Founded in 1978 and open during the peak hiking season of mid-May through early fall New Life Hiking Spa has been offering retreats in the Green Mountains of Vermont for over four decades. From the very beginning, and as the name suggests, New Life’s mission has been to provide affordable, all-inclusive wellness vacations using hiking and nature as the focal point of the program.
Located in the lush mountains of Killington, Vermont, within a 2-hour drive of Burlington, VT (BTV) and Albany, NY (ALB) airports, the retreat is also accessed via a commuter plane from Boston (BOS) to Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT), which is just 20 miles away.
Killington is where the famous Long Trail and Appalachian Trail meet, the location offers a singular hiking program with between 40 and 50 people each week during the annual 20-week season.
The company has become widely known over the past 40+ years as an unpretentious “destination spa,” but many return guests who know and love the program also refer to it as “grown-up camp.”
Guests have commented that eating together in the dining room, bonding with the hiking guides and participating in carefree, outdoor activities, make them feel “like a kid again.” Science tells us that spending time with Mother Nature helps benefit both our brains and our bodies.
Point(s) of Distinction
Getting back to nature and using the mountains instead of a treadmill is what sets this wellness and weight loss retreat apart. Three levels of professionally guided hikes are offered every day during the season to accommodate the guests’ varied levels of fitness. That’s 21 weekly hikes and nature walks to provide guests an authentic Vermont hiking experience with professionally trained hiking guides who live, love and breathe Vermont.
The theme of getting back to nature carries over into New Life Hiking Spa’s food philosophy. The program advocates a respect for the nutritional value of whole food, as well as its origin, seasonality, availability and freshness. Three meals a day are prepared fresh, on site, and created by a team of professional chefs who specialize in whole foods and work with Vermont farmers to source ingredients for meals.
In addition to their award-winning hiking program, healthy food, fitness, and wellness programming, New Life also offers their guests holistic massages set in a casual, accepting, come-as-you are environment using Vermont-based products in the treatment rooms. There’s a team of talented massage therapists available to meet guests’ needs, many of whom have been with New Life for over 15 years.
Can programs be customized to suit client’s needs?
With three levels of hikes being offered each day, every guest’s fitness level is accommodated as they enjoy nature and the great outdoors.
Beginner hikes are nature walks that take guests along picturesque country settings, mountain streams, and working farms. The nature walk will be flat or rolling hills two to four miles in length. This will provide a good workout for the beginner hiker, as they enjoy the beautiful Vermont scenery at a more relaxing pace.
Intermediate hikes lead guests along the diverse terrain of the famous Appalachian and Long Trails. Intermediate hikes provide a scenic workout for the advanced beginner, intermediate or experienced hiker, covering anywhere from four to six miles on wooded trails and ancient ways. During the hike, guests visit beautiful lookouts, ancient mines and serene waterfalls. A ratio of no more than 6:1 hikers to hike leaders insures that guests feel comfortable at their own pace while being appropriately challenged.
Advanced hikes challenge guests further up some of the highest peaks in Vermont with breathtaking views. These hikes cover steeper more challenging terrain and longer distances at a more vigorous pace. Not for the faint of heart, the rewards are inspirational views from the very top of Vermont. Elevations of over 4,000 ft. will be reached where guests experience a different climate and Vermont’s unique high elevation alpine tundra environment.
In addition, New Life can also customize programs for the guest who is looking for a longer wellness retreat.
What client goals/intentions might be achieved by selecting this property?
Most of New Life Hiking Spa’s guests are solo travelers, duos or small groups. Because of the affordability of New Life’s all-inclusive extended stay wellness retreat, many guests are looking to lose weight and take charge of their health and wellness. Anyone looking to take a retreat vacation to destress, lose weight, or recharge would feel comfortable selecting New Life, where the main programs revolve around the gorgeous beauty of Vermont.
Recognized as one of the most affordable, all-inclusive retreats in North America, the atmosphere makes it extremely comfortable for guests to visit on their own, while the longer stays tend to be the most popular.
Best time to travel?
New Life Hiking Spa is only open during the time when hiking is at its peak in the Green Mountains. The 2019 season dates are May 16 – Sept. 30.
Duration and cost?
Three different pricing options are available, depending on the length of stay. New Life Hiking Spa offers:
The 3 to 10-night Jump Start Getaway is priced from $249 per night pp dbl occupancy. The 11-20 night Weight Loss Retreat is priced from $239 and the 21 night (or longer) Extended Stay Wellness Retreat begins at $229. (All prices are based on per nigh pp dbl occupancy.) The minimum stay is three nights, and all rates include a private room with a private bath, three meals a day, healthy snacks, daily guided hikes, use of hiking poles and backpacks, all fitness and wellness classes, evening activities, and one massage for each 3-night stay.
For more information, visit newlifehikingspa.com.
Recommend magazine has partnered with the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) to bring you monthly columns to help travel advisors sell wellness travel. For more information on WTA, visit wellnesstourismassociation.org.
