Our Blog

James Golden 

James Golden is the founder and Managing Director of Target Fitness Retreats. He has over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry, since graduating with a Sports and Exercise Science degree in 2001. James has worked as a lifestyle and fitness consultant for the government, presented different forms of group fitness across the UK and spent time in fitness management, before setting up a personal training boutique club in Amersham, Bucks called the Target Training Club in 2010. The Target Training Club is the sister company of Target Fitness Retreats and under the vision of James, the companies are continuously evolving and achieving credibility for their quality and service. James has recently been featured in Men’s Health, Your Fitness and Brides Magazine.

Deepak Rawat

Deepak Rawat, Spa Manager at Shanti Maurice, Mauritius shares with us the health benefits of practicing yoga and Ayurveda on our mental and physical well-being, as well as explaining how the healing practice of naturopathy can naturally assist with chronic illness and stress-related symptoms.

Karina Stewart

Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya in Thailand has twenty-two years of experience in the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions. Inspired by her mother's interest in natural healing, meditation and yoga, Karina founded a health centre in Kathmandu, Nepal prior to opening Kamalaya. Her vision behind the award-winning retreat in Koh Samui is integral wellness programmes that aim to access the inner healing power within each individual and support a harmonious integration of heart, body, mind, and spirit

Dr David Mantle

Dr Mantle is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, with a background in hospital pathology. He has an interest in the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease, and is medical advisor to the nutritional supplement company Pharma Nord.

Mario Sella

Mario Sella, Wellness Manager at Ti Sana, Italy, grew up with a passion for science and physical activity that has led him to his role today. His childhood interest developed into an academic qualification, gaining a degree in food science and technology. A qualified personal trainer, Mario also studied and now teaches ancient oriental disciplines such as Qi Cong and Wushu-Kung Fu. Using his knowledge of nutrition and fitness, Mario oversees diagnostic tests, physical activity and, of course, nutritional plans to help guests at Ti Sana achieve their health and wellness goals.

Veer Singh

The brainchild of young visionary Veer Singh, Vana Retreats is a manifestation of his belief in wellness, his respect for nature and keen interest in design and hospitality. Veer who was born in New Delhi, India spent a number of years in England and Spain. A man of varied interests, Veer grew up wanting to become a sportsman, a musician, a physicist and later a farmer. He plays tennis, enjoys archery, swims, dabbles with percussion instruments and endeavours to lead a more sustainable, balanced and mindful life. Veer has set himself the ambitious goal of making Vana, Malsi Estate the most iconic wellness retreat in the world.

Wissam Awad

Wissam Awad is a Hypnotherapist specialising in Regression Therapy and Inner Child Healing. He is a trainer at the Regression Academy, responsible for the training programs in Romania and India and works alongside Andy Tomlinson, a world renowned pioneer and authority on Regression Therapy. Wissam is passionate about working with clients to liberate themselves from restricting emotional and behavioural patterns so that they can move forward in a joyful and empowered way. He also integrates body therapy with trance work in his sessions, which has a powerful effect on clearing unresolved 'body memories'. Wissam has worked in Switzerland and Thailand and now has a private practice in London.

Andrea Hurst

The title of ‘Guru of Reflexology’ belongs to Andrea Hurst, world renowned for her 20 years’ experience in the healing art of Reflexology. Based in London’s most prestigious neighbourhood Mayfair, she combines a deeply rejuvenating and restorative holistic experience with a thorough and insightful analysis of reflex points.  Queuing up at her door are a long list of VIP clients from A-list Hollywood stars to fashion designers seeking her pioneering treatments. With recommendations from Gwyneth Paltrow and features in Vogue and Tatler magazine, Andrea is certainly an A-Lister herself in the world of Reflexology.

Nahid de Belgeonne

Nahid de Belgeonne is a qualified expert in yoga and Power Plates, and the founder of the Good Vibes brand of boutique fitness studios, offering a unique class combination of Spincycle for cardio, Power Plates for strengthening and toning and Glow Yoga for your soul. Nahid was inspired by many movement disciplines including Pilates, martial arts and the Feldenkrais Method, and practices an accessible style that leaves her clients feeling good within themselves. Empowerment, kindness and a sense of humour are key mantras in her method of teaching, coupled with a strong belief that everyone deserves to achieve the best health possible.

Deborah Straub

Deborah Straub is a Nutritionist at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She is a published author on bone health and breast cancer in a well-respected nutrition journal and textbook. Her areas of focus include maintaining a healthy weight during menopause, vitamin and mineral supplementation and breast cancer prevention. Deborah has a Master's of Science in Nutrition from the University of Arizona. She loves travel, hiking in the mountains of Tucson and her golden retriever, Riley.