By Jenna Lebovits
As research continues to support the undeniable mind-body boost that comes from time spent in nature, many of the country’s leading resorts and retreats are taking note, and moving beyond the traditional spa experience that exists inside treatment rooms. This summer, Canyon Ranch Lenox is embracing the shift with two new spaces through its Outdoor Sanctuaries for Ritual & Renewal offering, in partnership with Los Angeles designer Jenni Kayne and the skincare and self-care gurus at Oak Essentials. The initiative reintroduces the resort’s Aura and Mystic Tents, both spaces curated by Kayne herself with comfortable seating, home furnishings, signature candles and earthy tones, all nestled amid the trees on the 120-acre grounds.
“We believe wellness is shaped not only by the treatments we offer, but by the environments we create and the way those experiences make people feel,” shares Katie Mulligan, senior vice president of spa, beauty and retail. “From the sound of the birds, rustling of the trees, to the feeling of being fully present outdoors, every detail was designed to support restoration, reflection and meaningful moments of pause.” Both of the newly appointed tents offer guests a uniquely serene setting for bodywork, energy healing and group tea and tarot ceremonies.
Reserve the Aura Tent for a 1:1 session with one of Canyon Ranch’s expert practitioners—like the Oak Essentials Harmonic Flow Ritual, which combines tuning fork frequencies, guided breath work and plant-based oils to support the nervous system, or the Oak Essentials Barefoot Renewal Ritual, a grounding treatment featuring aromatic compresses, exfoliation and warm stone therapy. Groups can gather in the Mystic Tent for guided sound healing, tea ceremonies, crystal healing and tarot sessions.
After a slow-paced morning in the spa, a healing session in one of the tents, or a nutritious, locally sourced lunch, guests can make their way over to the Great Lawn for the return of Canyon Ranch’s beloved Supper Series. Through the rest of the season, some of the nation’s top chefs will head to the property for alfresco dinners, celebrating the local seasonal bounty and good company. Foodies need not look any further than Lenox: In August, James Beard-nominated chef Joe Cash, founder of Scoundrel in Greenville, South Carolina, takes the table, followed in September by James Beard Award-winning chef David Standridge of Connecticut’s Shipwright’s Daughter.
With more than 35 optional daily activities to choose from and a seasonally rotating program calendar (right now, dive into mediumship, metaphysics and dance movement therapy 101), there’s a little something for everyone, and plenty of newness to be found for any veteran guests who’ve been flocking to the resort for years. “Summer at Canyon Ranch is all about helping people slow down and reconnect with themselves, with nature and with the people around them,” says Mulligan. “Whether it’s with one of our seasonal Oak Essentials treatments in the outdoor spa tent, gathering with friends for a Supper Series dinner under the summer sky, or simply hiking through the Berkshires, every experience was designed to leave guests feeling more present, restored and renewed.” canyonranch.com/lenox