Inside our transformative 4-day yoga and wellness retreat at Miraval Arizona Resort. From Sonoran Desert hikes to cacao ceremonies, discover what happens when women give themselves permission to just be.
I’ve been hosting wellness retreats for years, but our recent journey to Miraval Arizona (November 5-9) was something different.
Eighteen women. Four days. The Sonoran Desert. And Tammy Lyons leading us through yoga practices that went far deeper than the mat.
What unfolded wasn’t just a retreat—it was a homecoming.
When Strangers Become Sisters
Here’s what nobody tells you about wellness retreats: the magic isn’t always in the spa treatments or the meditation sessions (though those are incredible).
The magic is in what happens when you put your phone down, step away from your to-do list, and actually see the women around you.
Our group of 18 came from different cities, different backgrounds, different chapters of life. Some knew each other. Many were strangers. Within 24 hours, those lines disappeared.
By day three, I watched women who’d never met before November 5th planning their next trip together. Sharing stories they’d never told anyone. Laughing until they cried. Sometimes just crying—the good kind, the kind that comes from finally feeling safe enough to let it out.
That’s what Miraval does. It creates space for real connection in a world that’s forgotten how.
The Yoga That Changed Everything
Every morning, we gathered for yoga with Tammy Lyons from Inner Bliss Yoga Studio. And every morning, something shifted.
Tammy doesn’t just teach yoga—she creates transformation. Her classes aren’t about perfect poses or Instagram-worthy headstands. They’re about coming home to yourself.
Through heated flow sequences that made us stronger, restorative practices that let us soften, and breathwork that brought some of us to tears, Tammy held space for all of it.
She met each woman exactly where she was—whether that was her first yoga class ever or her thousandth. And somehow, in that room, 18 different women moving at 18 different paces became one unified breath.
Immersed in Miraval’s Magic
One of the most beautiful aspects of our retreat? Everyone got to design their own experience.
While we came together for group yoga and shared experiences, each woman had the freedom to explore Miraval’s extensive programming on her own terms.
Some chose:
- Equine therapy sessions that brought breakthrough moments
- Spa treatments that melted away months of tension
- Meditation classes in the desert silence
- Fitness classes that challenged and energized
- Quiet time by the pool with a book and nothing else
Others dove into:
- Cooking demonstrations that changed how they think about food
- Aerial yoga that made them feel like kids again
- Mindfulness workshops that gave them tools to take home
- The challenge course that proved they’re braver than they thought
That’s the beauty of Miraval—there’s no “should.” There’s only what calls to you in that moment.
And watching 18 women give themselves permission to follow that call? That was its own kind of magic.
Adventures That Bonded Us
Hiking the Sonoran Desert
Every morning I grabbed a friend and we took a short hike to start the day! There’s something about hiking together through the desert at sunrise that strips away the small talk.
As we navigated the trails of the Sonoran Desert—past towering saguaros, across ancient rock formations, under the kind of blue sky that only Arizona knows—conversations deepened.
The desert has a way of making you honest. Maybe it’s the vastness. Maybe it’s the silence. Maybe it’s just that when you’re all a little out of breath, the walls come down.
By the time we reached our turnaround point, we weren’t just hiking companions—we were confidantes.
The Cacao Ceremony That Opened Hearts
I won’t lie—I’m sure some of the women were skeptical when I told them about the cacao ceremony.
They probably thought “Is this going to be weird?”
Yes. Beautifully, powerfully, transformatively weird.
Cacao—the ceremonial kind, not your morning hot chocolate—has been used for centuries in spiritual practices to open the heart. Literally and energetically.
As we sat in circle, sipping our intentionally prepared cacao, something shifted. The room got quieter. Deeper. More vulnerable.
Women shared things they’d been carrying for years. Dreams they’d been too afraid to say out loud. Gratitude for this moment, this group, this rare gift of being fully present.
There were tears. There was laughter. There was the kind of silence that holds everything.
Closing with Drums, Joy, and Release
How do you end four days that have changed you?
With drums. Obviously.
Our final evening together was a spiritual drumming ceremony—and it was exactly what we needed.
No more quiet reflection. No more going inward. This was about celebration. Release. Pure, unbridled JOY.
As the drums started, tentative at first, then building into a rhythm that took over the room, I watched these women transform again.
The ones who’d been quiet all weekend? Drumming with abandon.
The ones who’d cried through the cacao ceremony? Laughing and dancing.
The ones who’d arrived stressed and exhausted? Radiant. Alive. Free.
We drummed for all of it:
- The breakthroughs and the breakdowns
- The friendships formed and the old stories released
- The versions of ourselves we’d been and the ones we were becoming
And when the drums finally quieted, we sat in circle one last time—18 women who were no longer strangers, no longer even just friends.
We were sisters.
The Food That Nourished Everything
Let’s talk about the food for a second.
Because one of the biggest misconceptions about wellness retreats is that you’re going to be eating sad salads and drinking green juice for days.
Not at Miraval.
Every single meal was:
- Absolutely delicious
- Beautifully presented
- Nutritionally balanced
- Satisfying in a way that left you energized, not sluggish
We’re talking dishes that made you close your eyes and savor. Fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared by chefs who understand that healthy food should also be crave-worthy food.
From hearty breakfast spreads to lunches that felt indulgent to dinners we lingered over—because why rush when the company is this good?—the food was another way Miraval nourished us.
And yes, there were desserts. Because balance isn’t deprivation—it’s enjoyment without guilt.
Sunshine, Stillness, and Everything In Between
Between the yoga, the hikes, the ceremonies, and the programming, there was something else we did a lot of:
Nothing.
Glorious, guilt-free, sun-soaked nothing.
We lounged by the pool with books we’d been meaning to read for months.
We sat on the patio watching the desert light change from gold to pink to deep purple.
We took naps in the middle of the day because we could.
We had long, meandering conversations about everything and nothing at all.
And we realized: This is what we’d been missing. Not necessarily the luxury (though that helped). But the permission to just… be.
No agenda. No productivity metrics. No guilt about “wasting time.”
Just presence. Connection. Sun on our faces and peace in our hearts.
The Friendships That Will Last Forever
By our last morning, something remarkable had happened.
Women were exchanging phone numbers, planning reunions, already talking about “next time.”
The group chat that formed? Still going strong. Daily messages. Photos. Check-ins. Plans for visits.
Because here’s what I’ve learned after hosting retreats for years:
The yoga matters. The experiences matter. The setting matters.
But what changes everything—what makes a retreat truly transformative—is the connections.
When you create space for women to show up as their whole selves, without pretense or performance, magic happens.
When you remove the distractions and the roles (mom, wife, boss, daughter, friend) and just let women BE—they find each other.
And they find themselves.
What Makes Miraval Arizona Special
I’ve visited wellness resorts around the world. Miraval Arizona holds a special place for good reason.
What sets it apart:
✨ The Programming – Over 150 classes and activities daily, from yoga and meditation to equine therapy and aerial arts
✨ The Setting – 400 acres of Sonoran Desert beauty, where the landscape itself is part of the healing
✨ The Philosophy – “Life in balance” isn’t just a tagline; it’s woven into every aspect of the experience
✨ The Inclusivity – Whether you’re a wellness veteran or this is your first retreat, you belong here
✨ The All-Inclusive Model – No nickel-and-diming. Your stay includes meals, classes, activities, and peace of mind
✨ The Staff – From yoga instructors to spa therapists to servers, everyone is genuinely invested in your experience
But most importantly?
Miraval understands something fundamental: Wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
You don’t have to meditate for an hour or do the advanced yoga class or skip dessert to “do it right.”
You just have to show up. Be willing. Stay open.
Everything else unfolds from there.
The Transformations I Witnessed
I don’t share this lightly, but I need you to understand what happened over those four days.
I watched women:
- Arrive carrying the weight of the world and leave walking lighter
- Come in saying “I don’t think I’m a yoga person” and leave asking when the next retreat is
- Start the week avoiding eye contact and end it sharing their deepest truths
- Begin exhausted and finish radiant
- Enter as strangers and leave as family
One woman simply told me: “I am just feeling pure joy.”
Another said: “I am giving myself permission to pause and protect my energy without shame”
And another: “I really needed this”
This is why I do this work.
Not for the beautiful locations or the luxury accommodations (though those are lovely).
For these moments. These transformations. These women remembering who they are beneath everything they carry.
If You’re Reading This and Wondering “Could That Be Me?”
The answer is YES.
Whether you’re:
- The one who takes care of everyone else and never herself
- The one who can’t remember the last time she had a full day to herself
- The one who keeps saying “someday” but never actually books it
- The one who’s curious but scared it might be “too much” or “not enough”
- The one who wants to try yoga but feels intimidated
- The one who desperately needs a reset but doesn’t know where to start
You belong here.
You belong on the mat with women who get it.
You belong in the desert, breathing air that reminds you you’re alive.
You belong in circle with women who will see you, really see you.
You belong at the table, eating food that nourishes more than just your body.
You belong.
And if you’re waiting for permission, this is it.
Join Us for the Next Journey
Our Miraval Arizona retreat may be complete, but the journey continues.
Coming up:
🌊 February 2025: Palmaia Retreat, Mexico
The House of AïA on the Riviera Maya
Daily yoga with Tammy Lyons | Ocean | Transformation
Limited spots remaining – Register here
✨ Future Retreats in Planning
Want to be the first to know when we announce our next destination? Join our email list or follow us on Instagram @bagshaw_travel
Ready to Experience This for Yourself?
At Bagshaw Travel, we don’t just book your trip—we curate transformative experiences.
Whether you’re interested in joining one of our hosted retreats or designing your own custom wellness journey, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk about:
- Upcoming retreat dates and destinations
- Private group retreats for your community
- Custom wellness travel designed around your needs
Contact us today and let’s plan your journey.
Because you deserve more than a vacation.
You deserve a homecoming.
About the Retreat Leaders:
Stephanie Bagshaw is the founder of Bagshaw Travel, a Virtuoso-affiliated luxury travel advisory specializing in bespoke wellness journeys. As a dedicated yogi and retreat host, Stephanie brings deep expertise in wellness travel and a personal passion for transformative experiences to every journey she curates.
Tammy Lyons is the founder of Inner Bliss Yoga Studio and a master yoga instructor whose transformative teaching style blends strength, grace, and heart. Her classes create space for genuine connection and personal breakthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wellness Retreats
Q: I’ve never done yoga before. Can I still come?
A: Absolutely! Our retreats welcome all levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. Tammy meets everyone exactly where they are.
Q: Do I have to participate in everything?
A: Not at all. While we have group yoga and shared experiences, you’re free to explore programming at your own pace. This is YOUR retreat.
Q: What if I don’t know anyone?
A: Most women come solo! That’s part of the beauty—you arrive as strangers and leave as sisters.
Q: What’s included in the retreat price?
A: Your retreat package includes accommodations, most meals, daily yoga with Tammy, group experiences, and access to resort programming and facilities.
Q: How do I know if this is right for me?
A: If you’re reading this and something in your gut says “yes,” trust that. Your intuition knows what you need.
Share Your Experience: Were you part of our Miraval retreat? Share your favorite moment in the comments below! ⬇️
Ready to plan your own transformative journey? Contact Bagshaw Travel today.
Bagshaw Travel
Virtuoso-Affiliated Luxury Travel Advisory
Specializing in Bespoke Wellness Journeys & Retreats
📧 sbagshaw@bagshawtravel.com
📱 425-241-3154
🌐 www.bagshawtravel.com
📸 Instagram: @bagshaw_travel
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