Weeklong Programs Stimulate the Mind & Relax the Body while Exploring Topics Ranging from Culture to Environment to Personal Health
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (August 24, 2010) – “Stimulate the mind and take care of the body.” Increasingly, scientific studies point to this simple philosophy as the secret for longer, healthier life. And, that is the premise of a partnership between the newly opened Tahéima Wellness Resort & Spa in Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, and the nationally respected Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of California, Berkeley.
The result is a series of uniquely exciting, all-inclusive, week-long themed programs, offered from November through March, featuring leading authorities including professors from UC Berkeley presenting topics ranging from the environment and biodiversity to the cultural connections between Mexico and the U.S., to personal wellbeing and health. The programs are offered in the context of a luxurious all-inclusive vacation at one of Mexico’s newest spa and wellness resorts.
“We invite everyone to explore a world of intellectual, spiritual and physical wellness while enjoying an extraordinary vacation here at Tahéima,” said Olivier Coupat, General Manager. “More and more travelers are looking for experiences that stimulate their intellect, imagination and creativity as well as satisfy their appreciation for outstanding service, fine food and beautiful surroundings. They will find all this and more by participating in these outstanding OLLI programs.”
The basis of the OLLI curriculum is the week-long investigation into a chosen theme. “There is a fundamental shift happening in the political, economic and cultural relationships which define the contemporary dynamics in both US/Mexico and hemispheric relations. These programs are an opportunity to join in the dialogue on these issues with leading UC Berkeley and Mexican scholars,” according to Susan Hoffman, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Center. Upcoming programs and dates are as follows:
• November 13-20, 2010, Cultural legacies: Mexico Across Borders
This week explores the cultural connection between Mexico and the United States through films, murals, music and other forms of art and will include film premiere, seminars, salons, field trips and more.
The faculty includes Ray Telles, an independent film maker and UC Berkeley adjunct professor of Ethnic Studies; Annice Jacoby, author and producer; Alex Saragoza, UC Berkeley historian and former director of the University of California’s Latin American Center in Mexico City, and Salvador Leetoy, Communication and International Relations faculty member at the Tecnológico de Monterrey.
• December 4-11, 2010, Energy and the Environment
This week will explore the flora, fauna and birds of Mexico as well as the challenges for biodiversity through field trips to botanical gardens and other habitats where scientists will identify common and rare species and look into the role of biodiversity in the politics of Mexico and the U.S. Another feature of the program will be regionally based cuisine prepared by Tahéima’s chef based on healthy native flavors and produce.
The UC Berkeley faculty includes Patrick O’Grady, assistant professor of environmental science, policy and management; Chelsea Specht, assistant professor of plant and microbiology; and Alex Saragoza, a historian and former director of the University of California’s Latin American Center in Mexico City.
• January 22-29, 2011, Mexico, Media and Democracy
This week explores the relationship between the media and the development of a democratic culture, bringing journalists from the US and Mexico to engage in dialogue with participants about topics ranging from the rise of new media to the challenges of providing deep analysis for a democratic society. The Tahéima digital media lab will provide hands-on opportunities to investigate and engage new media.
The faculty includes Cynthia Gorney, UC Berkeley School of Journalism and New York Times feature writer; David Weir, founder of the Center for Investigative Reporting and co-founder of Salon.com; Alex Saragoza and Salvador Leetoy (see above). Other journalists from Mexico will also participate.
• March 19-26, 2011, Writers Conference – Details to be announced in the near future.
• Optimizing Your Health
As an integral component of each program, Dr. Michael Thaler, professor emeritus at UC San Francisco, will present a weeklong series of lectures and discussions created specifically for the OLLI-Tahéima guests. Dr. Thaler will present recent discoveries in neuroscience on the practices needed for a healthy lifestyle, positive aging and neuroplasticity, and be available for discussion of individual questions and concerns. This program will complement the resort’s ongoing classes in wellness, meditation and movement.
In addition to all the classes, discussions and other activities presented by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, the Tahéima/OLLI package includes:
• Accommodations in a spacious suite
• Healthy balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or a la carte
• Juice Bar and healthy beverages during the day and unlimited international and domestic alcoholic beverages by the glass in the resort bars from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• One 60 minute massage daily from the Full Passport Collection
• Access to all resort facilities, including pools, whirlpool and gym
• Access to Taheima´s Wellness Institute with more than 25 activities a week in disciplines such as yoga, Tai Chi, Mexican anthropology and history, dance, healthy anti-cancer cooking classes, and more
• Transportation to and from the Puerto Vallarta Airport
• 25 percent discount on cooking classes, private instruction for yoga and dance, spa beauty treatments and workshops in pottery, ceramics and painting
The all-inclusive OLLI weeklong programs are priced at $1,400 per person, double occupancy and $1,620 per person, single occupancy. For program information, contact OLLI@Berkeley at 1-510-642-9934, berkeley_olli@berkeley.edu, or by visiting www.olli.berkeley.edu.
. Reservations may be made through Tahéima at 1-866-978-7140.
About Tahéima Wellness Resort & Spa
Dedicated to offering sophisticated travelers a luxuriously holistic wellness experience that engages all the senses and stimulates the body, mind and spirit, Tahéima Wellness Resort & Spa is situated just north of Puerto Vallarta and offers 135 suite accommodations with full kitchens and state-of-the-art informational technology and gourmet dining in two restaurants under the direction of Master Chef Gerard Dupont, president of L’Academie Culinaire de France. In early 2011, a destination spa and wellness center will feature an indoor pool, Zen meditation labyrinth, bamboo gardens, and more than 30 treatment rooms. The resort also has a fitness center and gym, several infinity swimming pools, and the Tahéima Learning Center and Brain Gym, where guests are invited to participate in a broad spectrum of classes designed for intellectual and physical exercise. Guests also have access to facilities at the adjacent Paradise Village Resort, including priority reservations for golf at El Tigre, tennis, squash and racquet ball, heated swimming pools and an extreme sports facility. The Playa Royale Beach Club on the Pacific Ocean provides access to the white sand Pacific beach and offers its own restaurant and bar.
For more information about or to make a reservation, please visit http://www.taheima.com/ or call 1-866 978 7140.
About the UC Berkeley Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
UC Berkeley’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI @Berkeley) presents more than 75 courses, lectures, and symposia each year. Distinguished Berkeley faculty members and other expert teachers explore traditional subjects and cutting-edge fields of study without exams or grades. OLLI @Berkeley provides opportunities for mature students (over 50) to share life experiences and participate in a rich exchange of ideas, whether in our classrooms at UC Berkeley, or in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, through our partnership with the Tahéima Wellness Resort and Spa.
To learn more about our programs, including the Tahéima international travel program, educational research on cognitive fitness, and peer-led interest circles, as well as OLLI’s online lectures and courses with speakers such as former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich and global energy expert Dan Kammen, visit http://www.olli.berkeley.edu/.