Canyon Ranch Lenox

The sequel to the original Tucson, Arizona installment, Canyon Ranch Lenox necessarily differs when it comes to local details. The setting, obviously, is not the Sonoran desert but the Berkshires of western Massachusetts; guests arrive to an opulent 19th-century mansion, formerly a Jesuit seminary. And the clientele, though global, is more likely to hail from New York and Boston than Los Angeles and Phoenix.

Its concept, however, is the same: an all-inclusive spa resort that goes deeper than you might expect, in just about every dimension. The spa itself spans some 100,000 square feet, and is almost comically well-equipped. The health and fitness offerings are legion, and are supplemented by care that ventures into medical territory. And the mental and spiritual wellness offerings are led by people who are not merely kind and thoughtful, but possess advanced degrees in subjects like psychology and theology.

All of this hints at what it is about Canyon Ranch that rewards a little bit of advance planning. There’s rather more to it than finding an available room and popping in for a night or two. This is an extremely high-touch experience, and demands much of its staff, as well as some investment in time and energy from its guests. You’ll choose a pathway, or a theme for your stay, from a health intervention to a lifestyle reset or even a commitment to build resilience or reconnect with joy. And you’ll work with a Canyon Ranch advisor to plan your core activities in advance of your arrival.

And once you’re on site, you’ll be kept as busy as you want to be. Along with your scheduled sessions you’ll find plenty of drop-in classes and activities, from morning yoga to hiking, tennis, tai chi, qi gong, and even 12-step recovery meetings. Some guests prefer a bit more down time, but even a full schedule in this environment is anything but stressful. There’s no alcohol served here, and the cooking is uniformly health-conscious — that said, it’s also delicious, and mealtimes are a highlight of the experience. Any hotel with a wellness focus is capable of nudging its guests into a change of pace, but few take it anywhere this far — Canyon Ranch is proof that you get out what you’re willing to put in.