balance in the berkshires BY LIZZIE DANIEL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CANYON RANCH
Having lived in New York City for five years, which is only three hours from the pinnacle of health resorts, I regret that I’d never made it to Canyon Ranch Lenox. I managed to hit all of the other fabulous destinations that were drivable, the Hamptons and the Hudson River Valley, but not this luxe retreat in the Berkshires. Lucky for me, The Nashville Edit founder, Stacie Standifer knew this was the perfect destination to feature for the launch issue. Knowing my passion for fitness, living well and luxury travel, she quickly put me on assignment and off I went. Canyon Ranch is legendary in wellness because of the 360° integrative approach featuring board-certified physicians, registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, licensed therapists and other highly skilled talent. The all-inclusive resort’s flagship location launched in 1979 in Tucson. Known for its “uncommon experiences that will transform you,” I was determined to see if the Lenox location lived up to its reputation. A few days before my trip, a call was set up with a wonderful program advisor who walked me through my goals and helped me plan the best spa treatments and activities. My intention for the retreat was a digital detox. Four days. Three nights. No communication with the outside world (except one social post—I’m only human). My goals— mind, body, and spirit—were to reset. I wanted killer workouts, clean eating, motivational lectures, creative art classes and Eastern medicine. During this one-on-one phone call, I was told my experience would be whatever I wanted it to be. I could hit as many of the forty workout classes a day as I wanted… or not. I was sold when they told
me workout clothes were acceptable at all times, even when dining. Canyon Ranch Grill would be the more upscale option, although athleisure is still acceptable. The Demo Kitchen, I was told, would be great for hands-on cooking with the chefs, and Culinary Rebel is cozy-casual with access to snacks at all times. I was also enlightened on all that the spa had to offer, so we set that up on the phone call, as well. The spa has offerings ranging from muscle-melting massages to acupuncture to cranial massages (spa director Samantha Cooper is incredible at helping guests create their perfect experience). There are also doctors on staff with a full-service menu to heal and guide everyone on their personal wellness journey, but you need to book this in advance. I flew into Hartford, CT, via Southwest and was quickly greeted at the airport by a Canyon Ranch driver who took care of everything. An hour later I was on 120 acres of woodland paradise and shut down my phone. Painful, but I did it. After a quick walking tour, I was brought to the spa where I got a locker to use throughout my stay, so I didn’t have to go back to my room in between activities. One nice thing about Canyon Ranch is you don’t technically have to go outside, since all the different properties are connected through indoor hallways.
