In the late '70s, "fat farms" were the only type of destination catering to people who wanted to look and feel better. However the weight-loss methods practiced at these places were most often successful only for short periods of time, with the majority of people gaining back the pounds after their visits. The Zuckermans' idea for Canyon Ranch was way ahead of its time; they wanted to create a place where people could experience a total sense of wellness with the help of doctors, nurses, behavioral therapists, nutritionists and exercise physiologists - where knowledge would be gained and applied to everyday life. The Zuckermans knew they had found the perfect site for their fitness resort when they came across Tucson's Double U Ranch. They instantly felt the magic of the property - once an active cattle ranch dating back to the '30s before becoming a dude ranch the next decade - and, after major renovations, transformed it into the first Canyon Ranch Health Resort.
As a result of the overwhelming response to Canyon Ranch in Tucson, especially from East Coast guests, the Zuckermans opened another Canyon Ranch Health Resort in the Berkshires of Lenox, Massachusetts, in 1989.

With two successful health resorts serving nearly 25,000 guests each year, the Zuckermans decided to expand the reach of Canyon Ranch with the development of new properties and projects.

In 1999, the Zuckermans introduced Canyon Ranch SpaClub, a spa, wellness and fitness facility designed to give guests a taste of the Canyon Ranch experience with massage and bodywork, fitness and yoga classes, consultations with wellness experts and healthy cuisine served in the SpaClub Café.

The first Canyon Ranch SpaClub facility opened at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. With the opening of SpaClub, the Zuckermans also introduced the flagship Canyon Ranch Living Essentials boutique.

The brand expansion of Canyon Ranch SpaClub began in 2002 with a second SpaClub at Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Soon after, the Cunard Line invited Canyon Ranch to design and operate the spa and fitness facility onboard Queen Mary 2. The $800 million, 150,000-ton luxury ocean liner, featuring the first sea-based Canyon Ranch SpaClub, entered into service in January 2004.

Currently, the Zucker-mans are expanding the scope of their enhancement oppor-tunities to include Canyon Ranch skin care and body products:

Canyon Ranch Science for the Skin and Canyon Ranch Nutrition for the Skin - two exclusive and scientifically based skin care product lines for men and women that protect skin against aging and the environment, and can actually strengthen and repair existing damage - plus a line of amenities available in guestrooms and locker rooms at all properties.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - JANUARY 2005

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