In a world that incessantly interrupts us with attention traps and deadlines, we’ve become a generation of overstressed and restless individuals who consider relaxation a luxury, as opposed to a necessary element for optimum health. When it’s time to recharge our physical and emotional wellbeing, a wellness getaway may be the best remedy.

The Four Seasons Westlake Village Wellness Retreat is a luxurious and rejuvenating experience for those seeking to unwind and reconnect with their inner selves. With a focus on wellness, it offers a range of amenities and services designed to promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being by spending four days surrounded by deluxe accommodations. The programs are designed to help individuals achieve their health goals, whether it be weight loss, stress reduction or overall wellness.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a warm welcome and guided to their spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, which are designed to create a tranquil and calming environment. The dozen or so guests per session then gather in the stylish “Living Room” where a Wellness team member outlines the itinerary for the coming days.

First on the agenda is a gentle yoga class offered on the patio where participants shed the brain baggage they are bearing, and set their individual intentions for what they hope to achieve through the program. The yoga and meditation classes are taught by experienced instructors and are designed to help guests find inner peace and balance.

Back in the Living Room, one of the certified Four Seasons Wellness Retreat dietitians presents an introduction to nutrition. The science-based presentation debunks some long-standing food myths, and guests are taught the value of organic foods. Some of these include fewer pesticides and chemicals, which means that the food produced is less likely to contain harmful residues that can be harmful to human health. Organic farming practices focus on improving the soil quality and using natural fertilizers, which can result in higher nutrient content in the food produced, and there are no genetically modified organisms. These farming practices are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than conventional farming practices, which can help support a healthier planet.

Since the program is entirely instructional and interactive, next on the list is a Wellness cooking class in the center’s impressive commercial kitchen, where guests will join to prepare the evening meal. Taught by one of the Four Seasons Westlake Village chefs, the hands-on experience also serves to bond the participants as they get acquainted while they prep, cook and dine together.

After dinner, the guests experience a guided sound bath meditation. This therapeutic practice immerses guests in sound waves generated by various instruments, such as singing bowls, gongs, chimes and other percussion instruments. The sound waves are believed to have a healing effect on the mind and body by promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep quality.

The second day begins with yoga and meditation followed by a healthy breakfast. The group then departs in elegant Four Seasons vehicles to a guided hike through the Santa Monica Mountains, ending at an overview of the stunning Malibu coastline. Upon return, a healthy cabana lunch is served poolside.

The afternoon includes private consultations with a nutritionist who helps individuals with any dietary challenges and offers customized recommendations. The next session is with a certified private trainer, who conducts a body composition analysis. The sessions are followed by a spa treatment of each guest’s choice. Dinner takes place at Four Seasons Westlake Village’s fabulous restaurant, Coin and Candor, as a dietician joins the group to explain how to make healthy menu selections when dining out.

The next morning starts with a group circuit training session led by two exercise physiologists in the hotel’s extraordinary fitness center. The group is split in half and switches from cardio to strength training drills.

A healthy buffet breakfast follows, and, as guests indulge, one of the dieticians presents a course on the benefits of adopting an active lifestyle. These include reduced stress and anxiety as well as improve mood, self-esteem and cognitive function. A regular fitness routine helps burn calories and reduce body fat, which can help with weight loss and weight management. And ongoing exercise can help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue and can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of illness.

The afternoon consists of a group life-balance workshop, and a private life strategies consultation with a licensed therapist. A picnic lunch follows in the property’s herbed garden. After a relaxing afternoon, the group reconnects for dinner in the Wellness Kitchen.

On the final day, guests can opt to have breakfast in their guest room and join the rest of the group for a hike prior to checking out. The bittersweet goodbyes include an exchange of phone numbers and emails as the guests have established a wonderful friendship over the past few days.

The Four Seasons Westlake Village Wellness Retreat is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious and rejuvenating wellness experience. Participants are sure to leave the program feeling refreshed and inspired to implement the instruction and experiences they’ve gained.

Monique Reidy
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August 25, 2023