Balance in the Berkshires

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.

Day 1

For some exercise, I did an Advanced Level 3 hike. This is my must-try. There are many hikes to choose from that vary in length, level of intensity, terrain and duration. For lunch I ate at the Grill and had Mint Green Tea and Arctic Char. Following lunch, I took the Creative Expression class called Learn to Draw. Here, artist Morris Bennett opened my eyes to idiomatic art. In this hands-on class, I learned to see in the abstract by trying to replicate other drawings, focusing on key elements and drawing them upside down. After exercising my left brain, I jumped into a strength and stability class, and then a fencing class that works your glutes and arms.

Next up was a mindfulness workshop, where our spiritual wellness guru, Dan Marco, led us through an experiential exercise with soul cards, challenging everyone to see the meaning in everything. Dinner followed with LaBelle Farms duck breast with sundried cherry mostarda, sweet potato puree, matchstick apple salad and toasted almonds. We engaged in a Body Fat, Weight Loss & Fitness Workshop, where an Exercise Physiologist filled us in on how to make your metabolism, muscle, fat and hormones behave in the land of plenty. We ended our day with a “Spiritual Walk,” in which we were encouraged to walk, meditate and ask big questions like “What do I need more of ?” and “What do I need to give the world more of ?”

DAY 2

I ate a delicious breakfast that the omelet station chef prepared for me with egg whites, herbs and chicken sausage. I did another Level 3 hike called Flag Rock, which offered a scenic path with friendly hikers and their German Shepherds. I followed the hike up with a Tabata ‘n’ TRX workout, which is one of the hardest workouts on site. It combines Tabata cardio intervals with working blocks of TRX strength exercises. I unwound afterward with Aerial Hammock Yoga, where you pose on a fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling and work on core strength. And, because I love yoga, I followed this intense yoga session with yet another yoga class called Intermediate Yoga with Kayla. This class has the best ambiance, as the room overlooks a forest. A Vinyasa class, it ended reminding everyone “In stillness we find balance.”

After building up an appetite, I attended a Lunch & Learn Demonstration Kitchen, where a demo chef prepares the entrée. Lunch was followed by another Mindfulness Meditation Workshop. At this one, I learned how to enhance my peace of mind guided by a life management coach. Dinner was served in the Grill, followed by some spa time exploring craniosacral therapy, a soothing treatment that adjusts the subtle rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid as it circulates around the brain and spinal cord. I ended this full day with a medium/intuitive Tarot card reader, Jennifer Belanger. She opened my eyes to my cards. This is a rare experience you do not want to miss. She’s the real deal.

Day 3

Breakfast this morning was celery juice, a double Americano and an egg white omelet with herbs followed by a Level 2/3 hike consisting of 4.5 miles. I chose another Creative Expression class on the Mandala Experience, a unique workshop with Morris Bennett. Here I learned about the history behind the accent symbol and created one myself, choosing from various artist’s materials. Lunch was a bison burger with chipotle aioli, Manchego cheese and arugula on a whole-wheat bun. I burned off my lunch on the Pilates Reformer at the Jumpboard Clinic, which is a Pilates and cardio interval workout that burns fat and elevates your heart rate. After Pilates I chose a Chinese Medicine Lecture about putting stress in its place. Here I learned how acupuncture and other Chinese Medicine modalities can reduce the risk of illnesses caused by stress. Dinner was served at Community Table.

I met five other guests who were all in various stages of life and on different paths. We all found each other at the table and dined on sea bass and enjoyed the chef ’s evening special of salmon crab cakes. I followed dinner with acupuncture, which was life-changing. I ended my day with Labyrinth, where I was encouraged to walk through the labyrinth on the property to meditate. Like all others, no matter what turn you take you’ll end up in the center. The goal is to let go of distractions and leave enlightened, going out into the physical world with better energy.

Day 4

Before I hit the road, the amazing staff put together a care package of snacks, including my favorite house-made almond butter which is out of this world. Canyon Ranch isn’t just another spa and fitness wellness retreat—it’s a place to go and be challenged on every level and to learn how to start to live life to the fullest. Everyone is there for a reset. Eastern medicine, acupuncture, spirit guide, creative expression classes, intense hikes, ropes courses, culinary exploration—it’s all covered.

It’d been years since I’d really put my phone down and disconnected from the outside world. I didn’t know how I was going to react to a digital detox. I had concerns that my Type A personality (and my full inbox) would override my desire to get centered. I was wrong. The environment—especially the hikes—really helped me look up and be present. Leaving Canyon Ranch, I not only felt rejuvenated physically, but I also left feeling invigorated creatively, empowered to create my future, and inspired by the thought leaders I met, both experts and guests.