Fitness

Going on holiday is no excuse to leave your running shoes behind, with our active holidays offering a change of scenery and culture, whilst improving your health and fitness. Whether you’re an athlete, or just looking to keep up with your running routine, make the most of the opportunity to explore your beautiful surroundings by foot. From scenic coastline trails in Portugal to sprinting up mountain paths in St Lucia, we have tracked down stunning running trails from our fitness holidays in luxury destinations worldwide. So, take your pick, don’t forget to pack your trainers and run towards your dream running holiday.

A low impact sport that is great for strengthening and burning calories, the health benefits of swimming have long been championed by health and wellness experts. However, for some people the chlorine used in indoor pools can have harmful side effects, from skin irritations to more serious respiratory implications. Fortunately, there is an all-natural option for swimming in some of the most stunning luxury wellness destinations around the globe. From the glittering waters of the Mediterranean to the healing springs of the Philippines, we present the best healthy holidays for wild swimming. 

The Summer may have drawn to a close, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the sunshine. In fact, Autumn is one of the best times of year to travel, with Europe still experiencing glorious sunshine and warm sea temperatures, without the crowds and high prices you might experience during the Summer months. It’s also a wonderful time to go long-haul, with the Maldives, Mauritius and Thailand all boasting perfect climates, but with greater savings to be had on flights and accommodation. We round-up our top Autumn holiday picks, from stress-relieving retreats in Spain to back-to-nature luxury in Thailand, give your well-being a boost on a wellness holiday in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations this Autumn.

For the Spa Seeker: Lefay

For an inspiring dose of fresh air, lake-side natural beauty and a thorough wellness boost, escape to the northern Italian mountains of Lake Garda this Autumn for a healthy break with a touch of luxury. Soothe your senses with indulgent spa therapies, combining ancient Chinese medicine with modern western science for a truly holistic approach to health and well-being. With programmes including detox, anti-ageing and weight loss, this luxurious spa break has something for everyone.

More information: View Lefay

For the Beach Lover: Maalifushi by COMO

The ultimate tropical island destination, Maalifushi by COMO is situated on the shores of Thaa Atoll in the Maldives, boasting white beaches and stunning azure waters. Ideal for those seeking a water sports holiday, explore the magnificent reefs at one of the world’s top diving destinations or set your heart racing with a thrilling surf session. Wind down with a blissful yoga session in the open-air pavilion, indulge in luxury spa treatments, and relax on your private sun-kissed deck as you gaze over the ocean.

More information: View Maalifushi by COMO

For the Stressed-out: SHA Anti-Stress

Set in the unmatched surroundings of the peaceful Spanish coastline, SHA Wellness Clinic offers a tranquil backdrop for a stress management holiday. A favourite amongst celebrities, this multi-award-winning wellness retreat prides itself on offering distinctively tailored wellness programmes, combining supportive activities with emotional therapies to provide a holistic healing experience. SHA health experts will work with you to develop personal stress management techniques to ensure you are equipped to successfully manage any stressful situation life throws your way.

More information: View SHA Wellness Clinic

For Tropical Luxury: Soneva Kiri

For a truly luxurious back-to-nature wellness experience, look no further than Soneva Kiri in Thailand, boasting tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls, pristine white beaches and traditional villages all within walking distance. Enhance your well-being on one of Soneva Kiri’s health programmes, ranging from Weight Loss and Detox, to Sleep Well and De-stress. Enjoy a culinary experience like no other as you dine in your own private tree pod suspended six metres above ground, offering spectacular views of the coastline.

More information: View Soneva Kiri

For the Solo Traveller: Paradis Plage

Wake to the sound of the ocean outside your window and hit the waves on a transformational solo-friendly yoga and surf retreat. Set along Morocco’s exotic coastline, benefit from first-class surf coaching in a group with other water-loving solo travellers, suitable for all levels. After a morning on the water, stretch out aching muscles during sunset yoga overlooking the beautiful coastline, before relaxing at the luxury spa with a fusion of French and Moroccan inspired spa treatments.

More information: View Paradis Plage

For a Wellness Boost: Shanti Maurice

On the southern tip of the tropical island of Mauritius, boasting unparalleled views of the surrounding hills and offshore reefs, Shanti Maurice satisfies all the senses with a sublime luxury spa, spacious accommodation and a selection of restaurants brimming with fresh ideas. With healthy holiday programmes from Ayurveda rejuvenation and de-stress retreats, to detox breaks and fitness escapes, Shanti Maurice is an ideal choice for those seeking a paradise island wellness retreat, and offers lectures and cooking classes, for a fresh approach to long lasting health.

More information: View Shanti Maurice

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

With increasing measures in support of gay rights and anti-discrimination worldwide, there has never been a better time for members of the LGBT community to travel. Indeed, same-sex marriage is now legal in 24 countries, with more to follow, meaning that gay couples everywhere are tying the knot.

Take a well-deserved break from the madness of mundane life with a wellness holiday tailored to give you a safe and socially distanced experience. There is no doubt that the current global pandemic has shocked the world, both physically and mentally, and whilst we recover as a country, a bit of TLC and self-love has never been more important. So why not escape to a private villa in Oman, relax in a Spanish wellness retreat, or de-stress on the Mauritius south coast, reassured that wherever you go your health and safety is the number one priority.

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, the anticipation of summer brings both delight and dread; the latter as we expose our well-hidden ‘winter layers’. What better way to boost your health and fitness than on a wellness holiday, as we share our best fitness and detox retreats for a complete pre-summer shape up and cleanse. From bespoke fitness in Lake Garda, to back-to-nature detox in Sri Lanka, these healthy retreats will have you summer-ready in no time.

White sands, crystal blue waters, a myriad of activities and the freedom to decide just how you spend your time equates to the ultimate solo holiday by the beach. No longer the sole reserve of singletons, singles holiday offer the opportunity to focus on your individual wellness goals and the chance to try activities not enjoyed by your usual holiday companions. Reconnect with yourself against the backdrop of spectacular ocean views as you swim with colourful marine life off the coast of Bali, feel the sand between your toes in Greece or try ocean stand-up paddle boarding in Thailand. Meet other like-minded solo travellers, make new connections and use the supportive atmosphere to push yourself in group fitness classes. Take some ‘me time’ to unwind with invigorating ocean inspired spa treatments that will leave you refreshed and ready for the return to real life.

If you’re after a solo break away in Portugal, then escape to one of the best singles holidays in Portugal so you can focus on your well-being whilst meeting other solo travellers who are looking to enjoy the same experience. Taking some ‘me’ time is healthy once in a while, so embrace your independence and learn more about yourself. Soak up the Portuguese sun and let your eyes feast upon beautiful scenery that will satisfy your wanderlust. Whether it’s a surfing, tennis or yoga holiday, push yourself to achieve your goals on your singles holiday and have fun along the way.

Make your escape to some of Spain’s most serene holiday destinations and take some ‘me-time’ on our singles holidays to focus on your health and fitness goals. From beach bootcamps to yoga retreats, choose between high-intensity fitness sessions and wellness activities, which will leave your mind, body and soul invested in promoting a healthier lifestyle. Focus on yourself on our solo friendly holidays in spain and you will soon reap the rewards as you start to look and feel like a new and improved version of yourself. At a destination close to home, these healthy, fitness, spa, detox and well-being holidays are the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your true self whilst meeting some other great solo travellers doing the same thing!

Start today instead of tomorrow and make the necessary changes in your life to improve your wellness. Begin your journey on one of our intensive weight loss holidays in Europe aimed at boosting your metabolism to result in lasting changes in your body. Learn how to fuel your body correctly on your European slimming and weight loss holiday with nutrition workshops and start to feel the changes both physically and mentally on your well-being journey. Target those problem areas with productive high intensity workouts and invest the time in sculpting the body of your dreams. Wake up glad you didn’t prolong your journey any longer and continue to enhance your appearance, health and self-esteem.

Feeling as though you need to get away to focus on your well-being? Take the time to rejuvenate your mental and physical health with 5 of the best solo friendly short breaks for singles travellers. Offering a huge variety of fitness and well-being based activities that are close to home, escape on one of our exclusive BodyBreaks with the option to tailor-make your singles holiday to exactly what you desire. From Spain and Italy, to Morocco and Portugal, choose from a range of fitness boosting activities and revitalising spa treatments in destinations only a short flight away. For solo travellers in search of a healthy singles holiday these short breaks away give you the freedom to choose exactly what you want to do. Wherever you travel to on your solo friendly short break, you are guaranteed a healthy escape that will return you home replenished and renewed.

Enjoy the benefits of traveling solo and plan your singles holiday in Asia to exactly how you desire in order to achieve the most out of it. Whether your goals are to widen your culinary knowledge, detox your body, master yoga poses or just improve your general health, there will be something for everyone. Make every moment count and enjoy experiencing life on the other side of the world, as you embrace the opportunity to come across other cultures by meeting other like-minded solo travellers from all over the world. Boost not only your fitness and health, but your confidence as well as you challenge and stretch yourself more, in order to create special moments that you will treasure forever.

Forecasting the next big trends in wellness travel for 2017, we share the best travel trends in the spa and wellness industries. From holidays for a healthy mind, to specialist stop smoking retreats and full body-MOT escapes, discover the hottest new trends that will influence the wellness and spa worlds. 

Between hectic work schedules and making time for family and friends, we often forget to take time for ourselves. As indulgent as it may seem, self-care is crucial for us to stay on top of our physical, emotional and mental well-being. In fact, pampering yourself can act as a good defence against poor health. It is said that 75 to 90 per cent of illnesses are stress-related and being able to manage stress helps to fight that.

As the days grow longer and temperatures begins to rise, it’s time to jet off and enjoy the season before the arrival of the autumn equinox. When looking for summer holiday inspiration, we’re all searching for the perfect place to relax. Boost your health and fitness in spectacular destinations as we unveil the best summer holiday destinations for wellness travellers. From a back-to-nature active retreat in Menorca, to a bespoke mindful getaway in Sri Lanka; combine relaxation, wellness and an exotic location for the summer holiday of a lifetime.

Whether you’re a yogi pro or a complete beginner, the ancient art of yoga is for absolutely everyone, so get yourself on one of our yoga retreats in Asia for a range of mental and physical benefits. Learn from the pros on how to master yoga poses as you focus on your posture, breathing and mindfulness and let the power of yoga take over. From India to Thailand, absorb the tranquillity and soak up the cultural atmospheres of a wellness holiday in Asia as you reconnect with your inner-zen in an exotic destination.

TheBodyHoliday gave me the ultimate health and fitness experience

What a fantastic way to kick off the year by flying to the beautiful island of St Lucia and staying at The BodyHoliday to get healthy and fit. On arrival I was given my schedule of spa treatments at the health and wellness centre and my BodyAware program for the week. I had just enough time to watch the beautiful sunset go down with a fruit punch on the beach.

Saba Rais, 36, a corporate lawyer from London, spent two weeks at health and well-being resort The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia, booked through Health and Fitness Travel. Since returning, she's reorganised her life, making time for exercise as well as writing a beauty blog. Saba talks about her holiday experience to us.

The BodyHoliday, St Lucia's leading all-inclusive wellness resort and spa holiday, sizzles all summer long with the introduction of new fitness retreats and beauty offerings. From Rhythm Foxtrot to family beach-athlons, the resort is offering a range of out-of-the-box health and fitness programmes, including Jive June, Well Fit Families and September Solos. For those after a lower octane experience, they are also opening a new beauty bar.  

Angie Newson has been in the health and fitness industry for over 25 years - teaching all aspects of fitness, from aquatics to yoga and Pilates retreats. Author of Get Fit for Free and The Detox Factor, she has also many years’ experience of health club management running studios and formerly as a General Manager of a private top London health spa.