Spa

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 stop-smoking-holidays and full body-MOT escapes, discover the hottest new trends that will influence the wellness and spa worlds. 

Stop Smoking Retreats

Forecasting the next big trends in wellness travel for 2017, Health and Fitness Travel, live up to their reputation as the leading experts in wellness holidays worldwide. 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 world in 2017. 

Top 3 Destinations: SHA Anti-Tobacco (Spain), Kurotel Anti-Tobacco (Brazil), Marbella Club Anti-Tobacco (Spain)

Optimal Health for the Modern Man

Following an increasing move away from the ultra-masculine man towards the Modern man, more men than ever are now going to spas and wellness retreats. In today’s ever more liberal society, it’s becoming more socially acceptable for men to escape on a wellness holiday where they can take part in masculine activities, like boxing and HIIT, before recovering with a massage or spa treatment. With men, still significantly less likely than women to make time to consult a doctor, wellness retreats catering to men also offer a more approachable means of addressing health issues.

Top 3 Destinations: Chiva Som (Thailand), Komune Resort (Bali), Marbella Club (Spain)

Healthy Mind and Emotion Healing Holidays

With more of us looking for ways to boost self-confidence or learn how to manage stress, it is little wonder that mind and emotion healing holidays are a rising trend in the wellness world. With a growing understanding that a healthy mind leads to a healthy life, retreats offering coaching in mindfulness, meditation and yoga, are helping sufferers of modern-living burnout to reconnect their mind, body and soul.

Top 3 Destinations: Shreyas Silent Retreat (India), Marbella Club De-Stress Emotional Rebalance (Spain), Kamalaya Embracing Change (Thailand)

Post-Cancer Recovery Retreats

No longer shying away from the complexities of treating a cancer sufferer, a rise in wellness spa retreats creating specialist post-cancer recovery programmes offers a sanctuary for cancer survivors to recharge and rejuvenate. Helping you to feel like the best version of yourself again, a range of holistic spa therapies and alternative natural medicine treatments, from acupuncture to Ayurveda, will nurture and resort your well-being. Combined with expert consultations from psychologists, nutritionists and physiotherapists, regain your appetite and your strength as you rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in a luxurious wellness sanctuary.

Top 3 Destinations: Chiva Som Cell Vitality (Thailand), Kurotel Post-Cancer (Brazil), The BodyHoliday BodyScience (St Lucia)

Full-Body MOT Holidays

Every year, drivers spend thousands taking out MOTs on their cars, so why not spend the same amount of money and loving attention on your own body? After all, it’s the only one you’ll ever have. Enter full-body MOT holidays where fitness training, wellness activities, spa treatments and diet plans are personalised to your body. Taking personalised wellness one step further, some even offer DNA analysis, to really tailor the treatment plan to your health needs.

Top 3 Destinations: The Body Camp (Ibiza), The BodyHoliday BodyScience (St Lucia), 38 Degrees North Healthy Hedonism (Ibiza)

Eat-Well Detox Holidays

Gone are the days when a detox holiday entails a punishing regime of fasting and tiny portions; time for the eat-well detox. Foodie lovers in search of a cleansing detox will be pleased to know that on an eat-well detox you’ll be able to refuel with well-proportioned nutritious meals throughout the day, that won’t leave you going hungry. Focusing instead on eating a generous amount of healthy food, try a more satisfying experience for those looking to detox without forgoing food.  

Top 3 Destinations: Ti Sana Liver Detox (Italy), Kamalaya Comprehensive Detox Rejuvenation (Thailand), Como Shambhala Estate Detox (Bali)

Zen Adrenaline Junkies

The idea of zen and adrenaline might seem like an odd combination, but more and more of us are now embracing ‘adrenaline-après’ holidays where we can satisfy a thirst for high-octane adventure with kite-surfing and paragliding, before relaxing with spa treatments, meditation and yoga.  A great way to train your body and mind to let go of stress and enjoy living in the moment, embrace the mind-body cocktail of zen adrenaline and return home ready for anything.

Top 3 Destinations: Zighy Bay Sense of Adventure (Oman), The BodyHoliday Fusion Fitness (St Lucia), Maya Ubud Adventure (Bali)

Physical Therapy Holidays

Everyone puts their bodies through a lot of stress. Whether from being hunched over a desk or working out to the extreme, muscles are frequently being strained, pulled or teared. Answering the call for worn out bodies, the rise of physical therapy holidays provides opportunities for recovery from your injuries and to re-train your body to peak perfection.  Heal your body with a wide variety of treatments, from expert consultations with physiotherapists to aquatic therapy and posture alignment. 

Top 3 Destinations: Chiva Som Physical Renewal (Thailand), Lefay Sports & Posture (Italy), Amatara Fitness(Thailand)

Family-Wellness Holidays

Following the rising realisation that the next generation of spa goers are the younger generation, more spa and wellness retreats are now offering family-wellness holidays. No longer a no-go zone with the children in tow, with an array of mini spa treatments designed especially for children, now the whole family can be pampered from head to toe. Also focusing on drawing the kids away from their iPads and video games, action packed kids clubs encourage children to experience new sports and activities, as they swap their smartphones for bicycles, tennis and water sports.

Top 3 Destinations: The BodyHoliday WellFit Families (St Lucia), Fusion Maia (Vietnam), Terre Blanche (France)

New Waves in Wellness

With 71% of Earth being covered in water, it only makes sense that we’ve taken to board sports like ducks to water. Riding a new wave in wellness, more of us are now turning to board sports as a fun way of toning up and shaping up. From stand-up paddle boarding to indoor board fitness classes and surfing, board sports offer a great workout for training your core and legs.

Top 3 Destinations: Epic Sana Sup Fitness (Portugal), Komune Yoga & Surf (Bali), Paradis Plage Surfing (Morocco)

Preventative Health to Lower Your Biological Age

Already highly popular with the Baby Boomer generation, the appeal of preventative health holidays offering the chance to help slow down the clock are also rising in popularity with Generations X and Y.  Proving that age really is nothing but a number - whether pressing pause on ageing by learning to let go of stress or sweating your way to a more youthful you, reducing your biological age is the new mantra of the ‘ageing gracefully’ gurus.

Top 3 Destinations: SHA Rejuvenation (Spain), The BodyHoliday Healthy Ageing (St Lucia), Longevity Anti-Ageing (Portugal)

Social Group Fitness Holidays

If you’re a social butterfly and like to make friends wherever you go, then you’re probably a part of the ever-rising number of people escaping on social group fitness holidays.  Whether a group of friends or the solo traveller who doesn’t want to train alone, with the added support of individuals going through the same process, you’ll soon reach your fitness goals. Offering the opportunity for you to train in groups where you can learn from each other, you may even make some lifelong friends.

Top 3 Destinations: The BodyHoliday September Solos (St Lucia), Wildfitness Zanzibar (Tanzania), The Body Camp (Ibiza)

Workplace Wellness

If you’re a social butterfly and like to make friends wherever you go, then you’re probably a part of the ever-rising number of people escaping on social group fitness holidays.  Whether a group of friends or the solo traveller who doesn’t want to train alone, with the added support of individuals going through the same process, you’ll soon reach your fitness goals. Offering the opportunity for you to train in groups where you can learn from each other, you may even make some lifelong friends.

Top 3 Destinations: Ultimate Luxury Around The World Wellness Trip (Worldwide), Lefay (Italy), Kamalaya (Thailand)

Eco-Friendly Wellness Retreats

With a rise in green conscious travellers in search of a wellness holiday that is as kind to the planet as it is to you, there has been a growing emergence of eco-friendly wellness retreats offering a trip, without the guilt trip. Return home an expert on the local fauna and flora with educational eco-forest walks, indulge with all-natural spa remedies and refuel with healthy organic cuisine from onsite gardens.

Top 3 Destinations: Karkloof Safari Spa (South Africa), La Clairière (France) Aro Ha (New Zealand)

For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891 

A broken heart can welcome unwanted stress into your life, and it may feel like your world has been torn apart. Eliminate mournful emotions and jet-off on a much needed spa break to kick-start your journey to self-love and healing. Set sail on an anti-stress voyage where you can discover the world of Shirodhara (ritual to rest and calm the mind), or grasp some of the action on a singles holiday, featuring a range of group classes and personalised spa packages, where only the best and most natural products are used to help you fully mend and unwind, leaving you with a more positive outlook.

With Easter on the horizon, it is so easy to spend the month scoffing on chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. Do something different this year and feel guilt free by taking a revitalising spa holiday or luxury spa break. You certainly will not feel like an ‘April Fool’ when you jet off to one of our stunning healthy holidays, specifically handpicked for their excellent treatments and luxury facilities. From the mountains of Italy to the beaches of Portugal our selection has a wealth of treatments for everyone to enjoy. Book a wellness holiday in April and you could be enjoying a revitalising underwater massage in sunny Cyprus or relax with a foaming facial treatment in the Spain. Our 5 selections will surely inspire you to take the plunge to spoil yourself with a lavish spa holiday this April.

Whether addressing a specific health issue or educating on healthier lifestyle choices, the spa industry is no longer pampering without a purpose. A constantly evolving industry, our collection of specialist spa holidays cater to the specific wellness needs of the individual. With wellness warriors now looking for more than pampering and relaxation, tailor-made wellness programmes combining expert medical, fitness and nutrition teams are taking spa holidays to the next level.

Whether addressing a specific health issue or educating on healthier lifestyle choices, the spa industry is no longer pampering without a purpose. A constantly evolving industry, our collection of specialist spa holidays cater to the specific wellness needs of the individual. With wellness warriors now looking for more than pampering and relaxation, tailor-made wellness programs combining expert medical, fitness and nutrition teams are taking spa holidays to the next level.

Tell us about the resort – what makes Marbella Club so special?

Situated directly on Marbella beach, Andalucía, the MC Club provides an idyllic location for those that enjoy beach life with glorious weather and serene ocean views.  More like a village than a resort, the MC club provides a plethora of activities for the health-conscious traveler who also enjoys being treated like an A-list celebrity.  Marbella Club also provides an unrivalled children’s club with unbelievable toys, games and classes – it’s one of the best I’ve seen. Parents can drop their children off and make the most of the club’s facilities with the comforting knowledge that they will not be bored. The long beachside promenade in front of the resort is also a great spot for walking or running.

When offline is the new luxury, log off and spring clean the mind at these stunning unplugged wellness retreat hideaways.

Without a doubt Sugar Ridge is the best place to stay in Antigua. It is a private, beautiful retreat that in my opinion is a well-kept secret. It stood out to me amid other luxury resorts on the island because of its stunning hillside location and renowned state of the art fitness centre.

Dr Michael J. Breus

Dr Michael J. Breus is a sleep expert and author of The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan. He is a clinical psychologist and one of the youngest to pass the board at the age of 31. As one of the only psychologists with his credentials out of 163 psychologists worldwide, Dr. Breus specialises in sleep disorders and is the diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and of The Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is also author of Lose Weight Through Better Sleep and the creator of The Dr. Breus Bed. Dr. Breus treats athletes and celebrities and has appeared on CNN, Oprah, The View, and The Doctor's.

Health and Fitness Travel attended the annual Tatler Spa Awards in London last night at the luxurious Corinthia Hotel. These prestigious awards are renowned for recognising the best wellness and spa holidays from around the world and we were delighted to see four of our best wellness retreats receive awards.

Health and Fitness Travel attended the annual Tatler Spa Awards in London last night at the luxurious Corinthia Hotel. These prestigious awards are renowned for recognising the best wellness and spa holidays from around the world and we were delighted to see four of our best wellness retreats receive awards.

As a tennis enthusiast, I was delighted when I went on the Tennis Academy holiday at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. I really managed to develop and improve my technique with the help of professional coaching every day.

Follow the sun, sea and a sense of wellness in 2017 with a year’s worth of inspiration in health-enhancing wellness experiences around the world. We share our month-by-month wanderlust guide of the best wellness holidays for 2017 so you can make this the year to nourish your mind, body and soul. 

As temperatures drop, many people tend to fall off the wellness track. Balanced meals are replaced with sweet Christmas treats and the daily jogs get cancelled due to the freezing weather. But winter doesn’t have to put a stop to your wellness journey. Chase the winter sun and jet off to our ultimate luxury spa retreats to enjoy a deluxe wellness experience. Sample a selection of indulgent spa treatments, from organic facials, deep tissue massages to detoxifying body scrubs before enjoying a healthy feast to satisfy your senses. Whether a fitness fanatic, a yogi or just someone who likes to pamper in the lap of luxury, each of these spa destinations offer something different to suit all goals and well-being needs.

The world seems to be getting smaller. In the past 45 years, the population of the world has almost doubled and it shows no signs of slowing. It is becoming harder to get the peace we need from the mania of the modern world. However, there are oases out there. These remote luxury wellness retreats prioritise your peace of mind for a holiday in incredible comfort. In some of the most breath-taking natural landscapes, they envelop you in a retreat experience that aims to rid you of all anxiety. From the Gulf of Oman, to the Maldives and on to the Caribbean, there are remote luxury wellness hotels to satisfy every taste in culture and climate. For a truly reliably and exclusive time, arrive at your glamorous destination on a chartered private jet: organised, hassle free, by our Health and Fitness Travel team. For those looking to immerse themselves in peaceful seclusion, here are the 7 most expensive remote luxury wellness hotels in the world. 

Deniz Susever

Deniz Susever is a Watsu-Tantsu-WATA (water dance), EFT practitioner and Yoga Teacher at Kempinski Barbaros Bay. She began her journey of alternative therapies and healing energies in 1997. After being introduced to yoga as a guest she decided to go to Rishikesh (India) and became a yoga teacher, she also has studied Integrative Massage in India. Deniz has excellent charisma in Watsu (Water-Shiatsu), Tantsu (Watsu on land) and Water dance (WATA) Therapy training in India. The last six years she has been a Vipassana Meditator.

 
Interview with a Watsu Practitioner

What inspired you to study alternative therapies and remedies?

I started my journey of alternative therapies and healing energies with Reiki, and I discovered that everyone of us has a healing power. Being in a position to provide healing for clients and also myself has filled me with tremendous happiness. Reiki has enhanced my interest in the workings of the human body, and the energies which surround us and are also within us.

What is Watsu and how is it similar to Tantsu?

Watsu is a fusion of water and shiatsu is a form of body massage performed while floating in warm water. It combines the therapeutic benefits of warm water and Zen Shiatsu, Yoga, Alexander Technique and Meditation. Tantsu is Watsu on land. There's no set pattern to the movements and there is stretching, wavelike movement of the water, the breath and heart connection, stillness and cradling throughout the session like on Watsu.

As a waterdance therapist, do you feel water is an important element when it comes to healing?

Water is a miraculous element which transforms and heals the person physicaly, physiologicaly and psychologically. Waterdance is combined with underwater movements reminiscent of the womb and creates a tremendously healing experience. The water itself carries teachings that can actually support and nurture extraordinary relaxation by encouraging effortless insight into ourselves.

WATA (waterdance) is a unique form of bodywork, can you describe how it works?

Waterdance is a form of aquatic bodywork like Watsu, it begins on the surface. Then the receiver is given a nose clip and step by step is gently guided under the water. The session incorporates elements of massage, dolphin and snake movements, rolls, somersaults, inversions and dance. The effects are physical release such as joint mobilisation and can encourage deep states of relaxation.

The Watsu pool at Kempinski Barbaros Bay

As an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) practitioner can you describe this technique and how it is beneficial?

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) combines Acupressure and Affirmation Techniques which works by neutralizing disruptions in the body's electrical system, then stops the chemical chain reaction and frees the person from emotional and physical discomforts. New or old emotional upsets, life long phobias, compulsive behaviors and unhealthy patterns can often be released easily. These techniques are so gentle, rapid and startlingly effective.

Why is integrative massage so beneficial and how is it different to other massage therapies?

Integrative Massage is done by applying oil which cleanses and relaxes the body. This massage contains 3 parts: in the first part, we awaken the body by pressing the important points which we call "marma". After that, by applying oil we stimulate the lymphatic system and detoxify and strenghten the muscles, joints and ligaments. In the last part, we increase the flexibility and the energy level of the body with some passive static stretching exercises.

Can you describe Klang massage and what makes it distinctive?

Nepal's traditional sound massage (Klang Massage) is applied with special bowls produced from an alloy of 16 different materials. Before the session we determine the chakras we are going to work on and we work on every chakra with their colour one by one. The person can explore the self-regeneration and self-treatment power of the body with sound vibrations.

What is Vipassana Meditation and how is it beneficial?

Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2,500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living. In Vipassana Meditation one experiences that everything is passing away. In our life, pain or pleasure is also impermanent, so no need to generate attachment or craving for something which gives pleasure and no need to generate anger or hatred for something which makes pain. When we see things as they are, we can live life in peace and harmony.

Meditation at Kempinski Barbaros Bay

What inspired you to become a yoga teacher?

When I encountered Yoga in 2000, I was living in a small town (Kas) in Turkey. We were gathering with some friends and doing yoga asanas and some pranayama techniques. I was working as a diving instructor at that moment which is why I was very familiar about explaining the postures and some details like in the diving courses. My friends were encouraging me to become a yoga teacher and I tried some of the yoga styles like Kundalini, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa during these years. Afterwards I visited Rishikesh (where yoga was born) and ended up learning with traditional Hatha yoga which I like a lot because each pose is like deep meditation.

Kempinski Barbaros Bay offers a wide range of treatments, with your training in yoga, massage and waterdance therapies, how well do guests respond to these?

Our guests are very lucky, because we give them all special care and try our best to offer the highest levels of satisfaction. They understand the importance of relaxation and the healing effects of holistic therapies. They are very open to try new therapies like Watsu, Waterdance or Aqua Reflexology.

Stress has become prevalent in society, what top tips do you have to reduce stress?

Practise meditation ,yoga asanas (postures), and keep your inner smile on and think positively. After work take a warm shower or bath before you sleep. Eat healthy super foods (like spirulina, wheatgrass and sprouted seeds) Drink chamomile or melissa tea, walk barefoot in the grass and listen to classical music Start the day by laughing before you get up from the bed - dance and sing!

For more information visit Kempinski Barbaros Bay.

Everyone needs a break every now and then, but the fly-and-flop holidays that involve nothing more than lazing around by the pool won’t provide you with the long-term benefits that your mind, body and soul really needs. You may have a relaxing break, putting the stress and strains of everyday life to one side, but as soon as you arrive back home you will soon feel these same stressors and tensions arise. Focusing on not only providing a relaxing holiday but the tools you need to lead a more balance lifestyle long-term, here we take a look at how a holistic holiday can offer healing benefits for both your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

Embrace your adventurous side whilst exploring the untamed beauty of Asia through our exclusive range of Discover Recover holidays, designed for solo travellers looking to combine a singles holiday with adventures in local culture. From volcano hiking in Bali, to visiting the floating markets of Vietnam and experiencing the breath taking Taj Mahal in India, discover your chosen country on a cultural solo travel adventure. Recover after your active adventures at one of our luxury wellness retreats, with group fitness classes and relaxing spa treatments.

Recovering from cancer is a mentally and physically draining process and with the aid of natural alternative treatments on a post-cancer recovery retreat you can speed up the road to recuperation and start to feel like your old self. Various therapies have been shown to relieve the side effects of conventional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can leave you feeling tired and drained. These alternative treatments will gently heal any damage caused by cancer and start to restore your well-being back to a stronger state.

Enhance and enlighten your mind, body and soul with an all-encompassing approach to your well-being on our best detoxifying Ayurveda spa holidays in India. An ancient holistic approach to wellness, Ayurveda is renowned for promoting mental, physical and spiritual healing by creating a calming balance between mind, body and spirit through lifestyle assessment.