When Michael Mendelson, CEO of C.M. Briddge, an art advisory company, awoke
at Canyon Ranch one Saturday early in February, he discovered
that a foot of snow had fallen the night before. He was elated. "Maybe
I'll be snowed in," he said. "What a great place to be stranded. If
you love spas, this is the place to be in a snowstorm."
Unless he wanted to ski or to join a hike he would not have to go outside.
Glass-enclosed corridors connect the three centers of the spa: Belle-fontaine,
a turn-of the-century mansion, which houses the dining room and the health and
healing program; the fitness and treatment complex; and the 120-room New England-style
inn.
"Being here gives my life a lift and looking at the outdoors all covered
in white while I'm swimming or on the treadmill perks me up more," he added.
"In summer the sight of the green lawn and trees from the floor-to-ceiling windows
is therapeutic, too."
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Hike at Canyon Ranch |
Mendelson is a regular at the Ranch. During his earlier visits he said that he
felt compelled to do something every hour. "I like the endless roster of activities,
but I also appreciate the fact that you can be laid back if you want to. Nobody pushes
you to do everything. It's a wonderful place to meet nice people, get recharged,
clean out your mind and eat great food."
"Healthy great food," said Mrs. Mendelson.
Canyon Ranch guests choose from a help-yourself salad bar and order from a menu
listing several selections, along with their calorie and fat grams, at each meal.
Although 1200- and 1800-calorie plans are suggested, there are no food police here,
only a nutritionist who answers questions.
Mendelson also mentioned that he likes the attention men get at Canyon Ranch.
"Because there are some special classes for men I don't have to feel intimidated
by the women who know all the steps and movements in aerobics, stretch and
other fitness activities."
Tom Stoner, former CEO of Stoner Broadcasting, which is now merged with another
company, also greeted the snow with delight. He was on his eighth Canyon Ranch visit.
He comes to the Ranch because he feels that it has the "leading edge in terms
of holistic health." Stoner likes the "mind, body, spirit" approach
to health. He said, "I learn something every time I come. There's a lot of room
here for self-improvement and I participate in the health and healing program as
well as the fitness side."
Although American spas traditionally catered to women, Canyon Ranch has changed
all that. Mendelson said, "I love the facials."
Stoner added, "I take herbal wraps as well as massages."
Ask a woman why she is at a spa and more often than not she will say, "to
lose weight." Mendelson and Stoner never mentioned it.
Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, 165 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA 01240. Tel.
800-726-9000. Three-night packages (minimum stay) are $1,113 per person including
two spa and sports services and a $90 credit towards health and healing services.
www.canyonranch.com
Spring 1995
When Canyon Ranch
in the Berkshires opened about a decade ago, Abe and Miriam Friend of Staten
Island, New York signed up for a charter membership. Since that time they have
traveled to the Massachusetts fitness retreat at least twice yearly for a four
night stay. Although they are getting on in years, you wont find them
stretching with "Active Seniors." This writer thought that the exercises for
strengthening and flexibility taught in the class were appropriate even for
sedentary people and that the movements could easily be repeated without an
instructor.
The Weisses might
instead attend a spinning class, a cardiovascular workout using stationary bikes,
which are more complicated than the ones usually found in homes. First time
participants receive detailed directions on their use. Abe and Miriam fill every
hour with classesnearly 50 are offeredlifting weights, hiking, canoeing
in summer and getting treatments. They also attend evening lectures, such as
guided imagery and tools for living well.
Miriam said, "Our
schedule is flexible because we have our own business. We never go anyplace
else and prefer to come here rather than owning a vacation house. The staff
is great and they make it effortless for you to do everything. If we forget
to bring boots and heavy socks for outdoor activities, they lend them to us."
Vincent Clements
of Pittsburgh is so enthusiastic about Canyon Ranch that he has memberships
in Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona and in the Berkshires.
Clements, a widower
and private investor, said, "Many men are initially apprehensive about spas,
but their interest grows after the first stay." Clements used the spa as a place
to heal following his wifes death and as a refuge. He feels that he can
choose to be alone or with people, whatever particular mood suits him. He likes
the fact that upon registration everyone is scheduled to see a program coordinator
and a nurse. He sometimes consults with the nutritionist, too.
The comments of Jim
Davis, a single attorney, during his first visit were equally favorable. His
experience, he said, was better than expected. "I had a sense of ease and wellness.
It got to be fun, and it took my mind off work." Although Davis belongs to a
gym in New York City where he exercises about once a week, he had never worked
out in the water." I found hydrofit rewarding," he noted. "It made me feel I
was doing something good for my body." Davis came alone and enjoyed eating and
talking with other guests at the Captains Table.
Canyon Ranch recently
opened a third facility, SpaClub, for day services at the Venetian
Hotel in Las Vegas. For a $25 fee visitors can stay the day to use the equipment
and to take classes including instruction in scaling a 40-foot indoor rock-climbing
wall. SpaClub also features two private spa suites designed for couples. For
$1000 for four hours, you get four treatments, breakfast or lunch and your own
lounge with steam, bathroom and soaking tub. Unlike other destination spas that
concentrate mostly on exercise, diet and beauty, Canyon Ranch offers a complete
program for health and healing. Trained medical professionals provide consultations
and testing in many aspects of well being. Staff specialists also work one-on-one
with guests in areas relating to behavioral health, exercise physiology, movement
therapy and food and nutrition.
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Exercise in the Park |
At Canyon Ranch there
are no Draconian regimens, dizzying diets or overly chirpy instructors. The
food is low calorie, low fat and prepared without salt. No one limits your food
intake or forces activities on you. The emphasis is on self-motivation and "taking
the spa home with you."
No wonder the guests
all look so content.
Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, 165 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA 01240. Tel.
800-742-6494, 800-326-7080. Three day minimum packages begin at
$1,290 double occupancy. www.canyonranch.com/lenox/index.asp
Winter 2000-01
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