My Personal Review of Miraval Berkshires

Right now, we need more than a spa, we need wellness.  This past year has been stressful.  We’ve been separated from friends and family, working remotely and missing the energy we get from human interaction.  I think I have just the remedy…

I was lucky enough to experience Miraval Berkshires this winter with my daughter.  When I booked our three night stay, I initially thought of it as a splurge; some needed pampering and relaxation.  But after spending three nights there, I realized this experience fulfilled a need in my soul; a hole that I didn’t even realize existed.  It’s very hard to describe the difference between a spa and a wellness resort,  but I am hoping that by sharing my experiences you might be encouraged to give yourself this gift of wellbeing.

Each of the Miraval resorts has a unique atmosphere.  The largest and most well known is the Miraval in Tucson, set in the Sonoran Desert foothills, and the newest is the Miraval Berkshires, where we decided to go (in the winter!).  The personal attention began at the airport, where we were picked up in a luxury sedan, and driven an hour to the resort.  After being shown to a very nicely appointed room, we were given a tour of the resort which is interconnected by indoor hallways.  There is one dining area, and a bar, coffee bar and cooler filled an assortment of healthy snacks, all in front of a cozy, large fireplace.  There is a large workout area, and rooms created for different purposes like yoga, meditation, cycle and pilates.

The class choices are immense, and many embrace Eastern philosophy. I recommend stepping out of your comfort zone to try some of the spirit and soul sessions focused on mindfulness and balance, like Qigong (moving meditation).  The outdoor actives include hiking, archery, hatchet throwing, high ropes courses and equine activities that incorporate their rescue horses into their meditation and art classes.  During the spring, summer and fall, you can add golf, paddle boarding, kayaking and cycle into your day. 

Before we arrived, we had scheduled each day with a combination of classes and spa treatments. There are three or four class options to choose from every hour, from 7:00am to 7:00pm, and I kept my schedule full.  Like a kid at camp, I couldn’t wait to try out the next class, and have to say, was impressed by every single instructor.   On my first day I did a high ropes course (a first!) by myself and it was exhilarating.  Then we both attended a Tension Release Class led by a man who works with PTSD patients around the world, which I can’t describe but can assure you that I was the one in the back saying “it’s not going to work on me”, but it did!  We ended our first full day with a cooking class with one of the chefs who was able to create a delicious meal without butter, cheese or cream…I was doubtful this was possible!   Unlike Canyon Ranch, there isn’t a calorie budget per meal, and you can have alcohol! The food was always tasty and if we were really hungry after all of our workouts, we could order several entries (yes, we did that!).

Each stay is given a certain amount of resort credits to spend at their spa, which offers facials, body scrubs and massages.  The spa was new and is a gorgeous area, with indoor and outdoor pools, and sitting areas complete with fountains and fireplaces to relax or read while waiting for your treatment of choice.  We were able to fit in 3 treatments between our classes and meals, and each was very well done.  

Our three days were filled with an exploration of our minds and bodies, from yoga to cycle to meditation with singing bowls.  We explored the nearby mountains on hikes and slept like babies at the end of the day.  Most importantly, we both came home feeling truly relaxed.

*Our clients will receive a VIP amenity of $100 extra resort credits on top of the current resort offering.  Let any of us know if you would like to experience wellness in a new way!