Behind The Butter/ Photography/ Travel

Babymoon at Canyon Ranch

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Last weekend, we traveled down to the wonderful Sonoran Desert to celebrate our babymoon at Canyon Ranch!

Before getting pregnant, I had never heard of a “babymoon” {let’s be honest here, it’s really just an excuse to take another vacation} but when I found out about the idea, I was all in. And when I thought about where I’d want to go, a spa was the first thing to enter my mind.

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So down we flew to Canyon Ranch and spent a truly magical weekend full of wonderfully healthy food, exercise and sunshine. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect weekend! Adam’s job is incredibly demanding and he hardly ever gets a chance to totally and completely disconnect. Well, Canyon Ranch forced him to {they have no cell phone policy in most areas} and it was incredible.

Here’s the gorgeous room we stayed in! The bed was super comfy and I thoroughly enjoyed stretching out since have a queen, not a king, at home.

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And the cute little sitting area on the other side!

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Maybe it seems like a small thing, but my favorite part of the room was definitely the duel sinks and vanities. It was nice to have some space and each have our own sink and “area” since I tend to overpack in the toiletries department. Cough cough.

Canyon Ranch is an all inclusive resort with a FULL list of activities each day {check it out here!}. They had so much stuff going on that it was almost overwhelming! There was truly an option for everyone ranging from strenuous bootcamps and hikes in the mountains to gentle vinyasa yoga. For the three days that we were there, our favorite activity was waking up really early, eating a big breakfast and then doing the two mile “walk” {they call it a walk but I found it to more like a hike!} around the property. It was perfect for me since I’m a little slow these days and didn’t want to hold up a group on one of their guided real hikes.

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Doesn’t that guy look like he’s waving? heh heh

The grounds are absolutely gorgeous with the mountains in the distance. I’m pretty sure the resort was quite full the weekend that we were there but you’d never know it. Everything was very, very quiet and very peaceful.

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The first day we were there, we got a couples massage! Oh my goodness, it was AMAZING. They did a prenatal massage for me and a regular massage for Adam. Let me tell you, when you are 30 weeks pregnant, there is nothing better than someone massaging your legs and feet with rose body oil. Nothing.

That afternoon, we spent an hour with one of the Canyon Ranch counselors talking about how to better the communication in our marriage. I wouldn’t say that we have poor communication, but it’s always a great thing to work on, especially with such a major life change about to take place. Adam and I are both incredibly committed and passionate about maintaining a strong, healthy marriage and we really enjoyed our time meeting with the therapist. It was a new experience for both of us and one that I absolutely would recommend to all couples. Granted, I’ve only been married for a little less than a year so I’m still pretty new at this whole thing, but it’s obvious to me that communication is key.

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One of the really unique things about Canyon Ranch is that aside from all the luxurious spa treatments and fitness classes, they offer a whole staff of doctors, nurses and licensed counselors. Literally, they have it all!

The FOOD at Canyon Ranch was, of course, delicious. I’m pretty sure that within three days we tried everything on the menu. Since portion sizes were so small, we each would order two entrees and a bunch of appetizers {and, obviously, all the desserts} to split. I think the best thing I tasted all weekend though was this grilled artichoke!

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I could have eaten, like, fifteen of them.

This spicy veggie burger was also really good! Everything tasted very fresh.

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We ate the majority of our meals in the poolside cafe, which is a little more laid back and casual than the formal dining room. It was just too nice outside to be anywhere else!

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The second day of our trip was my favorite day. It was absolutely perfect. Woke up early, ate chocolate chip pancakes {the chef made them special for us!} and did our sunny two mile hike followed by a drumming class! Like I said, they really offer something for everyone! It was so fun to try a new activity together and I’m sad that none of my photos turned out because I looked pretty hilarious sitting there beating on my drum with a huge baby belly sticking out. 🙂 Apparently drumming is a great form of therapy and meditation, and I have to say, I left the drumming circle feeling very happy and energized!

After drumming, we laid by the pool all afternoon before I got a special pregnancy facial {which I won in bingo the night before!!!}. Like I said, total perfection and my form of heaven. I felt totally relaxed and blissed out.

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And of course, no trip to the desert would be complete without epic sunsets. I think we have pretty great sunsets in California, but there’s nothing quite like one in the desert.

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That last shot is my favorite. Gorgeous painted sky.

All in all, we had an amazing weekend filled with a great balance of getting pampered {massage and facial} and getting out of our comfort zones {talking with a therapist, trying the drumming circle}. If y’all are wondering about bringing your spouse to a spa, I say do it!!! There were tons of men there and Adam had a great time. I think it’s the perfect environment to reconnect with each other and spend quality alone time without all the distractions in our everyday lives. I think many people just think of spas as a place to visit with your mom or girlfriends, but Adam and I would return together in a heartbeat. It was perfect for us.

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Canyon Ranch so generously hosted us for the weekend but, as always, our opinions are entirely our own! THANK YOU, Canyon Ranch, for giving us a weekend we will never forget and helping us make lifelong memories together.

 

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  • Laura
    March 14, 2014 at 3:14 am

    i’m so thrilled you had such a great experience for your baby moon and i really admire your dedication to your marriage – you two are so beautiful together.

  • Averie @ Averie Cooks
    March 14, 2014 at 3:27 am

    Oh how fun and everything looks just…perfect! EXACTLY what you need and deserve and looks like you savored it. Awesome!

  • Jojo @ RunFastEatLots
    March 14, 2014 at 3:35 am

    Looks like you had an amazing vacation! Such gorgeous views

  • Emily @ Life on Food
    March 14, 2014 at 3:41 am

    I have always wanted to go to Canyon Ranch. This post makes me want to go even more. It looks fabulous. So glad you had such a nice trip to relax before the baby.

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
    March 14, 2014 at 4:26 am

    Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Those sunset photos are just stunning!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    March 14, 2014 at 4:31 am

    Oh my goodness. Thank you for taking me on a mini vacation this morning! Going to Canyon Ranch is a bucket list dream of mine – I’ve spent a lot of time browsing their website and plotting out all the activities I’d some day like to do. What a great place to spend your babymoon! I’m so glad you guys had such a fabulous time together! 🙂

  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork
    March 14, 2014 at 4:48 am

    Sounds like such an amazing getaway! There’s one here in Massachusetts that I’ve always wanted to check out, but for a vacation that’s only a couple of hours away, it’s a bit steep for me to justify. I’d probably rather go to the one in AZ anyway since it’s so different than here! Maybe I’ll ask the husband to take me for a babymoon when I’m pregnant someday… Thanks for sharing!

  • Caitlin @ Tulle Wedding Skirts
    March 14, 2014 at 4:59 am

    Sounds so lovely – and the sunset pictures are just gorgeous! Just want to say how much I love your blog too!

  • foodandfarm
    March 14, 2014 at 5:31 am

    Couples therapy is never a bad thing, even in a strong marriage.

    On another note. I am so jealous of your free vacations 😀

  • Danielle
    March 14, 2014 at 5:40 am

    Sounds like a spectacular babymoon! I hope it has you feeling relaxed and refreshed in every way now that Baby Beaugh in so soon on his way. Beyond excited for you two!

  • Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
    March 14, 2014 at 6:19 am

    Wow this look so beautiful! Glad you all had a blast! Enjoy the beautiful weather 🙂

  • Kara Hoerr @ RD in the Midwest
    March 14, 2014 at 6:35 am

    I loved hearing about your babymoon! I was just looking at a spa place very similar to this that’s closer to us in Wisconsin…no cell phones and the full spa experience. I love that it was so focused on health with the healthy food and even including doctors! Were there dietitians on board too? Just asking, because that would be my place to work!

    I also love that you and Ben met with a counselor. Having just gotten married last August myself and with both my husband and I being dedicated to our marriage and wanting to keep it strong, I think it was encouraging to hear that you guys did that.

    • Live Love Yum
      March 14, 2014 at 4:52 pm

      I think her husband’s name is Adam, not Ben 😉

  • clare @ fitting it all in
    March 14, 2014 at 6:41 am

    sounds absolutely HEAVENLY. I would die to go some day! Glad you had a wonderful trip!

  • christina
    March 14, 2014 at 7:04 am

    you look fantastic!! and so happy! that totally looks like a morningstar black bean burger. 🙂

    • jenna
      March 14, 2014 at 7:29 am

      Everything is made fresh in house 🙂

  • sherri
    March 14, 2014 at 7:27 am

    sign me up! my husband has been suggesting a spa vacation for years. you’ve inspired me to just book it. so great that you and adam are open to working on your communication as a couple. it’s truly the key to a happy marriage! if you’re not already familiar with the gottman institute, check it out.

  • joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    March 14, 2014 at 7:53 am

    Such a beautiful sunset! I love the southwestern sky!

  • Sarah @ Sweet Miles
    March 14, 2014 at 8:10 am

    What a fun trip!! You look gorgeous 🙂 What a blessing to take this awesome trip right before sweet baby arrives!

  • Cheri @ Overactive Blogger
    March 14, 2014 at 8:12 am

    Wow, is the sky always that blue in Arizona? We have some pretty great skies here in North Carolina (Carolina Blue!) but that sky might just give us a run for our money!

  • Anna
    March 14, 2014 at 8:49 am

    I really love the necklace you are wearing in the photo of you and Adam, turquoise and silver. Do you mind if I ask where you got it?

    Great pictures – looks like an amazing trip!

    • jenna
      March 14, 2014 at 8:59 am

      Thank you! It’s from Stella & Dot. My mom is a stylist so I got it from her 🙂

  • Laura@SneakersandSpatulas
    March 14, 2014 at 9:03 am

    That sounds wonderful! I’d love to go there one day! I’m training for Ironman 70.3 right now and have a massage scheduled for next weekend for my sore muscles and I am so looking forward to it! Will be my motivation to work hard next week!

    Would you mind sharing what Adam does? I’m not sure if you’ve mentioned it before.

    • jenna
      March 14, 2014 at 11:18 am

      Adam has a software start-up in san francisco.

  • Jamie | Jamie's Recipes
    March 14, 2014 at 9:03 am

    How fun! The desert is such a change from my midwestern Nebraska landscape. I can’t wait to go back to Sedona for a relaxing vacation some day. My husband got me a prenatal massage and facial for Valentine’s day. At 30 weeks pregnant the best part was being able to lay on my belly. Those magical tables with a belly hole are so wonderful. 🙂

  • Lucinda
    March 14, 2014 at 9:38 am

    looks to have been a great time. big breakfasts followed by long hikes sounds perfect to me! and that cactus totally looks like he’s waving. hehe

    http://www.currenttempo.com

  • Lauren
    March 14, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Gorgeous scenery in those photos! I am impressed by Adam’s willingness to talk to a therapist/counselor; not something a typical guy would be so eager to do. Sounds like you’ve got a special man!

  • Rachel
    March 14, 2014 at 10:57 am

    Looks amazing Jenna! Where did you get the cute workout top and shorts from?

    • jenna
      March 14, 2014 at 5:03 pm

      The shorts are from Athleta (non maternity) and the tank is from Gap (maternity)

  • Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner
    March 14, 2014 at 11:31 am

    Wow, that place is gorgeous in a completely different way than I’m used to. I’m glad you guys got a Babymoon–what a great idea!

  • Kellee
    March 14, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    What a beautiful place!!!! I had never heard of a babymoom until I read this.

  • Keri
    March 14, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    We just moved to Tucson and I had no idea I lived 7 min from this resort! I will definitely be planning a weekend there!

  • Laura
    March 14, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    Your travel posts are some of my favourite. This place looks incredible!

  • Bryony @ Bryony Cooks
    March 14, 2014 at 4:47 pm

    Glad the two of you had a good time! Your pictures are gorgeous!

  • Luv What You Do
    March 14, 2014 at 9:05 pm

    Looks like an awesome vacay! I”m so jealous!

  • jan
    March 15, 2014 at 7:05 am

    I haven’t heard of a babymoon either, but based on my calculations my husband owes me two of them. LOL Looks like a GREAT time!

  • Heather
    March 16, 2014 at 6:53 am

    Maintaining good communication is everything once the baby arrives. My husband and I have a very strong marriage after being together for nearly 13 years total (over 4 married). We just had our first baby and have said to each other many times that if you don’t have a very solid base to your marriage it could easily crumble. This is by far the hardest test we’ve ever had on our marriage (of course it’s been a blessing as well). Don’t be afraid to cry and explain your frustrations. But more importantly, check in more with Adam. It’s more acceptable for us women to express our tears and frustrations but I found that my husband was holding a lot of stress and fear inside. As long as you commit to being a team and talking things over with each other you’ll be just fine!!

  • Krista
    March 17, 2014 at 5:46 am

    You are glowing : ) What a beautiful place!! And ouch….Expensive!!!

  • Kristi @ My San Francisco Kitchen
    March 25, 2014 at 4:52 pm

    What an awesome getaway!! I have never heard of a babymoon either, but when we get pregnant I will definitely be taking one 🙂

  • Caryl Anne
    June 20, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    I love this idea of a babymoon, and by the looks of it, it looks like you had a great and fun time! The ranch and photos are simply stunning! Thanks for sharing!

  • Emma
    October 5, 2019 at 9:45 am

    Good, is the sky always that blue in Arizona? We have some pretty great skies here in North Carolina (Carolina Blue!) but that sky might just give us a run for our money!
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