We look forward to experiencing a transformative vacation with you in the majestic Appalachians!
Once your booking has been confirmed, you will be emailed a welcome email.
Important Note: In your welcome email is unique link to an information form. Please fill this out at your earliest convenience.
Please find below the information you need to prepare for the retreat.
How to get to the lodge
We recommend flying into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). From GSP, take an airport shuttle or other ride-booking service, like Uber, to Hotel Domestique (10 Road of Vines, Travelers Rest, SC 29690).
Please note: transportation is not included in the Mountain Trek Appalachia package.
If you would like to spend time in Greenville pre or post your retreat, some hotels have free shuttles to/from GSP. Contact us for a list of recommended hotels and restaurants.
Driving Instructions
The lodge address is below:
10 Road of Vines
Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690
USA
Please note: check-in is between 5:00-6:00pm
Check In
Please arrive between 3:00-5:00pm on Saturday.
What to pack
Bring layers, leave fancy attire at home—this is your time to recharge in comfortable clothing. Plan to hike in mild to cool temperatures (mid-40s to mid-60s, Fahrenheit; 5-15 °C), with some precipitation. Daily laundry services will be available, and we provide shampoo and conditioner, soap, a hairdryer, bathrobe, backpack and hiking poles. We also gift you a 3L water bladder.
How to Layer
Base layer
This is your sweat-wicking first layer that has direct contact with your skin. Good fabrics include polypro, merino wool and silk. Cotton is discouraged—it will keep you damp.
Middle layer
Your insulating layer that traps body heat. Polar Fleece and wool are preferable.
Outer layer
Your shield from wind and rain. Gore-Tex, or something similar, is best—it’s waterproof yet breathable.
Your Packing List
Passport
Prescribed medications
Trail runners / hiking boots
Slippers
Sandals
Sneakers
Bathing suit (preferably 2)
Activewear for the gym and yoga
Loungewear
2 quick-drying hiking pants
2 short-sleeve base layers
1 long-sleeve base layer
1 warm fleece or wool mid-layer
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Warm vest (optional)
Warm hat or ear band
Sun hat
Rain hat (if rain jacket doesn’t have a hood)
Medium-weight, water-resistant gloves
Wicking hiking socks
Non-cotton underwear
Pajamas
Sunglasses
Camera
Book
Extra pair of prescription eyeglasses
Note: We provide backpack and hiking poles
What to leave at home
Tobacco
Candy
Coffee
Alcohol
Perfume
Strongly-scented deodorants, lotions and aftershave
Schedule
How to prepare
Our nutritionist and kinesiologist recommend adopting the following guidelines leading up to your retreat, ideally beginning one month prior:
Eat fibrous breakfasts
Consume smaller, low-carb dinners; breakfast and lunch should make up 2/3 of your daily calories
At least 2 fruits and 2-3 cups of vegetables per day
Less caffeine
At least 8 glasses of water daily
Fewer refined carbohydrates, such as white breads and pasta
1 multivitamin daily
Less salt when cooking and snacking
Increase your cardio activity
Aim to hit at least 10,000 steps daily
Increase length strength when possible, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator
Why no Caffeine
For the week or two you are at Mountain Trek, you will not have sugar, alcohol, or caffeine. While the sugar and alcohol might be obvious, cutting caffeine might be perplexing. Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands to produce the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Higher and prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream have been shown to have a negative effect on raising the metabolism, altering blood sugars and blood pressure and decreasing muscle tissue and bone density. It has also been shown to increase the deposit of belly fat for a significant percentage of the population. We offer substitutes at the retreat that will satiate your coffee needs.
Travel & Medical Insurance
It is required that all guests have medical insurance. Please ensure your current health insurance covers travel or purchase travel specific medical coverage.
It is highly recommended that guests purchase trip cancellation insurance. The Mountain Trek program is non-refundable and last-minute emergencies or medical issues do sometimes arise. Please visit your local travel agent to do so, or purchase insurance online.
We look forward to seeing you
For answers to your questions, call 1.800.661.5161, or email info@mountaintrek.com.
Looking for more things to read? Review our waiver.
An Award-Winning Retreat
