One may think you can’t have luxury and fun all in one location. However, I found quite the opposite during my first-ever stay at The Miraval Berkshires in Lenox, Massachusetts. This luxurious resort is such a wonderful blend of luxury and fun – a time to reflect, discover, and unplug with various active experiences to choose from. Oh, and let’s not forget about the daily delish dishes!
Before I dive into all the goodness I experienced at The Miraval Berkshires, I want to caveat that this post will not have many photos of the actual experiences I did while visiting. This luxurious resort has a standard practice of no phones in most areas. I love this idea as it allows you to be fully present during each activity. Where I was able to – I snatched a few photos to give you an idea of the beauty surrounding this area. All in all – this just means you need to go for yourself and experience the Berkshires. 😉
Indulgent Activities
Life in Balance Spa
I think it goes without saying that if you’re staying at The Miraval Berkshires, you will experience some of the most luxurious, indulgent activities possible. One of those being the Life in Balance Spa. We are combining luxury with fun all in one! I was taken back by not just the offerings within this sanctuary of complete tranquility, but the little things – waterfalls trickling throughout the area, a quiet room for complete relaxation (go ahead, take a mini-nap waiting for your spa-services), an indoor/outdoor hot tub, indoor/outdoor pool, jacuzzi and many other places within the Life in Balance Spa to truly just embrace being present. Let’s not forget about those invigorating treatments by their specialists.
I treated myself to the most luxurious feeling facial of all time – the honey drench facial. I think the name says it all. But don’t just take my word for it. Take a visit and try it for yourself. You will NOT be disappointed! Then, of course, I had to add on a massage – the calming hot stone massage. Another winner! I must be completely transparent though. If you’re looking for more in-depth massages, the calming hot stone is not the one to try. I loved this massage; yet, I was hoping for more pressure. I guess I should’ve known by the name itself. Touche! It was still AHMAZING! 😉
The Life in Balance Spa offers more than just one facial and massage to choose from. They have an exclusive list of facials, massages, body renewal rituals, ayurveda, skincare, a salon for hair and nails, and prenatal treatments for those soon-to-be mommas. Don’t miss out – treat yourself!
Mind and Wellness Activities
Gratitude Meditation
I loved this class. It was 45 minutes long and every minute was meaningful. I don’t want to give away too much of the class because it’s something you need to experience for yourself. But if you can just imagine for 45 minutes – removing yourself from where you are in this world, the hectic, the drama, the business, the feeling of hustle 24/7 – the constant need to move and instant gratification; you will find yourself in this sacred space of being present with yourself and all the things you have in your life to be grateful for. It goes BEYOND what you personally possess in gratitude, but what the world offers you, me, us. Do yourself a favor and trust me – take this class and you’ll never look at a day in your life the same again! In a good way! 🙂
Floating Meditation
My favorite class of all that I did during my stay. This class is also 45 minutes and worth every minute! To be anchored above the floor in a silk hammock, rocked to the soothing vibrations of crystal bowls – all of your worries, stresses, and endless busy thoughts will fade as you fall into a calming feeling over your entire mind and body. Truly a one of a one-of-a-kind experience! I will admit I was super hesitant (in my head) about how this was going to work thinking there’s no way this meditation will work for me. Oh and this was actually fun in my book! 😉 But friend, I was so wrong! Haha…if I could do floating meditation every single day of my life – I would. The release and feeling of peace is BEYOND!! A MUST TRY for you!
Harvest Moon – Food for the Soul
If there’s nothing I love more is some good, wholesome food! Harvest Moon exceeded my expectations. This lovely restaurant is located on The Berkshires resort and is just beyond, friend. Every single meal is cooked, crafted and catered to wholesome and mindful wellness. The food and drinks (non-alcoholic) are all-inclusive. So enjoy all the food and drinks your soul desires! Refresh your body and feed it well! My breakfast meals consisted of gluten-free lemon ricotta with blueberry pancakes, fruit, pastries, crepes and dinners consisted of filet mignon (my choice, of course) and duck! My first time trying duck and I was impressed! You will find anything your heart desires here AND guaranteed wholesome.
All the meals prepared at the Harvest Moon are sourced from local farms in the area, mountain bakeries, and fresh seafood from Boston. Additionally, they use ingredients from their garden in The Berkshires. This is an incredible way to serve their customers.
The Adventurous Side of the Berkshires
StandUp (SUP) Paddleboarding
This is where I found myself on Saturday morning. The SUP class was about 1.45 hours long and it was worth every minute. I loved the instructors as they were informative and helpful on the water (should you need it) and lifeguards for those who feel more comfortable knowing this. We had a small group – 5 of us to be exact which was perfect! The weather was a bit cooler than I expected considering the day prior was a hot 87 degrees. But it all came together perfectly! The lake was located on the Miraval Berkshires property – we got in a shuttle and off we went.
The instructors were a lot of fun. They provided us with basic instructions on the different strokes and choosing your peak challenge. They allowed each of us to feel safe in the space and to elicit our vulnerability, if we felt the need to do so. It was a completely serene morning. The lake water shared with us a variety of patterns – calm waters in the middle of the lake, some current in other places and complete stillness in others.
My Experience with SUP Paddleboarding
Since this was my second attempt, I didn’t want to risk losing my phone in the depths of the Massachusetts lake so my phone stayed on-shore. I also wanted to just BE in the moment! It was incredible. Just me, the lake and my board. As they say, some things are better left to memory. I have the views of the lake and Eagles’ nest above to my right in my memories forever. The crisp waters on my toes and the sound of the water flowing through my fingertips. It’s all here. Still. SUP is definitely one water sport that I find fun and will be revisiting time and time again.
I didn’t have time to try many of the other activities as my trip was a quick 48-hour mini-retreat away to just BE PRESENT. But the Miraval Berkshires offer some other fun that I will be going back to experience at a later date.
Other Indulgent & Adventurous Activities
The Berkshires offer adventures such as learning how to fish (catch & release), kayaking, hiking, challenge/obstacle courses, climbing walls, birding in the Berkshires, bee-keeping, fermentation class, biking and so much more! There is too much to list out here.
I think you can agree you will find it all here at the Berkshires! There is an abundance of mind, body, and soul activities and connections you will find at The Miraval Berkshires. This is my invitation to you to check out this luxury and fun resort and book your mini or week-long getaway NOW!
Zero. Regrets.
Many. Reflections.
PIN THIS POST TO SAVE FOR LATER.
“The mind is the key; the heart is the door; the soul is the corridor; the universe is the destination.”
-unknown
Keep Having FUN!!
XO, Christine
