Silver Hills Lifestyle Makeover Spa

It all began with a young couple that wanted to help change the world - or at least the comparatively affluent, western part of it that we occupy. They longed to help people experience truly good health; to enjoy life to the fullest; to fall in love with life in spite of all its disappointments and challenges. They hung onto their idea as they began married life in a log cabin in one corner of a huge tract of land--one that had been especially donated. Phil and Eileen Brewer continued to cultivate their dream. They envisioned a resort and spa that would renew the spirits. Clients would arrive, perhaps tired and stressed, worn out by the rapid pace of life, but leave feeling a great surge of joy in living. That was their commitment, and they never wavered. And at last in 1984 their Dream was realized. Silver Hills Lifestyle Makeover Spa was born. They plan each group session carefully. There must be complete comfort. Relaxing rooms looking over the meadow where deer dally, and on to the restful receding mountain ranges beyond. A fine massage specialist (Heidi fits the bill perfectly) arranges for a daily treatment for each client, and the steam room is always available. Walking is one of the main emphases, so a series of woodland paths varying difficulty is used at least twice daily. Exercise is part of Phil's mantra. In case of really inclement weather, guests can utilize a well-equipped fitness room. Because of Phil's conviction that most illnesses can be treated, or even avoided completely, by the right living habits, there is a particular emphasis on healthful food. Lectures help guests understand the most detailed workings of the human body. And it's not hard to be convinced that vegan food can be enticing. Eileen has studied for years and succeeds in making mouthwatering, irresistible meals. She is truly an artist who creates food not only appealing to the taste buds, but a joy to behold. "How can you run this place sustainably," I asked Phil one day, "when you treat us so luxuriously?" He answered me seriously. "We are a non-profit organization", he explained. "And everyone on staff really cares about each of you. We want to pamper and spoil you, and send you home in love with life. We hope you'll value your body more, so that you'll want to continue looking after it as you've learned to do here. So much illness is caused by the wrong lifestyle. So much of it never needs to happen." It's hard to look into those clear eyes and not resolve to take better care; to drink the water quota, walk the daily stint, get the proper rest - to break a lifetime of bad living habits. One look at Phil and Eileen convinces you that following the simple rules they advocate has kept them incredibly young in body and in thought. Content shines from their faces. Yet they never "preach" -- inform, yes, tantalize, yes -- but it's all done gently, with a sense of fun that draws everyone into a charmed circle. The size of the retreat is perfect, too. Three round tables overlooking meadow and mountain seated us all comfortably. The noise level certainly rose at mealtimes! One woman spotted a Pileated Woodpecker in the woods, only the second in her bird watching lifetime. Someone else saw a Ruffed Grouse -- actually displaying for a lady grouse just out of sight! Spring had not quite arrived, in spite of the mild weather, so songbirds were not yet in evidence. The temptation to return became almost overpowering! The resort has recently undergone a complete restructuring and modernization. Everything sparkles with freshness and cleanliness. Even the pictures on the walls are calming. My favourite? A little pink pig -- perhaps Wilbur of "Charlotte's Web" fame -blissfully executing a graceful swan dive into a woodland lake. Small bowls of stones everywhere add to the décor, perhaps because one of Heidi's specialties is a hot oiled stone massage. (One of my session-mates said of this treatment, "I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!") A visit to Silver Hills, even if only for a day (yes, that can be arranged) is truly a magical experience. And there seems to be none quite like it. But then, there is only one couple as talented and dedicated as Eileen and Phil Brewer. Dodi Morisson 2006/05

 

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