Nest by Tamara Travel Review with A Mother/Daughter Visit to Canyon Ranch

 A Relaxing Mother Daughter Weekend 

at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA

Canyon Ranch

165 Kemble Street

Lenox, MA 01240

800-742-9000

Maya and Tracy Gavant

guest post written by Tracy Gavant

Ever since my daughter Maya was born I have been dreaming for the time when she was old enough for us to share mother/daughter getaways. Her recent “Sweet 16” birthday was the perfect excuse to put down our electronics and head to the ultimate weekend retreat at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts. Located in the heart of the beautiful Berkshires with the century-old Bellefontaine mansion as its centerpiece, the resort offers a luxurious but healthy retreat.

Since we only had a weekend to indulge, we dove right into the serene spirit with a restorative yoga class followed by a guided meditation session.  The yoga studio faces a wall of windows overlooking the surrounding woods, and as if nestled in the forest we were guided by the gentle, soothing voice of our instructor.  We left the back-to back sessions feeling like we had already been away for days.

The Canyon Ranch spa complex is the main attraction, and it did not disappoint.  The women’s locker room leads to a wonderful relaxation lounge, featuring both a eucalyptus steam room, sauna, two whirlpools overlooking the grounds and a waiting area with wicker chaises, fresh fruit, infused water and a tea bar.   Before our spa treatments ever began, the ambiance put our minds and muscles in a warm and fuzzy state.

I have long been curious about but hesitant to try Ashiatsu, which is a Japanese deep barefoot massage, but figured this the perfect place to give it a try.  Whoever said “don’t let people walk all over you” never experienced this ultimate deep tissue massage!  All of that relaxing works up quite an appetite, and we had the choice to indulge in a formal meal in the elegant dining room, or the casual café, featuring Mediterranean-style cuisine, brick oven pizza and an expansive salad bar with local farm-raised meats and cheeses.

We signed up for a chef-hosted demo dinner serving up 

different healthy meal options each evening.

The next morning we got moving!  

No matter what the season, the grounds are beautiful and accessible with interconnected walking trails, meditative labyrinths and spiritual gardens to explore and reconnect with nature.  We chose to follow one of the five self-guided “spirit walks” around the estate property. Depending upon the season, they also offer daily guided hikes, biking, and boating as well as other outdoor activities.

After a Lunch & Learn on Neuro-nutrition, we channeled our inner Picasso with a Paint & Play art class that encouraged free expression. We finished up with sore but happy feet after an “Energize your Soles” fitness class that incorporates exercises using their signature Canyon Ranch Sole Energizer rubber spheres.

Like a big warm hug, we felt taken care of and pampered during our entire stay, beginning with our arrival gift (a welcome tote, t-shirt and water bottle), and ended the moment our heads hit our choice of pillows each night.  Seriously, a custom pillow choice was offered--each room provides a pillow menu which is based on your sleep position. There is also a sleep sound machine, a Healthy Sleep guidebook, and of course, chamomile tea bags to lull you into the best night’s sleep of your life. From start to finish, Canyon Ranch offers a perfect refuge to reconnect with nature and also with one another.