A Wellness Approach That’s Turning Heads in Oro Valley

Wellness looks different to everyone. People’s unique goals, preferences, and motivations shape how each of us approaches our personal wellness, from exercise routines to ways we relieve stress.

At Splendido, a Life Plan Community for those 55 and better in Oro Valley, residents can take advantage of some unique programs, experiences, and amenities that incorporate this personalized approach to wellness. The result: a lasting, more meaningful, and more comprehensive commitment to a healthy lifestyle. That includes expanding the definition of wellness to go beyond workout routines and diet, incorporating social wellness, stress reduction, sleep quality, and more. But it all starts with appealing to people’s unique interests and tastes.  

Innovative Programs

The wellness programming experts at Splendido delve into global practices and evidence-based research as a foundation to craft interesting and beneficial signature programs that older adults embrace.

“We prioritize high-quality experiences and bridge different disciplines of wellbeing,” explains William Myers, assistant vice president of Wellness Strategies for Mather. Mather is one of Splendido’s two parent companies. “We might add a mindfulness component to a fitness program, for example, or design a creative exercise that pairs with nature immersion. This holistic approach can broaden the horizons of participants and makes for a richer, more enjoyable experience. We’ve found that people like seeing wellness not just as one area, but multiple facets.” Some recent examples include:

• Sensory Symphony Swim, a truly relaxing experience that takes place in Splendido’s candlelit pool. Residents float on rafts and meditate to live music performed by the community’s musicians-in-residence—members of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra—as well as a sound bath with singing bowls.
• Indoor rock climbing, which lets residents climb out of their comfort zone and reach new achievements. “This offers a unique workout for body and brain because it involves bilateral movement and problem-solving—not to mention the shared sense of achievement in reaching new heights for the first time,” says William.
• Equine wellness, an area growing in popularity, offers people opportunities to ride or be near horses, and thus reap psychological and physical health benefits from being in the animals’ calming presence. At Splendido, residents spend a morning at a nearby stable, interacting with horses. Some choose to ride; others groom the horses or walk them around the paddock. The experience includes a moment of guided reflection, an overview of the desert ecosystem surrounding the stables, and a journaling exercise. “Regardless of whether they ride or pet a horse, everyone is so happy during these outings. It’s such a powerful experience to look into a horse’s eyes and to touch them,” says William.

Wellness Technologies

Splendido also embraces technology to support residents’ physical health and more—including devices found in high-end fitness centers and spas. One popular example is the Gharieni Welnamis spa wave bed, which uses computer-controlled vibrational therapy and audio frequencies to train the brain to relax. “The bed increases mindfulness, concentration, and creativity—all of which support our mission of creating Ways to Age Well,^SM” says William. 

Residents can also work with trained team members to get a personal assessment using the InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer, a nonintrusive technology that measures body composition, including body fat mass, dry lean mass, and extracellular and intracellular water levels. Once their assessment is complete, team members can discuss the results and offer targeted recommendations.

Culinary Experiences

The chefs at Splendido are committed to creating menus that marry globally inspired flavors with healthy ingredients. Mediterranean-inspired dishes support long-term health through fresh ingredients, balanced nutrition, and proven cooking techniques. Plant-forward options are thoughtfully integrated throughout restaurant offerings—in dishes like pomegranate-glazed mushroom entrée and seasonal squash ravioli—alongside lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.

“Our kitchens use fresh whole-food ingredients and cook from scratch as much as possible,” says William. “And the emphasis is always on flavor and artistry.”

Interior Design

Nature is one of the important factors that contribute to wellbeing. Therefore, many of Splendido’s amenity spaces incorporate biophilic design—a design approach to facilitate access to nature or things that replicate natural patterns. This includes interior spaces with sightlines to the outdoors and using natural wood and stone as interior materials.

“Providing biophilic design within interior settings connects residents to the natural world,” says William. “Research shows that a connection to nature provides positive benefits to mental states and overall wellbeing.” 

As a Life Plan Community, Splendido weaves their signature wellness offerings through all levels of care in Sonora, the on-site health center offering assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing for Splendido residents. “Every stage of life can include inspiration, curiosity, and growth. We create programs and other offerings in Sonora to offer meaningful engagement and connection,” says William.

Interested in learning more about Splendido? For floor plans, photos, and information on upcoming events, visit SplendidoTucson.com.

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