Let’s face it. Many of us have were completely thrown off our wellness routines in 2020. It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, most gyms were closed. The average professional went from sitting in traffic to sitting at home on their laptops working. While we enjoyed the freedom of working (and worrying) from home, we also consumed a lot more calories than usual.
Cooking comfort food, ordering take-out in the name of supporting small businesses (that was my excuse!) and binge-watching Netflix all lead to the now popularized “Quarantine Fifteen.”
If you gained weight during the pandemic, you are not alone. In a recent study, 61% of Americans said they gained weight with the average gaining 27 lbs over the last 14 months.
Now that we are seeing the light at the end of the proverbial pandemic tunnel, hitting the reset button on our wellness goals is key to get back on track.
That’s where the amazing opportunity to visit Hilton Head Health came in.
After my recent 7-day visit, I can see why Hilton Head Health was voted “America’s #1 Weight Loss, Health, and Wellness Resort of 2019” by USA Today. H3 (as it is affectionately referred to by its guests) also scored “Best for Weight Loss” seven years in a row by SpaFinder Wellness.
This all-inclusive wellness resort offers a healthy and relaxing getaway filled with invigorating fitness classes, enlightening self-reflection workshops, gourmet healthy food, and a relaxing spa which will leave you fully refreshed and inspired to continue eating, exercising and feeling well.
Lovely Location
Hilton Head Health is conveniently located inside Shipyard Plantation. This scenic 800 acre gated community filled with miles of attractive pedestrian paths lined with moss-draped oak trees and tropical palms. Hilton Head Beach is walking distance which was perfect for morning walks and sunrise yoga.
Hilton Head Health is a magnificent 800-acre sanctuary on the southeastern side of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We decided to drive up from Miami and stopped in Savannah, Georgia along the way.
The New Sweetgrass Inn
While many Hilton Head Health visitors stay in neighboring private 2-3 bedroom cottages sprinkled around the property, the wellness resort did not have a central hotel until 2021 with the opening of the new Sweetgrass Inn. This new lovely property feels like home with a rocking chair porch overlooking the H3 pool.
The new 30-room expansion is just steps away from the main H3 campus. The rooms are equipped with a desk and high-speed WiFi which is where I worked from in between my fitness classes. I loved the attention to detail with subtle encouraging messages throughout the property.
There are many different reasons why H3 has received so many awards over their 40 years in business but for me, it was the warm and friendly hospitality that really stood out. Everyone at H3 was so incredibly nice and genuine. (Maybe it's because they get proper sleep, nutrition and exercise? Because that does wonders for my mood! HA!)
Fitness Classes
Whether you are looking to start with the basics or want to advance and broaden your fitness approach we have what you need. At Hilton Head Health you can experience up to 50 different exercise options in a beautiful island setting.
We signed up for early morning beach walks, TRX fitness classes, yoga, Zumba and even a fun marching band inspired class. With several classes to choose from every hour, there is no shortage of things to do. You can also rent bikes and take a friendly stroll to the beach which is perfect just before sunset.
Getting my sweat on at Hilton Head Health! Plenty of space to work out solo or in group classes.
The Indigo Spa
You cannot leave H3 without visiting their Indigo Spa. My spa service was scheduled for the third day of my visit which was perfect timing. My body was definitely feeling all the fitness classes we had signed up for and the beach walks. H3 reminds you that rest and recovery are important in long-term sustainable wellness habits.
Gourmet Cuisine at True Kitchen
As soon as you enter the True Kitchen, you are greeted by friendly staff who take you to your table. Their nutritious menu is posted daily featuring options for everyone including whole food plant-based dishes which are prepared fresh like their BBQ Jackfruit Bowl or Mustard and Pecan Encrusted Tofu.
BBQ Jackfruit Bowl Mustard and Pecan Encrusted Tofu Tofu Sushi Bowl
When you open the menu and read the descriptions, you will be amazed that you are eating so well within your weight loss or wellness program guidelines. Each dish arrives as its own beautifully presented hand-crafted creation. True Dining has perfected its recipes to control calories and meet dietary needs while making use of fresh locally-sourced ingredients. I never once felt hungry or deprived. I also enjoyed eating my meals and snacks around the same time daily. H3 focuses on teaching that mindfulness and moderation, not restriction, is the key to long-term success.
Wellness Programs
Hilton Head Health offers multiple programs for those looking for a wellness getaway with endless options that can make your stay unique.
Healthy Getaway: Take 3 to 4 (or more!) days and clear your mind. This program is a mini-vacation that focuses on healthy eating and exercise. Learn more about Healthy Getaway.
WorkWell: If you’d like to continue working during your stay, that can be built into your schedule. Your private office space is equipped with high-speed internet, video conferencing capabilities, and wireless printing. Learn more about WorkWell.
Additional programs at Hilton Head Health: Looking for something different? The LivingWell Program provides a different type of wellness vacation. Or, if you want more of an emphasis on weight loss, there are multiple programs offered to fit your needs.
With so many vacation hot spots to choose from, a wellness retreat may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, if you want a vacation that will leave you feeling energized and inspired, H3 will deliver on that promise.
It has been almost two months since I visited Hilton Head Health and I have truly renewed my commitment to my wellness journey after a "WTF" year.
Looking back, my visit was exactly what I needed.
I went from stuck in a rut with no consistent routine to coming back home feeling like a million bucks. I was reminded that my body is strong at any weight and that wellness is so much more than the number on the scale.
I learned what my blind spots were when it came to my long history with yo-yo dieting. My failure to plan was really holding me back from achieving my goals.
I came back to Miami and within a week I put into action what I had been procrastinating.
- I signed up for my first triathlon after my 2020 date was canceled due to Covid-19.
- I signed back up for triathlon coaching after putting it on pause in April 2020.
- I finally got my bike professionally fitted and started to learn how to ride with cleats. (YAY for adult beginners!)
I am truly grateful for experiencing Hilton Head Health. I hadn’t left yet and I already wanted to come back. In fact, many guests return to H3 when they need a reset or simply want a vacation where you leave feeling like a champ. I personally can't wait to go back and visit.
Editor's Note: H3 wellness programs and packages vary in price. Please refer to hhhealth.com for more information on booking your stay.
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