As a travel content creator and writer, I am on my laptop and phone much more than your average doom-scroller. It’s a jump-scare when my iPhone alerts me every Sunday of my “average daily phone use” to see it often spans between 9 and 12 hours. I can’t do my job without technology, but when my eyes start twitching, or I fall asleep with my phone gripped in my hand, or I anxiously scroll and fail to stay present, I know it’s time to take a step back
Once a year, I try to do some type of digital detox. Sometimes that’s going to far remote places where service simply isn’t an option, like Antarctica or Madagascar (hey, I’m an extremist if nothing else). But this year, one of my goals was to incorporate more wellness into my chaotic lifestyle, so my mom and I booked a few nights at Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa, a “device-mindful” resort, where phones are strongly encouraged to be put down, but not entirely banned
So, can a digital addict like me really reap the benefits of a resort like Miraval Berkshires? Here’s what my experience was like
Pre-arrival jitters and check-in
My mom and I drove from Central New York to the Berkshires, which is about a three-hour drive. As we approached the tree-lined countryside in Massachusetts, I admittedly started to get anxiety. I went over my to-do list in my head, and made sure to tie up any loose ends in terms of what I needed to finish on my phone — sending last-minute emails, scheduling Instagram posts for the days I’d be there, and setting up an OOO message
Advertisement
We checked into the resort, and the front desk was lovely as ever, explaining where everything was located, and providing us each with a tote bag and water bottle, a welcome gift included with all guests of the hotel. As we made our way through the hotel’s main dining and lobby areas, we turned down a long carpeted hallway lined with artwork before finally reaching our room. The room was spacious with neutral tones, and the bed placed in the middle appeared to be a giant cloud — something I’d later confirm to be true. There were Tibetan sound bowls for us to use, and “sleeping bags” for our cell phones on each nightstand. The balcony in our room immediately caught our attention as a perfect place to begin each morning, which would be easy with a coffee maker right in the room.
“Device-free” with loose terms
While I was under the impression that Miraval Berkshires was fully device-free, that turned out to not be entirely true. Instead, Miraval Berkshires is “device-mindful,” where there are signs all over the property that encourage you to not be on your phone, with some designated areas being strictly device-free. However, no one here is forcing you to lock your phone in a box, and no employee is taking your electronics from you upon check-in like they do in the White Lotus Season 3
I was surprised to see some people on their phones, with a person here or there even making a phone call, but I suppose the point of Miraval Berkshires is that though they can encourage a device-free experience, it’s up to you to practice enough self-control, should you want to, to get the most out of what it’s like to really do a digital detox
As far as my mom and I, we definitely used our devices occasionally throughout our stay. But since most people around us were seldom on their devices, with many relying on a book, a board game, or the simple sounds of nature, it made us think twice about pulling our phones out in a way that isn’t common in today’s modern world. By the end of day two, I felt like I was finally gaining some of the benefits of not being on my phone nearly as much (I would estimate I was on my phone for 30 minutes tops per day, when my usual number is hours upon hours), which brings me to an important point: if you truly want to reap the benefits of a digital detox, I would book a minimum of three nights at Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa.I stayed for only two and wish I had just one more night to really lean in.
The daily activities
So, if we can’t doom-scroll and fill our days with reading the news from those pesky little rectangles that control our lives, what on earth is there to do at Miraval Berkshires? Turns out, a whole lot
Advertisement
Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa offers a wide range of daily activities. These include options like horseback riding, standup paddleboarding, yoga, tarot and astrology readings, cooking classes, and nature walks. My mom and I signed up for one activity per day
Our first activity was watercolor and wine, which brings me to yet another important point: though Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa is very much a wellness resort, just like how they won’t take away your phone entirely, it’s not a booze-free facility. My mom and I used to do “sip and paint” sessions during the pandemic, so we wanted to do this one for nostalgic purposes
Watercolor and wine was about one hour long, led by an instructor who encouraged the group to not worry about making the best painting possible, but instead, to let our minds roam free. We had five minute sessions for each painting, where we could paint with our eyes closed, where we had to try to draw what was in front of us, and more. It wound up being quite therapeutic, and the sip of Chardonnay that accompanied the session helped us all lean into the relaxing atmosphere
Our second activity was a Tarot Class, led by a licensed astrologer who taught us how to properly read a deck of Tarot Cards. This was done with personal readings, and I was impressed by how spot-on she was with some of her assessments. While we enjoyed the sip and paint with watercolors, that feels like something you can do “anywhere,” whereas the tarot and astrology reading felt more custom to the property
The spa
Advertisement
My mom and I each got two treatments, and she was in heaven after both of hers (she got a facial and a customized massage). I went for a lymphatic massage, which used dry brushes, and a “Heart in Song” experience with sound bowls to help align my heart chakra
The lymphatic massage was not what I expected, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I had never had one prior to the one at the Life in Balance Spa at Miraval Berkshires, but I had always envisioned them being a “rougher” massage to drain lymphatic pathways. However, I felt as though the massage therapist was simply stroking me with dry brushes, and I admittedly started to question if this was actually going to work. Spoiler alert: it did! She explained to me that this is a technique meant to detox the body, drain lymphatic pathways, and exfoliate dead skin. I felt the effects after the massage for about two days: more frequent urination, a noticeable decrease in bloating, and a general feeling of being “flushed” and slightly fatigued.
The “Heart and Song” experience was a much less traditional spa experience. I laid on a warm “zero-gravity” table and was wrapped tightly in a blanket, like being in a cocoon. The massage therapist placed bowls along my chakras and hit them with a gong, which led to an intense vibration sensation
Aside from the services themselves, the spa is accessible to all guests of the hotel until 9 p.m. There are both indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, and my mom and I spent about 50% of our entire stay here. Cue the White Lotus quote where I looked at her and said, “They’re gonna have to drag you out of here!”
The food
Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa functions as an all-inclusive resort with the exception of alcoholic beverages and select restaurants. Unlike a traditional all-inclusive, however, Miraval Berkshires’ focus is health, so you won’t be getting pumped out mass-produced processed food. Instead, everyday, you can expect a nice rotation of salads and veggies, an array of grilled proteins, and even some tacos or a burger if you’re feeling up to it
Advertisement
We dined at Harvest Moon, the main restaurant of the hotel, but there’s also 1894 and Sloane’s, neither of which are included in the all-inclusive format
Harvest Moon felt like a different restaurant every time we went, because the menu consistently changes throughout the day. Some of our favorite bites were the Chicken a la Brasa, turmeric-curried potatoes, tempeh tacos with pickled onions, and a salad that had spinach, radishes, and peas with some seeds in a light citrusy dressing. By day two of our stay, my mom and I agreed we could happily eat like this everyday and not miss whatever it was we were eating before. Just for field research, right before checkout, I decided to try the burger, a “healthier” take on what you’d get at a typical American restaurant or pub, which comes with pickled veggies, giardiniera-style. The beef was incredible and bursting with flavor, so if you’re getting sick of salads (though, at Miraval Berkshires, I can’t imagine you will be), know that you have options.
As far as drinks, alcoholic beverages are not included but we can confirm that Miraval Berkshires has an excellent bar program. They have a selection of liquors, as well as nonalcoholic spirits, and we tried a spicy mezcalita and a French martini, both of which lived up to standard. They also offer two daily juices and smoothies, and after trying plenty of them, my mom was actually inspired to buy a juicer for home
Other standouts of Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa
Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa sets a relaxing scene, and seemed to be particularly popular with couples. Aside from everything aforementioned, the bed was the biggest standout. It had a gravity blanket, where you quite literally sink into the blanket and sheets. You could be sleeping next to someone and not even realize it, making my sleep at Miraval Berkshries Resort & Spa some of the best I’ve gotten all year. Aside from that, the staff is top-notch and extremely friendly and accommodating. Everyone from check-in to restaurant staff to pool attendants were lovely.
So, is a “device-mindful” resort actually worth it?
If you have the time to spend at least three nights at Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa, then yes, it’s worth it. It takes a day to lean into the device-free mindset, but once you’re in it, you won’t want to leave. The food will shift your perspective on what “eating healthy” is like, the spa will force even the most stressed of people to relax, and with a wide range of daily activities, you’re likely to learn a new skill, or at the very least, something new about yourself
Advertisement
If you want to book a device-mindful wellness getaway, book Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa here
No Man Nomad Creator
Solo traveler who has visited over 90 countries, all 7 continents and all 7 world wonders. Curious to find hyper local eats in the furthest corners of the planet, party of one.
Creators are not employed by Yahoo. Views expressed by creators do not reflect the opinions and position of Yahoo.Learn how to become a creator.
