Culinary Travel Resorts and Spas
Four Spas in North America Where Good Food Is Part of the Treatment
Jan 28, 2008
There’s more to life than face peels and body wraps in luxury spa resorts. Attitudes to spas have changed quite dramatically over the last decade, what was once the domain of skinny minnies hell bent on starvation has transformed into a luxurious and disgustingly self-indulgent experience for everyone. And it’s great.
Canyon Ranch, Lenox, Massachusetts
The award winning chefs of Canyon Ranch work with top nutritionists to serve wholesome food without it being too goody-goody.
For guests who are finding it hard to unwind – even though they’ve probably been waiting six months for the break – there are opportunities to get their hands dirty in the kitchen at the daily Lunch & Learn sessions run by in-house chefs.
In the evenings there is a chance to savour locally grown and seasonal produce at the Taste of the Berkshires Dinner and to banish any guilt feelings from over-indulgence sign up for a Superfoods Dinner where a meal rich in antioxidants is served to guests and a nutritionist is on hand to answer any queries and to offer advice.
- Prices start at $1,830 pp for a double room for three nights and include most treatments and meals.
Rancho La Puerta
Labelled as ‘The Birthplace of Spa Cuisine’, the family-run Rancho La Puerta sits on a National Historic Site, Mount Kuchumaa, on the Mexico-US border and has been catering to guests since the 1940s.
Sixty years of testing, tasting and revamping menus has resulted in a highly refined menu that is low in fat, sodium and sugar and high in energy, fibre, and good carbs.
It’s obvious food is celebrated here as a new cooking school opened in August 2007. It concentrates on local Mexican influences and comprises a large hands-on kitchen where guests can hone their culinary arts. However, carnivores may book elsewhere; the food served here is vegetarian, with fish being a frequent addition.
Again, they serve only the best local produce and have employed sustainable, organic farming practices for years.
- Prices are based on a seven night stay and start from $2,795 for a double room.
The Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania
The Tree restaurant, nestled amongst the treetops, prides itself on serving sumptuous five-star gourmet meals whilst keeping in mind the healthy values of a spa.
Only organic, locally sourced fruit and veg are used and they don’t scrimp on meat dishes either; not everyone is destined for vegetarianism. Try their luscious roasted lobster and basil risotto or the fillet of beef with savoury onions.
There are frequent chef-hosted dinners, cooking demonstrations and seasonal events. Fine wines are available to those dining.
- Prices start at $350 pp for a double room for one night and include most treatments and meals.
Echo Valley Ranch and Spa
East meets west at this British Columbian Ranch and Spa in Canada’s Cariboo region.
Master Chef Kim Madsen takes guests on a week-long culinary experience exploring the art of mixing exotic Thai and wild western foods. Focus is on producing good nutritional gourmet food so guests can whip up a frenzy in the kitchen and then sit back and enjoy their masterpieces.
There is, of course, time to unwind in the grounds, which overlook the desert, lakes and grasslands of the Cariboo plateau and offer guests miles of unspoilt open spaces to walk off the results of their new found culinary skills.
- Seven night packages start at $2058.00 pp
Check out more about importance of using local produce here
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