Upcoming Events

Join us for a 4-day cooking retreat featuring private cooking classes with our Lenox chefs and culinary expert and food writer Gail Simmons of Top Chef fame.

Set at our historic Berkshires mansion resort, this retreat is a perfect blend of relaxation, learning, and culinary exploration. Each day, you'll dive into hands-on cooking sessions where Gail will share her expertise, guiding you through a variety of techniques and recipes that celebrate global flavors and approachable ingredients.

From mastering classic dishes to experimenting with new flavors and styles, you'll gain practical skills and insights to elevate your cooking. Beyond the kitchen, enjoy communal meals, scenic surroundings, and the camaraderie of fellow food enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to sharpen your culinary skills or simply enjoy a creative getaway, this retreat promises to be a fulfilling and delicious experience.

View Gail's Cooking School Program

In addition to this event, you can enjoy all of the daily activities that Lenox, MA offers. Explore our sample schedule.

Gail Simmons is a culinary expert, food writer, and television personality, best known as a permanent judge on Bravo's Top Chef, where she has shared her expertise since the show's inception. She's hosted and co-hosted various culinary shows, including The Good Dish andTop Chef Amateurs, and is the author of two books, including the IACP-nominated cookbook Bringing It Home. Gail's career spans roles at Food & Wine magazine, and she's a co-founder of Bumble Pie Productions, which promotes new female voices in food and lifestyle.

Julien Ardouin, Canyon Ranch Executive Chef, is dedicated to creating exquisite cuisine for guests at Lenox. His Paris-trained experience in two Michelin-Star restaurants, and later as an Executive Chef at high-end restaurants, gives him the depth of experience to cater to refined tastes and to infuse luxurious meals and ingredients into the Canyon Ranch wellness experience.

Rachel Portnoy, Canyon Ranch Demonstration Chef and Instructor, leads cooking and baking classes for guests at Canyon Ranch Lenox in the Berkshires. Her specialties include bread baking, gluten-free and vegan baking, vegetarian and vegan cooking, low-glycemic cooking, and international cuisines.

Maggie O'Mara, MS, RD, LND, Canyon Ranch Nutritionist, and Demonstration Chef, is committed to helping our guests improve their health and vitality through nutrition. She leads how-to classes and demonstrations that show best practices for planning and cooking creative, delicious meals that enhance wellbeing and fuel healthy lifestyle goals.

Thursday, Nov 14

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Check-in & Time for Services

4 - 5 p.m. Welcome Reception with Gail Simmons

6 - 7:30 p.m. Group Welcome Dinner

Friday, Nov 15

7 - 9 a.m. Breakfast on Your Own

9 - 10:30 a.m. Hands-On Cooking with Gail Simmons

11 a.m. - Noon VIP Kitchen Tour

12 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn with Canyon Ranch Chefs

3 - 4:30 p.m. Bread Making with Canyon Ranch Chef Rachel Portnoy

6 - 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Learn with Canyon Ranch Nutrition Team and Gail Simmons

Saturday, Nov 16

7 - 9 a.m. Breakfast on Your Own

9 - 10:30 a.m. Hands-On Cooking with Gail Simmons

12 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Learn with Canyon Ranch Chefs

2 - 3 p.m. Fireside Chat with Gail Simmons

4 - 5 p.m. Cooking Demo Challenge with Canyon Ranch Chefs

6 - 7:30 p.m. Group Dinner

Sunday, Nov 17

9:30 - 11 a.m. Group Brunch with Canyon Ranch Chefs and Final Q&A

11 a.m. - Noon Take Home Your Favorite Recipes + Tips from Canyon Ranch Chefs

1 - 8 p.m. Free time for Services & Classes