Thousands of bees encircle me. Their frenzy suggests excitement, confusion, perhaps anger? My usual instinct at the sight of even a single bee is to run for cover, yet I am not afraid. This is because Noel Patterson, resident beekeeper at Miraval Resort, has allayed my fears through education and understanding—and yeah, the bee suit helps a bit, too. Miraval is not your typical resort. Of course, they have all the usual amenities, but they promote living life in balance, a mantra honored not only in the services they offer, but also in the footprint they leave on their environment. The 400-acre property balances on the fringe of Catalina, Arizona, a modest ranch town neighboring Tucson’s north side and the Santa Catalina mountains. As I near the destination instead of passing by million-dollar homes, pretentious restaurants, and swanky shopping centers I see simple abodes, farm equipment, and mobile homes. The renowned resort doesn’t loom above or sprawl across prime real ...
A collection of writing samples by Lesley Kontowicz