Refresh and revive

Whether you’re new to fasting, wanting to target a specific health concern or just in need of a complete health reset, Resolution Retreats’ guided fasting course is the perfect way to get your health on track.

One of the healthy dishes on offer at Resolution Retreats.

Awarded New Zealand's Best Wellness Retreat, Resolution Retreats are experts in delivering award-winning health and wellness programs.  With over 10 years in the game, and having taken care of hundreds of guests, they understand the fundamentals to achieving long-lasting health and wellness, from both a pragmatic and holistic viewpoint.  On top of their core offering, which includes 3, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21-day programs, has been the introduction of new retreats such as their seven-day guided fasting retreat. The guided fasting retreat is facilitated by their passionate team and functional nutritionist Vinka Wong from their purpose-built health resort at Lake Karapiro.  This retreat is the ultimate refresh and for the very first time is for men and women.  

UNO sat down with founder Joelene Ranby and functional nutritionist Vinka Wong to find out more. 

UNO: What inspired this new program offering and who would your seven-day mimicking fasting retreat be great for and why?

Joelene: The inspiration behind our 7-day fasting retreat program stems from our dedication to providing comprehensive health and wellness experiences for our guests. We observed a growing interest in fasting as a means to improve overall well-being, both physically and mentally. Recognizing the ancient practice's potential benefits, we wanted to create a structured and supportive environment where individuals could embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.

The seven-day mimicking fasting retreat is ideal for those who are looking to kickstart their health journey, achieve greater energy, weight loss goals, or experience the benefits of fasting in a supported and controlled environment. The program combines the principles of fasting with carefully curated nutrition, mindful practices, and expert guidance.We decided to extend this offering to both men and women as it's going to be so beneficial to men as well. We wanted the health benefits of this program to be accessible for individuals, couples, friends, as well as to provide another level of wellness for our returning guests. 

Functional nutritionist Vinka leading one of the talks at the retreat.

UNO: This is a mimicking fasting style retreat, can you explain what this means and what guests can expect from a nutritional point of view while on retreat in terms of meals and how the benefits?

Vinka: Unlike traditional fasting, the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) allows you to reap the numerous benefits of fasting while still enjoying carefully designed meals. At the core of the Fasting Mimicking Diet lies the art of crafting meals that optimise specific macronutrients. By carefully selecting nutrient-dense ingredients, our bodies enter a state of "fasting with food." During the fasting mimicking phases, these meals are designed to maintain a low caloric intake while supplying a precise balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. The intentional macronutrient ratios not only support sustainable weight management but also encourage cellular repair, autophagy, and metabolic rejuvenation. 

UNO:  What does a day in the life of a guest look like on this retreat?  

Joelene: We take things a little slower on this retreat program, as the body is going through a process of overall detoxification. Mornings we meet at the Yoga Chalet for a gentle movement class to welcome the new day, before guests attend one of our award-winning wellness workshops. The afternoon is when we have ‘bliss time’, where guests are encouraged to rest, make use of the extensive on-site facilities, unwind in our spa, or enjoy breathwork, Yoga and meditation on offer. If you and your body need additional support, you have the ability to customise your retreat experience to your individual needs with a wide range of additional health and wellness services available via our Wellness Menu, such as hot/cold therapy, vitamin infusions, mindset coaching, naturopathic consultations, equine therapy and many others to promote relaxation, balance, and a sense of well-being.

UNO: Guests will undertake blood work prior to the retreat, why is this aspect of this programme so important? and what are some of the benefits guests can gain from having blood work interpreted?

Vinka: As part of the fasting retreat, all guests will do a comprehensive blood test that will be analysed by a Functional Nutritionist, Vinka Wong. Unlike conventional blood tests which typically focus on identifying disease after they already manifested, these functional blood tests aim to identify subtle imbalances even before symptoms arise. By analysing a broader range of markers including those related to nutritional deficiencies, hormone levels, gut health, and inflammation, functional blood testing provides a comprehensive picture of your health status. And with this knowledge Vinka can offer you personalised and targeted interventions to enable you to make informed lifestyle changes and implement preventative measures to mitigate potential health risks. Understanding what your individual body needs is a powerful tool for living your best life!

The dining room at their Lake Karapiro site, near Cambridge.

UNO: Is there anything that those completely new to fasting and wanting to experience this retreat and its many benefits can do to help prepare themselves prior to the retreat?

Joelene: This is a great opportunity for those who are new to fasting to be introduced under the care of an expert team. As with all our retreat and health programs, we suggest reducing your intake of alcohol, sugar and caffeine the week before you come. This allows you to enjoy the benefits such as enhanced mental clarity, boosted energy levels, and overall detoxification, earlier in the program. Participants often report feeling rejuvenated, experiencing improved focus, and gaining a sense of renewal throughout the entire body.

To find out more, or to book head to: https://resolutionretreats.co.nz/bookings/808/health-overhaul-men-women-mixed-seven-day-guided-fasting-retreat-with-vinka/

Escape to Mother Nature

With headlines echoing rising concerns around climate change, 44 percent of Kiwi travellers say that recent news about climate change has influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, what better way to show your appreciation for the mother figure in your life by planning an escape to Mother Nature this Mother’s Day?

Woodside Bay Chalets

Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel report for 2023  shows that 66% of Kiwi travellers want travel companies to offer more sustainable travel, having launched its Travel Sustainable Badge recognising  accommodations for their sustainability efforts . Thankfully, you don’t have to travel far to spend a night or two at a sustainable stay. Here are five Travel Sustainable certified properties that tick all the boxes for you and Mum this Mother’s Day. 

The Fairways Luxury Accommodation, Kaikoura

The Fairways Luxury Accommodation, Kaikōura

The picturesque coastal town of Kaikōura is the perfect place for marine life encounters, coastal walks, and tucking into a plate of sustainably sourced seafood. Kaikōura is an ecological playground for marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining.

Situated next to a golf course for our travellers who love to putt, Fairways Luxury Accommodation can be found along Kaikoura’s spectacular coastline. With luscious landscapes overlooking the countryside and enough rooms for the whole family. Fairways Luxury Accommodation also has numerous walking and bike trails to further immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Woodside Bay Chalets

Woodside Bay Chalets, Waiheke Island

Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, beloved by all who step foot on the island. The island is the go-to destination for those wanting to escape the big city without having to travel too far as it is just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

If you’re planning a weekend away in Waiheke, the Woodside Bay Chalet has a variety of wellness activities for all to participate in. Get your yoga mats out for some sun salutations or unwind with a well deserved hot stone massage. There are several packages on offer that are catered perfectly for indulgence and self-care in the intimate atmospheres where you can focus on your wellbeing in this divine Travel Sustainable find.

Heaven’s Rest B&B

Heaven’s Rest B&B, Pukekohe

Equestrian and farm to plate garden fresh vegetables are just some of Pukekohe’s highlights. This large country town is always buzzing with activity and is just under an hour’s drive from Auckland’s bustling city centre.

Escape the city noise and surround yourself with farm land and animals at Heaven’s Rest B&B. Catch the sunset, or the sunrise while you take in the picturesque landscapes and fresh outdoor air. With available hot tubs for use, step in and unwind while you wait for your BBQ to grill on their outdoor deck.

Fable Terrace Downs Resort by MGallery

Fable Terrace Downs Resort by MGallery

Set against the majestic backdrops of both alps and ocean, Canterbury has lush vineyards and wild coastlines along with sky-piercing mountains and pristine glacial lakes that is out of a movie scene.

Overlooking some of the most stunning golf courses and mountain peaks you can find in Canterbury, Fable Terrace Downs Resort has delicious first class dining experiences available inhouse for you to savour. Fable Terrace has both golf courses and tennis courts for you to spend a day in the sun. There are other nearby unique ventures for you to participate in including jet boating, clay bird shooting, quad biking and fishing.

Cascade Creek Retreat, Milton

Tucked away in the heart of the South Island, the historic town of Milton has a number of stunning heritage buildings that will take you back in time.

​​Cascade Creek Retreat is located 45 minutes away from Dunedin and is near a variety of calming bushwalks. This eco-friendly stay gets you feeling more down to Earth than you ever have before. Its romantic and private atmosphere helps couples enjoy their quality time on Mother’s Day. Take a dip in their outdoor tubs and open a bottle of your favourite wine. If you’re looking to explore a bit more, Cascade Creek Retreat is only a day trip away from the Catlins, get your feet sandy while you spot native seals and penguins or simply stay in and enjoy being away from the bustles of life.

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