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An iconic estate packed with feel-good magic
An Adults-Only Luxury Getaway at Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
Tucked into the tranquil beauty of the Berkshires, Canyon Ranch isn’t the “next big thing”—it’s the long-loved wellness retreat that continues to deliver, year after year. At my recent stay, I learned first hand why some places become iconic in the first place.
At the heart of it all stands the Bellefontaine Mansion, a Gilded Age gem from 1897 that weaves historic charm into every corner of the experience. Canyon Ranch, Lenox, has mastered the art of personalized wellness long before it was a buzzword. Guests choose their own “Way to Stay”—a path shaped by their personal goals, whether it’s a transformative health journey, a gentle return to balance, or simply reconnecting with joy.
What keeps people coming back? The magic lies in the freedom. You’re not bound to a schedule—you’re invited to explore. Try a little of everything or sink deeply into what you love. It’s about moments, movement, and meaning. And you leave not just relaxed, but realigned—with fresh insights and a deeper connection to yourself.
And upcoming warm-month visitors are in for a treat. The wellness retreat’s "Summer in Session" includes a partnership with the iconic James Beard Foundation, bringing serious star power to the table (literally). Four of the country’s most celebrated chefs will host intimate, moonlit dinners on the great lawn of the Gilded Age estate. It’s set to be pure summer magic.
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Who should you bring?
Canyon Ranch is especially ideal for anyone craving a space to slow down and tune in—whether you’re looking to refill your cup, restore a sense of balance, deepen your self-awareness, or simply give yourself the care you so often give others. It’s the perfect setting for a solo escape, a couples’ recharge, a girlfriends’ getaway, or a meaningful mother-daughter retreat. For me, it was the latter—my first wellness retreat with my teenage daughter, a chance to share quality time together while gently introducing her to the power of self-care and mindful living. And the best part? Guests as young as 14 are welcome—making it a rare and special opportunity to start wellness habits early and share the experience across generations.
What’s the food like?
For something quicker, head to Culinary Rebel—a grab-and-go spot offering smoothies, coffee, and light bites like pumpkin crunch granola and house-made trail bars. Both eateries cater beautifully to gluten-free and vegan diets, making it easy to indulge and stay aligned with your wellness goals.
The Demo Kitchen is a hidden gem, open Tuesday through Saturday for an afternoon “Learn & Taste” session from 12–1 PM. With limited seating, it’s smart to snag your spot early! It’s also the place to roll up your sleeves and dive into hands-on cooking classes—whether one-on-one or with a group—where expert chefs share their favorite Canyon Ranch culinary secrets.
We treated ourselves to a hands-on chocolate-themed cooking class that was as delicious as it was enlightening. The focus? Whipping up guilt-free, chocolatey treats designed to satisfy cravings and fuel you between meals. Think rich chocolate yogurt mousse made with creamy Greek yogurt, and a dreamy chocolate chiffon crafted with organic tofu or avocado—no added sugar and all under 120 calories a serving.
Did you get a good night’s sleep?
After a day spent nurturing your mind, body and spirit, how could you not drift into the best sleep ever? The rooms are clean, calm and comfortably understated—designed to help you truly unwind. I didn’t hear a single door slam or shower run, just peace and quiet. The bed? Easily one of the most comfortable I’ve ever melted into, dressed in soft Italian linens. And let’s talk pillows—because the perfect one can make all the difference. The pillow menu was a dream: I chose the side-sleeper pillow; my daughter went straight for the cloud-like body pillow.
What amenities are available?
whirlpools, in addition to a range of treatment options available). Gym buffs will enjoy the 24/7 fitness enter, as well as the many wellness activities on offer such as hiking along the bluff, cycling classes outside, meditation, beach yoga and more. Speaking of the beach, the Monarch Bay Beach Club is exclusively available to members and guests and has everything you need to surf the waves, paddle board, SUP and more. Or hey, if you’d just like to kick back on a beach chair with a glass of wine, then that’s cool too.
With over 35 mind-body classes and outdoor experiences offered daily, the possibilities are endless. One moment you’re flowing through Yin and Release yoga, the next you’re testing your aim in archery or exploring a tarot card demo. The campus features a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor pools, scenic walking trails, a sprawling 100,000-square-foot spa complex and a full-service Med Spa.
Evenings are just as vibrant, with nightly entertainment ranging from live jazz performances to nostalgic rounds of old-school bingo—yes, with prizes.
The programming is truly top-tier. Some workshops and seminars may come with an added fee, but the value is clear—expert-led, research-driven sessions brought to life with meaningful stories from real clients that make the content not only informative but deeply relatable.
How was the service?
One thing you will notice right away is how warm and attentive the staff are. Everyone you meet feels invested in your stay. They are not just friendly; they really know their stuff and go the extra mile to make sure your experience feels personal. The team is especially accommodating when it comes to individual needs. When we mentioned my daughter’s dietary restrictions, the staff provided a full ingredient breakdown of every meal option right at check-in.
What was your favorite part?
The trip struck the perfect balance between curated activities and much-needed downtime. Once you arrive, you can fill your days with as much (or as little) as you’d like. While some guests opt for more relaxation, even a packed schedule here feels effortlessly calm and rejuvenating. Among our standout experiences were crafting mindful mandalas, which was both creative and calming, and the afternoon outdoor tai chi, a perfect way to reconnect with nature. A personal cooking class designed for vegetarians allowed us to explore new flavors while learning practical skills. And of course, the head, neck and shoulder massage was a blissful way to unwind after it all.
Know before you go:
The vibe at Canyon Ranch is effortlessly relaxed—think elevated athleisure and sneakers, even at dinner. Guests must be 14 or older to stay, which keeps the energy serene and grown-up (while still being teen-wellness friendly). Spa and dinner reservations book up quickly, so it’s smart to plan ahead and reserve those. There’s no need to worry about tipping—every service is included in the package, making it that much easier to fully unwind. And yes, pets under 35 pounds are totally welcome, because even your four-legged bestie deserves a little self-care.
book it
Accommodation options:
luxury guest rooms and suites
Price:
From $1250/night per person.
Location:
Lenox, MA
Property:
Canyon Ranch Lenox
Basics
Details
Two shimmering outdoor pools offer opportunities for relaxation and activity—one is a heated infinity pool with a view of Lake Garda while the other is a stand-alone pool kept at cooler temperatures to encourage laps and other exercise.
Yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions can all be add-ons. Outside of the hotel, you can take a hike or e-bike along the hills, go sailing on the lake or take an excursion on a Vespa or Fiat 500 down Torri del Benaco.
Top-notch: The service was beyond what you’d expect from a five-star hotel. From the around-the-clock concierge that can help you book those hard-to-get reservations and private tours to 24-hour laundry/drycleaning and in-room dining, the Four Seasons is known ‘round the world for their attention to detail. Expect twice-daily housekeeping, free water in-room and nightly turndown service (complete with slippers and a mat to wipe your feet placed next to the bed).
What’s the food like?
The Berkshires’ Best-Kept Secret Isn’t a Secret—It’s Canyon Ranch
Two shimmering outdoor pools offer opportunities for relaxation and activity—one is a heated infinity pool with a view of Lake Garda while the other is a stand-alone pool kept at cooler temperatures to encourage laps and other exercise.
Yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions can all be add-ons. Outside of the hotel, you can take a hike or e-bike along the hills, go sailing on the lake or take an excursion on a Vespa or Fiat 500 down Torri del Benaco.
The Canyon Ranch Grill is the heart of the dining experience, open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and serving up wholesome, seasonal dishes inspired by regional flavors. Meals are thoughtfully portioned, but you’re encouraged to try as much as you’d like—it’s all about nourishing without the guilt. The salad bar alone is worth a visit, with fresh, flavorful options like the beloved broccoli-cranberry salad that quickly became a fan favorite.
Dinner offers plenty of variety, with a rotating menu that changes every four days and a nightly special to keep things exciting. Guests are invited to build their own plates—start with a protein and pile on the veggies. My daughter’s favorite? The pan-seared salmon paired with crispy miso potatoes and a colorful veggie stir fry. Canyon Ranch is brilliant at swapping out heavy ingredients for lighter, nutrient-rich alternatives that never compromise on taste. And yes, dessert is absolutely on the table—with choices like their dreamy homemade ice cream topped with non-fat fudge sauce (just 90 calories a serving!). Dinner reservations are highly recommended.
For something quicker, head to Culinary Rebel—a grab-and-go spot offering smoothies, coffee, and light bites like pumpkin crunch granola and house-made trail bars. Both eateries cater beautifully to gluten-free and vegan diets, making it easy to indulge and stay aligned with your wellness goals.
The Demo Kitchen is a hidden gem, open Tuesday through Saturday for an afternoon “Learn & Taste” session from 12–1 PM. With limited seating, it’s smart to snag your spot early! It’s also the place to roll up your sleeves and dive into hands-on cooking classes—whether one-on-one or with a group—where expert chefs share their favorite Canyon Ranch culinary secrets.
We treated ourselves to a hands-on chocolate-themed cooking class that was as delicious as it was enlightening. The focus? Whipping up guilt-free, chocolatey treats designed to satisfy cravings and fuel you between meals. Think rich chocolate yogurt mousse made with creamy Greek yogurt, and a dreamy chocolate chiffon crafted with organic tofu or avocado—no added sugar and all under 120 calories a serving.
