Wellness theme sample itinerary

In cooperation with California Health & Longevity Institute, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village offers an immersive experience for groups that will help drive leadership performance and create a culture of health within their organisations. Experts in the fields of nutrition, medicine, exercise and inner living will inspire lasting lifestyle changes in employees, resulting in higher productivity and lower health-care costs. With a programme at California Health & Longevity Institute, individuals and companies can achieve their personal and professional goals through a healthier lifestyle.

The following is a sample group itinerary focused on creating a culture of health. Please contact us to discuss the specific needs of your organisation.

Day 1

Arrival at Hotel

You will be greeted at the airport by Four Seasons staff who will offer chilled towels and infused waters during the transfer to the Hotel. During the trip, clinical hypnotherapists can lead the group on a guided imagery journey intended to begin the experience with a focused mind. Upon arrival, spend the afternoon at leisure:

• Unwind with a purifying facial or eucalyptus-basil body wrap in the Spa at Four Seasons.
• Work out in the 16,000-square-foot (1,486-square-metre) Fitness Center or take a yoga or Pilates class in the movement studio.
• Underscore the importance of giving back through a volunteer community service event, such as a park or beach clean-up or rebuilding a home.
• Schedule appointments for treatments such as acupuncture, clinical hypnotherapy or the Bod Pod, the state-of-the-art system for assessing body mass composition.
• Make an appointment for a dermatology service.
• Walk the exercise path that meanders through the Hotel's 20 acres (8 hectares) of gardens and see the bonsai garden and orchid greenhouse.

Evening

Host an Asian-inspired Zen party in the Poet’s House pagoda for a casual welcome reception, with a presentation by Dr. Steven Tan MD, MTOM, on alleviating stress through Eastern and Western medicine techniques. A green tea wellness amenity will be waiting in each guest’s room to complete the day’s experience.

Day 2

Morning

Begin the morning with an invigorating energy walk in the exotic landscape surrounding the Hotel, led by an exercise physiologist who incorporates agility, resistance training and stretching into the scenic route. Enjoy a light, refreshing breakfast at the Wellness Kitchen Terrace next to the Chef’s Herb Garden or on the balcony overlooking the cascading waterfall.

Inspire participants with a keynote presentation on the subject of "Changing for Good," led by Dr. Robert Maurer, Dean of Inner Living for California Health & Longevity Institute.

Alternating group workshops include:

• "Developing an Immunity to Stress" (presented by a lifestyle consultant)
• "Roll, Stretch and Relax" (presented by an exercise physiologist)

Lunch

Enjoy a healthy luncheon featuring a menu developed by registered dietitians and prepared by Four Seasons chefs. Registered dietitians discuss strategies for healthy eating, providing participants with the knowledge to make more healthful dining decisions on the road and at home.

Afternoon

Alternating group workshops include:

• "Mindful Eating" (presented by a registered dietitian)
• "A Healthy Heart" (presented by a registered dietitian)

In the day's closing session, Dr. Steven Aldana, Ph.D., presents "Building a Business Case," which introduces the business model of an employee wellness program. This customised presentation incorporates real data from your organisation to make the information relevant to each attendee.

Evening

Participate in a collaborative team-building dinner with a Wellness Kitchen demonstration or hands-on cooking class led by a registered dietitian at California Health & Longevity Institute. Groups can be divided into multiple teams to prepare each course of the meal. While one group takes to the kitchen, fitness and inner living experts are available to discuss topics such as "Passion! Realising your Full Potential."

After dinner, a clinical hypnotherapist leads the group in a guided imagery session to instil a greater sense of relaxation and clarity. A bedtime snack from the Sleep Well menu ensures that participants enjoy a relaxing night’s rest.

Day 3

Morning

Enjoy yoga at sunrise at the pagoda, followed by a general session with a registered dietitian on breakfast for performance, where you will learn why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Along with practical advice, learn to make a variety of quick, healthy breakfasts to enjoy at home with the family or to take on the go.

Following breakfast, introduce a discussion on employee wellness programmes. Strategic-planning sessions facilitated by the expert staff of the California Health & Longevity Institute will explore the areas of nutrition, fitness and inner balance and the following topics:

• "Benchmarks of Success"
• "Barriers to Overcome"
• "Practical Recommendations for Partners in Change"
• "Implementation"

Lunch

Showcase California cuisine created with local organic and sustainable produce during an outdoor luncheon on the Garden Lawn, with a focus on green practices conveyed through décor and presentations.

Afternoon

Participants will connect with nature during an invigorating hike through the Santa Monica Mountains, just a short drive from the Hotel. Exercise physiologists familiar with the area’s trails and terrain will educate attendees about the plants and wildlife of the region while they take in the panoramic vistas. Groups are divided according to fitness ability to ensure that everyone can participate at their best personal level. (A stretch, roll and relax fitness class is offered for those unable to participate in the hike)

Evening

Celebrate the organisation’s commitment to instilling a culture of health with an elegant dinner in the Grand Ballroom featuring healthy haute cuisine created by the chefs of Four Seasons. A copy of Dr. Steven Aldana’s book The Culprit and the Cure will be waiting in each attendee's guest room at turndown as a lasting keepsake and reference tool.