If you can’t remember the last time you took a sunset stroll on the beach, sat back and relaxed with a good book or ate a healthy meal, then Donna Mitchell can help.
The local lifestyle guru is staging a Health, Wellness and Relaxation Retreat, a four-day getaway aimed at helping stressed-out professionals get back on track.
‘The whole purpose is to get off the treadmill that we’ve all been on,’ she said. ‘It’s a chance to take a break.’
The retreat includes everything from gourmet dining, snorkelling and yoga to guided tours, massage therapy and workshops on healthy living. It takes place on the long weekend, from 10-13 June, at Compass Point resort in East End.
Mitchell, a lifestyle consultant specializing in weight management and self-help, says taking a break from everyday routine is crucial, particularly given the stress of rebuilding after Ivan.
‘It’s still a pretty shattered island in some ways. People are still feeling the effects,’ she said. ‘People are still doing a lot of drinking, their homes are not in order, and so they’re still living in semi-chaos.
‘There’s definitely residual stress. They need to slow down a little bit.’
The retreat is the first in a series of events Mitchell is planning on healthy living. In the fall, she hopes to introduce weight-loss and healthy living workshops for women along with weight loss camps for children at the beachfront resort.
The weekend wellness retreat will feature a mix of activities and workshops including presentations on healthy living, stress management and achieving a balanced lifestyle. Hiking, biking, sunset beach strolls, kayaking, snorkelling, evening boat cruises, diving and a guided mystery tour are among the outdoor activities.
Relaxation therapies such as massage, gentle stretching exercises on the beach, breathing techniques and bubble therapy – a fun de-stressor devised by Ocean Frontiers that involves making bubbles underwater with dive gear – are also on tap.
Nutritious gourmet dining is being provided by Giuseppe Gatta of the Lighthouse Restaurant, who will also share recipes.
While programme activities aren’t compulsory Mitchell encourages people to take part in some of the events to help kick-start a return to regular exercise as well as boost mental well-being.
‘It’s not just about lying on the beach – although there will be time for that.’
Along with individuals and couples, Mitchell said the retreat is ideal for companies to send their overworked employees to relax, rejuvenate and recharge, noting getaways often help people gain perspective.
‘If you’re carrying your cell phone into the shower, then it’s time to take a break.’
The idea for the getaway stems from Mitchell’s long-time work teaching healthy living to both adults and children along with her own travels. She said rather than booking a flight to escape the stress and routine of everyday living, people can take a break and recharge their batteries right in Cayman.
‘The whole purpose is for people to get away from everyday life but still be on the island.’
The all-inclusive four-day, four-night package – guests check in 9 June – costs $875 per person with 10 per cent off for Chamber of Commerce members and Lifestyles with Donna members. Call 929-7512 or email [email protected] for more information. Visit www.oceanfrontiers.com for information about Compass Point resort.
Related Videos
