One day in January, I found myself in a rare situation- both my husband and daughter had plans and I had none. I had been wanting to check out the Miraval Berkshire Resort & Spa since it opened a year ago. Expecting a frigid and blustery weekend, the thought of some alone time in a cozy spa was all the convincing I needed to book my night away.
Miraval is best known for its wellness resort in Tucson, AZ. (They also have a location in Austin, TX.) It is considered one of the best luxury spa resort brands in the world. It is all-inclusive and meant to be a place where you can truly focus on yourself, your health and your well-being.
Miraval Berkshires sits on the rolling hills that once were the site of the old Cranwell Resort in lovely Lenox, Massachusetts. Though cozy, the Cranwell was more family than luxury-oriented. I for one applaud the transformation to a Miraval first class destination.
The overnight rate includes all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a resort credit. The food is unlimited, both in the main restaurant and the grab and go bar area. What’s unique and truly wonderful about booking Miraval is that the rate is based on single occupancy, which encourages those who might want to travel alone.
What You Can Expect
Miraval offers an extensive “Experiences Menu,” with pages upon pages of activities and private sessions to choose from. Many are included in the room price, although some do require additional payment. They range from private experiences such as acupuncture, to a class on achieving better sleep to unleashing your superpower and more.
The resort offers several different types of yoga, meditation and fitness classes, as well as self-expression and creativity workshops. You can also take a variety of culinary and nutrition classes. Located on 380 acres of gorgeous landscape, there are also endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether it be a hike or snowshoeing in the cooler months or cardio kayaking in the warmer months.
The Life In Balance Spa is stunning. Whether you choose a massage or facial or a curated body renewal ritual, you will have more choices than you could possibly imagine.
My Stay at Miraval
We had just had a walloping of snow and temps hovered around zero. The beauty of winter at Miraval? You never have to go outside. Created as a maze of long connecting corridors, everything you need is accessible indoors. Although, if you are up for a quick dip, Miraval is ready for you.
11:00 a.m
Since I was only going to be at the resort for one night, I wanted to maximize my time there and had requested an early check in. I was happy that they accommodated the request and was immediately led to my room.
The rooms at Miraval are very nice. They are not opulent, but as you would expect at a wellness resort, they are simple, sleek and functional. The beds are clouds of downy heaven. The closet space is enormous and some rooms have patios or balconies overlooking the grounds and mountains.
12:00 p.m.
Time for lunch. I grabbed my book and headed to the restaurant. There are limited menu items to choose from, but a nice buffet is also available. The food is healthy and the portions are small, but you can eat to your heart’s content. I chose the Italian wedding soup and the buffet. The soup was delicious. I was later shocked to overhear the waiter say that it was completely vegan. Never a fan of “fake meat,” I was floored that I hadn’t been able to tell the difference.
1:00 p.m.
I took my first class called “Shoulders Set Free”, a stretch class which focused on the shoulder area. A was the perfect way to ease into the afternoon.
2:00 p.m.
I found a cozy nook to read my book and people watch. There are plenty of spaces like this at Miraval. This area by the fireplace is by the bar/grab and go food area. It’s super cozy and a popular spot where guests hang out to grab a light bite and meet other guests.
3:00 p.m.
After grabbing a smoothie, I headed down early to the spa to make the most of the facilities. The entrance to the spa really captures that you are about to go on a journey of mind and body.
The spa area is very large with many comfortable areas to sit and relax. There is also an indoor/outdoor pool area which I think would be wonderful in just a bit warmer weather.
4:00 p.m.
Time for my deep tissue massage. No surprise that it was wonderful. The therapist was knowledgable and the massage room was perfect in every way.
6:30 p.m.
Time for dinner. They suggest you make reservations, and the dining area is relatively small, so I could imagine on busy weekends that this might be a good idea. Once again, the buffet was available as was a la carte selections. The dinner menu options were more abundant than at lunch and again, you can order as much food as you choose. Want 2 entrees and 2 deserts? No problem! To be honest, the portions are small, so I don’t think anyone would question it if you did!
There is a small bar area serving cocktails and wine. Alcohol is not included in the cost of the room, but unlike Canyon Ranch down the road (which is a dry property), Miraval not only serves alcoholic beverages, it also offers several classes on cocktails and wine.
10:00 p.m.
Time to turn in. Did I mention the comfortable bed?
Saturday
6:30 a.m.
Unfortunately an early riser in the room above mine woke me up. (Note to self and other light sleepers, ask for a room on the second floor). Too tired for the kickboxing class I signed up for, I asked the wellness concierge for some assistance in planning my morning. The wellness concierges there are truly wonderful. She suggested that I take an easy yoga class and see how I feel for the rest of the day. I headed over to the grab and go area and got myself a hot cup of coffee before class.
I also took this time to finish a project that Miraval assigns upon arrival. They give you a piece of paper and an envelope and ask you to write a letter to yourself. The letter is anything you want it to be, but they suggest you write about what you hope for yourself, for your visit and beyond. The resort mails the letter back to you in 3 months.
9:00 a.m.
Slow Flow Yoga. Believe it or not, I have never taken a yoga class before. I’m more of a light bootcamp kind of girl and love working with weights. But this class was the perfect way to start the day, helping me feel more relaxed and energized after.
10:00 a.m.
Breakfast. As with the other meals, there was a buffet option as well as menu options. Lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free choices, as well as conventional ones. Everything was tasty and healthy.
12:00 p.m.
Yoga Nidra Meditation. More sleep meditation than yoga, this was also a first for me. I was surprised at how quickly the time passed. I’m usually so in my head, that such a class would not appeal to me, but I think something about the vibe at Miraval subconsciously encourages you to try new things.
1:00 p.m.
My final meal at Miraval. I’m still quite impressed with the many vegan and gluten free options that were very tasty! I did get a(real) burger this time and it was delicious!
3:00 p.m.
My wonderful travel advisor was able to get me a late check out which was the perfect way to end my stay. As I depart Miraval, I can’t help but think of all the classes I wished I could have taken but didn’t have time for! I vow to return to take that Cardio Drumming class and one of the guided hikes. I would like to take one of the many cooking classes too, maybe even the Bee Keeping class. So many choices, 24 hours really wasn’t enough. But it was just enough to ensure that I will be back soon. In the meantime, I can’t wait to receive my letter to myself and let it remind me of the goals and wishes I made for myself during my stay there.
