You want to hang out with Nora Tobin. Everyone does. And it’s not because she’s got the answers to your health and longevity questions (though she does) or because she makes wellness feel doable (though she does that too).
It’s because she’s a lovely human whose mission is to spread joy.
Fortunately, this summer at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, guests can access the full Tobin experience. The wellness consultant—to everyone from individuals to Fortune 100 organizations—is hosting a series of signature Rejuvenation Retreats which incorporate exercise classes, nutrition workshops and even botanical wine tastings—all within the confines of the hotel’s relaxed, but upscale tropical digs.
As far as Tobin is concerned, there couldn’t be a more perfect place to get well—without sacrificing fun. “The transition from longevity smoothies in the morning to chili passionfruit martinis in the evening…aligns with my approach,” Tobin says, a glint of unapologetic mischief in her eye.
Indeed, this Paradise Island property is special, a heritage hotel which first celebrated its opening in 1962 with the likes of Zsa Zsa Gabor and William Randolph Hearst and is the setting for the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royale. Photos of countless storied guests grace the shelves in the beloved cocktail lounge. In short, it’s the kind of resort where generations of people return again and again.
And this welcoming familial atmosphere is the ideal backdrop for Tobin’s particular brand of wellness, also all about warmth and hospitality. After all, her program is inclusive and without orthodoxy. So, guests can sign up for the whole experience in advance or drop in for à la carte sessions as desired. Parents can drop children under 12 off for the hotel’s complimentary Kids for All Seasons program and escape into workshops without hindrance or even bring their bigger kids along for breathwork or yoga. “My classes are for anyone who needs a reprieve from a high-pressure professional environment,” Tobin notes, “families who enjoy…enrichment in the midst of vacation or those looking to expand upon their personal wellness goals.”
Tobin’s own affinity for health is rooted in her upbringing, treasured memories of her outdoorsy family in South Lake Tahoe. “My introduction to fitness was rooted in joy,” she recalls, “walking through the pines with a guaranteed peanut butter and jelly sandwich at the end of the trail, trying to keep up with my big brother on our mountain bikes.” So, it’s important to her that both the locale and her programs deliver tools to support goals without sacrificing enjoyment.
The retreats are not restrictive.
The theme for July’s retreat (from 7/18-7/20) is “Perform” and delves into metabolic transformation, performance nutrition and athletic recovery. Participants will explore the differences between biological and chronological age, solutions for lowering oxidative stress and ways to sustain heightened levels of energy, while alleviating tension in the body through low impact motion classes.
The August retreat (from 8/3-8/5) is titled “Glow,” honing in on natural fat burning, anti-aging nutrition and detox systems via classes like Beauty and the Beat (think eye masks and guided meditation with biaural beats to reset the nervous system) and Youthful Glow (exploring detoxification systems to promote youthful skin and gut health).
All of Tobin’s retreats here kickoff with Vine & Vinyasa, a gentle yoga flow set against the backdrop of turquoise water followed by a wine tasting and discussion of regenerative longevity. And they all integrate her Nora’s Naturals products from energizing smoothies to longevity coffee—and her new line of elixirs with adaptogenic herbs, green tea and fruit extract.
“In addition to providing a reprieve from [life’s more] fast-paced environment,” she explains, “the retreats integrate performance enhancements—delivering scientific tools to shift physiology to adapt to stress, enhance alpha flow state to improve concentration and speed cellular turnover to power longevity.”
Tobin is not alone in pioneering wellness in the Bahamas. Recently, Champion Spirit Country Club also opened its doors in Nassau, a training destination—for everything from ballet to boxing—at the intersection of holistic health, sport, performance and luxury that attracts elite athletes like Olympians. Here, there is also an emphasis on longevity and personal evolution set in dreamy surroundings. “The Bahamas felt like a natural home for [our property]—not just because of its year-round climate and seamless access from major global cities, but because of the energy it holds,” says founder Abdoulaye Fadiga. “It’s a place where you can push your physical boundaries in the morning and reset by sunset in total stillness. We’re witnessing a powerful shift across the Caribbean as the region evolves into a global hub for health tourism and performance-driven travel.”
Ultra upscale hotelier Aman—also known for its wellness offerings—is venturing into the Bahamas, as well, building a 36-pavilion, $260 million resort in Exuma called Amancaya.
For Tobin, it’s about combining the joy of a dream vacation with a sense of accomplishment and wellbeing. She is often inspired by her father, who always brought an exuberant energy. “Prior to my dad’s passing, we would do a cheer together (even over the phone) to help put me in a mindset of positive power,” she shares. “The cheer ended with exclaiming, ‘Enthusiasm for life!’ While we do our best each day, sometimes we need a little extra boost.”
And that boost is waiting at The Ocean Club.
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