While we’re sure you meant well when you set that New Year’s resolution to lose weight—and actually stick to it this time—research shows most people ditch their goals by the end of February. But we say it’s time to recommit, what with warm weather on the horizon and swimsuits getting pulled out of the closet. And since we may or may not need a little kick in the pants to get started (and figured you might, too), we rounded up the top weight loss retreats that do just that. So instead of focusing on the kids, work, and the 12,000 errands you have to run, book a flight and focus on getting back to, well, you. Because yes, it really is smart to take care of yourself first. Pinky promise.
Sitting pretty in British Columbia, Canada, this boot camp vacation is a mountain-lovers dream thanks to stunning views, a wide variety of trails, and abundance of natural hot springs (eh hem, it’s also the only mountain-based weight loss program in North America). Not only will you get to do daily hiking, yoga, and a slew of other fitness classes, but Mountain Trek guests also receive a personalized program of massage therapy, detox treatments, and nutrition classes all catered to your specific needs. In other words, if you’re looking to stoke your metabolism, there’s a fitness, food, and health class for that. Not enough? After you’ve been a guest once, there’s the option to participate in their Adventure Trek program, which takes guests on an international adventure. The locations vary by year, but so far they’ve covered six to eight miles daily in Japan, the Amalfi Coast, and Bhutan. Passports ready? Check.
Head to San Diego, CA for a comprehensive health assessment at Lifewellness Institute (seriously, it takes 5.5 hours and basically eliminates the need for your annual checkups), then hop in the complimentary transportation that jets you off to Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. Once there, you’ll choose a holistic program to follow throughout your stay based on those test results, so you can really zero in on what your body needs to reboot (stress management levels, energy, or an inflammation rebalance, for example). With tons of farm-to-table cuisine—you’ll head out to the fields before taking part in cooking classes–plenty of workout options, and rejuvenating spa treatments, there’s no way you won’t leave feeling refreshed.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
New York City-folk can plan a weekend getaway for one of Gurney’s Montauk wellness retreats and score a customized schedule full of fitness and wellness activities geared to refresh your mind, body and—yep—soul. Whether you want an array of Dailey Method classes at their weekend retreat or days full of water sports as part of the Paddle Diva experience, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something that fits you best. Bonus: The resort’s also partnered with Wellthily to host wellness weekends and pop-ups throughout the summer (you know, in case one weekend just isn’t enough), featuring panel discussions and classes by top instructors and studios across the country (think Bari studio and New York Pilates, for starters).
The iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado is known for its off-the-charts music scene, but it’s the fitness offerings we’re really interested in. Book the Red Rocks Recharge package at Hotel Teatro through summer 2016 and not only will you get a fresh-pressed green juice to fuel your mornings, but you’ll also receive complimentary transportation to the theater to participate in the Yoga on the Rocks program. Want to raise your heart rate a little more? Join the Fitness on the Rocks program, where you’ll incorporate the stairs into a sweaty, sweaty routine. A private car shuttles your exhausted (but proud) self back to your hotel where you can soak in a glorious recovery bath.
Situated in the Santa Catalina Mountains of northern Tucson, AZ is Miraval Resort & Spa (oh hey, gorgeous backdrop), where you can take wellness workshops, listen in on lectures, and sweat your way to a healthier lifestyle without worrying about whether your kids have done their homework. With classes like Master Your Metabolism, Anti-Inflammatory Kitchen, and Zen Boot Camp, each part of your day can be organized to reach maximum potential—and take away nifty new habits to incorporate into your daily lifestyle.
Anyone who loves hiking will dig the Essential Zion Adventure package available at Red Mountain Resort in St. Ivins, UT. Not only will you receive plush accommodations and three healthy (no seriously, it’s really healthy) meals each day, but you also have the option to take daily guided morning hikes through Snow Canyon State Park, sign up for an unlimited amount of fitness and healthy life classes, or participate in personal discovery activities. Oh, and once you’ve dominated in the kitchen for the Eat Well, Feel Well cooking demos, you’ll want to take advantage of the Zion part of the package—a trip through Zion National Park (where Angels Landing and The Narrows are must-do hikes), with a healthy to-go lunch to boot.
Escape from the busyness of life and find serenity (come on, you know it looks peaceful) in San Marcos, CA at Golden Door. With only 40 guests booked per week, you’re guaranteed to get the undivided attention you deserve, and can cater your stay for the ultimate weight loss retreat. Enjoy daily morning hikes on the 20 miles of trails, followed by healthy eats you customize with a nutritionist, fun fitness classes, and sessions with a personal trainer, who works with you from day one to develop a program best fit for—you guessed it—you.
Before you even step foot on The Ranch in Malibu, you’ll receive a kit in the mail full of daily and weekly goals to prepare you for the seven-day experience. Once there, it’s time to power off the cell phones—there’s no WiFi connection or cell service so you can focus on being present rather than finding the perfect Insta snap. With a group of 15 others, you’ll push through four to five hours of group hiking, core work, yoga, and weight routines every day—none of which are optional—before recovering with a private afternoon massage (trust, your muscles are gonna need it) and daily nap (🙌 🙌). When there’s downtime, sign up for a chiropractic, self-defense, or guided imagery session. Round it out with plenty of healthy eats and the occasional soak in the pool and you just might leave feeling reenergized to knock out those new year’s resolutions you set oh-so-long ago.
Stay for a minimum of one week and be prepared for a fully customized weight loss routine that leaves you feeling exhausted, yes, but reinvigorated (yeah, your hubs will notice that extra little pep in your step). As soon as you get to Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ, you’ll work with experts in medicine, nutrition, exercise physiology, life management, and spirituality to tackle the big issues causing you stress, so you can figure out how to balance it in a way that suits your lifestyle best. Between comprehensive body tests to help you maximize your fitness routine (like telling how well your body consumes oxygen, for one), eating top-notch cuisine, and testing your limits in activities like a High Ropes Challenge Course, we won’t be surprised if you pack your bags feeling like a whole new version of you.
Whether you want to escape for one of their well-known WellFit retreats or stick to a personalized program like Beat the Bloat or Lose It, Tone It, there’s basically always an option for you at The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia (and when it doubles as a vacation to St. Lucia, well, you always win). Our personal favorite, though, lies in the Adventure Program: Complete with mountain biking, rappelling, kayaking, cave diving and swimming, there’s no way an adventurous spirit won’t be satisfied. Plus, when you’re having fun while losing weight (and getting tons of Instagram hearts to boot), it really makes all the difference.
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Samantha Lefave
Freelance Writer
Samantha Lefave is an experienced writer and editor covering fitness, health, and travel.
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