La Fortuna, COSTA RICA (October 2011) –In a setting that redefines “green” even by Costa Rica’s greener-than-most standards, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort introduces a comprehensive “Lifestyle & Wellness Program” designed to engage visitors in meaningful and transformative change. Harnessing the energy of the active Arenal Volcano, the healing powers of its natural thermal springs and its own all-natural Ayurvedic approach, the five-star, carbon-neutral resort’s intensive,highly personalized program provides the tools, techniques and knowledge to achieve a lifestyle of lasting wellness at the physical, mental and spiritual levels. Under the direction and supervision of a licensed nutritionist, guests stay a full week or more, experiencing a fully integrated plan designed to anchor them on a path to wellness.  More information is available at http://www.tabacon.com/costa-rica-resort-lifestyle-and-wellness-32.html  and  http://www.tabacon.com/info-lifestyle-and-wellness-package-special-packages-package-20-6.html.

The program is priced starting at $3,800 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes:

• Accommodations for seven nights (or more) at Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort;
• Nutritional evaluation and coaching by on-site nutritionist;
• Exercise training assessment and program;
• Personal and group exercise sessions;
• Two exclusive Lifestyle & Wellness Spa packages (each including three spa treatments) in the award-winning Grand Spa;
• Recreational activities, including resort walking trails and bike riding;
• Two group Temazcal sessions (Tabacón’s traditional sweat lodge);
• Cooking class with an Ayurvedic chef;
• Hatha yoga group sessions;
• Tropical welcome non-alcoholic cocktail;
• All meals (nutritionally balanced and cooked using Ayurveda principles), including one dinner in a private bungalow with dedicated chef and guest’s menu selection;
• Unlimited use of the resort’s natural thermal springs;
• Participation in the resort’s “Plant a Tree” program;
• Complimentary wireless Internet service;
• Taxes.

“When you are poised at the base of an active volcano, immersed in the warmth of a mineral-rich thermal spring, there is no better place to experience the powerful connection of mind, body and spirit,”said resort Managing Director Uwe Wagner. “There is no more unique or conducive setting in the world to achieve lasting change. While this program is designed to inspire our guests in their pursuit of lifelong health and wellness, it is not a diet program, although those who adopt this enlightened lifestyle approach may well experience some weight loss,” noted Wagner. “The program is designed to achieve the full benefits of Ayurveda, an intricate system of healing and living that originated in India thousands of years ago. It’s not about starvation or exercising until you reach exhaustion, it is about finding physical, mental and spiritual balance. Through our program, guests are taught a healthy lifestyle that they can embrace throughout their life.”

In keeping in the spirit of Ayurveda, the program includes a variety of memorable experiences that up the “vacation” quotient, including cooking classes, participation in the resort’s “Plant A Tree” program and a gala dinner in a private bungalow with a personal chef and guest-designed menu. In addition, guests choose two “Lifestyle & Wellness” packages at The Grand Spa. The Spa offers 11 different packages, each featuring three spa treatments and a 30-minute “Relaxation & Contemplation Moment,” a restful experience highlighted by freshly brewed herbal tea and sliced fresh fruit service together with a unique footbath and heated herbal back pack.  Among the Spa’s 11 packages are the Ayurveda Shiras package, featuring a Poppy Seed Body Scrub, Herbal Bath and Shirodhara Massage, and the Oxi Tropical package, featuring a Coconut Body Scrub, Tropical Fruits Body Wrap and Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage.

The health of each guest is a top priority at Tabacón. Prior to their arrival, program guests complete an extensive survey that sets the framework for their individualized program. The seven-page questionnaire and consent form reveals details about the guest’s current health, eating and exercise habits, family history, goals and attitudes, ensuring that the Tabacon team can craft an individualized program that will meet the guest’s overall wellness objectives. On arrival, they will meet with the resort’s nutritionist and spa staff and Ayurveda chef to design an Ayurvedic-based plan that promotes self-awareness and nourishment of the senses to balance mind and body. “That is the key to ongoing wellness,” says Wagner. 

Physically, Tabacón is uniquely situated to deliver such a rejuvenating, life-changing experience. Poised at the base of the Arenal Volcano, it is the only hotel in the world with a traditional Mexican sweatbath embedded in the energy of an active volcano. At Tabacón’s Grand Spa, guests can enjoy additional services such as Watsu treatment, which features a series of therapist-guided stretches within Tabacón’s thermal pools, uses water heated by the volcano, and its Volcanic Mud Wrap features local volcanic mud vigorously massaged into the body. 

To book the Lifestyle & Wellness Program, or for more information about Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, visit www.tabacon.com or email sales@tabacon.com, or call ++506-2519-1999 or toll free 1-877-277-8291 from the US and Canada. 

About Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort 

Certified a carbon neutral resort since May 2009, newly awarded Luxury Eco Certification (second resort in the world) and the first hotel in the world to receive the Seven Stars and Stripes “green” certificate, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is at the forefront of Costa Rica’s sustainability efforts.  Acclaimed as one of the “Best Hotel Spas” in the Travel + Leisure’s “World Travel Awards“ and  “World’s Best Spas;” one of the “best spas” by  Luxist, Spa Magazine and Luxury SpaFinder; and one of the top eco-spas in the World by Concierge.com, Tabacón features a three-unit Temazcal, the only one in Central and Latin America; 11 outdoor treatment bungalows and a menu of indigenous treatments including Watsu in outdoor thermal pools and volcanic mud wraps. Other highlights within Tabacón’s rainforest setting are 12 natural hot spring pools, natural waterfalls, lagoons, thermal river pools and exotic gardens.  A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Tabacón’sGrand Spa is also a member of the Leading Spas of the World and Healing Hotels of the World.   

Surrounded by the energy of the live Arenal volcano, the resort also offers a wellness vacation where guests can consult with a nutritionist and spa expert to develop a healthy living plan and assist with weight management and education in a new series of Ayurveda-inspired programs.  The 114-room resort has updated accommodations and swimming pool areas, and an enticing mix of Ayurvedic, Costa Rican and Mexican cuisine.  The signature Gala Dinner is served in a private rainforest bungalow with private chef and server. Nearby activities include nature tours, hanging bridges, ziplining,canyoning, and hiking to the volcano.  www.tabacon.com, 011-506-2519-1999 or toll-free 1-877-277-8291. Twitter: @TabaconResort  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tabacon.