As a wine and travel writer, I’ve checked into my fair share of wellness-focused hotels across the globe. In some destinations like Maui, Koh Samui or Bali, it’s part of their DNA but not necessarily enforced upon every guest. I still have a vivid memory of ordering a healthy mocktail with a splash of gin in it after our server recognized our group’s not-so-invested-mindset at a resort in Koh Samui—don’t worry, as soon as I ordered, the rest of the table followed.
All this to say, as I prepared for my retreat at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, renowned as the wellness institution throughout the U.S., I was quickly overwhelmed.
Let’s back up—if preparing for a wellness trip got my skin crawling, why was I even going? Well, two-Michelin-star Chef Emma Bengtsson of Aquavit was going to be taking over the kitchen for the weekend and I was there to cover it. (That article can be read here). Since Canyon Ranch had recently announced the serving of alcohol at special, pre-arranged events—this weekend fit the bill—I envisioned a looser version of a wellness retreat.
But as the days drew nearer and the weekly program was released, from which I was to choose my activities for the three days I was there, that’s when doubt started creeping in. That’s because: Canyon Ranch is trusted for their three night immersion retreats so the programs really run the gamut from your typical personal training classes to boot camps, meditation and yoga to healthy cooking courses, naturopathy and 12-step recovery meetings.
I’ve always known my version of self-care and wellness varies from most folks, but to peruse this schedule and read the disclaimers about alcohol to be consumed in the privacy of guest’s rooms, I started to realize this weekend was going to be very different. Nonetheless, I decided to lean into it, not quite forcing anything, but arranging my itinerary to reflect my version of #health: a tabata and TRX class, restorative yoga, property hike and a Swedish massage.
As soon as I had laid out my weekend, the overwhelm transformed to excitement as I embraced the time as an opportunity to try something new. I was bringing my boyfriend along and he shared the same transition of thought: from “are we really doing this?” to “detox weekend, love it!”
Upon check-in, all was dandy as we ordered a healthy snack from the cafe, quieted our minds with restorative yoga and read a few chapters by the crackling fireplace as snow started to fall. That turned quickly.
I’ll never forget when we sat down at our first dinner and my boyfriend flipped over the menu multiple times realizing that there was no alcohol listed. I guess I forgot to mention that. Like me, he’s stayed at resorts with a wellness undertone but I don’t think we’d both ever been at a resort where it’s the emphasis. Given everybody around us was content with their mocktails and cordials, though, we didn’t necessarily feel out of place.
We ordered a round of elderflower palomas (lime juice, grapefruit bitters and sparkling water) and settled in not just for our first healthy meal but also for the weekend ahead.
We moved a lot—from first light walking around the property to relishing in the exercise classes and any chance to move in between like killing time by shooting hoops at the basketball courts or experimenting with every machine in the 100,000-square-foot fitness center. We spent a lot of time in the sauna and steam rooms, hopping from hot to cold plunge and reading in front of the fires.
I think the biggest takeaway for me was slowing down. Knowing there wasn’t anything I had to do aside from experiencing the resort in a way that allows you not to stress about what’s coming next because you don’t have to be anywhere.
Simply being at a resort of this caliber is a stress reliever because of the fact that they don’t offer activities except ones that enhance the health of your body, mind and soul.
Yes, wine was served our second night due to Chef Bengtsson’s takeover, but I almost didn’t want to break the character of this retreat. That’s how powerful it felt to be there. Yet, the key word there was almost—since I was there to cover the dinner, which included the immaculate wine pairings, I was dutifully, obligated to sip. The pours were small, though, and I didn’t finish every glass, it truly was more of a sip, which again, I feel like I was subconsciously influenced by the aura of the resort.
As we pulled away from the famed property, I did feel a little lighter as a result of the health-forward weekend and could acknowledge the sway of such retreats to draw you back, whether for a weekend every month, every quarter or every year. Something different for me might be something habitual for others—one couple we met there had been going annually since the property first opened in 1989. But, I don’t know the next time I’d be back. As Chef Emma so masterfully captured in our interview:
When it comes to wellness, it means something different to everyone. Being able to come up here and detach from everything and relax might be wellness to some people while it actually might stress other people. It’s hard to dictate to someone like “this is wellness” because it’s so different depending on your personality. I can see myself after a day or two craving the city and the rush because I need that as well. — Emma Bengtsson
Tastings, tours & tidbits from around town:
Self interrupting is real—I always wondered why I would close out of an article mid-sentence to check my email but this episode of Hidden Brain explains the phenomenon and shows I’m not alone.
There’s a new Portuguese restaurant in Boston and I’m obsessed.
After writing about WithCo. Cocktail mixers at the end of last year, I became hooked. The agave margarita is a personal favorite, making it easier than ever to mix up margaritas at home. I’m a fan of spicy margs, so I combined it with Tanteo jalapeño tequila and a tajin rim – chef’s kiss.
This concoction from master mixologist Francesco Lafranconi at a recent event for Carver Road Hospitality is one worth trying to recreate at home: freshly squeezed cucumber, yuzu, Italicus, blanco tequila, Ebi Fumi furikake rim.
Recent clips:
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