Wellness For The Time – Challenged Exec

WELLNESS FOR THE TIME CHALLENGED EXEC

by Anne Dimon / July 27, 2015

For many corporations, wellness-focused retreats are proving to be a way to help their valued executives get into great physical—and mental—shape.

For wellness-specialist travel agents, these so-called “wellness vacations,” are a promising new niche for corporate clients.

According to Jill Radin-Leeds, president of Just Spas and Adventures in Port St. Lucie, Fla. and a travel agent since 2003, “busy executives who are feeling stressed out and under pressure often need a few days of a quick and effective re-charge.”

“Targeted programs from retreats such as Hilton Head Health, can help recharge the mind, body and spirit allowing executives to return home in a better place physically and mentally,” she said.

Vicky Zaltsman, executive president of Toronto-based YYZ Travel Group, said her company has been servicing the corporate market since 1986.

“We have been noticing that more of our corporate clients are paying attention to their employees’ life work balance by offering alternative benefits such as gym membership and life coaches,” said Zaltsman.

“When planning incentive trips, some are requesting properties that include wellness components such as yoga classes, meditation and healthy cooking classes,” she added.

“I believe corporations are recognizing that employees who improve their lifestyle behavior, show a positive impact on their performance. Wellness travel is already a billion dollar industry and corporate clients are a growing sector of this industry.”

Finding time, however, for a so-called “wellness vacation” is not always convenient, especially for time-challenged executives.

The following are four high-powered retreats that offer solutions for short-on-time employees looking to “reboot:”

The Ranch 4.0 – California
The Ranch 4.0 retreat, operated by Southern California’s The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu in partnership with The Four Seasons Westlake in Westlake, Calif., and the adjacent California Health & Longevity Institute (CIHL), offers a four-day, long-weekend program.

With a focus on weight-loss, the retreat is built around intense three- and four-hour daily hikes in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. Healthy vegan meals, massages, guided stretch and fitness classes are also on the menu.

A big part of the program is medical testing that helps participants establish health and fitness benchmarks.

Red Mountain – Utah
Surrounded by the red rock cliffs and canyons of southern Utah, Red Mountain Resort recently introduced a Rejuvenate & LiVe Well Retreat, a four-night program conveniently customizable to an executive schedule.

The program includes a private health assessment at the nearby Intermountain Healthcare LiVe Well Center followed by a personalized program highlighted by healthy meals, daily fitness classes, guided hikes, two private training sessions, healthy lifestyle classes, and full use of the resort’s numerous amenities including bicycles to explore the local area.

One point of distinction at Red Mountain Resort is its proximity to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks and Snow Canyon State Park, all providing guests with hiking for all levels of fitness.

The take-home bonus is a personalized, healthy eating guide and exercise regimen, plus three 30-minute health coaching sessions – via phone or email – with an expert from the LiVe Well Center.

Hilton Head Health – South Carolina  
Situated on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina and specializing in weight loss and lifestyle management, Hilton Head Health offers the LIVE WELL Program – bookable for three, four or seven nights. Available year-round in a tropical island setting, the all-inclusive package is customized to address individuals’ specific goals.

A health assessment, a mentor, two to three daily educational sessions, five to six hours of daily exercise classes –  including options such as yoga, core strength, water fitness, Zumba, cardio boxing and circuit training are offered – plus meals and snacks vetted by a registered dietitian, are all included in the program.

Cooking classes, spa services and personal training sessions are also offered.

Lake Austin Spa Resort – Texas
On a lakeside, Texas Hill Country setting, Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Tex., offers guests maximum flexibility with the Power of 7 program.

The program is available on any arrival day throughout the year. The resort can also customize the package for time-challenged executives who can only afford three or four-days away from the office.

And depending on the participant’s goal, the three-, four- or seven-day program can be designed to focus on one of the three resort-identified “life tracks” – Fitness, Weight Loss or Stress Management.

Spa treatments and personal instruction from wellness professionals – such as fitness instructors, nutritionists and meditation experts—can be worked into a personalized program.

For those on a fitness track, there are up to 20 daily indoor and outdoor fitness classes and activities offered including kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, floating meditation and even spinning classes to the sounds of live drumming.

An on-site organic garden provides ingredients for healthy spa cuisine served daily as part of the healthy lifestyle program.

Check-out which destination is best for you?