Wyatt Webb, cowboy, psychologist and founder of Miraval’s Equine Experience program, has participants interact with horses. (Click image to enlarge)

Wyatt Webb, a cowboy, psychotherapist and a founder of the program, still recalls meeting with that first group of cancer survivors. "As we sat down in the group area, where I offer an explanation of what’s about to take place in the corral, something happened that I had never experienced before. There were a few horses nearby, and all of them were standing at attention with their necks stretched over the fence and their ears pricked forward. It was plain to see what they were attracted to. This group [of cancer survivors] was totally in touch with what was important in their lives. Their priorities indicated the absence of games, surface talk and anything else that would imply they might be sleepwalking. And the horses were totally drawn to their authenticity."

Miraval’s work with cancer patients and survivors, how-ever, is not limited to just one week a year. In fact, the most customized healing experience, Life in Balance, is available year-round to cancer survivors and their spouses, and, according to spa director Amy McDonald, can be adapted to other chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or diabetes.

The process begins weeks before arrival, with an in-depth telephone interview and health assessment. A personalized 7-, 14- or 21-day plan is then created, with every spa treatment, fitness class, lecture, physician consultation, nutritional activity and outdoor challenge hand-picked by Miraval experts to address the individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs.