THE BATHROOM SCALE. After a vacation. I’m sure I’m not the only one who dreads this moment of truth. The price I inevitably pay for holiday indulgences averages about five hard-to-shed pounds. So, imagine my delight when I returned from a rejuvenating getaway at Hilton Head Health, and the scale had moved five pounds in the opposite direction. Residential weight loss programs are nothing new. In the 1960s and ’70s, “fat camps” began to make an appearance.
Rapid weight loss was the name of the game, and campers were subjected to severely calorie-restricted, bland diets and punishing exercise regimes. Spartan dormitory- type accommodations fed into the ideology that the program was meant to be endured for the sole purpose of significant weight loss. Although a few of these hard-core camps remain, most weight loss retreats have embraced a completely different philosophy. Wellness and self care are now cornerstones of programs that serve delicious healthy food, offer a smorgasbord of physical activities and facilitate workshops to support healthier lifestyle choices.
Resort-style accommodations, often set in luxury surroundings, provide a true getaway for guests who come for reasons that are as simple as wanting a break from the stresses at home or as important as needing a lifestyle change for medical reasons. Just as the reasons differ for guests, each wellness resort has their own philosophy, program and vibe. Here are three distinct choices to consider:
MOUNTAIN TREK HEALTH RESET RETREAT, British Columbia
OVERVIEW: Located in the Kootenay region just east of the Okanagan Valley, this weight-loss resort makes the most of the mountains that surround it with exceptional hiking. A maximum of 16 guests participate in a one- or two-week, all-inclusive reset retreat. Amenities include sauna, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi and health spa.
THE PROGRAM: The schedule is intense and regimented with the day beginning at 6:30 am with yoga and breakfast followed by a half-day of hiking in the pristine wilderness of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains. Once back at the lodge, there are daily seminars on subjects like nutrition, fitness, sleep and stress, and rotating group fitness classes – all of which guests are expected to attend. The evenings are for water therapies and much-needed massages before an early bedtime.
The chef-prepared meals are fresh and delicious, and made with local and organic ingredients. The anti-inflammatory diet is approximately 1200 calories for women and 1500 for men but is
surprisingly satisfying (especially the breakfasts). No sugar, alcohol or caffeine is allowed. The immersive program is designed to reset, detoxify and kickstart a life-changing health journey.
PRO: No decisions to make and absolutely everything, including three massages, are included in the price – plus it’s nearly impossible not to lose inches.
CON: The intensity of the program and the detoxing effects can be tough, especially for the first few days, and the accommodations are basic.
LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT, Texas
LakeHouse Spa Blue Room
OVERVIEW: Located just east of Austin in Texas Hill Country, this 40-room resort features top- notch, cottage-style accommodations that have porches with views looking out at the turquoise lake or flowering gardens and verdant vegetation.
Amenities include outdoor pools, hot tubs and the 25,000-square-foot spa that also has its own outdoor pool, hot tub and cabanas, along with 30 treatment areas. The junior Olympic-sized indoor pool barn hosts multiple wellness and exercise classes as well as lane swimming.
THE PROGRAM: It’s more of a choose-your-own wellness adventure with no set guidance for guests looking to make lifestyle changes, rather than a prescribed program. Guests choose from a slew of fitness classes, learning opportunities and therapies. Balance is a key philosophy, which can especially be seen in their dining experience. The delicious healthy meals focus on flavour, nutrition and locally sourced ingredients, including some from their own organic gardens. It’s a popular choice for a girls’ getaway, and you’ll see groups of women (and a few men, too) taking part in whatever wellness means to them, whether that’s a schedule full of yoga, exercise classes and hiking or astronomy and cocktail-making classes.
PRO: Passionate facilitators and instructors who are experts in their fields.
CON: Solo guests won’t find communal dining or support networks.
HILTON HEAD HEALTH, South Carolina
Courtesy of Hilton Head Health
OVERVIEW: Located on Hilton Head Island, this 800-acre property has a 30-room inn as well as two- and three-bedroom villas surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation. The beach is close by and some of the programming like walks, yoga and kayaking take place there. Amenities include a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub.
THE PROGRAM: Their all-encompassing, moderate approach to diet and fitness is designed to empower and support participants to make long-term changes. Nutritionally, the focus is on whole foods and portion control. Nothing is off-limits, and the food is rich-tasting and
flavourful despite the low-calorie count. Cooking classes demonstrate how to replicate this magic at home. There are a dizzying variety of activity options to choose from: core presentations that instruct guests on eating and fitness strategies; classic fitness classes; specialized conditioning classes such as hula hoop and drums alive; and recreational activities, like wildlife watching.
PRO: Guests can come solo and find a non-judgmental, community atmosphere.
CON: This many choices can be overwhelming, especially as you need to schedule your own activities.
