Inside Tucson’s Cacao Ceremony

Long before it was the topping on your favorite dessert, cacao was used in spiritual gatherings as a bridge between the earthly and the divine. In the Sanctuary at our wellness resort in Tucson, guests are invited to dive into the ancient tradition of a cacao ceremony. With Mayan roots and desert horizons, Tucson carries echoes of the oldest civilizations in North America making it the ideal setting to try this unique wellness ritual. Embrace centuries of tradition when you join us for this transformative experience which blends mindful intention-setting, heart-opening cacao, and the soothing vibrations of a sound bath.

What is a Cacao Ceremony?  

Cacao ceremonies trace their origins to Mayan and other Mesoamerican cultures, where it was revered as a sacred elixir. In ceremonial form, cacao remains a potent superfood, abundant in antioxidants, magnesium, and natural mood-elevating compounds. It’s believed to help open the heart chakra, to ground the spirit, and to invite a deeper connection with yourself and others.

The Tucson Ceremony  

Your journey in Tucson unfolds in four mindful movements: 

1. An Introduction to Cacao – Discover its origins, its story, and how it’s been cherished for centuries. 

2. Intention Setting – Engage in quiet reflection, allowing your thoughts to slow and your purpose to rise to the surface. 

3. Drinking the Cacao – Warm and velvety, it glides across the senses, carrying with it centuries of tradition. 

4. Sound Bath – Lie back as resonant tones from crystal bowls wash over you, and the cacao helps you drift somewhere between meditation and pure bliss.  

Take the Ritual with You  

Transform your space into a personal sanctuary with an at-home cacao ceremony. Begin by brewing your cacao (recipe below), before settling into a quiet spot. Offer gratitude, set an intention, and slowly sip your cacao, letting each sip ground you. Sink into 10–15 minutes of meditation, then take time to journal whatever insights arise. Close your ceremony with a moment of thanks, feeling more connected, centered, and clear. 

Join Us in Tucson 

If you’re craving an experience that’s equal parts history lesson, indulgence, and spiritual tune-up, add a cacao ceremony to your next stay in Tucson. Explore different ways to stay like our Mindful Journey or Mystic Soul packages – or build your own experience when you book with Stay Your Way. The desert’s waiting. The cacao’s warm. And trust us: You’ll never look at hot chocolate the same way again. 

Ceremonial Cacao Recipe 

Ingredients 

• 40–50 grams ceremonial cacao 

• 5–8 ounces oat milk 

• 1–2 dates 

Instructions 

1. In a saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil 

2. Whisk the mixture until well blended  

3. Let cool before serving. If the cacao settles, mix with a spoon to maintain consistency.