When Catherine Hyldgaard decided to spring clean her home last April, she realized that her body might benefit from some spring-cleaning as well. She had participated in a weekend health retreat and had seen the benefit but Hyldgaard wanted to do something longer lasting with longer term results. Like all good citizens of modern life, she googled the Internet to do her research and was surprised to see a health retreat offered so close to home called Abundant Life Wellness Center. Hyldgaard lives in Beaumont a small town in Alberta, her passion for horses and her professional life of financial advisor keeps her active. However, Hyldgaard found the need to fill in the pre-registration form for Abundant Life Wellness Center. Once she spoke to the program manager and when was confirmed 'good to go' she decided to take her partner Philip along with her. "We are both in the fiftyish age bracket and weight had somehow accumulated over the years and stubborn to shift," Hyldgaard says. "We needed a big change not just a few modifications. We had tried all that and nothing worked." They attended a 14-day retreat and Hyldgaard lost seven and a half pounds while there, with another six pounds since then and another 35 to go. "It's working for us. It was fast at first and now it is slow and steady." Since the retreat, the couple have changed their lifestyle and their eating habits."We used to eat the North American diet-high in sugar and carbs, now we eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. If we want a treat, we go for a vegetarian pizza. We don't feel like we are missing anything, except extra weight and we have gained a new focus in life-vibrant health," Hyldgaard says. "We are also closer as a couple. We did not expect so much to come out of 14 days." An unexpected bonus is the asthma Hyldgaard had for 17 years is gone and no longer need medication for it.Abundant Life Health Retreats are rebranding as Fresh Start but will continue to offer health restoration retreats to help weight loss and wellness at a new location: the eco-friendly Ocean Resort, Vancouver Island's Spiritual and Wellness Retreat Centre. This center is accessible by air, ferry and car."We are very excited about this move, both for our clients and for the future of Fresh Start. The Ocean Resort is the perfect venue to offer retreats that require a relaxing, private environment with excellent facilities for spa treatments," Ania Kastashchuk, Fresh Start program manager says.Ania and Vasili Kastashchuk had been hosting the retreats in Alberta since 2005, completing over 125 retreats serving over 650 clients and are making the move to Ocean Resort because of the preferred facility and location.Fresh Start is a health restoration retreat focusing on advanced whole body detoxification, weight loss and rejuvenation, during five, ten and 14-day residential programs."We use basic health principles and combine health lectures, emotional wellness with nutritional support and knowledge," explains Ania Kastashchuk.The new Fresh Start team consists of a naturopathic doctor for onsite consultations, massage therapy, Reiki, reflexology and other spa services using the highest quality organic or all-natural products and ingredients.
Ocean Resort, located on Vancouver Island's Oyster Bay, overlooks Desolation Sound and the Coastal Mountain range. The resort, established in 2008, boasts 28 well-appointed rooms and is especially positioned to host the Fresh Start wellness experience, with direct flights to the Comox Valley airport with major airlines. "Guests can enjoy an environment which is both welcoming and supportive. Experience long walks on the beach or watch the resident eagle and other wildlife from the comfort of a beach chair," says Ania Kastashchuk. "Fresh Start staff is serious about helping to improve well-being. This new setting will inspire wellness to a new level."Philip and Catherine Hyldgaard are already planning a 5-day 'refresher' retreat at the new location."It's good to get inspired and keep motivated. Also, we can't wait to see the resort and Ania and Vasili again. They helped us so much the first time round."The first Fresh Start retreat at Ocean Resort is offered August 31, 2010.For Fresh Start Retreat Inquiries or to book a program visit: Free Consultation or Pre-Register at www.HealthRetreat.ca
