There's a definite psychotherapeutic element running through Miraval's presentation, and for a decade, spa-goers have been raving to each other about programs such as "Desert Journey, " in which, among other things, you may be called upon to balance an upright peacock feather in the palm of your hand.

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Thalia's journey also began in the desert near Tijuana.

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Overall, 980 out of the initial 1, 024 participants started the fifth leg of this year's MDS, a grueling adventure challenging participants to test their bodies and minds as they take on whipping sandstorms and blazing temperatures of up to 50C in their epic journey across the Southern Moroccan desert.

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