Scottsdale, ArizonaCarefree
CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa
Desert wellness campus
Carefree Scottsdale, Arizona
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Design ResortOutside the door
Desert wellness campus
It runs as an approachable desert campus, trading strict regimens for open-air movement classes and self-guided hydrotherapy.
“Cleanly designed guest rooms focus on desert views instead of TVs to inspire a connection between nature and self, while the 22,000-square-foot spa helps guests further disconnect.”
What it’s good at
Listed
Television-free guest rooms oriented toward Sonoran Desert panoramas and Black Mountain.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Located in the Sonoran Desert—in the appropriately-named town of Carefree—CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa has top-notch facilities, including a 22,000-square-foot spa and 20 acres of land to explore.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The town of Carefree sits just north of Scottsdale, with trails up Black Mountain and streets like Nonchalant Way.
The rooms
Rooms intentionally omit televisions to keep the focus on views of the surrounding desert and Black Mountain.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Curved swimming pools sit amid saguaro cacti and palms, with deck loungers and fire pits facing the sunset.
The spa
The spa houses hot and cold Kneipp walking pools, a tepidarium soaking tub, and an outdoor shower alcove.
Yoga on the lawn
Sessions range from crystal bowl sound healing indoors to sunset yoga on the open lawn facing Black Mountain.
At the table
Terras serves vegetable-forward regional cooking on an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, lit by string lights at dusk.
How it began
The original 1960s resort hosted mid-century celebrities like Bob Hope and Lucille Ball long before its wellness conversion.
Scottsdale
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.