Resetting Your Intention at Miraval Berkshires

​by Marcia Simon

It worked. I managed to keep my phone in Airplane Mode (so I could only use the clock and camera functions) for nearly two days. (I checked for messages in my comfy room each night). And I didn't open my laptop until the morning of departure.

Just a two-night visit was my scheduled stay, and enough time for resetting my personal goals. Miraval serves up classes in exercise, fitness, nutrition, creative endeavors (painting, pottery) or calming the soul through vibrational sound chamber, communing with donkeys (yes - it's a thing) or an escape to the spa for a heavenly full body massage or ultra pampered organic facial. The class offerings are part of a 65-page booklet!

Miraval Berkshires is one of three Hyatt-owned adult-only spa resorts in the Miraval collection. The other two are in Tucson, Arizona and Austin, Texas. The New England property sits on 380 protected acres in Lenox, Massachusetts, complete with miles of hiking trails, an in-the-trees challenge course, golf course, and horse and aviarian discovery experiences.
Most of the premises are device-free to support a digital detox. There are a few areas, such as the main lobby and in all guest rooms , where phones are allowed and Wi-Fi is provided.
All meals are included, along with a nightly credit that can be applied to spa services, fee-based programs and alcoholic beverages. Wine and cocktails are served, which is something that many other spa resorts don't provide.

There's also a juice and smoothie bar with a variety of coffees and teas and specialty dining options, open only on weekends depending on the season. At Miraval, several of the programs and classes are complimentary, and some are fee-based. I opted to use my nightly credits toward spa services and filled in a schedule of complimentary classes. For me, I wanted to get more motivation for keeping up an exercise routine. So, I chose Functional Strength Training, Abs and Glutes, various types of yoga and TRX that uses body weight for resistance. I find that as my body (more so than my mind) ages, staying toned isn't as easy as it used to be. So, there I was on the yoga mat lowering myself from a plank, watching my left arm quiver, and letting my mind drift as I tried to focus on my breathing instead of my thoughts,

For those who want something other than challenging their physical prowess, there are programs called Wheel & Wine, Hatchet Throwing, Forge a Fire (in case you're ever lost in the forest without matches or a lighter), Operatic Breathwork, the Beauty of Imperfection, Journaling Without Judgement, Brewing Kombucha, and various types of Pilates, hikes and meditations, among a long list of other classes that tempted you to overfill your schedule.
Part of this experience is to set aside time to embrace the person you choose to be. When we stay busy day after day it's too easy to lose perspective. As we get older, we realize that time is too precious for us to be anything or anyone other than the one we choose. Where do you want to land? Who do you want to be? What course are you on to get there? Sometimes we veer off the path that takes us there.

It may take a day at Miraval to realize that it's okay to walk around in the plush bathrobes they provide. Even for dinner. it's not about how you look or what you're wearing.
The food at Miraval was fabulous - with more healthy choices than you could pack in, with room for a splurge on a burger, grilled cheese or short ribs if that's your thing. From mini mango-cream-filled brioche buns to a grilled apple and fennel salad, artisanal breads with gluten-free and vegan options, as well as warm crispy sourdough rolls served at the table with soft whipped butter. Nightly there was a different type of grilled fish (branzino, halibut and Faroe Island salmon the nights I was there) with fresh vegetables and perfectly seasoned quinoa, a choice of salads, and seasonal soups. Beautiful desserts included cobblers, pavlova, apple cider sorbet and assorted ice cream flavors. Wines and cocktails are served with meals as requested and charged to your room.

At the end of the day, the down pillows and oversized comforter (with alternatives for people with allergies), added the perfect amount of pampered luxury to unwind for a beautifully restful night's sleep.
 
Marcia Simon is a Connecticut-based writer and travel advisor with special interests in wellness and susttainability.  www.friendlygrouptravel.com  www.facebook.com/friendlygrouptravel  www.instagram.com/friendlygrouptravel