Boston to British Columbia is a long way to travel, but the journey to wellness is worth the commute. Aside from Vancouver Island’s beauty in watching the whales and seals frolic in the sea, there’s a place where attaining inner and outer beauty is within reach. Fresh Start Health Retreat Centers is located on beautiful Oyster Bay, and might actually be the true Fountain of Youth. OK, it’s not in Florida, but the weather on Vancouver Island is mild and the air is clean. Most importantly, it’s where Ania and Vasili Kastashchuk run Fresh Start, offering 5-, 10- and 14-day intense programs for healing.
De-toxing, cleansing and healing is what Fresh Start is all about. And although you have to experience a Fresh Start program to truly appreciate what good it can do for you, I’ll share the experience of a 5-day cleanse.
With open arms (literally, as everyone at Fresh Start is open to affection) you are greeted by everyone at the Center, where you arrive at dinnertime to enjoy your last solid food for a few days. The food, however, is all “live,” meaning raw, uncooked --- but, deliciously prepared by Chef Carol Kopp. Think salad, vegetables and grains. But don't think about drinking with your meal. What you’ll notice is that no water is served with your meal, for reasons of proper digestion.
The dining room has picture windows overlooking the ocean, and a large dining table and many accessories made from local driftwood. It is here that you will first meet other attendees in your group. Within your time spent at the Center, you’ll become quite intimate with everyone.
After dinner is orientation before calling it a day, when you can retreat to your Ocean Resort room to unpack, wash up and gear up for an early morning yoga class with Nancy Moelaert, who really takes an extra step to offer a serene surrounding. For example, on our final yoga class, she set up candles in a circle, with our six yoga mats surrounding the light. At 7 a.m., it gave a pampering effect that was well-received. Alternating mornings are spent with the soothing Gabriela Eikeland, who also offers massage and reflexology, and the best personal care products made from natural resources.
Find out more about Fresh Start by clicking here.
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