Over the summer my best girl and I had a mama and mini getaway to the beautiful Civana Resort, Spa and Sanctuary in Carefree.
Just me and my little girl, enjoying the beauty and calm of the resort set in the scenic desert landscape, lounging at the pool, relaxing in our beautifully appointed room and dining at Terras, Civana’s on-site restaurant serving up a seasonal menu using local ingredients.
During our stay we enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner and every meal was incredible. Chef Justin Macy uses only the freshest produce and ingredients so the menu changes regularly as the seasons progress and change.
Jax and her picky palette stuck with buttered pasta with parmesan cheese and a side of fresh fruit, she said it was delicious and devoured every bite. For dinner the night we checked in, I enjoyed a Grass-fed Burger with a side of sweet potato fries. The burger was thick and expertly cooked and seasoned. It came dressed to impressed with onion, crisp lettuce, avocado, and a thick slice of juicy heirloom tomato. Delicious! And the sweet potato fries were some of the best I have ever eaten. So crispy they were addictive.
Breakfast was equally enjoyable. Jax opted for the Happy Cakes off the kids menu and the portion was generous! Two big, fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with whipped cream and real maple syrup. She ate her breakfast quietly which is a sure sign she was enjoying her food!
I was wowed with the Ranch Breakfast Burrito! An organic whole wheat tortilla stuffed with cage-free scrambled eggs, diced heirloom tomatoes, spicy Arizona chorizo, breakfast potatoes, black beans, onion, cilantro and organic pepper jack cheese. The burrito was filling and fantastic — full of great flavor, mellow heat from the chorizo and lots of texture from the fresh veg. I was stuffed and happy, ready to start my day of relaxation at the resort.
After some swimming, a yoga class, so rock painting and a fun kid’s cooking class it was time for lunch! Jax again enjoyed her buttered pasta and I opted to enjoy the Chef’s Soup of the Day, which that day was Creamy Broccoli. It was incredible and pretty spicy from the addition of red pepper flakes. Even though it was a creamy soup it wasn’t too heavy but it was rich and filling, served with fresh-baked sourdough bread it made for a perfect, tasty lunch. Oh, and I may have also had another order of those killer sweet potato fries.
Dessert at Terras is not to be missed. Like the regular menu, the chef changes things up regularly. During our visit we indulged in the Strawberry Shortcake and the Coconut Sorbet.
The strawberry shortcake was a delightful take on the classic summer dessert. A slice of vanilla sponge cake is accompanied by fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs. It was a sweet ending to a wonderful meal.
Jax especially enjoyed the Coconut Sorbet encased in a dark chocolate shell and served with prickly pear sauce, candied pepitas and toffee crisp. It was a unique dessert with lots of different tastes and textures, creamy sweet coconut, bittersweet chocolate, and crunch from the toffee and pepitas. Jax proclaimed it the best dessert she’s ever had!
Jax and I loved everything about our Civana getaway. It was great to relax and unwind with my daughter in a beautiful setting and enjoy delicious meals. We definitely indulged but everything was fresh, consciously made and nourishing , so we splurged without the guilt.
Civana definitely nourishes the soul, mind, body and bellies.
Disclaimer: We enjoyed a complimentary night stay at Civana and Kids cooking class in exchange for this post. As usual all opinions are entirely my own.
