Kripalu Center for Yoga Health in the Berkshires

I'm considering taking a 3 day holiday at Kripalu in the Berkshires wondering if anyone has been and did you have a good experience?

I've been there more than once. The price has gone out of my range a bit, but it's really very nice there and the food is fantastic. Are you taking a workshop or just doing R&R?

Are you taking a workshop or just doing R&R?

Thanks for responding. Just doing a three day R&R. How did you get there? At first I thought I should rent a car but just read on their website that MetroNorth will also get me there.

I went for a a couple of days two summers ago. I did their R&R package or whatever it's called. I loved it. The accommodations are nothing fancy, but everything is very clean. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous. I don't know that I'd call the food "fantastic" but it was tasty enough. If you ever went through a Moosewood Cookbook phase, well, it's that kind of food. I will definitely go back when I have some time and some money. The only negatives were that there was a snoring person in my room (dorm-style room) even though it was supposed to be a nonsnoring room. And I got a massage there that was horrible and actually left me with a headache. However, everyone else was raving about their "healing arts session."

Also, it was really hot when I went, but Kripalu was very cool at night and I actually had to buy a sweatshirt at their giftshop. So pack something warm even if you think you don't need it.

My wife has gone a few times...she loves it!

I always drove, but I'm sure that Metro North is cheaper (considering the current price of gas). Rose is right about everything, except for the food! It does get cool at night, private rooms are better, the healing sessions depend entirely on the person doing them and most snorers don't know that they snore.


Oh, and do not mix oatmeal and miso soup at breakfast. I never tried it, but apparantly it makes you fart something awful. I'm warning you just in case the person who does your orientation fails to warn you.

Lastly, perhaps this has changed, but if you are a coffee drinker be prepared to go into town for coffee. I used to take some strong English tea with me and a little thermos. You can easily hitch a ride with another addict (there will be plenty there) if you don't have a car. They only have powdered coffee for severe caffeine withdrawal headaches in the vending machine.

When I went two years ago, there was coffee. They didn't serve it with meals, but it was available in the little cafe area by the giftshop. I would never go to a place where there was no coffee!

Oh, and do not mix oatmeal and miso soup at breakfast. I never tried it, but apparantly it makes you fart something awful. I'm warning you just in case the person who does your orientation fails to warn you.

HYSTERICAL. Thank you!

Years ago coffe was definitely forbotten at this place. Nice to know they have loosened up a bit. I laughed when I read the comment about the Moosewood cookbook because years ago that was my bible and I am so over it that any place that featured that kind of food now I would rather do a fast than eat..LOl.
The grounds are beautiful and it really is peaceful place.

Rose wrote: When I went two years ago, there was coffee. They didn't serve it with meals, but it was available in the little cafe area by the giftshop. I would never go to a place where there was no coffee!

Ah, progress. I suspect that more was demanded when they raised their rates so much!

veets wrote: Years ago coffe was definitely forbotten at this place. Nice to know they have loosened up a bit. I laughed when I read the comment about the Moosewood cookbook because years ago that was my bible and I am so over it that any place that featured that kind of food now I would rather do a fast than eat..LOl.
The grounds are beautiful and it really is peaceful place.

My Mother has been going there for a long time too. She swears that the food is much better now. Kripalu is one of those places where you get to pay for a fast. It's one of their many workshops!

filmlover44 wrote: [quote=veets]Years ago coffe was definitely forbotten at this place. Nice to know they have loosened up a bit. I laughed when I read the comment about the Moosewood cookbook because years ago that was my bible and I am so over it that any place that featured that kind of food now I would rather do a fast than eat..LOl.
The grounds are beautiful and it really is peaceful place.

My Mother has been going there for a long time too. She swears that the food is much better now. Kripalu is one of those places where you get to pay for a fast. It's one of their many workshops!

Oh geez,,,, you are so right!!

This is a facility that features an organized fast and yes you pay a daily rate and don't eat/// well if it is a juice fast you get some juice!!

I am not putting this place down!! If you know what you are getting in to this is a great R and R for the right person. And that was the original quesiton.

veets wrote:
I am not putting this place down!! If you know what you are getting in to this is a great R and R for the right person. And that was the original quesiton.

I agree, it is amazing for what is is. It's not a luxury spa, so don't go expecting that. It is beautiful, peaceful, and serene. You can participate in the "activities" as much or as little as you want. People are friendly, if you want to be social, but will totally respect your space if you want to be left alone.

The grounds are beautiful - BUT - you really have to want to spend time with a lot of aging new agers and grey haired pony tailed wearing types. I went once and it simply didn't pass the laugh test. Beautiful grounds though!

BTW - if you want a very good alternative to Kripalu look at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY...
http://www.eomega.org/omega/about/

you really have to want to spend time with a lot of aging new agers and grey haired pony tailed wearing types.

Yup, this is what I was afraid of but if Rose is right then sounds like they will respect me for not wanting to be social. I'll check out eomega. Thanks!

lmboogie wrote:

you really have to want to spend time with a lot of aging new agers and grey haired pony tailed wearing types.

Yup, this is what I was afraid of but if Rose is right then sounds like they will respect me for not wanting to be social. I'll check out eomega. Thanks!

Yes, that is a large part of the clientele but there were plenty of people there who were younger than me (I'm 40). I didn't go there to make friends, so I didn't really care who the other people were.

Livetotravel wrote: The grounds are beautiful - BUT - you really have to want to spend time with a lot of aging new agers and grey haired pony tailed wearing types. I went once and it simply didn't pass the laugh test. Beautiful grounds though!

That was my reaction to the place the first time that I went. Some of those people are way too serious, even to the point of rude. Some of it depends on whether or not you are in a workshop and what workshop you are in. I do not like "sharing" with strangers. I've been to a few drumming workshops though and a few R&R weekends and I have met more people I feel comfortable with. The new agers are just so ... loud and tend to be kind of overwhelming. I really love the place though, have had no trouble being left alone and have never had to spend a lot of time with anyone there if I didn't want to.

I wonder if breakfast is still silent.

livetotravel: i'm finally able to get out of work for a few days and just made a reservation at omega, r&r package this weekend. i decided to do zipcar and drive. anything i should absolutely avoid while there?

Kripalu is in Lenox Ma. and the nearest Metro North stop which is Wassaic is an hour drive away or more. Kripalu offers a pick up service which takes you from the train station to Kripalu for $60. This pick up has to be pre-booked. So don't think that you are anywhere near Kripalu when you get off Metro North. The best form of transportation is the Peter Pan Bus..from Port Authority. That leaves you off right in Lenox..I think that the fare is about $32..It is a 4 hour ride.

Damn, that's kind of expensive on top of the lately inflated room rates. I can't even afford to go there any more. Maybe if the kid transfers to brooklyn college....

Subject: Re: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in the Berkshires

lmboogie wrote: I'm considering taking a 3 day holiday at Kripalu in the Berkshires wondering if anyone has been and did you have a good experience?

I have been there about 10 times, for both R & R and workshops - loved it each and every time. I recommend going during the week if you can - cheaper and less crowded.