Fitness Retreats

Think of “weightlifting” and you picture muscle-bound strongmen straining under heavily- loaded barbells. As such, many women are put off lifting weights because they assume it'll make them bulky; the fact is that regular resistance exercises will create definition and strength, but stronger doesn't equal bigger for us females. Building and gaining muscle takes a great deal of dedication and it's actually very hard for women to bulk up - we simply don't have high enough testosterone levels.

To find the best fitness holiday destination, you don’t have to travel halfway around the world. Whether you choose to improve your well-being in the picturesque mountain scenery of Italy or on the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, uncover the finest fitness retreats in Europe for a short-haul body boost. Experience a personalised healthy holiday designed by wellness experts to meet your individual needs on a fitness retreat tailor-made to help you reach your goals.

Health and fitness holidays are becoming more and more popular, as they not only allow you to enjoy beautiful natural surroundings, but return home fitter than when you left. Fitness holidays are built around your health and well-being and aim to challenge you physically in a holistic experience that will leave you feeling reinvigorated.

Spring yourself into a healthier lifestyle with one of the bests fitness retreats to book in the UK in 2021. From the rolling green hills of North Yorkshire, to the dramatic and diverse landscape that is the Scottish countryside, to the infinite quilt of fields and farms in Kent and Cornwall’s exquisite wild woodlands and sandy beaches – there is so much to explore!

Dispense with the hassle of journeying abroad, the travel checklist and crammed suit-case panic, in favour of a UK-based fitness retreat that will help you meet your health goals. From the purely physical to the palpable mental effects, these exclusive getaways offer everything you need to pursue and maintain a happy, healthy and longer life.

Each of our UK breaks offer deliciously nutrition packed dining experiences, spa treatments, expert therapists and experienced instructors to support you in your bespoke fitness programme while you simultaneously enjoy the luxury of your surroundings. Rebalance, sweat and relax before your short trip home, returning with an enthusiasm for health and fitness, that will ultimately and undeniably improve your lifestyle.

We are very fortunate as so many luxury wellness resorts are offering some of the best personalised fitness retreat programmes on offer with five-star facilities. It seems we all want more from our holidays so let’s discover some of the best luxury fitness retreats in 2026 to book.

From Italy’s rolling vineyards at the prestigious L'Albereta Relais & Châteaux to the tropical tranquillity of Sri Lanka’s renowned Santani Wellness Resort, this curated fitness holiday guide highlights 8 exceptional fitness retreats across the globe. Each luxury wellness retreat offers high-end facilities, expert coaching, and personalised fitness retreat programmes set within truly luxurious surroundings. If elevating your physical and mental well-being is your goal for 2026, our definitive luxury fitness retreats guide is your perfect starting point.

ITALY- L'Albereta Relais & Châteaux - Fusion Fitness

Nestled in Lombardy’s rolling hills, L’Albereta Relais & Châteaux is a luxury Italian hideaway where elegance meets well-being. Surrounded by vineyards and the peaceful beauty of Lake Iseo, this five-star retreat blends refined hospitality with a calming spa atmosphere. Guests can tailor their stay with a wide range of activities, from bicycle tours and tennis to personalised fitness sessions. The award-winning spa offers hydro-aromatherapy and detox massages, ideal for a mindfulness and wellbeing escape. With expert trainers and wellness specialists, this luxury wellness hotel ensures every day is uniquely rejuvenating.

For more information and booking: L'Albereta Relais & Châteaux

Portugal - Cascais Boutique Hotel & Clinic – Touch of Longevity Fitness

Set in the stylish seaside town of Cascais, Longevity Senses Boutique Hotel & Clinic blends contemporary comfort with cutting-edge wellness science. This boutique wellness retreat focuses on preventative health, rejuvenation and long-term longevity. Through personalised tailor-made fitness and weight loss programmes with expert medical guidance, gives guests the option to also create their own detox holiday too. The Touch of Longevity Fitness retreat programme is ideal for enhancing physical performance, strength and vitality, combining targeted fitness training with restorative therapies and holistic techniques. Guests leave feeling rebalanced and renewed, having experienced a results-driven, holistic approach to fitness that supports both immediate performance and long-term wellbeing.

For more information and booking: Cascais Boutique Hotel & Clinic

Germany -Buff Medical Resort – BuffMed Sport

Located in the heart of Bavaria, Buff Medical Resort is a cutting-edge luxury wellness destination that blends luxury hospitality with advanced medical expertise. Surrounded by pristine forests and fresh alpine air, it provides an ideal setting for physical renewal and recovery. The BuffMed Sports retreat programme is tailored for guests seeking to enhance performance, build strength and boost overall vitality, making this a unique sports holiday. Expert-led training is paired with precise performance diagnostics, including endurance and strength testing, plus a 3D body scan that delivers detailed insights into fitness levels, recovery capacity and body composition.

For more information and booking: Buff Medical Resort

Spain - ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea – Fusion Fitness

Located just north of Alicante, for those searching for a luxury spa break, ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea is a five-star sanctuary redefining luxury well-being. Its new Fusion Fitness retreat for 2026 offers the ideal opportunity to start or reignite your health journey in the New Year. Combining integrative medicine with targeted training, from strength and cardio to HIIT, yoga, Pilates, core conditioning, and mindfulness — this fitness retreat programme provides a truly holistic approach to complete wellness. Guests enjoy improved endurance, flexibility, and mental clarity, all complemented by nourishing cuisine and the clinic’s tranquil Mediterranean setting.

For more information and booking: ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea

Tenerife - Abama Fit & Tone: Las Terrazas de Abama Suites

Overlooking the Atlantic on Tenerife’s sun-soaked southwest coast, Las Terrazas de Abama Suites is a five-star wellness retreat offering spacious suites, panoramic views and exceptional fitness facilities. Set within the prestigious Abama Resort, it provides a luxurious base for health, sport and relaxation. The Fit & Tone programme enhances strength, endurance and body composition through guided workouts and functional training. Providing daily yoga sessions as yoga is so good for flexibility, strength and balance making this a good option for those looking for a yoga retreat too. Expert personal trainers help build lasting energy and vitality, while tailored nutrition and restorative spa treatments create a balanced, revitalising wellness experience in a serene island setting.

For more information and booking: Las Terrazas de Abama Suites

France-Lily of the Valley Sport

Perched above the glittering coastline of the French Riviera, Lily of the Valley is a luxury wellness hotel that captures the elegance and vitality of Mediterranean living. With more than 70 weekly sports classes from aqua boxing to cardio sculpting; guests can tailor an energising fitness routine, making it one of the best luxury retreats in Europe. Personalised therapies support cell regeneration and muscle recovery, while in-house nutritionists create bespoke meal plans to enhance every wellness goal. Whether you’re looking to rediscover, reboot or reset your natural sporting ability, this serene retreat offers an inspiring path to optimal wellbeing.

For more information and booking: Lily of the Valley Sport

St Lucia –Stolen Time Fusion Fitness

Set along the white sands of St Lucia’s breathtaking Cariblue Beach, StolenTime is an elegant adults-only wellness resort designed for deep rejuvenation and reconnection. Its Fusion Fitness™ programme helps guests quickly become fitter and more focused, offering a diverse range of activities tailored to personal goals. Spend your days enjoying expert-led lessons in tennis, golf and other favourite sports before unwinding with daily spa therapies on this stunning Caribbean island. The resort is also an idyllic choice for an active fitness honeymoon, blending adventure with intimate moments of relaxation. As evening falls, restorative sports massages and private meditation sessions leave you feeling balanced, renewed and ready for the days ahead.

For more information and booking: Stolen Time

Sri Lanka -Santani Wellness Resort- Fusion Fitness

Tucked into the lush highlands near Kandy, Santani Wellness Resort & Spa is a minimalist luxury sanctuary surrounded by misty mountains and vibrant tropical greenery. This restorative luxury wellness retreat offers a diverse wellness programme designed to support weight loss, elevate fitness levels and improve physical endurance, making it a total life-changing wellness holiday. Guests can enjoy everything from boot camp sessions and boxercise to yoga, meditation, mountain biking and guided nature walks. Blending invigorating activity with therapeutic treatments, Santani’s holistic approach ensures you leave feeling stronger, healthier and deeply recharged in both mind and body.

For more information and booking: Santani Wellness Resort

Explore more about our luxury fitness retreatshere and contact our Wellness Travel Specialists by calling 02032978891 or contacting us here to start planning yours.

Thinking about somewhere to travel to this year? Why not explore theUK and experience all the amazing natural beauty and great experiences that are just waiting to be discovered. Take a plunge into the wealth of activities the UK has to offer. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, fitness fanatic or even craving a relaxingspa retreat, there’s plenty for all sorts of people, with all sorts of healthy aspirations! Here we will delve into some of the top UK wellness retreats, where they’re located and what sort-after benefits they can bring you.  

Picking the right beginner fitness holiday can be a daunting challenge. There are lots of fitness breaks out there and it is not a one size fits all arrangement. The gruelling demands of a triathlon retreat might be great for those looking to crack the ironman but they’re not designed for someone just looking to tone up for the summer. It can be a challenge as great as the break itself to choose the getaway that is perfect for you. To help you make sense of all the fitness breaks for beginners, we’ve ranked the best getaways based on your athletic aims. So, whether you need a quick top up on a 3 day retreat or you’re willing to fully submit yourself to the fitness gurus on a 21 day bootcamp, Health and Fitness Travel can help you discern which is the ultimate fitness break for you.

Ditch the lazy fly and flop holidays for an adrenaline-charged escape to one of our fabulous destinations where you can merge an unforgettable romantic holiday experience with a fitness boosting retreat alongside your significant other. A good way to improve and strengthen your relationship, couples healthy holiday do not only boost your wellness but will also release feel-good endorphins which will help you to bond over new and exciting activities. With a wide variety of couples workout retreats, ranging from a running holiday in Ibiza to a yoga and surfing holiday in Maldives, you will soon find the right active holiday for both you and your partner. Fuse your romantic getaway with a variety of exhilarating couples’ activities before being pampered with indulgent spa therapies and tucking into a romantic dinner in some of the world’s most marvellous settings.

As early as our 30s, muscle strength and bone density begin to decline. When we hit our 40s, a drop in levels of growth hormone leads to reduced muscle mass, increased fat and reduced energy levels. In turn, this all contributes to a slower metabolism. Women may also notice more fat storage around the abdomen due to a drop in oestrogen and should be aware that this also causes a sharp decrease in bone density.

Portugal has become a go-to destination for health and wellness holidays and is home to some of the best spa and wellness resorts in Europe. The warm climate, extensive coastline, rugged landscape, and healthy cuisine are just a few of its many offerings. Portugal is a beautifully diverse country with quaint remote villages, colourful cities, and sun-drenched coastal towns. As one of the oldest countries in Europe, it has a rich and vibrant cultural heritagewhere the old and the new blend in perfect harmony. For a small country, Portugal really packs a punch! But it’s not only a great destination for sightseeing; Here are six reasons whyPortugal is one of the best places in Europe forwellness andweight loss:

As the saying goes – there’s strength in numbers and when it comes to fitness retreats, it couldn’t be truer! Whether you want to take a short drive to the Scottish Highlands or fly to a completely different climate, you better believe your loved ones or friends will want to join along on your incredible adventures.