A health farm in Malibu promises weight loss starting at $9k/ per week: hiking, fitness classes, minimal food

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
https://theranchlife.com/
The prices are very hidden, but they start at $9000 for six nights at double occupancy, including a mysterious 16% "fee" that they charge.

The participants spend the mornings hiking, and the afternoons with fitness classes and massages.
Photos show people hiking on not shaded paths without sunhats or sunglasses, and gym classes where they face and have to stare at each other.

Food is minimal. Some earlier reviews said that breakfast consisted of nine almonds, lunch of a small salad. Newer photos show some fruit and cooked food, too.

The organizers promise that participants lose "3%-6% of their body weight." Mostly water, I guess.

I can definitely do this at home at no cost. I just need to find a week to only focus on this and not have to do anything else.

I think the real luxury for the participants is to be able to disconnect from their regular lives (jobs, kids, households, husbands).

How are the prices hidden? They literally have all of the prices on the website. I only clicked once to get it…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. The photos of the Malibu place make it look a lot nicer than it is in real life.

Have you been?

Why do you hate this place?

It appears that people that go generally are very satisfied with the experience:

https://lamag.com/health/new-year-inside-luxury-wellness-retreat-the-ranch-malibu
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32676-d2422059-Reviews-The_Ranch_Malibu-Malibu_California.html

[Anonymous]

I’ve stayed at “the ashram” which is right nearby. I went after a traumatic event where I needed to be safe during a holiday season. I did NOT need or opt for weight loss but the hiking pool volleyball and fellowship with twice daily yoga and beautiful 12 mile hikes through Malibu and calabasas, and vegan food and no alcohol all week? Heaven. I loved it. Was 6 k two years ago.

[Anonymous]

And they'll gain it all back, without therapy and deep introspection to figure out why they're overeating.

[Anonymous]

This is like the Mayr clinic in Austria which I’ve always wanted to go to! Though sounds not as good

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And they'll gain it all back, without therapy and deep introspection to figure out why they're overeating.

I'm the PP who has been to one of these. I really really don't think it's meant for people who actually have a lot of weight to lose.

[Anonymous]

Ummm it’s a well known and famous place frequented by celebrities. IYKYK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve stayed at “the ashram” which is right nearby. I went after a traumatic event where I needed to be safe during a holiday season. I did NOT need or opt for weight loss but the hiking pool volleyball and fellowship with twice daily yoga and beautiful 12 mile hikes through Malibu and calabasas, and vegan food and no alcohol all week? Heaven. I loved it. Was 6 k two years ago.

I will second the Ashram! I've done it twice now and love the whole experience. I come home recharged and feeling healthy!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve stayed at “the ashram” which is right nearby. I went after a traumatic event where I needed to be safe during a holiday season. I did NOT need or opt for weight loss but the hiking pool volleyball and fellowship with twice daily yoga and beautiful 12 mile hikes through Malibu and calabasas, and vegan food and no alcohol all week? Heaven. I loved it. Was 6 k two years ago.

I will second the Ashram! I've done it twice now and love the whole experience. I come home recharged and feeling healthy!!

I’m PP and, me too. It was healing and so healthy. While celebs like goop and Oprah have been there, it’s so minimalist in many ways. I treasured my time there and am happy to do an AMA if there’s interest.

[Anonymous]

I love all the pictures of people at a normal weight

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Come to my house. I can starve you and put you up on the couch and make you run laps and do yard work, all for the low price of $4000.00 a week.

I'll do this for $1,000! If it were so easy to do at home, we'd all be skinny and fierce!

[Anonymous]

I’ve done a few of these, the best by far for weight loss is Mountain Trek in BC but if you want something less structured, Rancho La Puerta is my favorite but Canyon Ranch is also good.

[Anonymous]

This is insanity. You'll gain it all back in a week back at home.