WINK, (local CBS) featured Casa Ybel Resort’s Fitness Vacations in a recent on-air segment.
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Fitness Vacations
By Jennifer Stacy

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. – There’s a unique opportunity for anyone looking to escape reality, and improve their health. The new twist on vacations, called fitness retreats, are the product of Sanibel Island businesses working together, hoping to help others while helping themselves during the slow summer and fall months.

“The fitness retreats are all inclusive fitness adventure vacations where people can come and do a vacation but have it be fitness oriented.” Explains Meta Goodwin, Owner of Sanibel Fitness Center.

The new vacations allow Sanibel visitors a chance to escape reality, and focus on themselves. They’re open to all ages, and all fitness levels.

Islander Margi Landgraf is already signed up.

“My goals are just to be healthier, lose some weight, take off some inches, and an overall well being,” says Landgraf, who has gone on several fitness retreats out of state in the past.

Participants will get one-on-one personal training, take part in various fitness classes, take walks and do yoga on the beach, kayak through Sanibel’s beautiful waterways, and enjoy the island bike trails.

“We just hope that people leave here with a feeling of vitality and peace and tranquility, and feeling fit and strong,” explains Goodwin.

The hard work is well rewarded.

Guests enjoy a massage, shelling, sunset cruises, and star gazing. They stay in luxury resorts like Casa Ybel, where they dine on gourmet, healthy food supervised by Executive Chef John Wolff, under the direction of a dietitian.

“You’re exercising, your meals are planned for you, your day is planned for you, you don’t have to think about anything but you that day,” explains Landgraf. “Its ‘me’ time, you do it for yourself, don’t compete with anyone else while you’re doing it, just do it for you.”

The 3 night, four day fitness retreats cost $1,200 and include all activities, lodging and food. There are also longer options available. Visit http://www.sanibelfitnessretreats.com/ for details and information.