Living Healthy in the Lap of Luxury on Scrub Island

Although I have been fortunate enough to visit several resorts in the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I), I have always wanted to check out Scrub Island Resort, which is located on a 230-acre private island. And now, I have even more of a desire to escape to this Caribbean paradise with the introduction of the Living Abundantly package. Available April 15–19, this hands-on health and wellness program offers guests a getaway that will help them learn strategies for a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle in an unbeatable atmosphere. In addition to the opportunity to receive personal coaching on everything from nutrition to weight loss to stress management, for $5998, the package also includes:

• Five nights and six days in a deluxe ocean-view room
• Gourmet meals daily, with a focus on nutritious cuisine
• A pre-trip health assessment
• Up to three one-on-one personal coaching sessions
• Morning exercise sessions
• Half-day snorkeling trip
• Spa access

The package was developed in association with Gene Smart Wellness (GSW), a preventative healthcare company that pinpoints the connection between diet, exercise, and genes. The company’s chief scientific advisor, Floyd Chilton, will be attending the program and interacting with participants on a daily basis.

The Great Paraben Debate

Covering the health and beauty industry, I’m often overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting information that crosses my desk. For years, I’ve been hearing about the dangers of parabens, commonly used preservatives found in a host of spa products. Wanting to understand this complicated issue, we asked Ahmed Abdullah, M.D., F.A.C.S., CEO of the aloe-based skincare line, Lexli International, and Meaghan Cochrane, public relations and marketing representative at Eminence Organic Skin Care, to weigh in on the controversial issue. Their arguments for and against parabens can be found in our latest issue in “Paraben Paradox.” Now, we’d like to hear your thoughts. What do you think about the use of parabens? Are they a danger to your clients’ health or just another harmless, yet necessary, ingredient?