Go On Vacation, Come Back Slimmer

Planning a nice trip? Consider these bucket list weight loss retreats for a new year, new you.

Published December 20, 2023

When it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, joining a fitness center or renewing your gym membership is typically at the top of the list. On your quest to slim down and tone up you might also put your freshly pedicured foot forward by counting calories, cutting carbs and filling your fridge with whole foods and fresh lean cuisine.

But whether your goal is to drop that last five or ten pounds in order to reach a healthy BMI range (between 18.5 to 24.9) or you have a more significant amount of weight to lose, what if you could jumpstart your wellness journey with an expert-supervised weight loss retreat? It might cost more than the all-inclusive getaway or cruise you had planned, but it might be worth the splurge to invest in your well-being with a long weekend (or longer) at a health and fitness retreat in a resort-like setting.

To point you in the right direction, here are four weight loss vacation programs across the country to consider that might change the way you think about “fat camp.”

Rock Springs Retreat Center near Nashville, TN

exterior of The Fit Farm at Rock Springs Retreat Center

What to expect: A short drive from “Music City,” the secluded Rock Springs Retreat Center (https://rockspringsrc.com/fit-farm-weight-loss-retreats/) is set on 200 serene acres in Castalian Springs. The all-inclusive retreat center boasts 24-rooms and 80,000 square feet of fitness facilities, two obstacle courses, a lake, walking trails and a day spa. Fitness activities include boxing, yoga, hiking, volleyball, fishing, spinning, weight training, pickleball and cardio workouts.

How the program works: Come for a customizable Fit Farm Weight Loss Retreat, where expert trainers and other guests with shared goals will cheer you on while you challenge yourself with six to seven hours a day of movement. The variety of classes, intensity level and recovery are designed to help build muscle, lose weight and change your body composition. But you don’t have to work out non-stop. Depending on your fitness level, the Center’s team will work with you to formulate a combination of activities to help you achieve your goals. You won’t go hungry either. The chefs, overseen by the property’s registered dietician, prepare healthy food that focuses on the right balance of nutrients for each guest. After your stay, you will go home with workout and diet and nutrition tips to help you continue your healthy journey at home.

The cost: Pricing for the two-week program starts at $3,071 per week for a shared room. Singles and suites are also available. Discounted rates are offered for longer stays. All meals and activities are included.

Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami, FL

exterior of Pritikin Longevity Center

What to expect: Hailed as the “gold standard” of weight loss resorts, the sprawling Pritikin Longevity Center (https://www.pritikin.com/) includes championship golf courses, tennis courts, a full-service spa and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Reclaim your sleep time in a spacious room or suite overlooking the resort’s tropical gardens. And set personalized and attainable goals in one-on-one consultations with registered dieticians, physicians, physical therapists and exercise physiologists.

How the program works: Based on leading peer-reviewed medical journals, the center claims to be the only resort-based wellness program offering scientifically proven results. The Pritikin diet – which consists of less than 10% fat, 10% to 15% protein, and 75% to 80% mainly complex carbohydrates, along with less than 25 mg per day (regression diet) or less than 100 mg per day (maintenance diet) of cholesterol –was first designed to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. However, the diet has also been promoted for weight-loss and to control blood glucose in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Through fitness classes, workshops and cooking classes, you’ll move and groove, learn to savor whole foods, and return home equipped with skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The cost: The two-week Pritikin Program ranges from $4917 per person per week for a double to $6543 per week for a single. There are no resort fees and tips and taxes are included. Shorter stays are available at a premium.

Hilton Head Health on Hilton Head Island, SC

couple in a spa

What to expect: Say hello to Southern charm at Hilton Head Health (https://www.hhhealth.com/), located on the coast of South Carolina. The scenic resort strikes the perfect balance of a sleepy island destination and a healthy vacation. Enjoy walking along the beach, biking, taking a nature tour, golfing, and kayaking in intercoastal waters. The all-inclusive stay includes cozy accommodations, healthful and tasty meals, premier spa services, and a variety of fitness classes, gourmet cooking demonstrations, wellness lectures and professional health services.

How the program works: H3 offers two weight loss-specific programs: JumpStart, a seven-day, confidence-building program that provides a toolkit for your long-term weight management strategy; and LoseWell, an intensive, four-week minimum program with counseling and coaching components that help to pinpoint unhealthy habits that may be hindering your success. With each program, you will leave with meal prep plans and fitness routines tailored to fit your lifestyle.

The cost: Weekly rates for JumpStart start at $4,736 (Including $350 resort credit), and rates for the four-week LoseWell program start at $18,660 (Including $1,400 resort credit). For a less costly option, daily rates for a Healthy Getaway start at $679 per night (Including $50 resort credit).

The Ranch Malibu in Malibu, CA

scenic view of The Ranch Malibu

What to expect: Nestled in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains and perched on 200 acres along the Southern California coast, The Ranch Malibu (https://theranchmalibu.com/) feels like something out of an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. This picturesque property features 21 private guest cottages, an open-air kitchen, a certified organic garden, a gym called The Barn, as well as an outdoor pool and jacuzzi.

How the program works: Designed to help guests lose fat and inches, gain physical strength, increase mental clarity and improve their overall health, The Ranch offers six-night minimum structured wellness programs, limited to just 25 people. Think of it as a luxury boot camp where guests work as a team and share activities, including organic and plant-based meals. Each day begins with a breathtaking four-hour group hiking excursion along the coastline, followed by lunch, nap time, an afternoon strength training class, restorative yoga, and a daily massage. Additionally, guests have access to an array of alternative health services and treatments, including IV therapy, cholesterol testing, energy healing, and infrared and cryotherapy saunas.

The cost: Rates for the signature six night/seven day fitness and wellness program start at $7,600 per person/week for double occupancy and $9,200 per person/week for single occupancy.

A fan of music, dance and cats, Tracy E. Hopkins is a lifestyle and culture writer who has contributed to numerous print and digital publications, including Essence, Woman's Day, Prevention, Fodor's and Entertainment Weekly.