Weight-Loss Vacations That Really Work!
By Jeanine Barone, M.S.
Finally! You've earmarked your vacation fund for a trip where your souvenirs are a smaller dress size and a suitcase full of new eating and exercise habits. To help you do it right, Shape evaluated the health, fitness and nutrition programs at top U.S. spas and retreats. We looked for sound, balanced practices and real-world strategies (no starvation diets allowed). Our final cut includes eight places where you'll look, feel and live better, some in as few as three days (all rates are per person).
Fitness Leader
Founder Kenneth Cooper, M.D., is considered the father of aerobics, and his fitness and health research forms the foundation for the six-day Wellness Program. It kicks off with a fitness evaluation with a personal trainer who designs your workout program. A dietitian dines with you during several meals to illustrate smart eating choices.
Founder Kenneth Cooper, M.D., is considered the father of aerobics, and his fitness and health research forms the foundation for the six-day Wellness Program. It kicks off with a fitness evaluation with a personal trainer who designs your workout program. A dietitian dines with you during several meals to illustrate smart eating choices.
Medically Driven
The desert setting here provides that calming "aah" feeling so you can focus on getting healthy with the seven-night Life Enhancement Program. In addition to a physician visit and blood work-up, guests get $625 in allowances to use for consultations with behavioral therapists, nutritionists and exercise physiologists as well as spa and sports services.
The desert setting here provides that calming "aah" feeling so you can focus on getting healthy with the seven-night Life Enhancement Program. In addition to a physician visit and blood work-up, guests get $625 in allowances to use for consultations with behavioral therapists, nutritionists and exercise physiologists as well as spa and sports services.
Classic & Proven
The Pritikin Program offers plush surroundings for women who want access to the latest body and beauty treatments in addition to a proven health and weight-loss approach. You'll start the week with a physical, blood work and stress tests, then meet with a trainer to set fitness goals. Exercise physiologists, nutritionists and psychologists offer several classes, workshops and counseling sessions daily.
The Pritikin Program offers plush surroundings for women who want access to the latest body and beauty treatments in addition to a proven health and weight-loss approach. You'll start the week with a physical, blood work and stress tests, then meet with a trainer to set fitness goals. Exercise physiologists, nutritionists and psychologists offer several classes, workshops and counseling sessions daily.
Midwestern Simplicity
Comfy, unpretentious accommodations await visitors at this lakeside spa that used to be a dairy farm. The Perk program (up to five nights) includes lectures on nutrition, exercise and stress management. If you choose the five-night plan, you can add the State-of-the-Heart package for $495 and get a health assessment (EKG and blood work), metabolism testing and consultations with a nutritionist and personal trainer.
Comfy, unpretentious accommodations await visitors at this lakeside spa that used to be a dairy farm. The Perk program (up to five nights) includes lectures on nutrition, exercise and stress management. If you choose the five-night plan, you can add the State-of-the-Heart package for $495 and get a health assessment (EKG and blood work), metabolism testing and consultations with a nutritionist and personal trainer.
Indulgent & Healthy
Luxurious Cal-a-Vie in sunny southern California is the ideal place to establish healthy eating and exercise habits without feeling even the least bit deprived. The fitness team will help you design a workout schedule for your stay, and a dietitian offers nutrition lectures throughout the week.
Luxurious Cal-a-Vie in sunny southern California is the ideal place to establish healthy eating and exercise habits without feeling even the least bit deprived. The fitness team will help you design a workout schedule for your stay, and a dietitian offers nutrition lectures throughout the week.
No-Frills, Outdoor Retreat
The accommodations are basic, but what it lacks in luxury it more than makes up for in lush outdoor surroundings, where you'll be spending most of your time. The 11-Day Weight Loss Retreat focuses on hiking, which makes it perfect for gym-phobes. Staff experts give lectures and cooking demos.
The accommodations are basic, but what it lacks in luxury it more than makes up for in lush outdoor surroundings, where you'll be spending most of your time. The 11-Day Weight Loss Retreat focuses on hiking, which makes it perfect for gym-phobes. Staff experts give lectures and cooking demos.
More Than A Beach Vacation
There's a Southern charm to the rooms and staff here that makes the one- to six-week Healthy Lifestyle Program appealing. You'll start off with a work-up that includes a cholesterol check, then meet with a lifestyle coach to evaluate your health and weight-loss goals and choose education classes for your stay.
There's a Southern charm to the rooms and staff here that makes the one- to six-week Healthy Lifestyle Program appealing. You'll start off with a work-up that includes a cholesterol check, then meet with a lifestyle coach to evaluate your health and weight-loss goals and choose education classes for your stay.
Realistic & Relaxed
Visitors often describe the low-key atmosphere here as hopeful. The staff focuses not on diets but on no-deprivation eating habits. Choose a one- to four-week plan and take advantage of daily lectures designed to identify roadblocks and develop maintenance strategies.
Visitors often describe the low-key atmosphere here as hopeful. The staff focuses not on diets but on no-deprivation eating habits. Choose a one- to four-week plan and take advantage of daily lectures designed to identify roadblocks and develop maintenance strategies.
