It’s far too early on Saturday morning—the sun is barely peaking out from its kaleidoscopic reflection, allowing a ray of sunlight to sneak into my room. I force myself to leave the comfort of my cloud-like bed at the Bacara Resort & Spa, to get a glimpse into Bacara’s Sky Ranch Fitness Retreat program.
The resort is the epitome of luxury. Positioned on the shores of Haskell’s Beach with majestic mountains keeping it protected from the madness of the day-to-day life, it’s the ideal hideaway for turning a new healthy leaf. Daily schedules include an array of classes and activities keeping visitors on their toes, leading co-founder Stuart Gildred to dub the program “camp for adults,” a slogan guests approve of. The diverse program includes daily hikes through the surrounding natural beauty of Santa Ynez, Gaviota, and Santa Barbara, followed by fitness courses that range from yoga, TRX, and even kickboxing. The itinerary of hard work meets fun and luxury attracts everyone from the high-strung New Yorker, to the yogi.
Myself, and four program participants follow our leaders, Celine and Stuart, for a relaxing hike through the bluffs after an energizing açai bowl breakfast. On the breezy walk along the shore I chat with Stuart about program's goal and philosophy. “The goal is to teach sustainability,” he explains, because if guests cannot continue with the practices of the program at home, the whole retreat is irrelevant. This component, which is key to truly transforming one’s lifestyle, is oddly missing from many similar programs, essentially diminishing the effects of the lessons taught. Sky Ranch Fitness puts a great emphasis on the sustainability factor of the program, starting with the mental element. Participants meet with on-site psychologists with whom they discuss their current life and what they hope to get out of the program, since mental health is a huge part of the evolution to a healthy life. This process allows each individual to tailor the program to their specific needs, resulting in Sky Ranch Fitness’ rave reviews.
We walk in pairs listening to the waves crash, the participants reflecting on the positive experiences they shared throughout their stay at Bacara. Everyone seems relaxed and blissful. One visitor describes his experience as “educational” adding that the whole thing has been “100%”—you can’t really beat that review. Since a key element of the program is rooted in educating guests the last day (today) of the program includes an exit consultation where a specific diet plan is comprised, including everything from how to properly grocery shop, to what restaurants in each guests’ hometown offer healthy options. The Sky Ranch Fitness team goes even further, offering post-program support, “they can call nutritionists and fitness trainers after they leave, to guarantee continued success,” Stuart explains. Now that's what I call commitment to upholding guaranteed results..
After the hike begins the real test of strength and determination—the fitness portion of the day. Keeping an active lifestyle made the idea of a “tough workout” seem like a stretch, yet I found myself in a rude awakening. As I step into the class I realize that I have never used half of the equipment, which slightly shakes my confidence. The room is separated into four sections: exercise balls, Bosu-balls, steppers and weights, and TRX bands. Intimidating to say the least. The combination of the trainers’ enthusiasm and upbeat music got the room pumped during our warm up, after which I was already breaking a sweat—not a good sign. Next came the rotation from hell. A minute per station, intended to target every muscle group during a 45-minute cycle. As it turns out, my own workout regimen is a joke, because I could hardly keep up. Proving that Sky Ranch Fitness is not all about luxury and relaxation, the program does in fact push participants to their limits in order to achieve the goals they arrive with. Although hard, there is nothing more rewarding than walking out of a situation where you gave it your all. The room full of smiling sweat-drenched faces reaffirms that there is a process to the madness, and it works.
The day is wrapping up, and with it the program. Participants exchange genuine hugs and phone numbers, reminding me of the recurring comment I heard during my chat with them as we strolled the bluffs. Everyone noted what truly made the experience incredible is the—not only the trainers and staff—but the participants themselves. Something about Sky Ranch Fitness brings together individuals who have a positive attitude about embarking on their fitness journey, and a certain openness that allows for bonding and the formation of real interpersonal connections while growing and learning as a team. Maybe it’s the allure of Santa Barbara’s beauty, the values Stuart promotes in the program, maybe it’s fate, or simply serendipity.
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