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Girlfriend getaway at Lake Louise
Two long-time friends head west for a women's-only resort retreat
More.ca (April 2010)
"What do we want?" shouts a pretty blond woman in the middle of a wooded path.
"Sexy arms!" she answers herself.
"What have we got?" she bellows.
"Sexy arms!" we cry out.
We are a sight: a group of women stretching coloured exercise bands above our heads, bouncing up and down, huffing and puffing, shouting out this call-and-response routine. Gretchen Castronuovo, 49, the blond in question, is leading us on a "fitness walk" just outside the Village of Lake Louise. So far, it's been a fairly standard workout: We've stopped a couple of times to jog on the spot, do a few push-ups, and now raise the bands above our heads, as we shout along with our leader. The difference between this and your run-of-the-mill boot camp walk becomes obvious with Gretchen's next refrain. 
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Have Mat, Will Travel - These unique wellness and yoga retreats will feed your body, mind and spirit.
Westernliving.ca (September, 2009) — This is the ultimate motherdaughter or bachelorette getaway: a wilderness weekend with more creature comforts than you’d find at home. These are fitness retreats that are more gentle stretching than heavy sweating. Add gourmet health-food cuisine and spa treatments, and you’ll be ready to pack your bags for a new generation of holistic yoga and wellness holiday packages. Here are a few happening this autumn. Continue Reading
Press Releases
Lake Louise Inn Welcomes the Return of the Successful Fall Mountain Escape Retreat for Women
Lake Louise, AB. (September 1, 2009) — This Fall the Lake Louise Inn will once again welcome women of all ages to experience the finest in relaxation and rejuvenation at the bi-annual Mountain Escape Retreat. Under the direction of founder and veteran fitness instructor Riki Jager retreaters will have the opportunity to enjoy a mountain program focused on newly inspired fitness training and empowering speaker sessions from a number of new and returning fitness and yoga specialists.
“Each year we are pleased by the continued growth and popularity of this great program,” said Gerry Barteluk, General Manager, Lake Louise Inn. “With our bring-a-friend program this year, groups of women can participate together for an even more affordable rate.”
“In its 31st year, the Mountain Escape Retreat has hosted thousands of women of all ages and backgrounds seeking a much needed break from their hectic lives,” said Riki Jager, program director. “The spectacular mountain backdrop of Lake Louise provides the ultimate setting for these women to recharge their bodies and minds.”
Guests of the health and lifestyle retreat can choose from a two, four or five day retreat with a range of activities customizing the program to suit their needs and goals. Some guests come to kick-start a fitness program, others to take in the fresh mountain air, relax and reflect.
Days at the retreat are filled with exercise and fitness instruction, guided scenic walks and mountain hikes alongside the world-renowned turquoise waters of Lake Louise. Evenings include dynamic health and wellness presentations with speakers such as fitness instructor Heather Hogan of Oakville, ON who will provide expert advice and hot stone massages. Another welcome addition to the program is Brian Keating, Director of the Outreach program at the Calgary Zoo who provides an inspirational presentation on his travels throughout Madagascar.
This year’s fall Mountain Escape Retreat introduces Morag Mottram as the program’s certified hiking guide and fitness instructor, providing guests with personal training sessions upon request. Registered massage therapist Melody McKinnon will provide informative seminars and a 30-minute trouble spot massage for each guest. Yoga specialist Natalie Forrest also joins the program teaching a series of yoga classes and leading a Silent Meditation Nature Walk. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a 90 minute Aqua Spa Circuit Training class and a number of rejuvenating spa treatments.
The Mountain Escape Program includes accommodation, three delicious healthy meals per day, yoga and fitness instruction, guided scenic walks and mountain hikes, enlightening guest speakers and evening activities. Programs run from September 20 – October 6, 2009. This fall guests are invited to bring a friend to save 25% when booking together. For more information or booking please call 1.800.661.9237 or visit www.mountainescape.ca
About Lake Louise Inn
Lake Louise Inn is nestled in the peaks of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes surrounding Kootenay, Yoho and Jasper National Parks. The area is world-famous for Rocky Mountain wilderness, glacial mountain lakes and spruce and fir forests. Managed by Atlific Hotels, Lake Louise Inn features 247 rooms and suites and several restaurants.
A resort for all seasons, Lake Louise Inn serves as a base to explore the Canadian Rockies year round. Travelers can paddle the emerald-tinted waters of Lake Louise, hike, mountain bike or rock climb mountains and canyons, go white water rafting down the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, fish rushing mountain streams, or saddle up for a horseback ride along the river. A five minute stroll into the Village of Lake Louise offers quaint shopping with inescapable mountain views. There is also jet boating (outside of the parks), gondola sightseeing and golf. For more information please visit www.mountainescape.ca/lakelouise
About Atlific Hotels
Atlific Hotels is one of the fastest growing hotel management companies in Canada operating over 40 hotels with offices in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Atlific has 50 years of experience managing well known Canadian hotels, resorts, and extended stay properties and has built a reputation for best in business accounting reporting, exceptional sales and marketing programs and sound operational systems. Atlific Hotels’ parent company, Ocean Properties, Ltd. operates over 100 hotels throughout the United States. Together they make up the fifth largest privately owned hotel management company in North America, operating independent hotels and resorts as well as internationally recognized hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Westin and Holiday Inn. For more information please visit www.atlific.com.