We joined five diners dressed in country-club casual to marvel over a four-course feast paired with wines and introduced by the executive chef. There were watercress and pomegranate seeds tossed in honey vinaigrette, a trio of potato pancakes, braised short ribs, and flourless chocolate cake garnished with mint and whipped cream.
The next morning, we dreaded stepping on the scale, believing we'd pay for the night's indulgence. But it was down. Down!
What had wrought such a miracle? The gourmet meal had been under 600 calories; it was the Chef's Table presentation at Hilton Head Health, one of the nation's leading weight loss and fitness destinations.
Founded almost 50 years ago, the wellness retreat features a comprehensive, holistic approach to slimming down and shaping up at its South Carolina resort.
In December, we had contemplated our New Year's resolutions and decided to treat ourselves to four days at H3 (so nicknamed for the triple H in its name). It was an invigorating kickstart in the sun and surf for a fresh style of living for 2024.
H3 has everything you'd expect from a luxe resort where you spoil yourself by indulging in pampering services. It includes yoga and Pilates classes, a saltwater pool, a sauna, gyms with cutting-edge equipment, massages, and clean, delish food.
But it also provides a full schedule of classes as well as private sessions from staff experts in psychology, exercise, meditation, nutrition and cooking. Most everything is included in the base price, which can be expensive but worth the cost.
Whether just starting a healthful journey or already a gym rat, guests at H3 are helped to meet their objectives. Fun workouts take place throughout the day with options ranging from simple stretching to aqua aerobics to cardio boxing – something for everyone at any fitness level.
H3 promotes activity first thing in the morning and after every meal by scheduling guided walks and bike rides past palm trees and oaks dripping with Spanish moss, often along the nearby beach. In addition to golf, pickleball and tennis, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and other coastal adventures are on the menu.
Lectures shifted our mindset on topics such as goal setting, increasing energy and stamina, and habits of successful weight management. Among the important lessons we learned were techniques for prioritizing self-care and establishing portion control.
We stayed just a few steps from the pool, gym and main building in a contemporary room in the Sweetgrass Inn, which features plenty of comfy common areas for gathering.
At check-in, we were provided with a schedule filled with possibilities. It wasn't easy to choose among pool volleyball, tips to curb nighttime snacking and yoga for bone health. But there was no pressure.
We could participate in as much as we wanted. Or as little. And we could unwind between classes at the resort's Indigo Spa, which specializes in massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures.
Individuals investing in their well-being stay from just a few days to months at a time. Some health-conscious travelers come back again and again, often scheduling their return to reunite with friends they made during previous trips.
The staff was at the top of their game. Everyone from the exercise instructors (who'll modify just about any class to fit your physical needs) to the waiters (who recall how you want your food) exuded encouragement.
The flavors of Mediterranean-inspired dining made with local ingredients delighted us. The seasonal menu of nourishing dishes noted how many calories were in each plate from berry smoothie to blackened sea bass to red velvet cupcake. Good-for-you snacks, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, fresh fruit, veggies and almonds, were out all day. Variations based on dietary needs or preferences were freely accepted.
At H3, they said it's not a question of depriving yourself. After all, how long can even a hardcore dieter white-knuckle it? The goal is to develop an eating plan, exercise targets and behavioral strategies that are sustainable both at the program and at home.
We left Hilton Head with a wholesome outlook, pumped to apply to our real life the healthy habits we'd established on vacation. On vacation! And now that we're home, we have every intention of making them stick. Stay tuned.