Insights from the CEO of Canyon Ranch: Early Mornings and Daily Rituals

Mark Rivers serves as the CEO of Canyon Ranch, a wellness-centric hospitality business, headquartered in Austin. His tenure began in September 2023 after spearheading the company’s new development initiatives from 2022 onward.

Rivers’ appointment marked the culmination of over 25 years in hospitality management and real estate development for various resorts and clubs. Notably, he was the pioneer developer for the Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club campus in Austin, a principal in Napa Valley's Solage Hotels and Resorts development, and a former executive at Mirage Resorts, founded by Steve Wynn in Las Vegas.

Balancing Hospitality and Wellness

Canyon Ranch embraces both hospitality and wellness, thriving at a time when wellness is a burgeoning industry. As the brand recently received the accolade of the top wellness resort in the Americas for 2025 by the Michelin Guide, Rivers sees this as an extraordinary opportunity to lead, redefine, and infuse fresh energy into the company’s offerings.

The company operates resorts in Tucson, Arizona, and Lenox, Massachusetts, alongside the largest day spa in North America located at The Venetian in Las Vegas, and a wellness club and spa in Fort Worth, Texas. There's also an ongoing project developing a new resort and residential complex near Austin.

A Glimpse into My Daily Routine

Rivers is galvanized by optimism and enthusiasm, allowing little to disturb his daily trajectory. He wakes at 4 a.m. on typical days, but Mondays see him up at an astonishing 2:45 a.m. to embark on his three-hour drive from Austin to the corporate office in Fort Worth. Committed to seeing through the company’s major investment, a new resort in development, Rivers opts to remain nearby during the workweek.

During these drives, he immerses himself in educational podcasts like 'Acquired' or 'Founders,' which offer insightful perspectives on notable companies.

Maintaining Physical and Mental Wellness

A daily fitness regimen is vital. Rivers ensures he exercises each day, whether at the Fort Worth office gym or any of Canyon Ranch’s fitness facilities. His mornings start with hydration, followed by stretching, and an engaging session of The New York Times Spelling Bee before the sun rises.

He heads to his office before 7 a.m., where he addresses emails and administrative tasks, completing these before the influx of daily meetings.

Embracing Tradition with 'Cowboy Coffee'

When in Tucson, Rivers indulges in the ‘cowboy coffee’ tradition — a communal coffee experience where brewed coffee, crafted by the staff, is shared among coworkers and guests around a fire.

This gathering takes place in a central courtyard surrounded by eucalyptus, offering a warm and friendly start for everyone involved.

Meetings and Midday Breaks

Rivers, often traveling between properties nationwide, usually manages 10 to 12 meetings daily, interspersed with a midday pause for lunch.

While lunch is swift, it comprises healthy, nutrient-rich meals sourced from Canyon Ranch’s dining venues, aiding in maintaining high energy and concentration.

Afternoon Activities

Afternoons are spent engaging with colleagues and guests at different resorts. Rivers prioritizes interaction with the food and beverage, spa, and health teams, as these endeavors inspire him to uphold his dietary and fitness disciplines.

Particularly, the development and construction of Canyon Ranch’s latest project near Austin are key focuses. Weekly visits to the expansive 600-acre site ensure progress toward its anticipated opening in fall 2026. The facility promises to host Texas's largest spa — a Women's Wellness Collective emphasizing health, housing 141 rooms, outdoor activities, and multiple dining options.

Creativity in Planning and Execution

Rivers relishes the inventive journey required to craft unique guest experiences. He likens project development to film production, uniting key players, drafting narratives, and choosing locations.

These sessions include discussions with architects, contractors, designers, and campus teams to align on upcoming strategies.

Evening Wind Down

Rivers likes to conclude his day with an early meal and a physical activity like tennis, which he can enjoy year-round in Texas's mild climate.

Though not particularly drawn to television or streaming, Rivers stays updated on sports involving the Buffalo Bills, UConn Huskies, and Boise State Broncos, especially sharing Buffalo Bills season tickets with his children.

Prepping for Restful Sleep

Bedtime for Rivers is around 8:30 p.m., limited TV and alcohol consumption help maintain his routine. He applies techniques from Longevity8, a recently introduced program designed to enhance guests' health and longevity. These include a specific breathwork exercise and journaling, promoting relaxation before sleep.

Preferring the tranquility of early mornings over late nights, Rivers finds time between waking hours is best spent preparing for a successful day ahead.