Adventure

If your Instagram needs a bit of sprucing up, then these insta-worthy healthy escapes are the perfect solution. From a coffee plantation in Java and mountain views in Thailand to the crystal-clear waters of Oman and the stunning animals of South Africa, a stint at any one of our paradise-like retreats will have you taking photos so good even National Geographic will be jealous. The incredible fitness activities and nutritious meals will give you the healthy glow you need to star alongside these breath-taking backdrops. So, get your cameras at the ready because these healthy escapes are most definitely worthy of the #NoEdit hashtag.

Set your horizons beyond the norm and ask yourself, “Have I got what it takes to go on an adventure holiday?” Offering so much more than the traditional fly and flop getaway, adventure holidays can encompass a huge range of sports; outdoor activities, cultural experiences, tours and excursions meaning choice is only limited by your imagination and appetite for adventure. So what can you expect from an adventure holiday? Intrigue, cultural discoveries, mystery and excitement are all on the cards as you plunge into the unknown.

Set your horizons beyond the norm and ask yourself, “Have I got what it takes to go on an adventure holiday?” Offering so much more than the traditional fly and flop getaway, adventure holidays can encompass a huge range of sports; outdoor activities, cultural experiences, tours and excursions meaning choice is only limited by your imagination and appetite for adventure. So what can you expect from an adventure holiday? Intrigue, cultural discoveries, mystery and excitement are all on the cards as you plunge into the unknown.

In the swing of hectic daily life it’s rare to find a moment where the whole family is together, let alone all getting along. Too often a family holiday can leave parents more exhausted than when they left. Once you have finished with all the lead up planning, the airport madness and the stressful task of keeping the kids safe and occupied all day, it’s no wonder there’s no time left for you to relax.

Discover the answer to all of your family holiday woes with our inspiring guide to our healthy family holidays, which combine the perfect combination of quality family time, fun for the kids and rejuvenating relaxation for the parents. From learning healthier lifestyle habits as a family, to showing the kids new corners of the world on a cultural wellness holiday, let us guide you through a new kind of family holiday.

Learn Healthy Habits as a Family

Learn to Kayak as a family at Porto Elounda

With Ipad’s and T.V leaving more children inactive and out of shape, the importance of parental influence on the younger generations health is more vital than ever. Revamp your stagnant family holidays lounging by the pool with a healthy change of pace by getting the kids active whilst soaking up the sun.

From ocean kayaking to hiking, set a good example for the kids and get active together with a host of fun-filled outdoor activities on a family activity holiday. Cycle and Zumba on a family fitness holiday or help the kids discover a new hobby with football academy training and tennis programmes on a family sports holiday.

With a selection of family friendly restaurants that offer healthier cuisine, remain confident that your family are eating nutritiously rich and healthy dishes.

A Treat for All Ages

Mother and daughter relax together at Shanti Maurice 

No longer having to choose between family time and relaxation, release stress and revitalise your mind and body with our family friendly spa holidays, where the whole family can indulge in luxury.  With many of our family holidays offering spa treatments specifically designed for children and teens, Mum and daughter can bond over a girly pedicure and massage while Dad and son can play sports together.

Cultural Experience

Kids will love the Kid's club activities at Soneva Kiri

Teach your children about cultural awareness and different traditions around the world as you explore your chosen destination on a family cultural wellness holiday.  Choose from a range of tailor-made activities and excursions from spring roll making in Vietnam and deep-sea fishing in Mexico, to cultural tours in Turkey and mountain biking in Morocco. Special kid’s clubs excursions, including visits to animal parks, dolphin spotting and treasure hunts keep them well entertained.|

Time Out

Enjoy some time for yourselves on a family holiday at Fusion Maia

With professional babysitting services and world-class kids clubs, Mum and Dad can happily opt for some alone time and take the pressure off of entertaining the kids, confident that your children are having fun and learning new skills in a structured and safe environment. Whether making time for a long lunch together, a game of tennis or an indulgent couples spa treatment, our family friendly resorts offer as much for the parents as they do the kids.

Fewer Planning Worries

Enjoying quality family time at The BodyHoliday 

Booking with Health and Fitness Travel means you can relax completely, knowing our meticulous team have organised every aspect of your family holiday and leaving no unwanted surprises.  All our healthy holidays have been hand-picked against a strict criterion to ensure that we offer the most beautiful worldwide destinations that are also family-friendly, safe and easily accessible.

Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfectfamily wellness holiday.

The world is now more open than ever to the single traveller. Travelling solo no longer means travelling alone, with more and more singletons jetting off in search of relaxation and a break from their hectic schedules there will always be the option to socialise when you feel like it, whilst de-stressing and discovering a new destination at your own pace.

Those in search of purifying freedom from daily life will find absolute rejuvenation at any of our yoga holidays across the globe. Yet, for the ultimate yogi experience, take some time out and travel to the birthplace of yoga with our luxury retreats in the majestic country of India. We have created the ultimate Yogi Travel Guide for this rich and vibrant nation, where you can experience the ancient spiritual release of healing your mind, body and soul.

Revolutionising the way couples begin their happily-ever-after with a honeymoon that will take newlyweds on a wellness journey around the world, we introduce the year-long wellness honeymoon. With a rise in newlyweds adventuring beyond the limits of the traditional two-week fly and flop beach break, and seeking more experiential honeymoons for pursuing richer experiences, start married life together with a bang.

Embrace your adventurous side whilst exploring the untamed beauty of Asia through our exclusive range of Discover Recover holidays, designed for travellers looking to combine their perfect active and adventure holiday with the very best ventures in local culture.

Lusting for more from your romantic getaway this Valentine’s? We share the best fitness retreats for health-conscious lovebirds. Exercise is a feel-good way to spend time together so give your relationship a healthy boost this Valentine’s Day. Studies have shown that exercising together with your partner increases feelings of love and overall satisfaction with your relationship.

So, whether you and your better half want to break a sweat on a boot camp holiday in Marbella or venture the great outdoors hiking in Morocco, there’s something for every duo to enjoy on a couple’s healthy holiday . Beat stress and unwind, whist meeting your fitness goals on one of these couple’s fitness retreats this Valentine’s.

Buccament Bay is becoming the most talked about place in the Caribbean, a luxury five star resort with outstanding facilities which I got to experience myself. The new resort on the little island of St Vincent has exceptional facilities for the active traveller; these include a Liverpool FC Soccer School, a Pat Cash Tennis Academy, a performing arts centre with classes led by West End professionals, fitness centre and a spa. Scenes from one of my favourite movies, Pirates of the Caribbean were shot nearby.

Begin newlywed life exploring new corners of the world and discovering new experiences on a healthy honeymoon to remember with our exclusive Discover Recover Holidays, perfect for a cultural wellness honeymoon escape. Create everlasting memories as you combine cultural tour discovery with wellness retreat recovery at a range of worldwide destinations from Costa Rica and St Lucia to Bali and the Philippines.

You don't have to be a cycle enthusiast to enjoy a cycling holiday. Are you looking for your next big adventure and do you crave discovering nature? We regularly cycle to work as a quicker way of getting around but are constantly met with scenes of traffic and commotion, which does nothing for our peace of mind and relaxation. Escape on a cycling holiday for a change of scenery with the likes of spectacular countryside views or unique natural wonders of the world. Combine your love of exploration, nature and fitness and gain a healthy experience that will make you feel alive again.

If a break from your day-to-day routine frees your mind, body and spirit to see the world afresh, and fires your energy and enthusiasm to try something new, then we have our best special interest holidays for you. Ranging from learning to play golf or tennis to trying yoga or Pilates, and from mastering paddle-boarding to understanding how to manage stress; our best special interest holidays boast luxurious destinations across the world where you can try something new. 

Introvert or extrovert, Type A or Type B; we all know which camp we belong to. But how many of us are aware of our fitness personality? Studies by the American Council on Exercise have shown people are more likely to enjoy, be successful at and most importantly, stick to an exercise activity when it aligns with their personalities. Wonder no more, as we share the five workout personalities and highlight which styles of exercise are best suited to each. Whether you’re an introverted Planner that favours self-focused activities on a yoga & Pilates retreat, or a risk-seeking Adventurer who loves being outdoors on an active holiday, this guide will help you find your perfect workout match.

Father's Day is just around the corner and you know what that means? It's time to show your dads how much you appreciate them and how you are genuinely concerned about their well-being. With life becoming increasingly complex with work, social and family demands, fathers are finding less time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are stressed from trying to juggle work deadlines, raising children and finding time to connect with their wives. Stress is likely to be a major role in our dads' lives, not to mention the concerns of potential health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, which are ranked as the top three health issues plaguing men. It's important to take interest in these concerns and to help fathers in preventing them, which can be done through the right diet and exercise. What better than to book an active and healthy holiday for your dad!

Liane Weber

Dr Liane Weber is a General Physician and an internationally-trained Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor. She is one of the medical Consultants at Grand Park in Austria as well as at the nearby Gastein Healing Caves where she is renowned for her work with rheumatism. At Grand Park Dr Weber offers the popular "Retreat" therapy which combines Tuina massage and low-dose laser acupuncture to restore balance, improve energy and blood flow, strengthen the immune system and promote emotional wellbeing.

Interview with a Chinese Medicine Doctor

What inspired you to become a medical doctor and specialise in complementary medicine?

As a teenager I worked in a hospital and I was really aware of the importance of the relationship between patients and nurses and doctors. It inspired me to think about how I wanted to work in my life. When I was studying to be a doctor, we did not have the option to study complementary medicine so it was not until later, and after my own personal experience with TCM, that I started to study and practise it.

Since my teenage years I have suffered from acne. I went to so many doctors, took a lot of medication and nothing really helped. Finally I went to a homeopathic doctor who told me that my acne comes from a milk protein allergy. I was sceptic, but as I stopped eating dairy my acne went away without medication. That is what sparked my interest in complementary medicine. My goal is to combine the best of both western medicine and the Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat my patients in the best possible way.

What are guests on your Retreat therapy programme looking for?

My focus is rehabilitation so most of my patients come to me with chronic pain, joint and back problems. I also get a lot of patients for which western medicine has offered limited positive results. Thus I have people with asthmatic diseases, decreased immune system, burn-out and chronic fatigue syndrome. I also see guests that want to maintain or improve their health condition. I am a huge advocate for preventive health care so I enjoying working with the patients that come for regular treatment.

Tell us the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been successfully treating people for over 5000 years. The approach is different to Western medicine in that it considers the whole body's condition and then recommends quite a complex treatment - from Tuina massage, acupuncture and herbs to exercise, moxibustion, cupping, nutrition and tips for lifestyle. TCM is especially good for improving chronic diseases and also in preventive medicine. I love that in ancient China people went to the doctor and paid him when they stayed healthy. If they got sick the doctor helped but did not get paid!

The spa's indoor pool and the picture scenery surrounding Grand Park

Another popular programme at Grand Park is the Healing Caves. What are the Gastein Healing Caves and who should visit them?

When they first went looking for gold in the Radhausberg Mountain, the inhabitants of Gastein weren't to know that they would find something far more valuable: naturally occurring low levels of radon gas.  This 'Tauern Gold' as it is affectionately known, combined with the caves' perfect humidity and 37-41.5°c temperature, has been scientifically- proven to help restore homeostasis in the body and strengthen the immune system.  The gas, taken in through the skin and lungs, helps activate the body at a cellular level. Mild alpha radiation is released, stimulating self-healing of the body.

Scientific research has shown the treatment to be particularly beneficial to patients with musculoskeletal and joint disorders, as well as respiratory and skin diseases. Even after a long day skiing in the Alps, the healing properties of the caves can help alleviate any aches and pains. Devotees of the Gastein Healing Caves report being able to live pain-free for over a year afterwards.  Many get their doctors to refer them under medical insurance for regular 'top-up' visits to the Heilstollen to enable them to be less drug- dependent.

What is included in the Grand Park Healing Caves programme and what are the benefits?

The programme includes a medical consultation from a doctor at the beginning and end of programme. Each Grand Park Healing Cavesprogramme is tailored to the individual and changes according to the concern -rheumatism diseases, arthritis or Ankylosing Spondylitis but there are 4 Gastein Cave or Heilstollen treatments and 2 radon thermal baths, 1 Tuina/Acupuncture treatment and a consultation about nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, physical treatments and exercise.

The Gastein Healving Caves

What advice and guidance do you give to your clients during their consultations?

With worrying statistics that almost a third of children aged between 2 and 15 are overweight or obese¹, and recent warnings that children are bingeing on social media like they would junk food², it would appear there is a health pandemic amongst our youngest generation. To break the vicious cycle of unhealthy habits, we urge that families need to provide healthy experiences to promote positive well-being for their children. From encouraging exercise and good nutrition, to taking active and healthy family holidays, parents can take small steps towards creating the foundations for healthy behaviours that will last their children a lifetime.

So, you finally decided to go on a fitness holiday but are now left with the dilemma of choosing the right one for you. From group optimal fitness to personal training sessions, with so many different types of fitness holidays to choose from, here we share what to expect and where to go. Whether you are interested in an intense triathlon challenge or a fitness adventure, choose the right fitness holiday for you and get motivated with the help of fitness experts in destinations around the world.

Are you after a change of scenery? Appreciate Mother Nature as you take in the surroundings on a hiking holiday whilst enhancing your fitness and well-being at the same time. Walking is a great yet simple way to enjoy the fresh air and gain an intimate perspective on the world. If you’d rather see the world from a completely different perspective than go on a fly and flop ho-hum holiday, embrace the great outdoors and engrave its beauty into your memory. The key to optimizing your hiking holiday is all in the preparation, so tick off the necessary steps to maximise your hiking experience.

According to new research by Professor Siegfiend Lehrl of the University of Erlangen in Germany, a specialist in mental performance, taking a two week fly and flop holiday, particularly a hot one, can lower your IQ by as much as 20 points because inactivity reduces oxygen to the brain. Add dehydration caused by heat and alcohol into the equation and brain cell volume may decrease by up to 15%, according to the article in the Daily Telegraph.