Set among the amber Santa Catalina Mountains and the Sonoran Desert, Canyon Ranch is often touted as the leading wellness centre in the US, offering a myriad of creative, spiritual and life-management classes. First up is a “biofeedback” assessment to assess your stress levels by measuring your breathing, temperature and skin responses. Participate in crystal sound activation to bring the mind, body and spirit into balance or attend a spiritual dialogue session to bring another dimension into your daily life. Spiritual wellness aside, the sprawling 80,000 square feet spa promises to convert even the most hesitant guests with 26 treatment rooms, nine separate gyms and state-of-the-art yoga pavilion.

Nestled in the shadow of the soaring red-rock Boynton Canyon, “Mi Amo” (meaning “my path” in local Yuman dialect) is steeped in sacred Native American desert culture. Guests choose between three-, four- and seven-night “journeys” which include accommodation in one of 16 casitas, all meals and two treatments each day, as well as classes. Meals are nutritious and they don’t demand a diet/detox – a well-stocked bar is on hand and dessert can be delivered to your room upon request, though they do substitute the bread basket for fresh juice at mealtimes. Embracing the traditions and culture on which it was built, Native American teachers provide intimate classes focusing on reflection and renewal. The spa is a vortex due to its Boynton Canyon location, so be sure to book in for an astrology or psychic massage session while you’re here.

A haven for chilling out, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain offers an indulgent spa that lends itself to a more traditional wellness offering than its new-age competitors. White robes are practically mandatory as you pamper and preen your way through the Asian-inspired treatment menu, which includes medicinal herb massages and vibration therapy. Rooms are clad in neutral palettes to accentuate the amber-glow of the surrounding mountains and most have outdoor tubs – ideal for dark-sky desert stargazing. If you can’t tear yourself away from the view, a selection of in-room spa treatments are also available. For a more active approach, sign up to tennis lessons from a gold-medal US champion.

Miraval Arizona structure their wellness programmes based on the position of the moon, tailoring activities to allow guests to soak up the energy produced by the moonlight. Full-moon gong baths aim to remove mental and physical baggage through the vibrations of Himalayan singing bowls, with twilight zip-lines sure to remove any lingering cobwebs. Particular emphasis is given to equine experiences that require you to move your horse with just your mind… kudos if you succeed. All rooms are clad in earthy tones and made from sustainable materials with glass walls bringing the outside in, private patios, fire pits, freestanding tubs and indoor/outdoor showers. Get out into the desert and hike to Mount Lemmon summit then pummel weary feet with the acupressure stone found in the waterfall pond.

Red Rock Country meets the woodland oasis of Oak Creek at artist-haven L’Auberge de Sedona. Book a creekside cottage; located downstream, you’ll awake and fall asleep to the tinkle of water and calls of surrounding wildlife. The retreat’s restaurant, Cress on Oak Creek, gives you little desire to dine out – instead, head to Etch Bar & Kitchen for an alfresco sundowner before bagging a brook-side table for a six-course tasting menu at Cress. Book a “feet in the creek” session the following morning to connect with earth, nature and yourself following an evening of unmitigated indulgence.