FAQs

Need Help? Contact Us at 800.327.4914

General Questions

What are the benefits of going to Pritikin?

Recent guest, Sheryl Braverman may have summed it up best – “Pritikin is a place where you can discover how to live the rest of your life in a happy & healthy manner.” During your stay, you’ll get a fresh start. You’ll actually see your body change, and improvements in your health reflected in medical tests taken during your stay. You’ll feel better than you have in years.

One key difference between Pritikin and other health retreats is our strong scientific background. More than 100 studies have been published in peer-review medical journals over the past 50 years validating the success of the Pritikin Program. No other resort has our scientific efficacy. In fact, most have no research proving their program works.

Pritikin is in an environment unto itself. You’ll never, for example, be sitting next to someone eating prime rib and cheesecake. You’ll be spending your days with people just like you – people focused on lifestyle changes that lead to a better, healthier life. This camaraderie can make a real difference in your own personal motivation, and in the results you achieve.

Who Goes to Pritikin?

All kinds. We have guests coming to lose excess weight and people with health challenges like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. But we also have many people who are in great shape and are coming simply to learn how to stay healthy.

Guests at Pritikin span a wide range of ages, from young adults in their 30s seeking to prevent health conditions they may have witnessed in their parents or grandparents, to lively and robust guests in their 90s who have been loyal attendees at Pritikin for many years. The majority of guests typically fall within the age brackets of 40s, 50s, or 60s.

For many of our guests, the overriding goal is the same, and can be summed up as: “I want to live long and well, and Pritikin gives me the best chance for making that happen.” All describe their experience as transformative.

Will I fit in?

There’s an excellent chance you’ll fit right in, even if you’re coming to Pritikin by yourself. In fact, the Pritikin Longevity Center was voted “Best For Solo Travelers” among thousands of entries by Spafinder.

Just walk in the door, and you feel the excitement. People are smiling, cheering each other on. Around our dining room tables, conversations flow easily about everything from falling cholesterol levels to triumphs over diabetes to dreams for the future. Bonds form, friendships grow, and they often last far beyond the time spent together at Pritikin.

Why is Pritikin the #1 Rated Wellness Retreat?

Pritikin was voted #1 health retreat by hundreds of retreat reviewers on TripAdvisor. No other health retreat has achieved the high score awarded in these reviews. The most common phrase used in reviews by Pritikin guests is “life changing.”

What does a typical day look like?

Your customized wellness experience will be unique and will vary based on your goals. Some guests opt for more consultations with a physician, while others prefer to improve their golf game or spend time at the spa. The link below will give you an overview of what a “typical day” might look like for a “typical guest”, but your experience will be tailored just for you.

How Does Pritikin Compare to other wellness retreats?

Visit the link below to see how Pritikin compares to other wellness retreats.

How Long Do I need to Stay?

The recommended length of stay depends on your goals, but to get the full Pritikin Experience you’ll need to stay two-weeks. However, many guests visit for a long weekend or a month or more. Schedule a consultation with a Program Advisor to discuss what’s best for you.

Do you offer an online or remote program?

Pritikin’s membership is a complimentary service offered exclusively to guests after their stay, valid for one year. This exclusive benefit is not available through other means or channels.

Reservations

How do I make a reservation at Pritikin?

To make a reservation, please call (800) 327-4914 or click the link below to book a consult. Our dedicated Program Advisors are available to assist you and address any inquiries you may have. They will also tailor a program to suit your individual requirements. Due to the personalized nature of our services, online reservations are not currently available.

What happens During a Consult?

Consults are an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about Pritikin, get a customized quote for a stay at the Pritikin Center, check availability or make a reservation.

Do you accept HSAs, FSAs, or process insurance claims?

The Pritikin Longevity Center is private-pay and does not accept Medicare, Medicaid, process insurance or HSA/FSA payments.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

Can I change my dates?

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Plan Your Stay

What Should I pack?

Because of our active and informal environment, we suggest you leave your jewelry at home, but we do provide safety deposit boxes in each hotel room.

Shoes & Socks

Pack comfortable walking or running shoes. Water shoes for aquatics class. Pilates/yoga socks.

Clothing

You’ll need exercise clothing (several changes) such as shorts, T-shirts, socks, sweatpants, leggings and swimming attire. Our lecture halls are air conditioned and sometimes chilly, so pack a sweatshirt or light fitness jacket. Bring attire which you’ll be comfortable wearing to evening meals (slacks, button down, blouses etc). Women in the physician supervised program should bring a sports bra for your Treadmill Stress Test. Women guests, please pack a bra with no underwire for your Treadmill Stress Test.

Will I need my Medication?

This is very important. Bring your current medications IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS, and in sufficient quantity for the duration of your stay.

Does Pritikin Provide Transportation from the airport?

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What are the check-in and check-out times?

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Can I bring my pet?

The Pritikin Center offers a pet friendly program. We permit guests to bring their pets to the center provided they do not infringe upon the rights and enjoyment of our other guests in the program. To provide for the enjoyment of all guests we require all pet owners to abide by the following guidelines:

Notify your Program Advisor of your pet prior to arrival.
Pets must be kept on a short leash and not left unattended within the Program and lodging facilities.
Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pet on our property.
Guests are liable for all property damages and/or personal injuries resulting from their pet.
There will be designated sections for pets in the following areas:
- Dining Room
- Cooking School
- Lecture Halls
- Gym
Pets cannot be on any furniture at any time.
Pets may not be within 10 feet of any food service area.
Pets are expected to behave in a manner that does not disturb the enjoyment of other guests. Pets that create a disturbance by barking/jumping on guests or growling at guests/other pets will need to be removed immediately from that situation and not brought back to the program area for the remainder of your stay.

Pritikin Management reserves the right to mandate the removal and to deny access to the program facilities of any pet that cannot abide by the policy guidelines as established above.

During Your Stay

How will I be charged?

The total amount, minus your deposit, will be charged to your credit card on file 72 hours prior to check-in. If you prefer to pay by wire transfer or check, please call us 7 days or more prior to your scheduled arrival date to make alternate arrangements. Should you need to change your credit card once payment has been fully rendered, a 6% processing fee will be charged to the card on file.

Payment for any incidentals charged to your room during your stay is due upon check out and will be charged to your credit card on file unless you make other arrangements prior to your departure. The hotel will place a $75 refundable hold on the credit card you present at check-in.

Are Tips Included?

Yes. At Pritikin, we believe in providing exceptional service without the need for additional tips. Tips are not expected. It is our pleasure to serve you.

Will I be charged a resort fee?

Absolutely not! The resort fees charged by many retreats and resorts can increase your final bill by a staggering 30%.

Will I be charged extra for taxes?

When you inquire about a stay at Pritikin, you can rest assured that all taxes are already included in our rates.

Can I get weight loss medications at Pritikin?

At Pritikin, our physicians do not typically prescribe weight loss medications. However, we offer comprehensive support to guests who are already taking such medications, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout their stay. Additionally, for guests considering weight loss medications, we provide unbiased advice to help them make informed decisions about their health journey.

How many calories am I eating at Pritikin?

At Pritikin, we do not limit the amount of food you eat or count calories. In fact, our guests are amazed that they’re losing weight but at the same time eating to their heart’s content.

Our goal is setting you up for real-world living that allows you to enjoy satisfying portions of food without the need to count calories.

Many other weight-loss resorts do limit the number of calories you take in. That’s easy to do when you’re on the property and someone else is counting out the calories for you, but it’s very difficult to follow when you leave.

And some programs cut calorie intake so drastically that you’re hungry all the time. One program we know of slashes calorie intake to 500 calories a day.

At Pritikin, you’ll never go hungry. You’re eating five filling meals and snacks daily. And you’re learning all the skills for continuing Pritikin living after you leave.

Bottom Line: Pritikin is not about calorie restriction. Pritikin is a sustainable non-diet approach by eating.

Is the Pritikin Dining Room exclusively for guests?

The Pritikin Dining Room provides an exclusive and private experience and is therefore reserved for the sole use of Pritikin guests. Arrangements for any visitors you may have are available on a first-come, first serve basis and based upon availability. The charge for your guest’s meal will be invoiced to your Pritikin folio. Cash or credit will not be accepted as a form of payment in the Pritikin Dining Room.

Am I involved in activities every day?

Yes. The Pritikin Longevity Center is open 7 days a week. Every day, you’re immersed in exercise classes, lifestyle-change education, dining at Pritikin, and more. Programs at other health resorts may shut down for the weekend.

Is Parking Available?

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What should I wear to my Treadmill Stress Test?

Please wear walking/running shoes. Women guests, please wear a bra with no underwire.

Is Laundry Service Available?

Wash & fold service is available for a small fee. Laundry dropped off before breakfast will be ready after dinner. Dry cleaning service is available through the resort.

After Your Stay

How difficult is it to live Pritikin-style when I return home?

Our entire program is set up to give you the tools you need to successfully maintain Pritikin on the homefront. Our cooking classes teach you the secrets for preparing healthy, tasty food. Our nutrition workshops focus on real-world experiences, like dining out and food shopping.

Our exercise classes are not complex regimens that would never work in regular life. Instead, the exercise plan you’ll learn at Pritikin is simple and practical, easy to weave into daily life at home.

Our behavioral workshops give you cognitive skills that can help you break through barriers that may have hindered you in the past, like stress or binge eating.

Even if you’ve been living off pizzas and burgers for years, you’ll learn at Pritikin that you can change, and that it’s a lot easier and quicker than you ever thought possible.

But maybe most importantly, your palate changes at Pritikin. Oh sure, if you loved cheeseburgers before coming to Pritikin, you’ll probably still love them after you leave. But what people discover at Pritikin is that their culinary world expands far beyond burgers. With each meal, they’re experiencing new flavors and pleasures, which means that rather feeling deprived, they’re actually enjoying their food more.

Pritikin also offers an array of services to provide support, motivation and accountability after you return home. It’s easy to schedule a weekly call with the nutritionists you worked with at Pritikin, enjoy a virtual workout with your favorite fitness trainer, or stay motivated with with a life coach. You can watch online cooking classes. We’re serious about ensuring your success!

Does Pritikin Provide Support When I return home?

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Does Pritikin Offer Discounts for return visits?

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Pritikin Principles

What are the basic Pritikin Principles?

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Is Pritikin a diet?

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Plan Your Stay at Pritikin

It’s time to live your best life. All the experts & personalized help you need to succeed are right here.