The Raj
The Raj is a Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center in Fairfield, Iowa that invites guests to experience perfect health. All programs are designed to restore balance throughout the mind and body. Although many different programs are available, each one is based on a comprehensive system of healthcare. Consequently, whether it’s aroma and sound therapy or learning how to work out to relieve stress, each step supports every other to accelerate the process of increasing vitality and well-being.
The Maharishi Rejuvenation Program is offered for a minimum of three days, although one week is recommended for first-time guests. Because Ayurveda has been known to be particularly helpful with chronic disease, the program begins with an in-depth health evaluation and includes the ancient pulse diagnostic technique to determine an individual’s mind-body balance and to detect any pre-illness imbalances. After specific recommendations are made regarding diet, daily routine, exercise, and behavior, guests receive detoxification treatments. Two-and-a-half hours each day are spent receiving shirodhara oil massages, herbalized steam baths, aromatherapy, and gentle oil enemas, after which the effects of stress, fatigue, and environmental toxins are eliminated. The program also includes a gourmet vegetarian diet, health education courses, yoga, and lectures from visiting experts. The program is meant to be a foundation for lasting well-being, guests are given a home program to continue working toward a health-promoting lifestyle. The Raj can refer departing guests to an Ayurvedic physician in their area.
Heartland Health Spa
On the thirty-one-acre Kam Lake Estate in the heart of Illinois’ rural Iroquois County lies the Heartland Health Spa, one of the Midwest’s most recognized spas. Heartland was recently included in Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s "Twenty-five of the Best" spas throughout the world. Helping guests achieve lasting wellness is emphasized at this secluded health retreat, which is situated just eighty miles south of Chicago. Programs are designed to provide guests with the knowledge and skills to utilize the current wealth of information regarding health, nutrition, and stress management to improve their lives. Guests leave Heartland revitalized and inspired to make positive lifestyle changes.
Heartland’s programs can be divided into four basic categories: general lifestyle, nutrition, stress management, and beauty. General lifestyle programs start with a detailed questionnaire, after which guests receive individual counseling on the most effective ways to make the desired healthy changes. During the stress management program, guests receive therapeutic massage; learn yoga, tai chi, relaxation, and meditation techniques; and participate in gentle movement exercises. The nutritional program emphasizes a sound diet as the first step toward living a full life with the health and stamina required to achieve personal goals. Guests learn about nutrition, food preparation, and behavior modification techniques for weight loss. Beauty programs spoil guests with many personal services, including loofah scrubs, manicures, pedicures, massage, and aromatherapy relaxation treatments.
Because of the voluminous offering of daily classes and activities, guests are encouraged to participate only in those activities that address their personal goals. The weekend and five- and seven-day program rates include taxes and lodging, meals, classes, use of the spa and sport and exercise facilities, lectures, massages, facials, complementary exercise, and clothing.
The Christine Center
The pristine natural setting and rustic hermitages of this rural Wisconsin retreat recommends the Christine Center as a vacation where guests take home "more than just a suntan." This accolade by the host of "Good Morning America," was not surprising considering that for more than twenty years the center has welcomed visitors from around the country who come for a quiet place to gain insight and perspective in a rejuvenating, spiritually-based community. The center was founded in 1980 with the aid of the Wheaton Franciscans in the Spirit of St. Francis, under the direction of Sister Virginia Mary Barta. Intended as a place for solitude and meditation, twenty cabins were built — each in a carefully designated forest setting — of local natural materials. In 1990, the center became an independent not-for-profit corporation embracing Unitive Spirituality, which recognizes the diversity and commonality of all spiritual traditions.
Workshops, which are scheduled throughout the year, address various aspects of health and personal growth. For example, retreats include the Healing Science of Homeopathy, Feminism and the Path of Meditation, and Sacred Dance. Private retreats offered at the Christine Center provide the solitude necessary to pursue personal goals in an environment of contemplation and renewal. Guests have the option of seeking spiritual guidance or working part of the day in exchange for discounted lodging. The Rejuvenation Retreats can last from a few days to a few weeks. Staff members consult with guests to design a schedule of activities intended to nurture the mind, body, and soul. Options include bodywork, meditation instruction, spiritual guidance, nutritional counseling, breathwork, and more.
Resources
Heartland Health Spa, 1237 E. 1600 North Road, Gilman, Illinois; 800-545-HTLD
The Raj, 1754 Jasmine Avenue, Fairfield, Iowa; 800-248-9050
The Christine Center, W8303 Mann Road, Willard, Wisconsin; 715-267-7507
Excerpted with permission from Spa Vacations: Your Guide to Healing Centers and Retreats, by Annalisa Cunningham. © 2001 Avalon Travel Publishing, www.travelmatters.com