Booty Blue: Get Fit on the Côte d’Azur

One of the great mysteries of the world is how French women manage to maintain their slender physiques whilst surrounded by all that incredibly rich and delicious French cuisine. If you’re not into smoking, consider a healthy retreat to La Réserve Ramautelle–a stunning hilltop hideaway with a state-of-the-art spa overlooking the Mediterranean, just outside of St. Tropez. The spa features 13 treatment cabins, an indoor pool with jet lane, a fitness studio, steam bath, sauna and solarium, as well as specially designed health programs that focus on stress reduction, fitness, slimming and beauty. This September, La Réserve Ramatuelle is offering two specialized boot camps for those wanting to shed a few pounds.

The Boot Camp is a five-day (four-night) program. Upon arrival, each boot camper will get a medical assessment to measure physical aptitude. The next day, after an hour-long yoga session and a healthy breakfast, a guide will lead the way on a fast-paced walk through the countryside and along the coast. After the walks, guests can relax for the rest of the day at the spa, enjoying a program of treatments such as Balneotherapy, Body Wraps, or the La Réserve Better Aging Body Treatment using Crème de la Mer products. While strenuous, this boot camp is hardly roughing it; walks through the Mediterranean countryside and unique spa treatments combined with delicious (and healthy) local flavors cooked up by Chef Eric Canino make this a challenge worth reaching for. Other activities include canoeing, kayaking and golf. Designed for groups of 4-8 people, it’s the perfect opportunity to motivate friends and family to get or stay healthy as the seasons change, but with a distinct French twist. C’est cool!

Example of a typical day’s activities – day 1

6:30am               Yoga session (1 hour)
7:30am               Breakfast
8:30am               Leave for walk
1pm                     Lunch at the hotel
2:30pm               Balneotherapy
3pm                     Body Wrap
3:30pm               Jet shower
4pm                     La Réserve Better Aging body treatment (50 minutes)
6:30pm               Relaxation session (1 hour)

Dates: Wednesday September 15-Sunday September 19 / Monday September 27-Friday September 31, 2010

Price: Approx. US$4,600 p/person all-inclusive for accommodation in a Deluxe room and full board.