing, Yoga and Mindfulness, Outdoor Adventure, and Personal Growth and Discovery. It also hosts special events and retreats through the year, including a Women's Health Summit. An inclusive package bundles a spa treatment each night, food and drink, and unlimited daily wellness activities.
The spa
The spa has 22 treatment rooms and a menu of personalized journeys aimed at healing, cleansing and restoring. Facilities include a 25-meter pool, a Watsu therapy pool and a quiet Aqua Therapy Circuit. There are three pools across the resort, with the spa pool reserved for guests 18 and over who book a treatment.
Food
There are two restaurants, Terras and Seed, both run by a plant-forward culinary team cooking with seasonal, nutrient-rich ingredients.
The rooms
There are nine room types, from Spa King and Sleep Studio rooms to double-queen rooms with patios and one-bedroom suites. The design uses clean lines and natural materials, and an accessible room type is available.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It's a great fit for couples, girlfriends' getaways and solo travelers who want plenty to do and the freedom to skip it. It also works well for groups and corporate retreats.
Families with young children should look elsewhere: guests under 14 aren't permitted, and 14 to 17-year-olds must share a room with an adult. Pets aren't allowed, apart from service animals.
Getting there
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor. The resort runs a shared shuttle three times a day and can arrange private transfers, booked at least 72 hours ahead. The address is 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree.
Frequently asked questions
Are classes included?
Most daily wellness classes are included through the nightly experience fee. Some specialty sessions cost extra.
Can I bring children?
Guests must be at least 14, and those under 18 must stay in a room with an adult.
Is the food vegetarian?
The menus are plant-forward, with a focus on seasonal, nutrient-rich dishes. Ask the resort about specific diets.
Can I visit for the day?
Yes. Day visits are offered for guests 18 and over. Find class schedules and current offers on the official CIVANA website.
