After a stressful week, I couldn’t get a recent Instagram ad for a local wellness spa and resort out of my head. When another ad for a local wellness resort popped up on my feed, it seemed like a sign. I always hear about celebrities jetting off to wellness resorts that promise are promise healing, and relaxation but, are they worth it? I visited two travel award winning retreats in Massachusetts’ famous Berkshires region to find out.
The Wellness Experience
For those outside of the Northeast, the Berkshires were once a vacation spot for the ultra wealthy including the Vanderbuilts, who built an 89 acre estate in the area during the Gilded Age. Now, the Berkshires are back, beloved once again for the opportunity to experience life at a quieter pace. The region is a great place to enjoy family friendly outdoor activities and a vibrant art scene. It’s a frequent vacation spot for New Yorkers looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Today, the beauty of this rural area has attracted celebrities including Sonny Rollins, James Taylor and Meryl Streep who reportedly all own property in the area. Autumn visitors, often referred to as “leaf peepers” also love its brilliant fall foliage.
First up was Miraval Resort and Spa. Miraval is one of three full scale Miraval resorts in the U.S. with the others located in Austin and Tucson. The Berkshires location was nominated for the 2024 Travel + Leisure “World’s Best” Awards and named one of Conde Nasts’ 2024 readers’ choice award nominees for Top Destination Spa Resorts in the U.S. so my expectations were high.
Resorts like Miraval offer a variety of wellness focused activities, spa treatments and amenities. Their property, with accommodations managed by the Hyatt, boasts a horse barn, pottery studio, sauna, hot tub, pool, and steam room just to name a few. An agent called me a few days before my visit and helped me book my activities. Both resorts I visited offered a set schedule of activities with most included in the cost of my stay plus a few add on options. I signed up for cardio drumming, hatchet throwing and a nature walk off-property. Miraval also offered aerial Pilates, hiking, yoga, journaling and sound therapy.
Next up was Kripalu. Situated on the grounds of a former monastery built in 1957, Kripalu offers a bit more of an earthy vibe. I signed up for archery and booked a facial. The 100 acre property also features several walking trails, seating areas, and a labyrinth. Yoga, meditation, kayaking, tarot, and other workshops were also offered. I ended my day with some quiet time and a walk to the private lakefront. Kripalu’s commitment to diversity was evident in their historical signage acknowledging their past as a monastery and the region’s indigenous name and history. Displays also featured the Miraval community including Black artists in residence, teachers, and environmental advocates. I felt very at home. Like Miraval, Kriupalu encourages guests to unplug and features designated spaces for phone use. No one was too tense about it, and I used my phone to keep track of the time and my activities.
The Food
At MiravaI, I stopped for lunch at Harvest Moon, the restaurant on property where guests have the option of choosing from the buffet or ordering from a limited menu. I ordered tea which was brought to me in a little teapot with a cup on the side, built my own salad, and chose jasmine rice, and vegetarian lentil dal from the buffet. For dessert, I ordered burnt sugar vanilla ice cream. Snacks and coffee were also available throughout the day.
Kripalu’s buffet served three full meals with a range of foods from steel cut oats for breakfast to couscous, salad, sandwiches, salmon, pot pie and foods I had never tried before, like umpa. Both buffets were veggie, vegan and gluten free friendly.
Final Thoughts
So was it worth the hype? Absolutely, if you know how to get a good deal. I drummed, lunged and jumped to hits by Michael Jackson and Mary J. Blige. I threw hatchets, shot arrows and spent time in quiet reflection too. Getting out of my comfort zone and trying something I had never done before left me feeling so accomplished and I chose activities that made me feel powerful. If you want to treat yourself, a wellness spa or resort is the perfect place. Many of these resorts offer discounts for locals looking to visit for the day. Keep your eye out during the off season for price drops too. A spring trip as opposed to a summer getaway could bring you unexpected savings. Google your local resort, comb through their website and see what you can find. These discounts won’t be displayed front and center but, you could find some amazing deals. I would recommend leaving gaps in your day. With so many activities available, you may be tempted to take advantage of everything the resort has to offer but here’s my advice: don’t. Instead, give yourself time to have a very long lunch, soak in the hot tub, and sit in the sun. As I went about my day, I realized one of the most refreshing parts of the wellness experience was taking the opportunity to have an unscheduled moment in beautiful surroundings.
About the Author: Makalah Moore is a writer and editor based in Massachusetts. She is passionate about travel, education, cross cultural exchange, and style.
