After a summer of indulgence, we could all stand to get back on track with our healthy habits. But one Texas resort hopes to take it one step further, offering inspiration and instruction to those seeking an even cleaner lifestyle.
From September 18-21, Deer Lake Lodge and Spa in Montgomery is hosting a special raw foods-themed weekend alongside its usual detox and cleansing program. The boutique wellness resort and holistic spa tapped Houston chef Sabali Mpozi, owner of Original Healing Earth and Vegan Comfort and former winner of the Texas State Veggie Fair, to conduct the upcoming retreat that focuses on the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Through raw food demonstrations and lectures, participants will learn how making simple diet changes can set them down the path to better health.
“I want to show people how simple it really is to eat a healthy, clean diet, and how rewarding living a more holistic lifestyle can be,” Chef Sabali says. “This weekend will reflect the most important areas for healthy living: diet, movement, relaxation, healing and fun.
“It’s my desire that others will experience the comfort and pleasure of having delicious foods every day without feeling guilty or putting their health at risk,” Chef Sabali says. “If I plant this small seed of change, [guests] will return home, equipped with the knowledge to nurture and grow that seed, thus becoming an agent of change in another’s life.”
In addition to Chef Sabali’s classes and a Saturday night dinner party by the pool, guests can do yoga or relax at the spa. Here’s the schedule of events:
Thursday, September 18
Orientation, 6:30 pm. Meet and greet for guests, with a review of the workshop schedules. Raw appetizers and specialty juices will be served.
Friday, September 19
Raw food basics and nutrition class, 10:30 am-noon. A lecture on the benefits of raw food nutrition on the body. Attendees will receive a raw lunch and dessert.
Global dance workshop with Zinnijah, 7:30-8:45 pm. Live drumming from the Kucheza Ngoma Dance Company.
Saturday, September 20
Raw food hands-on workshop, 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Students will learn how to make easy meals with a few common ingredients. Topics include flavor and texture, balancing, food storage, and proper digestion.
Pool dinner party, 6:30-9 pm. Includes a specially prepared five-course meal from Chef Sabali.
Sunday, September 21
Detoxing with raw foods and certificate ceremony, 10:30 am. Students will learn how to maintain a plant-based diet when they return home, address common detoxification practices and foods, and receive their certificate of completion.
The price for the entire weekend (Thursday-Sunday) is $1,600 a guest. A Friday-Sunday stay costs $1,400; a Saturday day pass is $200 (but must be booked by September 12). Spa treatments are priced separately, and a full menu of services can be found on the Deer Lake Lodge and Spa website.
If you can’t make this retreat, don’t fret. Approximately once a quarter, Deer Lake — which offers all four services of juice fasting, colonics, body works and energy works — brings in national health experts, raw food chefs and wellness speakers for these special educational weekends.
Chef Sabali at the Texas State Veggie Fair in Dallas.
ACL's full 2025 lineup.Graphic courtesy of Austin City Limits Music Festival