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Outside Magazine January 2004

Bodywork and Destinations Special: Fit to the Core
Adventure Never Felt So Good
Canyon Ranch

By Jason Daley

Red Mountain Spa in St. George, UT | Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico | New Age Health Spa in Neversink, NY | Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores, CO | Mountain Trek Retreat and Spa in Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC | Double Eagle Resort in June Lake, CA | The Hills Health Ranch in 100 Miles House, BC | Rio Caliente in La Primavera, Mexico | Miraval in Catalina, AZ | Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA | I Was a Spa Virgin | Urban Retreats | Luxe International Adventures

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Paddling at Canyon Ranch (Photograph by Ken Kochey)

10. Canyon Ranch
>>>> Lenox, Massachusetts

THE VIBE: Weight problems, lymphatic disturbances, mental blocks, bad posture, bad attitudes, sexual boredom, stress, osteoporosis, insomnia, bad genes—the list of problems treated at Canyon Ranch (its sister spa is in Tucson—hence "Canyon") goes on longer than a Chinese menu. The healing begins in the resort's 100,000-square-foot spa complex, with its yoga studio, indoor track, five gyms, indoor basketball, tennis, squash, and racquetball courts, steam rooms, massage rooms, and beauty salon. Besides the more-than-full menu of wellness classes, consultations, and activities, guests come to Canyon Ranch to connect with the flinty New England Berkshires. The spa's guides lead hikes on the Appalachian Trail, canoeing trips to nearby Goose Pond, mountain-bike rides through the fall foliage, and more. In the winter, guests head to local ski areas like Butternut Basin and Jiminy Peak to put in a few turns before lunch. And for those who need a little help keeping off the pounds or finding enough motivation to lace up their hiking boots, Canyon Ranch offers wellness services to go, including coaching through phone consultations. If you ever have time to relax in your room, you'll find New England-style suites. GUEST LIST: Expect a healthy dose of East Coast upper crust.
AWE FACTOR: Many treatments and classes are
Outdoor Adventure Image Adventure Tourism Adventure Travel Photography
Hiking at Canyon Ranch (Photograph by Ken Kochey)

held in the Bellefontaine Mansion, built in 1897 as a replica of Louis XV's Petit Trianon château, in Versailles.
TO-DIE-FOR TREATMENT: The Lulur Ritual, a Javanese treatment that combines Thai massage techniques with a turmeric-and-yogurt exfoliation.
MENU: Mustard-crusted frenched chicken, Mediterranean forest-mushroom wrap, tiramisu ... it's as decadent as it sounds.
HE-MAN RATING: Two grunts—there are so many activities inside Canyon Ranch, you have to make sure you don't forget to step outside.
PRICE: From $1,520 per person for three nights, double occupancy, meals included
CONTACT: 800-742-9000, www.canyonranch.com/lenox


Next Page: One man discovers that a restorative retreat is much more than mud, sweat, and (gasp) no beers

Red Mountain Spa in St. George, UT | Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico | New Age Health Spa in Neversink, NY | Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores, CO | Mountain Trek Retreat and Spa in Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC | Double Eagle Resort in June Lake, CA | The Hills Health Ranch in 100 Miles House, BC | Rio Caliente in La Primavera, Mexico | Miraval in Catalina, AZ | Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA | I Was a Spa Virgin | Urban Retreats | Luxe International Adventures



Madison, Wisconsin-based freelance writer JASON DALEY is a frequent contributor to Outside.

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