Kicking off the year with an unforgettable experience, I recently embarked on one of the most incredible adventures, and had the privilege of sharing it all with my amazing best friend, Davida. For seven invigorating days, Davida and I immersed ourselves in the serene beauty of Malibu, California, at the renowned Wellfit Malibu. Our week was a perfect blend of nourishing meals, challenging yet rewarding hikes, intense workouts, and countless moments of laughter. The excitement grew even further when Amanda from Run to the Finish joined us on the first day, a pleasant surprise as we hadn’t anticipated other bloggers being at Wellfit during the same week. It was truly friendship at first sight, forging connections that felt instant and genuine.
Before delving into the full details of my transformative week, I want to extend a massive shoutout to Davida for producing an absolutely phenomenal video of our trip. It’s incredibly special to have these cherished moments captured on camera, allowing us to relive the joy and energy of our time there. Secondly, a profound thank you goes to the entire team at Wellfit Malibu for curating such an extraordinary experience. There truly isn’t any other way I would have preferred to spend the inaugural week of 2016; it set a magnificent tone for the year ahead.
Discovering Wellfit Malibu: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Wellfit Malibu stands as a premier fitness and weight loss resort, expertly blending the restorative power of hiking, dynamic exercise, healthy eating, and comprehensive wellness education. Its core mission is to empower individuals to cultivate sustainable, healthy habits that seamlessly integrate into their daily lives. The meticulously structured program unfolds from Sunday to Sunday, ensuring a full week of immersive activities and valuable learning. While some guests choose to stay for a single week, others find themselves extending their journey for up to seven weeks, testament to the program’s profound impact. It’s important to note that Wellfit’s philosophy extends far beyond conventional weight loss; it’s about fostering a holistic understanding of health and building the foundations for long-term well-being. For active individuals like Davida, Amanda, and myself, who weren’t primarily seeking weight loss, our seven days at Wellfit provided an invaluable opportunity to recalibrate and jumpstart the year with renewed vitality and focus. I can honestly say I consumed more vegetables in that single week than I typically do in an entire month!
Wellfit’s genius lies in its unwavering focus on establishing enduring healthy habits through practical, achievable changes. This might include simple yet impactful dietary swaps, such as choosing brown rice over white rice, or understanding the significant benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) compared to steady-state cardio. This practical, educational approach deeply resonated with me. However, what truly distinguished Wellfit Malibu, and left an indelible impression, was the exceptional caliber of its staff. Every single individual I encountered, from the passionate hiking guides to the knowledgeable Registered Dietitian and the energetic trainers, exuded genuine warmth, professionalism, and an infectious enthusiasm for their work. Their authenticity and dedication shone through every aspect of the program, making the experience not just effective, but incredibly enjoyable and inspiring. They don’t just teach wellness; they embody it.
Before diving into the specifics of my daily experience, I must take a moment to highlight the breathtaking beauty and expansive nature of the Wellfit property itself. It is seamlessly integrated into The Calamigos Ranch, a sprawling 100-acre estate nestled in the heart of Malibu, California, which also hosts a collection of other unique and impressive businesses. Randy, the general manager, generously provided us with a comprehensive property tour, an experience that was surprisingly fascinating. Right next door to Wellfit, you’ll find the incredibly popular and aesthetically pleasing Malibu Cafe, offering another delightful spot for visitors. Just down the road, an adorable boutique hotel captures the charm of the area; in fact, Davida shared a vivid five-minute narrative about how this would be her dream wedding venue, so I suppose a return visit is inevitable! The ranch also serves as a sought-after location for various movie and TV series productions, including “STRONG” and “Wet Hot American Summer.” How cool is that? It certainly solidified my life goal: to one day own a magnificent 100-acre ranch in Malibu.
Embracing Nature: Unforgettable Malibu Hikes
If you’ve never had the pleasure of hiking in Malibu, consider this your urgent call to action. The experience is truly unparalleled. Within a mere 30 minutes of Wellfit Malibu, you’ll discover dozens of breathtaking trailheads leading into the majestic Santa Monica Mountain Range. For me, these daily excursions into nature were unequivocally the highlight of the entire trip. If I had the opportunity to hike or trail run every single day, I would do so without hesitation – and anyone who knows me understands my general aversion to running! Hiking offers a perfect trifecta: an excellent form of exercise, a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, and an immersive way to bask in the great outdoors, all simultaneously. This pure enjoyment further cemented my enduring life goal: to reside perpetually within close proximity to a trailhead, allowing nature’s call to be a daily reality.
Among the multitude of stunning trails we explored, some of my absolute favorites included the scenic China Flat Trail Head, the challenging Simi Peak Trail, the expansive Zuma Ridge, and the awe-inspiring Boney Mountain Trail. Each offered a unique perspective of Malibu’s diverse landscape, from rolling hills to dramatic ocean vistas. Unfortunately, thanks to the effects of El Niño, our hiking schedule was slightly curtailed; we managed to hit the trails only four out of six days due to torrential rain and unexpected flooding. This weather phenomenon also provided a source of amusement: observing the reactions of local Californians. Despite temperatures in the low 50s, many were bundled in what appeared to be full-on snowsuits (perhaps a slight exaggeration, but close!) and voiced numerous complaints about the “freezing” conditions. Coming from a colder climate, I found this quite humorous. Fifty degrees Fahrenheit in January feels like a luxurious gift to me, and I’d happily embrace it any time!
Oh, and I almost forgot a significant detail! During one of our hikes, I caught a glimpse of what I *believe* was Caitlyn Jenner’s house. Was it truly hers? Well, not exactly… but I’m going to confidently tell everyone that I did!
Nourishment at Wellfit: Delicious and Nutrient-Dense Eats
Reflecting on my usual eating habits, I had to confront a simple truth: I simply don’t consume nearly enough vegetables, and a significant portion of my diet tends to be carb-heavy. Having dedicated culinary professionals expertly prepare all my meals and snacks for an entire week at Wellfit was an absolute revelation. It provided an invaluable perspective on what a truly balanced diet entails and just how much satisfying, nutrient-dense food you can actually enjoy when it’s thoughtfully prepared. The standard meal program at Wellfit is crafted to provide approximately 1,500 calories per day, but crucially, it is meticulously tailored to align with each guest’s specific health and wellness goals. Every day, guests are served three well-portioned meals, complemented by nourishing snacks, and even a delightful, guilt-free dessert after dinner.
For individuals like Davida, Amanda, and myself, who maintain an extremely active lifestyle and aren’t focused on weight loss, a higher caloric intake was necessary to fuel our demanding days. Consequently, we were encouraged to add extra snacks and larger portions at all meals, ensuring our energy levels remained robust. I was particularly delighted by the prevalence of meat-based dishes, which perfectly aligned with my dietary preferences. What truly impressed me was the flexibility and variety offered: if a menu item didn didn’t appeal, or if guests had specific dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc.), excellent alternatives were always readily available. This commitment to personalized nutrition truly set Wellfit apart.
My breakfast routine became a delightful ritual: two pieces of wholesome Ezekiel toast, generously topped with creamy almond butter and fresh banana slices. Lunches and dinners offered greater variety, though there was always a dependable and delicious soup and salad bar available for lighter options or additional servings. For my snacks, I generally gravitated towards hard-boiled eggs, a handful of nuts, fresh fruit, and extra servings of nut butter. We also discovered and quickly became enamored with the “energy balls” provided – these were, without a doubt, the absolute best mid-hike snack, providing a perfect blend of sustained energy and delicious flavor. Truly essential for our active days.
Dynamic Workouts: Pushing Limits and Finding Joy
When it comes to the workout program at Wellfit Malibu, all I can say is, “holy workouts!” The daily schedule is a relentless “GO, GO, GO” pace, and honestly, that’s exactly how I thrive. I particularly appreciated how the exercise regimen was thoughtfully balanced, incorporating both essential strength training and invigorating cardio sessions. The variety of classes offered was incredibly refreshing, ensuring that every day presented a new challenge and kept boredom at bay. We’re talking about everything from high-intensity HIIT cardio sessions and comprehensive circuit training to empowering kickboxing classes and even more unique options. I made a point to try *everything*, including the aqua fit class, which, to my amusing discovery, I am not particularly skilled at. That “bad boy” only saw me once! Surprisingly, my absolute favorite fitness class turned out to be ZUMBA, which quickly evolved into an electrifying hip-hop dance session. Derrick, our instructor, was nothing short of “AMAZE BALLS” – his energy, charisma, and talent were simply incredible. I genuinely want to be him when I grow up! I don’t think I’ve ever had more pure fun in a fitness class in my entire life. If you watch the fantastic video Davida created, make sure to stick around for the very end; we even produced a full-blown music video!
For someone like myself, who wasn’t at Wellfit specifically for weight loss, the sheer volume of workouts was quite substantial. In addition to a rigorous 2-3 hour hike each day, there were typically 2-3 additional fitness classes offered. And let me tell you, these classes were no joke – they really pushed us! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed every single workout. Group fitness is absolutely my “jam”; there’s something incredibly motivating about exercising alongside others, feeding off their energy and encouragement. Davida and I were definitely the “woo girls” of the group, always cheering each other on and maintaining a wonderfully positive spirit, which made every session even more enjoyable.
As a little bonus for my readers, I actually shared a workout last week that was directly inspired by the dynamic and effective programming at Wellfit Malibu. I was so impressed with the structure of their HIIT classes that I adapted a few elements to create a powerful routine using just a single piece of cardio equipment and dumbbells. You can check out that invigorating workout here: Cardio + Strength Interval HIIT Workout. It’s a great way to bring a piece of the Wellfit experience into your own fitness routine!
Experience Wellfit Malibu: Our Video Journey
You absolutely won’t want to miss this! Our video offers an exclusive, intimate look into our transformative week at Wellfit Malibu. It’s a visual diary capturing the essence of our experience – the challenging hikes, the energetic workouts, the delicious food, and all the laughter shared. And as a special treat, make sure to watch until the very end for our epic music video!
An Incredible Opportunity: Wellfit Malibu Giveaway!
Davida, Amanda, and I are beyond thrilled to announce a truly incredible opportunity for one of our fortunate readers: a complimentary week-long stay at the magnificent Wellfit Malibu! This is a chance to embark on your own wellness journey, just like we did, and experience firsthand the transformative power of this exceptional retreat. Please review the entry details below for your chance to win. GOOD LUCK – this could be a life-changing experience!
Value: An incredible $2,595
Includes: A luxurious 7-night stay in a private cabin, all nourishing meals throughout your stay, access to all dynamic fitness classes, enriching nutrition classes, and invigorating daily hikes through the stunning Malibu landscape.
To make the experience even more seamless, TLC Limousine will also provide round-trip transportation for the lucky winner from LAX!
*Please Note: Airfare to California is not included in the prize package.
How to enter for your chance to win:
1. Share a compelling photo on Instagram, Facebook, or your personal blog that thoughtfully answers this question: “Why wellness matters to me?” Be sure to use the official hashtag #WellnessThatFitsYou on both Facebook and Instagram.
2. Crucially, remember to tag or link to @RunToTheFinish, @Thehealthymaven, and @fitfoodiefinds in your post so we can see your entry!
3. For an even deeper understanding of what awaits you, we highly recommend reading the comprehensive recaps provided by The Healthy Maven and Run to the Finish. Let your entry reflect why a week at Wellfit Malibu would be a perfect fit for your wellness journey!
4. Once you’ve crafted and published your entry, return to this page and drop a direct link to your post in the comments below.
5. The window for entries will close on February 1st, and the eagerly anticipated winner will be announced on February 5th.
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This comprehensive review and exciting giveaway are sponsored by Wellfit Malibu. Rest assured, all opinions expressed within this post are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine experience. Thank you for continually supporting Fit Foodie Finds!