I’m the world’s biggest fan of Canyon Ranch. Now, I’ve only been to the spa in Lenox, Mass. – about 15 times in the last 20 years – and so I can’t compare it to Tucson. And I’ve been to spas all over the world. But I know a good thing – no, make that a GREAT thing – when I encounter it. And Canyon Ranch is at the top of my must-do list when it comes to luxury destination spas. Even better, some luxury cruise lines, such as Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also feature Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard their ships, so you can sail and still stay slim and fit as well. They even offer items from the Canyon Ranch menu in the main dining room.
There are dozens of reasons you should visit Canyon Ranch. But for the purposes of this article, I’ll try to nail it down to just three, which make a visit there special, unique and different.
1). The Cuisine. It is pure joy to travel and visit a destination where you don’t have to worry and feel the anxiety about every calorie. At Canyon Ranch, they have kicked out all the calories, made smart substitutions, and best of all, listed all the fat grams, protein, salt, sugar and more on the menus. That means you can make extremely wise food choices. You’ll still have a delicious meal – and you will probably lose pounds. “Every recipe is nutritionally analyzed,” says Dan Hardy, Executive Chef. “The process makes the menu development take longer – but that’s what makes Canyon Ranch what it is. Everything is GMO-free, and we use as many organic ingredients as we can.” Indeed, one of my most-favorite-ever foods on the menu is the Southwest burger, containing 352 calories, 14 grams of protein and 9 grams of fat. In a word, it is scrumptious – and it’s on the lunch menu every day. The vegan burger is made with corn, oyster mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, oats used as a binder, a Southwest spice blend, and onions. It is served on a potato roll with avocado (yum!) and with a house-made pickled relish. Another delight for your appetite is the chocolate-hazelnut chia pudding, which Chef Hardy says “is a guest favorite” containing no eggs, only a small amount of sugar, and which has “a silky mouthfeel.”
He adds, “We want to provide good, tasty food, and plant-forward cuisine.” He added that the resort only uses organic coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil (no nut oils); honey or maple syrup instead of white sugar; and that “We order specialty products for guests all the time.” Those items might include kosher chicken, 2% lactate, special cereals, or honey from a favorite flower. The resort also features a special department to handle all of your culinary requests. In other words, you can eat petite at Canyon Ranch and love every bite.
2). Tweaking (or overhauling) Your Exercise Routine. Not being one to stay in the status quo regarding my workout, I did something extremely smart – I visited Canyon Ranch’s in-house exercise physiologist for an assessment of my routine. It is one of the best things I have ever done for my well-being. It was worth every penny (and just $165). (And let’s face it, Canyon Ranch has a huge team of wellness experts to help you get on track and up your A-game.) The last time I was at Canyon Ranch two years ago, Rich Butler, the Senior exercise physiologist, told me that if I wanted to actually lose weight, I should eat about 1,000 calories a day, do an extra day of aerobics on the treadmill, add more hills, and lift weights for more repetitions. Well, I did just that and lost about seven pounds when I followed this take-home program. On this trip, he advised that, because of my sciatica, I should opt for the elliptical machine instead, and add a rowing machine to the mix for my arms. I came away with another strategic game plan on how to continue stay a size four at age 63. His formulas work! I did my normal workout at Canyon Ranch, and also took some of the excellent fitness classes, to simply show my body who’s boss.
Another asset at Canyon Ranch in Lenox is the Bod Pod. With a simple eight-minute test, the Bod Pod® device accurately measures your body fat percentage and lean body mass. Just wear a tight-fitting bathing suit; for women, tights and sports bra are acceptable. You’ll discover what you’re made of – lean muscle mass and fat – and you can set your new fitness goals accordingly. Brilliant!
3). In two words, Jerry Posner. Every time I visit Canyon Ranch in Lenox, I also make sure to attend the evening lectures of Jerry Posner, who is a dynamic motivational speaker and entertainer – and quite the humorist. Mr. Posner is also an author, consultant, and conference speaker, and he presents engaging workshops, retreats and programs for a wide variety of businesses. I call him “Mr. Gratitude,” as one of his lectures is on this subject precisely. (Mr. Posner also presents other lectures, on miracles – one of my favorite topics — and the transformative power of daily reminders. ) He uses neuroscience, behavioral psychology and social science, to explain, for example, how powerful it can be to express gratitude daily. And it’s true. But he doesn’t stop there. He always distributes adorable little cards (see them here) to help you uplift your spirit in your daily life. I keep some of these “grati-tools” on my desk at all times, because they remind me as to how I can live my best life. (Oprah would approve.) I love his spiritual suggestions – everything from keeping a gratitude journal, to taking 60-second gratitude breaks daily, to mentally offer a “thank you” or “I appreciate this.” He has given more than 2,000 such inspirational lectures at Canyon Ranch, since 1993, and they are always a guest favorite.
Can’t travel there soon enough? You might want to read Mr. Posner’s books: Attention Late Bloomers: You’re Right On Time, and Eternal Cosmic Wisdom at Bargain Basement Prices (which are available on Amazon). He is perhaps the most positive person I have ever met, and he is living proof that your attitudes can help you to overcome any setback. It reminds me of a great quote from G. K. Chesterton, the English writer, who said: “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
I agree wholeheartedly. And let me now give thanks, for the wonder of my career, being able to visit and write about such a legendary place as Canyon Ranch – and all that it offers.
