Great Deals at Hills Health Ranch

British Columbia spa resort rewards guests for pounds lost -- and other values

With the publication of my new book on Nordic Walking (defined as fitness walking with specially designed poles), I am looking at fitness-oriented spas and resorts that offer Nordic Walking and might be interested in carrying the book. One that came to mind is the Hills Health Ranch in British Columbia. I know of the resort because it is well known for its exemplary cross-country skiing, comfort, service and excellent year-round spa.

In summer, they offer a variety of spa/fitness/weight loss packages (including a three-night basic walking package and a three-night deluxe variation). Among the staff are outdoor fitness specialists to lead walks and hikes, but alas, no particular Nordic Walking program. This in a way surprises me, because Canada has been far quicker to jump on the Nordic Walking bandwagon than the U.S.

What I did find, however, are some amazing deals this summer in the wonderful heart of British Columbia. The Hills Health Ranch is offering four nights for the price of three. You need to book the 3-4-4 package by June 19 and use it by July 14. Getting to Vancouver is a snap from many places in North America, and he resort also can book special Vancouver-Williams Lake air fare for $198 roundtrip, plus $60 roundtrip shuttle. If Kamloops is a more convenient air connection, the resort now arranges shuttle service from there too.

Finally (and I love this), guests on the weight loss packages get a $20 rebate for every pound lost during their stay of six, 10 or even 30 nights. I'm into hiking and mountain walking for weight loss right now. I went on the two longest hikes of 2009 this weekend in Colorado (and not at a high elevation either) and weigh 3 pounds less this morning than I did on Saturday morning!

The food is great, spa menus are available and the wines from the Okanagan Valley are renowned, though anyone there for weight loss probably will lay off the wines. In addition to the spa and fitness programs, other activities include horseback riding and water sports.

The Hills Health Ranch has various kinds of accommodations (lodge rooms of various sizes and bed configurations and private three- bedroom chalets). If you look at the prices, remember that they are quoted in Canadian dollars, which currently gives about an 11 percent advantage to paying in US dollars.

The Hills Health Ranch contact information is Box 26, 108 Mile Ranch, BC Canada V0K 2Z0; 250-791-5225 and 800-668-2233.