True confession: I’ve always thought of a “wellness retreat” as a euphemism for a weight loss clinic. But after testing my theory on my first wellness vacation, I’m delighted to report that I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Caveat: Every retreat is different. I chose Hilton Head Health (HHH) for two reasons. First, it’s in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. If you’re going to get well, what better place than in the sun and surf? Second, it offers programs that seemed truly holistic, for the body, the mind, and the soul. I liked that it included hard workouts such as kickboxing and strength training—channeling my desire to be fit. But it also tempted me with luxurious body treatments—why not reward all that fitness?