When traveling to the beach…the secret of how to pack is easy…bathing suits – lots and lots of bathing suits. (Oh and bathing suit cover ups.)
But what about when you are embarking on a one-week weight loss spa retreat?
Now, before I divulge the secret of how to pack for a weight loss spa retreat, there are two things you should know about my travel packing strategy:
I strive to be a carry-on only gal as much as possible when I travel by plane.
and
I ALWAYS travel with liquid detergent so that I can wash and wear quick drying pieces multiple times on a trip.
Which is why my heart went pitter-patter when I opened the information packet from Mountain Trek, in British Columbia – where I am heading for a weeklong experience. Not only was the packing list of what to bring spelled out, but I discovered that maybe I would not have to bring my trusty liquid detergent after all since there are daily laundry services. Yes–you read that correctly – DAILY laundry.
Now, presumably not every weight loss spa or wellness retreat out there offer such brilliant services… but the secret of what to pack (and not pack) is still the same.
What I AM packing for a one-week wellness program
- Hiking boots (I am wearing these on my flight since they are so bulky)
- Running shoes (No, I am not ALSO going to be trail running when there. But there are fitness classes each day in the afternoon).
- 1 pair fuzzy slippers for the lodge PLUS 1 pair flip-flops
- Workout clothes for the fitness center (two sets-including a pair of running capris that can also be used for hiking)
- 1 pair convertible hiking pants (they roll up and have zippers to become shorts!)
- 1 long sleeve wicking shirt
- 2 short sleeve wicking shirts
- 1 warm layer
- 3 sports bras
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 1 pajama set
- 1 sweatshirt for lounging
- 1 cardigan for lounging
- 1 pair yoga pants for lounging
- 1 tshirt for lounging
- Rain jacket and rain pants (Because alas, we will be hiking every day, rain or shine…and being that the location is in the Pacific Northwest in the spring…there will be rain.)
- 1 hat for sun
- Socks (for hiking and the gym)
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, moisturizer, eye cream and Body Glide for chafing)
- Sunglasses
- Camera (DSLR and my phone camera)
- Books (my Kindle is loaded with The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker and The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd)
- Laptop (My brain probably mistakenly thinks I am going to coherent enough in the evening to do some work….I am taking bets on whether or not this will be true)
- Misfit Shine to keep track of the number of steps I take each day
- Chargers for all devices
- Liquid laundry detergent (yes, I just wrote about how wonderful it is that laundry is done for you….but I have a confession. I dry most of my clothes on a drying rack- in fear of shrinkage. My guess is that I may wash my intimates on my own…because well, it is a hard habit to break.)
(By the way, if you are not on a first name basis with the folks at REI – you should be. It is my go-to store for hiking and skiing gear…and it just so happened that there was a recent sale….so I “may” have spent a LOT of time there in the last few weeks as I prepared for this trip.)
What I am NOT packing
Of course, since every program and wellness retreat are different, it is always a good idea to ask about what is provided for you. I am thankful that Mountain Trek provides shampoo, soap, conditioner, a backpack for hiking and hiking poles…plus they gift you with a water carrying bladder and a heart rate monitor to bring home with you.
What else did I not pack?
- Makeup
- Jewelry
- Perfume
- Shoes with high-heels
The “secret” it seems – of how to pack for a weight loss spa retreat (as is the case with most travel) is to lay out everything you think you need/want. And then remove pieces that are superfluous. (I removed an extra pair of hiking pants, yoga pants and t-shirts.) The other secret? Pack gear that is moisture wicking or technical for both ease of washing and layering.
The good news is that everything fit into my carry-on bag. Even if, looking over my list, I have no doubt that there are extras that will never be worn (or needed).
(I will update this post after my week to report on what I did not use.)
UPDATE:
Well….even though I did not pack very much in my carry-on for one week at my wellness retreat…..there were still two things I NEVER used: my rain pants and hat.
Having laundry services at Mountain Trek was a dream come true – including being able to indicate which clothes should be hung to dry.
*I will be a guest of Mountain Trek during my stay. I am thrilled to not just satisfy a long-time bucket list travel dream but to learn tools to create more opportunities for everyday wellness – and hopefully to inspire others to create their own wellness journeys. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
The Secret of How to Pack for a Weight Loss Spa Retreat appeared first on Live.Do.Grow by Elena Sonnino