If you are reading TripAdvisor reviews, you will get a good sense of what to expect. Here's my experience from start to finish for those who are looking for a more robust description of it. As a bit of background, I am 31 yrs old, about 30 lbs overweight, but strong exercise-wise and my mom who is 59, average weight, and in fair exercise condition. I arrived at the Regency via taxi from FLL - airport taxi was around $38 at around 1pm. Upon arrival, I knew what to expect - a rather unappealing exterior surrounded by high rise condos. The interior is cozy - a lot of functional tile with a homey feel to it. Bruce introduced himself and asked me to have lunch while he got everything ready for my check-in. For a non-vegan (non-vegetarian!), lunch was a bit of a shock but very delicious. We had a gazpacho (just ok) and a salad bar with tons of healthy topping options. I had the tahini dressing and it is fabulous. I then checked in and Bruce gave me a folder, water bottle, visor, and a quick tour. My room was ready so I went to put my things away and start my program.

We had an oceanview room and the view was spectacular. Very nice bathroom with glassed in shower area. Really, the resort just needs a bit of sprucing up, but everything was VERY CLEAN. Housekeeping does an excellent job. Bathrooms contained the typical amenities. The linens are like a Motel 6. If they would just upgrade the comforters, sheets, etc...it would be a HUGE improvement. But, so long as everything is clean, it wasn't the end of the world. Rooms are functional, not luxurious....but other than at night, I was never in my room...so didn't matter all that much.

I started my program right away with AquaFit in the pool with Alexandra, followed by a "How to grocery shop" discussion with Chef John, followed by Yoga from Rochelle. Tremendous. Dinner was a salad with mustard-agave dressing (yum!), followed by mushroom quesadillas (icky because of fake cheese), and boiled yuca. Not great, not bad...my mom and I ate it and hoped for better food later on.

The schedule changes daily, but typically has the same components. Morning walk first thing in the morning - you are dropped off at the boardwalk and it is a lot of fun to walk and be right next to the ocean. We went the first two days, but then decided to sleep in since we were doing the rest of the exercise classes. Breakfast is a set menu every day and I always had something different - oatmeal, the most amazing fresh fruit options, green juice smoothie (delicious!), and more. The only thing I didn't like was the tofu scramble.

Then, it's off to a 9:30am lecture with Dr. Sabatino. He is a fascinating speaker and knows a lot about health. I know a lot about health and I continued to learn things while I was there. Then 11am usually has two aerobic classes - an AquaFit class and a class inside. The morning AquaFit class is in the ocean if the water is calm and warm and it was absolutely amazing. All the teachers were great. The classes with Debbie are a DO NOT MISS. Also, don't miss Alexandra's total body workout circuit - I think this is the Sunday class and it was the best class we took, hands down. Then, there is typically a class focusing on toning and shaping muscles. I was worried the classes weren't going to be hard enough, my mom was worried they were going to be too hard and the instructors did a terrific job modifying exercises and weights to give everyone a great workout. We were there at a quiet time, so got tons of personal hands-on instruction.

Then, lunch time. There is always a salad bar and something to go with it. Best things - tempeh tuna salad, sloppy joes, cream of broccoli soup, waldorf salad, caesar salad, egg salad with bagel. Not a huge fan of the gazpacho or wild rice salad. Most of the soups were delicious - particularly the lentil soup.

At 2pm, off to another aqua class, this one always in the pool. Then 3pm has a cooking class with John on Mondays and Fridays, Tai Chi with Dr. Frank, or a shopping discussion. I wish there was a cooking class every day - this was the absolute HIGHLIGHT of my trip. Every day has yoga at 4:30. I love yoga, but was only a fan of Rochelle...the other teachers were just ok.

Dinner was hit or miss, but we finally got the hang of ordering the things we liked from lunch if we didn't like dinner. The best things - tomato & mozzarella salad, the poached salmon, lentil loaf, the soups, the desserts, the eggplant rollatini. I disliked the ratatouille as did my mom. There is a BBQ on Friday nights...this was great! Loved the veggie burgers and salads.

Sometimes there is a nightly activity or lecture...I was pretty tired by the end of the day, so I didn't participate in much other than the bingo night!

The best thing about Regency is the people. I met so many people from different stages in life and everyone is open, happy to be there, and non-judgemental. We were first timers who were a little freaked out the first day, but then got into the groove and most of the people we met have been down several times before. I feel like this is a place where the staff and guests remember each other! It is not a nameless, faceless vacation.

What else? The beach is stunning. You cannot create better scenery. I spent a few mornings skipping the lecture to lay poolside, listen to the waves, and relax (shhh, don't tell Dr. Frank). The pool is small, but clean. There are plenty of lounge chairs to relax with. There is wireless internet throughout the main building and I could also get it at the pool on my iPad.

I did a number of spa treatments. I did a seaweed wrap with Joyce (would not do again), a swedish massage with Lena (would recommend), a cellulite wrap with Claudia (would recommend, but you have to like HEAT!), a manual european lymphatic drainage with claudia (would recommend), and a signature facial with Maria (this was the HIGHLIGHT of my spa!!!) Seems silly to get a facial when you can get one at home, but this was the best facial I have ever had (and I go all the time!). My pores looked phenomenally clean and small afterwards and people remarked even without knowing I had a facial. I also had a hypnosis session with Kathi - it just wasn't my thing.

My mom and I were nervous to go as non-vegans and not especially in-shape, but we had a blast! We were so tired at the end of the day that we slept better than at home! Food was a little adventurous, but if you are open to new things, you'll be amazed at how your digestion resets itself. If you are a hard core exerciser, you'll probably find the exercise classes light, but after doing four of them a day, I didn't need every class to be the toughest! If Regency can simply redo some carpets, linens, and do a small touch-up, I think some of the negative reviews would completely change.

We'll be back!

Pros-
* Right on the ocean - What an amazing beach
* Price is really good compared to other health spas
* super friendly & very accommodating kitchen staff
* Lots of fun activities - yoga, pilates, ocean aerobics, cooking classes, very informative lectures with Dr. Sabatino.
* cozy & cleans rooms - like others have said, this is not a luxury spa. The rooms & building in general are very old-fashion So if you require a more upscale resort you will be disappointed here. This place was perfect for me - I don't require high end amenities
* amazing spa services
* Dr on site.

Cons
* Not the best fasting environment. I was constantly bombarded with questions by other guests about fasting. I was actually the only one there juice fasting. Generally the people that went there were pretty overweight folks yet most of them were telling me that fasting was unhealthy?? although my whole fast was supervised by a Dr. I felt like I was just repeating myself over & over again.
* There were constantly new people coming so everyday the questions started all over again.
* I noticed alot of inconsistencies between what the nutritional advice Dr Sabatino was teaching us & what foods the kitchen prepared us. One day Dr Sabatio was telling us not to eat foods cooked at high heat, yet in the evening the kitchen was preparing oven roasted potatoes for dinner that were cooked at high heat. The Dr also promoted eating vegan although alot of the cheese alternatives the Regency offered there still contained casein. Also the veggie burgers were frozen & processed & they used pre-made frozen pizza crusts on the nights they made pizza.
*The produce they use is not organic as i saw advertised on their website.
* I was on a 10 day juice fast & there were no variations in the juices. They were almost unpalatable at times, usually depended on which person in the kitchen prepared them.

Overall, I wouldnt hesitate to go back there again - I feel its a incredible value & smack dab in the middle of a beautiful beach

Disclaimer: this is not a 5 Star resort; this is just a wonderful spa that does the best job one can imagine with vegan cuisine, programmes, exercises, and generally with what it takes one to regain inner balance, cleanse, detox, rechanrge bataries and generally reset oneself into a better and healthier routine.
Majority of their business is generated by repeat clients. I myself had been referred there by someone who had gone there regularly. I have to admit I was apprehensive after reading some negative reviews, and proceeded with caution. I can say now that I loved the place, and will be going back soon.
Again, this is not Westin or Ritz, and considering that the prices charged are a fraction of what one is charged at fancier spas, it would be disingenuous to expect a Ritz facility. What you get is a good, old fashioned, clean and nicely run facility smack on the ocean beach, with a Zen setting, home like atmosphere, best vegan cuisine, opportunity to drop bad habits, including bad eating habits, opportunity to relax and meditate, lose weight, spend hours in the ocean and on the beach, and a chance for a nice little escape from stress and aggravations of everyday life.
I personally got more than I bargained for in terms of improving how I feel overall, dropping weight, improving my shape, regaining mental focus, and a totally unexpected and welcome extra on the side – I lost all cravings for animal based food. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, and the bottom line is that you come with a friendly attitude and seeking peace – you will be amply rewarded.

Amid all the high rises and huge hotels is the Regency Health Spa. Fabulous vegan food with John Nowkowski, Chef on staff to cater to your every need. Dr. Frank Sabatino, also on staff to help you work through any health challenges. Both John and Frank have umpteen years of experience. They are fun, kind and knowledgable. Great place to be! The rooms are clean and in the old "South Beach" style. Everything is clean and neat. Yes, some parts of it has its need of repair but you will find everything comforable and pleasing. The people who attend this spa seem to be great too. You will have good company, good food and good health here. The beach is clean and you can swim in the ocean. It's warm and sandy. I had a wonderful time at this spa. I even had a heavenly facial here. I will be back!