19 September 2012
Though numerous destination spas periodically offer weight loss retreats and health & fitness programs, few resorts cater exclusively to obese guests by providing year-round, high-intensity weight loss programs. Despite recording RevPAR well above the national average, the U.S. weight loss resort market segment is surprisingly undersupplied. Currently, the roughly 70 million obese adults in America have only five true weight loss resorts with 360 guest rooms to choose from. This disproportion bodes well for the future of the weight loss resort industry, which currently offers only one brand: Biggest Loser Resort.
Destination spas versus weight-loss resorts
Two types of resorts cater specifically to guests interested in weight loss: destination spas and weight loss resorts.
Destination spas are hotel facilities primarily designed to encourage healthy habits to their guests. Over a seven-day stay, these facilities provide a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthy cuisine and special interest programming. Destination spas host the majority of the weight-loss programs offered in the U.S. These spas offer the latest in food, fitness and spa services, and they have a low guest-to-staff ratio. Nutritious, low-calorie meals and fitness classes are available, but the guests choose how much to eat and in which classes they wish to participate. Because each guest determines his or her level of participation, the weight-loss programs offered at destination spas lack the level of camaraderie experienced at more structured weight-loss resorts.
The following table lists destination spas in the U.S. that offer weight loss programs. Because nearly all weight-loss programs are sold as plan packages, we show the average weekly published price, which includes three daily meals, fitness programs and education. We also show the equivalent daily price.
With one exception, all of the destination spas listed are independent properties. Canyon Ranch, an established resort brand that focuses on health and wellness, is the only multiple location destination spa brand. Canyon Ranch operates three U.S. resorts in Lenox, Massachusetts; Tucson, Arizona; and Miami Beach, Florida. Additionally, Canyon Ranch operates several SpaClub locations with day spa facilities, fitness classes and workout facilities. These are located at The Venetian and The Palazzo hotels in Las Vegas and on various cruise ships.
Modern Weight-loss resorts evolved from the 1950s-era camps that were commonly referred to as "fat farms." Geared toward wealthy women, these grueling programs combined extremely low calorie diets and excessive vigorous exercise to produce rapid weight loss. Instead of temporary fast results, today's resorts are designed to provide long-term nutrition and lifestyle tools. Programs range from a few days to more than eight weeks, with one to three week stays being the norm. Although guests experience some weight loss during their stay, the primary goal at most weight-loss resorts is long-term fitness. Programs at these resorts not only focus on weight loss but also on changing behavior to ensure that sustained weight loss occurs after guests return home. Some guests complain their lack of will power prevents them from following programs that allow them to choose their level of participation, such as those offered at many destination spas. In such cases, the highly structured programs at weight-loss resorts are preferred because of their strict regimentation and the camaraderie of fellow participants keeping them on track.
The following table lists weight-loss resorts in the U.S. We show the average weekly published price inclusive of three daily meals, fitness programs and education. We also show the equivalent daily price.
Read the original post:
Weight Loss Resorts Are A Boon for Developers | By David J. Sangree and Laurel A. Keller
