On the weekend of Jan. 15, wellness-minded guests flocked from far and wide to attend the third annual Yosemite Wellness & Spa Retreat at the Delaware North-owned-and-operated Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite.
This full-spectrum escape allowed attendees to relax, refresh and set healthy intentions with the guidance of leading experts in the fitness, lifestyle and culinary space.
Abbie Kozolchyk, the beauty and travel editor at “Every Day with Rachael Ray,” served as the event’s 
keynote speaker, leading guests through health and beauty insights acquired from traveling all corners of the globe for more than two decades. Also hosting educational sessions, fitness classes and cooking and beauty workshops in a hands-on, engaged environment were Sheamus O’Rork, Tenaya Lodge’s sous chef; Alexandra Williams and Kymberly Williams, sisters and fitness pros at Fun and Fit; and Tara Grodjesk, president and owner of Tara Spa Therapy Inc.
Designed and overseen by Heidi Clark, director of Tenaya’s Ascent Spa, the three-night event featured everything from sunrise yoga and custom-built nature hikes to painting and wine classes and aromatherapy lessons – plus plenty of time to enjoy the luxurious offerings of Ascent.
“This year’s retreat drew upon many well-received aspects of our past two events, and also introduced some new and fresh activities,” Clark said. “We knocked it out of the park!”
And perhaps the most popular event of the weekend was O’Rork’s highly requested whiskey pairing dinner. Teaming up with a seasoned spirits pro, O’Rork took guests on a culinary journey of five delicious courses – highlighting good-for-you ingredients, local flavors and a unique selection of high-end 10-, 12- and 15-year whiskeys from around the world.
The Yosemite Wellness & Spa Retreat has become an eagerly anticipated tradition at Tenaya, showcasing the lodge’s incredible offerings for fitness, wellness, tranquility, dining and fun. Next year, the team plans to incorporate even more culinary activities to speak to today’s foodie-focused, discerning traveler.
PHOTO CAPTION: Tenaya Lodge Sous Chef Sheamus O’Rork takes guests on a culinary journey during the recent Yosemite Wellness & Spa Retreat.