Considering which retreat to visit for your next vacation can be overwhelming. Each retreat has its own unique philosophy around which your meals, activities, and accommodations will be structured. There’s a lot riding on your decision. Retreats are designed for various types of clientele. Each has a different goal and purpose, and each has its own set of pros and cons.
In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between wellness retreats, spas, and weight loss resorts, so you’ll feel comfortable and confident in making the right decision.
Wellness Retreat
A wellness retreat is usually structured around providing you with a relaxing holiday. Comfort and stress-relief are top priorities, so most wellness retreats are conducted at beautiful locations with upscale accommodations.
PROS: Wellness retreats often emphasize relaxation, introspection and personal care. They provide you with the opportunity to unplug, unwind and rest.
CONS: These retreats are usually not focused on delivering any tangible results or lasting lifestyle changes.
Spa
A trip to the spa might be the ultimate in luxury and relaxation. Regarding physical health, spas usually offer massage, sauna access, aromatherapy, and meditation. Personal beauty and pampering also figure in prominently, with aesthetic services like facials, manicures, and depilatory waxing. Most day spas fit into this category.
PROS: Providing yourself with a beauty boost can improve your mood and soothe your spirit. It’s a great short-term getaway and can be a fun bonding experience for friends.
CONS: With a narrow focus on aesthetics, spas provide no emphasis on health, exercise, or diet. As a result, you might look great, but you’ll be left with no lasting wellness changes.
Weight Loss Resort
On the other end of the spectrum, weight loss resorts focus entirely on delivering results. The primary goal of a weight loss resort is for you to experience tangible weight loss during your stay. In the quest to deliver results fast, programs at a weight loss resort are centered primarily around monitoring the scale.
PROS: During your stay at a weight loss resort, you’ll likely see a change in the form of immediate weight loss.
CONS: A brutal, boot camp style approach to weight loss might deliver results, but the curriculum neglects to focus on the role that your mental and emotional well-being play in your overall wellness, and might not chart a course for sustained weight loss.
The Best of All Worlds: Integrated Retreats
We recommend that you visit a retreat that combines the best aspects of the above and leaves behind the rest. At VeraVia, we emphasize an integrated approach that focuses on goal-setting and realistic expectations, with an eye toward long-lasting results.
Integrated retreats go beyond quick fixes and basic information to offer tools that help you shift your perspective. At an integrated wellness retreat, you’ll learn about the importance of the intertwining importance of diet, exercise, and mental and emotional wellbeing to achieve true personal transformation. Comfortable accommodations, inspiring activities, and delicious food–along with medical, fitness and nutrition expertise–will guide you toward tangible outcomes in a healthy and sustainable manner.
Before deciding on the retreat that is right for you, take the time to closely research the retreat philosophy. Some retreats have a singularly specific focus – these tend to be smaller and narrow in their scope. Evaluate whether or not the retreat will be able to live up to your expectations and desires. Consider registering for a retreat with an all-inclusive, holistic approach that can set you on the path toward lasting change in a manner that is comfortable, inspiring and achievable.
Questions about our wellness retreat? Contact us to get your questions answered.