The Seduction of Good Health
By Mel Zuckerman, Canyon Ranch Founder

I've always had trouble figuring out how to define Canyon Ranch. The word that journalists most often use to describe us is spa, but that's too broad to mean much of anything. Lately, it seems to me that the best way to define this place is to talk about intention - another word I think about a great deal.

For me, our heartfelt intention to help every guest find greater joy in living is what makes us different from all other resorts. We want to connect this intention - our steadfast desire to inspire and motivate people to live well - with your goal of feeling great and living long. This is the reason Canyon Ranch exists, and we’re very emotional about it.

I've long been inspired by Jesse F. Williams, M.D., whose words are at the core of the Canyon Ranch philosophy:

It's of value to think of health as that condition of the individual that makes possible the highest enjoyment of life. Health, when thought of simply as the absence of disease, is a standard of mediocrity, but when thought of as a quality of life is a standard of inspiration and ever-increasing achievement.

After more than a quarter-century, we are more intent than ever on motivating our guests to translate healthiest thoughts into positive, ongoing action - and we do whatever it takes to make that happen. Our hundreds of gifted staff members work tirelessly to make your Canyon Ranch experience seductively perfect, but I should warn you that this perfection is a means to an end. Our mission is not selling vacations; it’s creating an environment in which you can make a direct, emotional connection between your good intentions and what you actually do every day.

Of course, the desire for change must come from within, from the heart, and it comes in a different way and at a different time for each person. Our part is to provide every resource, every encouragement, every thoughtful, caring touch that can add to the sense of peace, pleasure and warmth that makes self-discovery possible.

We have reason to believe that few of our guests "escape" entirely untouched. Your own a-ha! moment could happen during a consultation with a doctor or in a meditation class or somewhere out on a hiking trail - or you may connect your actions to your future well-being gradually, over the course of many visits.

Obviously, no one can "make" anyone live a more healthful life, and nothing could be less like boot camp than a Canyon Ranch stay. But you should know that with every meal, chi gong practice, walk, massage, workshop, professional consult and fitness class, we are doing our level best to seduce you with the beauty of vibrant health.