With families looking for ways to spend quality time together, it's no wonder that the Mother/Daughter Spa Getaway Package at Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club has been so popular.

Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, the 380-acre year-round resort is an idyllic spot for a few away from it all days. Given that Cranwell is a luxury property, the package is also something of a bargain.

Cranwell Resort,
Spa & Golf Club
55 Lee Road,
Lenox, MA 01240

The mother/daughter deal (also available for Girlfriends ) includes two nights of superior resort accommodations, a Swedish massage or facial, 25-minute Floral Scrub, two fitness classes, a spa cuisine lunch at the Spa Caf , and dinner at Sloane's Tavern, for both mother and daughter.  From May through October, the midweek rate is $515 per person; the weekend rate is $565 per person. All rates are exclusive of tax and gratuity.


Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, the 380-acre year-round resort is an idyllic spot for a few away from it all days.

Package guests have unlimited access to all the facilities at the 35,000-square-foot state-of-the-art spa. In addition, there is a comprehensive Fitness Center and a large heated indoor pool which offers panoramic views of the Berkshire Mountains. The spa lounges (separate for men and women) each have a fireplace, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and lockers.

HI TECH TREATMENTS

The Swedish massage at Cranwell is very special, not a mix-and-match, but pure Swedish, with long, soothing, almost hypnotic strokes. Spa director Helen Taylor Pierce explains: I m a purist when it comes to massage. Our Swedish is light to moderate, and totally relaxing. Deep tissue is done two ways, full body or area-specific. One of our significant treatments is the Stone Massage, which uses river rocks, rather than small stones.

One of the spa's unusual treatments is the Dry Float System, which is used in Europe as a medical service.  Here, the treatment product is applied and the client is wrapped in a synthetic membrane which molds to the body. It's instantly relaxing, says Mrs. Pierce. There's no chance of cramping because the product is heating simultaneously in the water. Because of the heating, the absorption is ten-fold. When the client is off the table, the product has completely disappeared. We finish the treatment with an aroma trilogy massage of my design.

All the spa's therapists are licensed and certified, with many hours of training. I don't talk to anyone who has fewer than 600 hours, says Mrs. Taylor, whose background in fitness and massage therapy includes 1000 hours of training.

When facials are booked, no particular type is specified. A reservationist isn't qualified to judge what is needed, Mrs. Taylor explains. She simply books the time. Then the client and esthetician discuss what needs to be addressed dryness, extractions, and so one. The esthetician customizes the facial, which may include lymph drainage, digital pressure, some massage. The treatment concludes with a consultation and education about the products to be used.

The principal product lines used at the spa are Phytomer and Decleor.

Since the spa is young (two years), services and exercise programs are constantly evolving, says Mrs. Pierce. Among her plans: multiple procedures and shorter services, such as a 25-minute golfers massage.

HEATING IT UP

Several of Cranwell's treatments including the 75-minute facial--employ heat in the form of self-heating mud or thermal clay--specifically applied to the spinal column. This sends impulses to the brain to relax, says Mrs. Pierce. It increases the effect of the product.

Thermal Clay therapy involves warm clay to the spinal column and other areas. Then the client is wrapped in a thin layer of micron foil, and a sheet and blanket. The heat promotes a deep state of relaxation and detoxification. Next comes a Vichy warm and cool rinse followed by a Swedish massage and an application of hydrating cream. This treatment is popular among golfers.

NOT FOR WOMEN ONLY

Although golfers, tennis players, and other sportsmen enjoy the benefits of thermal clay massages (the clay is applied to such trouble spots as wrists, ankles, and knees), the men who patronize Cranwell are spa savvy, Mrs. Pierce explains. They tend to indulge in the full range of spa services including facials, manicures, and pedicures rather than just the typical male choice, massage.

The treatments for men are basically the same as for women, says Mrs. Pierce, but she uses different words to describe them.

Women like to fantasize about the treatment they re reading about, she explains. They anticipate how they will enjoy it. Men typically want to know what it does and how long it takes. So, for men, the Floral Scrub becomes The Scrub.

SPA LUNCH

The co-ed caf where the spa lunch is served offers a fixed menu each day, with choices of an appetizer and entr e. A typical lunch might start with a fruit plate, a salad, or gazpacho. Entr e choices might include an Asian Chicken Salad, a Vegetarian Chili, cold poached Salmon or a vegetable wrap. A nice touch on the tables:  high-end balsamic vinegar by Escoffier and fine imported Italian olive oil. Also available in the caf are lemonade, tea, coffee, water, and fruit (all complimentary).

FITNESS CENTER, ETCETERA


The Fitness Center has Life Fitness cardiovascular and strength training equipment and a staff of personal trainers available for one-on-one training specific to golf, tennis, or other sports. A number of classes are offered daily; these might include the 30-minute stretch, yoga, Pilates, and spinning. When purchased separately, the classes cost between $13 (for a water class) and $24 (for an 80-minute yoga session).

There is also a spa shop, which sells clothing, hair, body, and skin products, and a variety of souvenirs.

The heated indoor pool is open to all hotel guests.

ABOUT THE SPA

The Spa at Cranwell was recently named as one of the world's best spas in the 2003 edition of 100 Best Spas of the World book. It is located about 2 hours from New York City and Boston in the historic New England village of Lenox, Massachusetts.  For information and reservations, please call 800-272-6935 or visit the website at www.cranwell.com.

ABOUT CRANWELL RESORT, SPA & GOLF CLUB

Built in 1894, the historic Gilded Age Cranwell Mansion is a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America. The resort features 107 deluxe guest rooms, 16,000-square-feet of conference space, three restaurants, four Har-Tru tennis courts, an outdoor heated pool, 10 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, and an 18-hole Championship Golf Course, with the nationally renowned Golf Digest School. Cranwell has received many awards including the American Automobile Association's Four Diamond rating.