Fitness, Health, Sport & Adventure - The New Holiday Incentive

Modern travelers are becoming more discerning and looking for experiences beyond simply a hotel room and meals. These travelers are inspired by aspects of their life journey; especially by their hobbies and interests: increasingly entwined around fitness, health, sport and adventure.

Over the past 15 years, countless Spas have opened around the world; these facilities offer relaxation and pampering - but they miss out on the enormous benefits that guests experience in being active. Movement in all its forms is a vital part of life and this is the next step for resorts and hotels, beyond a basic spa treatments. Personal growth is becoming increasingly important for a new generation of travelers - and as physical wellbeing is one of the most precious assets we have, it has become a major decision when people take a holiday or travel.

Is there a gym? Can I run nearby? These questions are a prime factor in the decision of a majority of business travelers, so they can manage their stress and stay in-shape and healthy on business trips. Leisure travelers have long travelled with golf clubs and surfboards; but they are now traveling with bicycles, kite surfers, hiking boots and other adventure gear. Air Asia and other budget airlines now offer an extended baggage option, which includes many of these items – including a fully packed mountain bike. Lifestyle and travel magazines continue to ascribe to the wonders of natural environments that are amenable to different sports and adventure activities.

It is no wonder that the highlands of Central Java are becoming increasingly appealing as a place to undertake a wide variety of sports and adventure programs; here the retreat property MesaStila has developed upon its former glory as a coffee plantation and spa and current offerings at this include: unique road cycling routes, as experienced by team Rapha Continental Asia this April; Pencak Silat, taught by a local martial-arts master; mountain-biking, with support from United Bike; trail running, with backing of the GPS-fitness-watch product Garmin – and trekking on some of the nearby 3000m+ volcanic peaks. In addition, the property includes a Jungle Gym – a fantastic place of fitness to work-out using balance beams, parallel bars, stability equipment, rocks to lift, and a space to train with TRX - a new suspension-training system developed by an ex- Navy-SEAL.

MesaStila is situated well above the hot-humid plains of Jogjakarta, in the low mountains where temperatures of 17°C are not an uncommon early morning temperature; amazingly suited for the plethora of activities and programs on offer.

In addition to the sports, fitness and adventure programs - MesaStila offers a Turkish-style Hammam; a spa menu that includes Jade and Tuina facials, Tibetan singing-bowl rituals and a variety of massages and body treatments, as well as the herbal Javanese traditions of Jamu medicine. An internationally trained and highly experienced culinary-team creates an expanse of recipes using traditional Javanese flavors, which are given a healthy twist. Dishes incorporate local and organic produce, healthy cooking techniques, low-fat-low-Gylcemic-Index products, nutritious antioxidant-rich foods, fish and a limited use of good quality meat. MesaStila also offers a range of cooking classes, where guests can appreciate the added advantage of being able to take away some of this healthy cuisine expertise.

As MesaStila develops its offerings, watch out for specialized retreats to come over the next 6 months:

Shape-Up Retreat with Retreat Guides Carina & Elke - 27^th to 30^th September 2012: A three night kick-start into a healthier, fitter and slimmer life - offering a focus on fitness activities, healthy meals, relaxing massages and wellness education, including a special healthy eating & cooking workshop

The MesaStila Challenge - 6^th October 2012:  Unique and challenging running race in Central Java - from railway tracks to jungle trails; covering a tough uphill course over half-marathon distance.

Mastery of the Heart Retreat with Healer Rick Purcell - 2^nd to 6^th November 2012: From fear to love; from your head to your heart - uncovering your challenges to emotional growth, and being inspired to: appreciation, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, humility and bravery.

Singapore Marathon Jungle Training Camp - 10^th to 13^th November 2012:  Countdown to the Singapore marathon - strength and running-consistency on tough hills and fun jungle trails in Java.

Cross-fit & Spa for Christmas with Master Trainer Bryan Hoare - 22^nd to 26^th December 2012: Celebrate the festive season without overindulging - stay fit, trim and relaxed with expert guidance.

Chinese New Year, Love & Passion Retreat for Couples with Retreat Guides Carina & Elke - 8^th to 11^th February 2013: At an auspicious time of the year - create or rejuvenate an extraordinary relationship

Cross-fit & Spa for Easter with Master Trainer Bryan Hoare - 28^th to 31^st March 2013: Celebrate the Easter and chocolate season without overindulging - stay fit, trim and relaxed

Pre- Tour-of-Friendship Hill Training Camp - 12^th to 14^th April 2013: Extra training days in the saddle to prepare for the amateur cycling race in Thailand, known as The Tour of Friendship – MesaStila offers access to serious hills for some awesome training.

Lotus Flower Yoga & Meditation Retreat - 24^th to 26^th May 2013: A dynamic yoga retreat to coincide with Vesak Day and a grand gathering at the Buddhist temple of Borobudur.

For Details Contact:

Sugeng Sugiantoro – Director of Sales & Marketing

Atik Setyowati - Sales Manager

MesaStila, PO Box 108 Magelang, 56100

Telephone number: +62 (0) 298 596 333 Fax: +62 (0) 298 592 696 or 596 100 Website address: http://www.mesahotelsandresorts.com/mesastila/ 

info@stila.mesahotelsandresorts.com 

In-press Mine in Singapore Architect

In-press AsiaSpa Magazine

In-press Healthy Post Magazine

THE MESASTILA CHALLENGE 2012 RAILS TO TRAILS HALF-MARATHON

Mesastila Challenge 2012 route map and recalculate the route with a Garmin system
MesaStila Challenge Facebook
MesaStila Challenge Registration Form

Magelang, Central Java – MesaStila has confirmed the second annual occasion of its unique running-race on October 6^th 2012. Starting at the heritage railway station in Ambarawa, the running course follows the antique steam-train, which departs 20-minutes before the runners. Athletes will run along the railway tracks - attempting to catch the train, which runs at a leisurely pace!

Event Details

·      Half marathon distance – 21.1km

·      The first 9km along a heritage railway-line: Ambarawa to Bedono - try to catch the train!

·      Tough gradient of approximately 6%

·      Jungle trails following the old disused railway line

·      Snaking past rice paddies with some amazing views

·      Up-and-down sections, up to 18% incline, on partly paved village roads

·      Finishing on a rice paddy track and along some tough jungle trails

·      Overall a demanding, but fun and very interesting run

·      Amazing food spread Brunch-BBQ at the finish line

·      Post-race massages for athletes and a fresh-water swimming pool

·      Music, awards ceremony and prizes

Event Timing – October 6^th 2012:

07:00 - Welcome and opening ceremony

07:10 – Train starts journey to half-way point with VIP’s, sponsors and media

07:30 – Runners start race - as soon as train leaves from its engine-changing point at Jambu

Prizes & Awards:

Prizes and awards are offered for the top three challengers in male and female categories.

Lucky draw prizes will be available to all athletes

Fees & Entry Procedure:

Entry fees will depend on whether from Indonesia or overseas.

Entry through e-mail or application in person, or by fax @ 0298 596 100 or 592 696

	Indonesian	Foreign or local Expat
Individual Runner	IDR 150,000	US$ 35*

*KITAS holder or local expat will classed as foreign

Accommodation:

A number of rooms will be available at MesaStila for athletes and their families. Special rates are available for athletes. There will also be a variety of recommended partner-hotels in the nearby towns of Magelang and Semarang.

MesaStila Country Winner- Best Luxury Destination Spa by World Luxury Hotel Awards (May 2012)

MesaStila, a high-end luxury resort, previously known as Losari Spa Retreat & Coffee Plantation has recently been established as a wellness retreat. The property was created as a labour-of-love by its many proprietors over the years – from coffee-plantation to resort and now a retreat. It incorporates a collection of antiques and fantastic buildings: a colonial-era railway station, the former residence of a Javanese Prince, traditional Javanese wood-villas and the plantation owner’s house from the early 1900’s.

In a world where pollution, noise, crowds, unhealthy diets and stress are the norm, MesaStila offers an escape and a true sanctuary. The property is situated in a space of complete tranquillity – surrounded by amazing natural beauty, cooling mountain-air, lush vegetation and amazing views of eight surrounding volcanoes. As a wellness retreat MesaStila creates a distinctly Javanese fusion: with an immersion to the healthy-healing gardens; Javanese wellness therapies; traditional Pencak Silat martial-arts; Java-coffee scrubs; Jungle-Gym & TRX; healthy Javanese food and the services of skilled local healers.

The wellness programs are influenced by the custom of Javanese medicine, through traditional healers called Tabib, who manage a variety of physical, emotional, and spiritual complaints. A local Jamu Master formulates special healing tonics for particular guest needs; while the Ibu-Jamu’s (Jamu ladies) offer many varieties of freshly-made therapeutic Jamu during breakfast.

The property includes a functioning coffee plantation and charming non-commercial coffee production process; though the true magnificence of MesaStila is in its amazing Hammam Spa - offering treatments from Tunia, to a relaxing Plantation Massage and a Cooling Jade Facial. The most exquisite Hammam scrubs and warming massages have been created to meld in with the two enormous Hammams.

Here is the direct link for further detail:

http://www.luxuryhotelawards.com/winners/2012-spa-awards

The Hammam at MESASTILA:

Country Winner in the category of: Best Luxury Destination Spa

Retreat Programs:

Whether on a long stay fourteen-night retreat, or a short two-night escape, guests appreciate the MesaStila retreat experience with packages that offer all inclusive stays and which encompass the following: •Private Villa accommodation •Transfers •A guided introduction and personalized diary of activities •Three healthy meals per day, plus two wellness snacks •A daily massage •A daily choice of classes that offer fitness, cultural and educational experiences.

Specific retreats offer programs that are particular to the type of activities that guests wish to focus on; this includes options for stays with durations of: 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 nights, with the following essential offerings: Fitness & Weight Management / De-stress & Indulgence / Cleansing - here the name of the retreat is a clear indication of the projected outcome and retreat inclusions.

MesaStila also offers an Executive Recharge retreat targeted at high-level corporate executives. While, the two-night packages – Dynamism and Escapism will be of interest to guests wanting a short break at MesaStila with an active or relaxing approach to wellbeing. The Taste of Losari package is a one night program that allows guests to enjoy the property as part of a journey through Java, or those from nearby countries who want to enjoy a short wellbeing break.

As MesaStila develops its wellness offerings, many specialized retreats are on offer:

Endurance Training Camp with Master Coach Bryan Hoare - 2^nd to 5^th March 2012: The perfect endurance training escape! Ride the hills around four volcanoes, and run in a stunning natural jungle environment. A three night program to help athletes ramp up their cycling and running fitness; phased to compliment training for the Singapore 70.3 Half Ironman competition.

The Power of Sleep Retreat with Dr. Chris Herrera PhD – 16^th to 20^th April 2012:  A four night retreat where guests will discover a missing piece of the wellness puzzle, learning to live well and sleep better.  Sleep expert and clinical sleep-researcher, Dr. Herrera, leads this exclusive health-focused sleep retreat and offers guests the opportunity for a personalized sleep-wellness review. 

Heart Mastery Retreat with Master Rick Pursell – 4^th to 7^th May 2012: A three night program to create personal growth and move positively through life experiences; evolving from separateness, superiority and fear - into caring, sharing and a place of growth; examining and realizing humility, appreciation, understanding, compassion, forgiveness and valour.

Unique Selling Points:

·      A magical environment - surrounded by jungle, with views to a number of nearby volcanoes

·      The only wellness retreat in Java

·      Seven retreat options for a variety of guests to enjoy – from Fitness, to Spa to Cleansing

·      Heritage buildings from Royal Java, colonial Indonesia with an exceptional array of antique furniture, paintings, and traditional artifacts

·      Located within twenty-two hectares of coffee plantation and gardens

·      The only resort in SE Asia that incorporates two authentic Turkish Hammams

·      Genuine Hammam treatments using special soaps, mitts and scrubs from the Middle East.

·      A distinctly Javanese experience

·      Organic, healthy, authentic and tasty Javanese-fusion cuisine

·      Coffee scrubs with coffee ground from our own coffee plantation 

Why - Wellness Retreat?

Current [un]health statistics from the World Health Organization suggest that by the year

2020, even in the developing world, seven-in-ten people suffering from poor health will be 

because of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer and 

smoking related disorders. So many illnesses can be prevented by taking time, to create a 

more healthy outlook; applying some of the concepts offered at MesaStila: healthy eating; 

focused exercise; planned relaxation; stress management; limitations on smoking; and 

moderate alcohol consumption - all in a relaxing and stunning natural environment.

Modern travelers are becoming more discerning and looking for experiences beyond simply 

room and breakfast. From eco-friendly experiences to cultural explorations; passionate 

travelers are inspired by aspects of their life journey - and MesaStila offers an opportunity for 

personal growth and realizations about wellbeing with cultural and historical experiences as 

a major component.

The London based think-tank The Future Laboratory has proposed that “Values, along with 

value-for-money, are becoming increasingly important for a new generation of conscience-

driven travelers. The places that we spend our money in should be a frame for life. They 

must make simple acts, such as dining, more meaningful.” The Future Laboratory suggest 

that: “In today’s saturated material world, health is one of the most precious assets we have. 

Most people face a lot of stress in their everyday life and want to compensate for this by 

pursuing health and wellbeing in their free time.”

MesaStila’s Retreat Manager, Bryan Hoare, an authority in the retreat industry and a holder 

of two Masters degrees in human development, notes: “The time that guests spend at 

MesaStila will help people refine their life experiences and set the stage for a greater level of 

awareness; a realization that personal wellbeing does not have to be arduously brought 

about by extreme dieting or hours-upon-hours of exercise each week. It is simply that people 

need to learn some of the techniques of creating a more healthful lifestyle: such as taking 

time to breathe calmly, undertaking simple daily tasks [such as brushing one’s teeth] with a 

focus on the moment and purpose in the outcome; establishing movement and physical 

activity as a part of the normal day; or making more healthy food choices on a long-haul 

flight, at the supermarket or over a business lunch.”

Bryan observes that: “Taking care of your wellbeing now, means fewer health problems in 

the future, less time lost to illness, a more vibrant life, greater energy and an all round better 

you. Sustainable wellness is an attitude as much as it is learned on a wellness retreat; 

moreover, immersing yourself into a space of wellness is the first step”.

Uniquely Java...

Java has an enormous but not widely known tradition of traditional medicine, through time-

honored healers called dukun or tabib, who deal with a variety of illnesses of physical, 

emotional, and spiritual origin through combinations of herbal means. At MesaStila a local 

Jamu Master offers healing tonics for particular guest needs. A daily dose of Jamu, is offered 

at breakfast of which five varieties are produced and offered daily by our Jamu ladies!

Though a wellness retreat, the property still contains a functioning coffee plantation. Coffee 

does have some beneficial effects, which have been discussed by many experts – it 

stimulates the central nervous system, helps relieve headaches and combat fatigue and poor 

concentration. It is also shown to activate hormones that support cardiac, respiratory and 

metabolic activity; coffee increases production of gastric acid and bile and stimulates 

intestinal action, making the drink a digestive aid. Research on the health consequences of 

caffeine consumption offers conflicting results, largely because the response to this powerful 

stimulant varies considerably. To quote Renaissance physician Paracelsus, "Nothing in 

itself is poison or cure, everything depends on the dosage. Make your own choice!