As part of Granlibakken’s commitment to health & wellness, the annual Lake Tahoe Women’s Wellness Weekend – a long standing community event previously coordinated by the Tahoe Forest Hospital – will now be hosted by Granlibakken, Nov. 12-13, 2011. The event fuses Eastern tradition with Western practices to offer a balanced weekend of interactive clinics on skin screenings, body/muscle testing; inspirational and informative seminars on health, nutrition, aging; recreational activities along with food and wine.

I sat with the GM of Granlibakken Conference Center and Lodge about the event.  The community event complements the health and wellness activities Granlibakken offers its guests, including an array of outdoor recreation: skiing, xc-skiing, snowshoeing in the winter and biking, hiking, rafting, boating and tennis in the summer. The resort provides healthy meal options, year-round heated outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna and new onsite multi-treatment Day Spa.

The Women’s Wellness Weekend retreat begins, Saturday, Nov. 12, with a 5K fun run or a 1-mile nature walk around Granlibakken, followed by a breakfast. Presentations kick-off with a discussion led by clinical psychologist Amy Vail of Olympic Valley.

Seminars on Saturday include environmental and breast health, nutrition, healthy aging and optional empowering exercise activities. Dr. Koppel, specializing in Hematology and Medical Oncology, is part of the new cancer center in Truckee and will discuss cancer prevention and breast health. Dr. Tirdel, a sleep disorder expert, will present “Sleepless in Tahoe” providing insight and tips on attaining a full nights rest. Carolyn Willette, a Cardiac Rehabilitation Registered Nurse from Tahoe Forest Hospital, will address heart health with her seminar, “The Heart of Matter.”

Participants can choose between Ki Gong, a form of gentle exercise using breathing, posture and meditation; restorative yoga; or an Astrology/Health class. Astrological chart readings by Robert Ayres are also available. Lunch is provided with additional talks throughout the afternoon. The evening finishes with wine and shopping, including local health booths and artisans, i.e.: jewelry, fabric, etc.

Wellness Weekend continues on Sunday with breakfast and optional Cross-fit, Pilates and yoga classes options include health, financial planning, acupuncture, chiropractic and skin care presentation. Rounding out the weekend is an interactive fair with gait analysis – study of human motion by measuring body movements, mechanics and muscle activity, body fat testing, skin screenings, manicure and pedicure stations. Blood lab readings are available for an additional charge. A Zumba Party, which combines Latin and international music for an effective workout, is also scheduled Sunday afternoon.

For information on speakers, health fairs, seminars visit www.granlibakken.com. Registration costs $99, some seminars additional fees apply. To register, visit Granlibakken’s homepage, select “make a reservation,” click “conference” and use “www” as login and password. Grab a girlfriend and stay for $138.50/person double occupancy per person per night (rate includes conference fee).

Attendees are invited to explore Tahoe’s Lighthouse Day Spa which opened at Granlibakken this summer. The new location boasts three treatment rooms and a number of wellness packages aimed at revitalization and relaxation, including customized and deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy, pre-natal, reiki healing and couples massages. Visit online at www.LighthouseSpa.com/Granlibakken.

Granlibakken boasts a spectacular setting of 74 wooded acres with peace, quiet and relaxation, ideal for developing the next ‘big-idea,’ team-building, problem solving or scientific collaboration to re-group, connect and foster productivity. The resort provides a variety of meeting space, retreat amenities, hotel rooms, condos and alternative lodging options. In particular, numerous medical organizations and technology companies have utilized Granlibakken to come up with their next “big idea.” Call Granlibakken at (800) 543-3221.

Located just one half mile from Lake Tahoe, Granlibakken serves as a central home base for a long list of fall and winter activities. For information www.Granlibakken.com, or updates and the latest deals visit us on Facebook and Twitter.