Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/101703
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN LEIBSON/WIREIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES (RANCIC) LIVING THE LIFE The warm winter retreat of many Chicagoans: Miraval Resort & Spa in Arizona. go west WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING A WINTER ESCAPE, CHICAGOANS HAVE ONLY ONE DIRECTION IN MIND. BY VISHAKA ROBINSON F itting in some time away from Chicago's testing winter weather is as much a part of the season as skating around Millennium Park and black-tie galas at the Union League Club. Whether they're in search of perfect pistes, a mind-body retreat, or simply some blue sky and a jaw-dropping pool, Windy City residents flock to these destinations—all less than five hours away. Desert Oasis Thanks to the ringing endorsement of Chicago influencers (Oprah Winfrey and star couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic, to name a few) as well as the enviable winter climate of Tucson, Arizona, Miraval Resort & Spa has become a magnet for Michigan Avenue snowbirds in search of mind and body downtime. "October to May is the most popular time for our Chicago guests," explains resort CEO Michael Tompkins. And no wonder: "Daytime temperatures average between 75 and 85, so those coming from the cold of Illinois literally feel like they are stepping into summertime." From plush, desert-inspired suites, guests can create their own tailor-made escape by signing up from a vast roster of diversions: equine therapy (where participants routinely break down in tears of self-discovery); Swing and a Prayer (Oprah's favorite, which involves being hoisted from a height of 35 feet); and everything from painting classes, yoga, and acupuncture to one-on-ones with visiting clairvoyants. The Rancics have notched up more than six stays (kickstarting 2013 with a New Year's retreat in January). "The place is spectacular," explains Bill of the resort's tranquil setting in Tucson's Santa Catalina Mountains. "The one thing Giuliana and I always do is one of the challenge continued on page 110 Bill and Giuliana Rancic 108 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 108-110_MA_HP_LivingLife_Winter13.indd 108 1/2/13 11:53 AM