You’re driving through the Berkshires, wind whipping through the pines, and you see that massive Gilded Age mansion sitting on the hill. It looks like something out of a Merchant Ivory film. For decades, everyone knew it as the Cranwell. If you grew up in New England or spent your summers chasing the Tanglewood breeze, Cranwell Resort and Spa Lenox MA was the gold standard for drafty, historic elegance and world-class golf. But if you show up today looking for that specific name on the gate, you’re going to be confused.
The place has evolved. It’s now technically Wyndhurst Manor & Club, part of the massive Miraval Berkshires estate.
Honestly, the transition threw a lot of people for a loop. One minute it was this standalone, somewhat sleepy historic resort where you’d get married in a ballroom that smelled faintly of old wood and expensive perfume, and the next, it was absorbed into a high-end wellness juggernaut. But the bones? The bones are still there. The Tudor-style mansion still anchors the property. The history didn't just vanish because the stationery changed.
The Gilded Age Roots You Can Still Feel
History isn't just a marketing gimmick here. It’s baked into the brick. John Sloane—of the W. & J. Sloane furniture fame—built the "Wyndhurst" mansion back in 1894. He wanted a "summer cottage," which is hilarious because the place has more rooms than most small-town hotels. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted’s firm. Yeah, the same guy who did Central Park.
When you walk through the Great Hall today, you aren't just walking into a lobby. You're stepping into a space that was meant to show off obscene wealth during the height of the American Renaissance. The woodwork is intricate. The fireplaces are massive enough to roast a whole ox.
It hasn't always been a resort, though. That's a common misconception. It spent time as a boys' preparatory school—Cranwell Preparatory School—run by the Jesuits starting in 1939. That’s where the "Cranwell" name actually comes from. It was named after Edward H. Cranwell, who donated the property. When the school shuttered in 1975, the transformation into a resort began. It’s had several lives. It’s been a school, a private estate, a classic resort, and now a hybrid wellness destination.
The Golf Course: Why People Still Flock to Lenox
Let’s talk about the golf.
The golf course at the former Cranwell Resort and Spa Lenox MA is legendary for a reason. It’s an 18-hole, par-70 course that feels like it belongs in the Scottish Highlands, despite being in Western Massachusetts. It was originally designed by Stiles & Van Kleek in 1926.
If you're a serious golfer, you know the Berkshires can be tricky. The elevation changes are no joke. You’ll be standing on the tee box of the first hole, looking out over the mountains, and you might actually forget to swing because the view is so distracting. But then you hit the greens. They are fast. They are small. They require a level of precision that humbles people who think they’re "pretty good" at their local muni.
💡 You might also like: Where to Stay in Seoul: What Most People Get Wrong
What’s interesting is how the course has survived the rebranding. While the resort shifted toward the "wellness" vibe of Miraval, the golf remains a cornerstone of the Wyndhurst side of the property. It’s one of the few places where you can see a guy in full golf regalia walking past someone in a white plush bathrobe heading to a meditation session. It’s a weird juxtaposition, but it works.
The Spa Transformation: From Standard Luxury to Miraval
The spa used to be the "Cranwell Spa," a 35,000-square-foot facility that was, for a long time, the largest in the region. It was famous for the glass-enclosed walkway. You could walk from the hotel to the spa in the middle of a blizzard without getting a snowflake on your shoulder.
Now? It’s the Miraval Life in Balance Spa.
This is where the biggest change happened. The old spa was great for a facial and a massage. The new iteration is... intense. We’re talking about "digital device-free zones." We’re talking about crystal healing, sound baths, and "equine therapy" where you groom horses to learn about your inner boundaries.
- The Indoor Pool: Still there, still stunning, still heated to that perfect temperature that makes you never want to leave.
- The Fitness Center: Completely overhauled with high-end tech.
- The Philosophy: It shifted from "pampering" to "mindfulness."
Some regulars from the old Cranwell days found it a bit much. They just wanted a sauna and a steak. But the reality is that the investment brought in by Hyatt (who owns the Miraval brand) saved the property from the slow decay that hits many Gilded Age resorts. The infrastructure is tighter now. The service is more polished.
Dining in the Mansion: A Different Kind of Experience
If you’re looking for a burger and a beer while watching the game, you might feel a little out of place in the formal dining rooms of the manor. But Sloane’s Tavern (named after the original owner) still offers that more casual, "after-round" atmosphere.
The main dining experience in the mansion, however, is designed to match the architecture. It’s lofty. It’s refined. They source a ton of stuff locally—which isn't hard when you're in the Berkshires, surrounded by world-class farms in Sheffield and Great Barrington.
Expect things like:
📖 Related: Red Bank Battlefield Park: Why This Small Jersey Bluff Actually Changed the Revolution
- Heritage pork from local Berkshire farms.
- Artisanal cheeses that probably have a higher pedigree than most of us.
- Foraged mushrooms and seasonal ramps.
The wine list is extensive, but be prepared for the bill. You’re paying for the ambiance as much as the grapes. Sitting on that terrace in July, watching the sun set over the hills with a glass of chilled Sancerre? It’s hard to put a price on that, but the resort certainly tries.
Why Lenox Still Matters in the Luxury Circuit
Lenox isn't just a town; it’s an ecosystem. Staying at the former Cranwell Resort and Spa Lenox MA puts you in the dead center of it.
You’re five minutes from Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. You’re a stone’s throw from The Mount, Edith Wharton’s estate. You’ve got Shakespeare & Company right down the road. This isn't the Hamptons. It isn't flashy in that "look at my car" way. It’s quiet wealth. It’s "I’ve owned this Barbour jacket for twenty years" wealth.
The resort anchors this vibe. It provides a base of operations for people who want to spend their morning hiking the Appalachian Trail and their evening listening to Yo-Yo Ma.
The Accommodation Split: Where to Stay
One thing people get wrong when booking is the room location. Because the property is so large, where you sleep matters immensely.
- The Mansion: These are the premier rooms. High ceilings, original details, very romantic. If you want the "Gilded Age" experience, you stay here.
- The Beechers, Cliveden, and Trustees: These are separate buildings. They offer more modern layouts. Some are better for families; others are better for those who want to be closer to the spa.
- The Miraval Side: These are often reserved for those on the full "all-inclusive" wellness packages.
Don't just click "lowest price" on a booking site. Look at the map. If you're there for golf, you want to be near the Pro Shop. If you're there to hide from the world, the Mansion is your best bet.
The Reality Check: It’s Not Cheap
Let's be real. This isn't a budget getaway.
Between the resort fees, the price of a round of golf, and the cost of a meal at the manor, your credit card is going to take a hit. A weekend stay can easily climb into the thousands once you add in taxes and extras.
👉 See also: Why the Map of Colorado USA Is Way More Complicated Than a Simple Rectangle
Is it worth it?
If you appreciate architecture and the specific "hushed" atmosphere of the Berkshires, yes. If you’re looking for a high-energy party spot with a DJ by the pool, you are in the wrong place. Go to Vegas instead. This is a place for reading a thick biography by a fireplace or debating the merits of a particular movement in a symphony.
How to Do the "Cranwell" Experience Right in 2026
If you're planning a trip, stop thinking of it as a singular hotel. Think of it as a campus.
First, check the Tanglewood schedule. If you book during a popular weekend (like when James Taylor is in town), prices triple and traffic in Lenox becomes a nightmare. Try a Tuesday or Wednesday in September. The foliage is starting to turn, the crowds are gone, and the air is crisp.
Second, understand the Miraval crossover. You don't have to do the whole "mindfulness" thing if you don't want to. You can stay at Wyndhurst and just enjoy it as a classic luxury hotel. But you do get access to some of those high-end spa facilities, which is a massive perk.
Third, leave the resort. As beautiful as the grounds are, Lenox has some of the best bookstores and galleries in New England. Go to The Bookstore on Housatonic Street. Get a coffee. Walk around.
The transition from Cranwell Resort and Spa Lenox MA to Wyndhurst Manor wasn't just a name change; it was an identity shift. It’s more sophisticated now, perhaps a bit more "corporate" in its efficiency, but the soul of that 1894 mansion hasn't moved an inch. It still sits on that hill, looking out over the valley, waiting for the next generation of travelers to figure out that the Berkshires are best enjoyed slowly.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Book directly through the Hyatt/Miraval site: Often, third-party sites don't clarify which building your room is in, leading to disappointment upon arrival.
- Reserve tee times 30 days out: The course is popular with locals and club members, not just hotel guests.
- Pack for the "Lenox Casual" dress code: Think layers, high-quality knits, and comfortable walking shoes. Even the "fancy" dinners are more about "refined country" than black-tie formal.
- Check the "Experience Planner": If you're staying on the Miraval/Wyndhurst side, they have a rotating calendar of lectures and workshops. Some are free for guests; some cost a fortune. Look ahead of time.
- Visit in the "Shoulder" Season: Late May or late October. You get the beauty without the $800-a-night price tag of peak July.
The Berkshires are a mood. And despite the name change, this property remains the primary curator of that mood. Go for the history, stay for the view, and maybe—just maybe—try one of those sound baths. You might surprised yourself.
---