Miraval Equine Experience™ Immersion with Wyatt Webb

The healing power of animals has been the subject of several studies, with results suggesting that they help reduce stress, depression, and heart risk levels in humans. This theory broadens beyond man’s best friend and even expands past households and hospitals—spas are also getting in on the act.

Miraval Arizona has long been at the head of this pack with its legendary Miraval Equine Experience™, a staple of the spa’s programming menu for 14 years. The five-day Miraval Equine Experience™ Immersion with Wyatt Webb invites guests to collaborate with Miraval’s team of expert facilitators and horses in an in-depth program of self-awareness, personal growth, and relationship development.

While each guest’s experience is unique, the program is designed to help guests better understand their own behavioral patterns by working with the horse. “Only when we learn to connect with the horse can we then connect with others,” says a Miraval spokesperson. “Once you understand your own strengths and weaknesses, you can transfer these insights to human relationships and improve the way you handle different areas of your life.”

This profound experience is said to affect guests on a deeper level. The horse taps into and responds to the guest’s emotions and energies, and works with the guest (or not) depending on what vibes the guest is emitting. “Very few animals exist that can work with people in this capacity,” the spokesperson says.

A full schedule of programming is equivalent to 20 hours of intense group therapy. Mornings begin with a few hours spent with the majestic animals, performing equestrian ground skills aimed at discerning personal patterns of learned behavior; afternoons consist of three hours of group therapy sessions. Moments for reflection are also penciled into the agenda.

SpaFinder’s own Betsy Isroelit, senior vice president of marketing and communications, had the opportunity to enjoy this journey of exploration. “The phrase ‘life changing’ can be a cliché, but Miraval’s Equine Experience truly changed how I see life – and how I see myself,” Isroelit says. “The memory of working with Wyatt Webb and his wonderful horses has become a touchstone that helps me understand choices and possibilities. I can’t go to Miraval as much as I’d like, but I can keep the wisdom I gained at this world-class spa with me every day.”

This exploration program, when added to a customized four-night stay at Miraval, includes luxury accommodations, three gourmet meals daily, non-alcoholic beverages, transfers to/from Tucson International Airport, and unlimited access to all scheduled programs and activities. Guests adding the experience to an all-inclusive four-night stay will also receive three $130 resort credits toward a spa service or private consultation with one of Miraval’s specialists.

Tuition fee: $600 plus tax, per person will be added to the total cost of guest’s stay at Miraval.

The Miraval Equine Experience is just one of many thoughtful programs that the spa hosts each year. Check out other upcoming events, such as the Sisterhood of Survivors Spa Retreat, here.