Please let us know if you don't find the answer to your question below.
What is included in the price of a Devon Hiking Spa health and fitness retreat?
The price includes five nights of deluxe accommodations, all meals and snacks, daily guided hikes, fitness classes, two spa services, informative lectures, airport departure shuttle, and many little extras (including water bottles, a backpack, t-shirt, baseball hat, pedometer, and exercise resistance band). In addition, all taxes and service charges are included in the price.
What is not included?
Airfare, transportation to the resort, alcoholic beverages, additional spa services, and personal expenses are not included. If you choose to order a glass of wine with dinner, the restaurant bills you directly. If you choose to book additional spa services, you pay the spa/therapist directly.
What is the typical daily schedule at Devon Hiking Spa?
Please click here to see our sample daily schedule.
The program sounds great. Can I come next week?
Because Devon Hiking Spa operates out of a resort hotel, we must reserve rooms and set dates well in advance. You will find our upcoming retreats (dates and prices) on Our Location page, in the left column.
Should I be worried about my fitness level?
No. Our program is designed to accommodate all fitness levels. We offer three levels of hiking and our fitness classes are appropriate for all ability levels. You will enjoy our program no matter what shape you are in. However, you may have more fun if you are in better shape.
What if I am a very slow (or very fast) hiker?
We provide enough hiking options so that you will enjoy hiking at your own pace. We have enough guides so that you will feel comfortable taking breaks when and where you want.
How many hiking guides do you have?
On average, we have one guide for every four participants. Guides carry additional water, snacks, medical supplies, two-way radios, and cell phones, and they provide assistance as needed. Our hiking guides are outgoing, friendly people. Their primary goal is to make your vacation as hassle-free and fun as possible.
How many spa services are included?
Two spa services are included in your Devon Hiking Spa vacation. You can choose among the following: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Individual Nutrition Consultation, and Individual Fitness Consultation. Additional massages and other spa services are available a la carte, upon request.
What type of lectures do you offer?
Our program includes informal lectures for those interested in learning more about nutrition, fitness, and living a healthier life. You learn tips and strategies to make nutrition and exercise work for you regardless of a hectic lifestyle. Whether you are interested in weight loss, controlling food cravings, maintaining your energy level, or your general health and well-being, you will find our lectures informative and practical. If you would like a personalized take-home plan for eating and/or exercise, you can schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our registered dietitians and/or fitness professionals.
What is your food philosophy?
We advocate a healthy, well-balanced diet comprised mostly of unrefined, complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) complemented by lean protein (fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, beans, nuts, soy products, lean meats, and low-fat dairy) and unsaturated fat. We will give you the tools to make the best possible food choices.
We eat breakfast at our host hotel, lunch on the trail, and dinner at local restaurants. Armed with the most up-to-date nutrition knowledge, you make your own food choices. We encourage you to ask questions in the restaurant, such as: How is this prepared? What type of sauce is used? Can I get this grilled instead of fried? We also help you feel comfortable leaving food on your plate (if the portion is excessive). You learn that eating out can be fun and healthy, when you make informed choices.
We are more than happy to accommodate all special dietary needs. Please let us know about any food allergies/intolerances or special dietary needs that you have.
We encourage you to drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day (64 ounces). In order to do so, we recommend that you choose water instead of sodas and fruit juices. We also recommend that you limit your caffeine intake to two or fewer cups each day.
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your Devon Hiking Spa vacation package. Alcoholic beverages are not included in your vacation package. If you choose to order an alcoholic beverage at dinner, the restaurant will bill you directly.
What gear do I need?
You will need a good pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes. The advantage of boots is that they will provide you with ankle support. If you have had any previous ankle injuries or are predisposed to ankle problems, you will want to choose a light-weight hiking boot, with ankle support. The advantage of hiking shoes is that they are likely to be more comfortable than a boot and you are less likely to suffer from blisters. Comfort is extremely important. Please break in your boots/shoes before the trip.
We recommend wearing clothing made of synthetic material (such as polyester and polypropylene), rather than cotton, so you stay dry, warm, and comfortable. Synthetic clothing is better at wicking sweat away from the body so your clothes don't become heavy or cumbersome. We also recommend layering your clothing. It is much easier to maintain a comfortable body temperature by adding or removing one layer at a time. Please bring a light rain jacket as well.
Devon Hiking Spa will provide you with a backpack, water bottles, and a "wicking" t-shirt. Please consult our Packing List when preparing for your trip.
What are your deposit and cancellation policies?
Please see Our Policies page.
Who is your average customer?
Our customers include solo travelers (about 50%), couples (about 20%), and people traveling with a friend/relative (about 30%). Most participants range in age from their 20s to 60s and they come from the east cost, the west coast, and everywhere in between. Although we have a high percentage of female guests, men enjoy the program equally as much!
Should I be nervous about traveling on my own?
No. About 50% of our participants travel on their own. Devon Hiking Spa vacations are ideal for solo travelers. You will enjoy the group camaraderie and the ability to focus on your own needs.
I'm traveling on my own but I don't want to pay extra for my own room. Will you pair solo travelers with roommates upon mutual request?
We are happy to pair solo travelers with roommates of the same gender upon mutual request. Please give us advance notice if you would like us to match you with another solo traveler.
Are private trips available?
Yes. Devon Hiking Spa would love to host your corporate retreat, family reunion, bachelorette party, milestone birthday or anniversary. You choose the dates and we'll take care of the details. We’ll tailor the program to meet the needs of your group. You can include golf, tennis, hiking, lounging at the pool, shopping, hot air balloon rides, the world-famous Sonora desert museum, star gazing, and/or relaxing spa services. Your group will enjoy our beautiful Tucson location, deluxe accommodations, excellent meals, and friendly staff.
Where and when do I meet the group?
We meet at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona. You can arrive in Tucson any time you like on the first afternoon or evening . Because many of our participants end up with late-night arriving flights, our program is set up so that your first hotel night is included, but we meet as a group, for the first time, the following morning.
Can I purchase a gift certificate for a friend?
Absolutely! A Devon Hiking Spa gift certificate is the ultimate birthday, thank you, or congratulations gift. You can purchase a gift certificate in any dollar amount on our Gift Certificate page.
Do any of your proceeds go to charity?
Yes. When you pay by check, we donate 3% of your money to charity. (Unfortunately, when you pay by credit card, the 3% is automatically “donated” to the credit card processing company.) Your donations help us support various organizations and their events. Please see our Events We Sponsor page for more information.
Where can I find reputable information about nutrition and fitness?
We have listed our favorite nutrition and fitness resources on our Hiking Spa Links page.
What is your privacy policy?
If you provide us with information via one of our online forms, we will use that information only to communicate with you. We will not sell or provide your private information to any other parties.