Stay & Play
Hilton Head Health Resort
by Jennifer Merrick
“Was there a wellness Kool-Aid that everyone was drinking?” I wondered on my first day at Hilton Head Health (HHH), an all-inclusive wellness resort on Hiton Head Island in South Carolina. Every guest I talked to had been here multiple times.
“Twelve times,” said Linda from Chicago.
“Seven times,” said Pat from Vancouver Island. And they were raving about it. “This place saved my life,” Pat declared and went on to say that when she first came to HHH seven years ago, she had weighed over 300 pounds.
By adopting the philosophy and strategies that were imparted during her initial one-month stay, she lost half her weight and now returns annually to maintain healthy habits, keep up motivation and catch up with her newfound friends.
For others like Linda, weight loss was secondary, and they came to take a break from their hectic lifestyles and focus on their well-being in a nonjudgemental and community atmosphere.
At first, I was slightly taken aback by the gushing. But after my four-day stay here, I was planning my return visit, too.
What makes this place so special?
Sumptuous healthy food: No food group was off-limits and with rich soups, salads, seafood, pasta, meat and vegetarian options on the menu, I was always satisfied, despite the low-calorie count. “The focus is on whole foods,” said Chef T, when he was showcasing one of his cooking demonstrations for guests. “We even use butter and cream, just in moderation.”
The chef’s dinner, hosted once a week, was a culinary experience not to be missed. Our meal included multiple courses: smoked corn chowder with lobster, roasted zucchini, sirloin filet with mushroom sauce and cheesecake for dessert. All for 600 calories. “It’s wizardry magic,” declared one guest at the end.
Dizzying variety of activities: On Monday alone I counted 28 different programming options: core presentations that instructed guests on eating and fitness strategies to take home; classic fitness classes, including circuit training, Zumba, TRX strength, aquafit and yoga; and specialized conditioning classes such as hula hoop, drums alive, isometrics and shoulder mobility.
On top of that were the wellness offerings, like meditation, massage, mindfulness classes, and a life balance assessment, which were part of the ReNew Retreat. Anne, who facilitated the assessment, explained that this program was designed as a way for people to check out of their busy lives and refill their tanks. This struck a chord for me, and I appreciated her insights on a gentle and moderate approach to lifestyle changes.
Serene island property: Part of the resort’s exceptionality is the locale itself on Hilton Head Island. The 30-room Sweetgrass Inn and its two- and three-bedroom villas are surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation. Their walking paths are fringed by both moss-draped oak trees and tropical palms and flowers. Streams and lagoons traverse the grounds, and long-legged wading birds stand motionless waiting for their prey. Amenities include the full-service Indigo Spa, sauna, an outdoor pool and hot tub. And then there’s the proximity to the beach. Numerous scheduled activities include yoga, kayaking, nature-sighting outings and beach walks.
Listening to the lapping of the waves as we strolled on the sand that stretched endlessly, while the sky changed colors with the setting sun, I drank in the view. And the wellness Kool-Aid, too.
