There’s good reason for the advice that in the event of an emergency airline staff advise you to attach your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else – it’s about self-care, looking after yourself first so that you, in turn, can take care of others. So, for me, a visit to Resolution Retreats, a women’s only wellness retreat, came at the perfect time. It meant I could recharge my batteries, switch off and enjoy some TLC and tune into my own needs for a few days. Four days with someone else preparing the meals, yoga and gym sessions, plenty of social interaction with other amazing women, bliss time and, of course, pampering spa treatments to look forward to.
The brainchild of Joelene Ranby and the largest health retreat in Australasia to cater exclusively to women, Resolution Retreats is virtually on our doorstep. The five-star, 35-hectare, purpose-built resort is situated close to Lake Karapiro, not far from Cambridge, and offers health retreats from three-day fresh starts to three-week life-changer programmes.
The entrance to the main building is beautiful – large windows give it an airy and spacious feel. Joelene is there to meet us as we arrive one by one and shows us to our gorgeous accommodation. My chalet is roomy – a lounge, small dining room and kitchenette, secluded verandah, large bedroom with a desk nestled at one end, massive bathroom with spa bath and shower, and a large dressing room off to the side, complete with ironing board, hairdryer and all the other facilities you need for an away-from-home stay.
There are 16 of us on the retreat – women from all over the North Island in all age groups and levels of fitness. Pre-Covid, many of the guests came from Australia – Joelene was in the middle of a three-week retreat when news of the lockdown came through, which meant urgently getting her Oz clients on flights back home. However, I wouldn’t say too much would ruffle Joelene’s feathers.
We’re given a group tour of the facilities and I have to say, I’m super impressed. There’s a whole wing dedicated to the spa part of the retreat where ladies can enjoy a full range of beauty treatments. There’s also a tennis court; two small gyms – one for cardio, the other for weights; two heated swimming pools – the large one is slightly cooler than the smaller plunge pool; two infrared saunas; a light-filled yoga room; an education room with a library of both educational and fictional reads; a large lounge room and dining room, and a massive kitchen where Joelene prepares our delicious meals.
Five-star accommodation
Main entrance to Resolution Retreats
Putting you first
We have all been given a carefully planned schedule which includes daily yoga, meditation, fitness sessions in the gym, pool or on the deck, cooking demonstrations, educational topics and plenty of bliss time where we can kick back and do our own thing. Many of us gravitate each day to the hot plunge pool for a soak-and-chat and it isn’t too long before there’s a jovial rapport amongst us. You’re also free to drive into Cambridge but are encouraged to take someone with you so you’re not tempted to indulge in anything on the ‘not allowed’ list – alcohol, treats, etc. A number of ladies head off each day to explore Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain and walk through the Maungakawa Scenic Reserve.
I imagined the meals would be small and there would be an edge to our hunger but am pleasantly surprised at the abundant servings we have three times a day. There’s also a snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon which we all look forward to. Dietary restrictions are all catered for, effortlessly.
Resolution Retreats is the perfect place to refresh and reset your health, and with many of us putting on a bit of ‘comfort’ weight during lockdown, we were able to get away from the daily grind and long ‘to do’ lists, refocus on ourselves and implement realistic changes to our lives and diets. Joelene reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect to be healthier than we were yesterday, last month or last year. She suggests thinking of ‘health’ as a doing word rather than a destination and, with that in mind, ‘do’ some health every day.
“Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations of ourselves… we fall short and feel let down, not good enough and, as a result, lose motivation and give up because it’s all too hard. We would prefer you to focus on progress, not perfection” – Joelene Ranby
Ongoing support
Many retreats are effective whilst you are staying with them but, once you get home, it’s easy to fall back into bad habits. The Resolution Retreats programmes continue to support guests even when they’ve left. During our stay we each build our own toolbox with sustainable and pragmatic strategies so we can continue what we’ve learnt on returning home.
For many women, accountability is a key motivator and the Resolution Retreats support team keeps in contact with guests to help them stay motivated and on track and, if anyone needs a pep talk or a bit of motivation, the team is happy for them to get in touch. The day I get home there is already an email from Joelene with heaps of healthy Retreat recipes. Guests can also join a ‘Squad’ Facebook group – a great community page which lets us stay in touch and encourage each other.
“Don’t take on too much all at once. Willpower is not an infinite resource. Try putting your energy and willpower into changing or establishing one habit at a time.” – Joelene Ranby
The Retreats are very much about YOU and having the opportunity to recalibrate, slow down de-stress and relax. They allow you to recharge your batteries, and regain a sense of balance and wellness in your life.
There are a number of Retreat programmes throughout the year but, be warned, they do book out quickly. To find out more, hop onto their website resolutionretreats.co.nz
