Our Blog

What is a wellness incentive break you ask? Well, first of all let’s look at what a wellness incentive actually is shall we? A wellness incentive is a strong emotion or desire that impacts the well-being of an individual and can be present in both internal and external forms of motivation. Wellness incentives are often used by employers to promote wellness within their workplaces, to offer rewards and recognition to their employees as a result of hard work and meeting business goals. 

Dr. Carlo Barbieri is one of the leading health specialists at Lefay Spa & Resort Lago di Garda, developing their retreats and ensuring each one is an all-encompassing wellness experience. With a background in medicine in multiple Italian cities as well as Beijing, China, we believe Dr. Barbieri is an interesting and unique resource in the medical field. We were fortunate enough to ask him some questions about his background, what his training means for your holiday at Lefay, and much more!  

It’s no secret that stress can take a hold on all of us from time to time, filling our minds with worries and negative thoughts. However, when stress builds up and maintains itself in our heads long-term, it can become unhealthy and lead to adverse long-term health effects such as mental health and depression. In fact, according to a medical review by The American Institute of Stress, 77% of people have experienced stress that affects their physical health, and 73% of people have experienced stress that affects their mental health. We worked with Dr. Vicente Mera of the SHA Wellness Clinic to learn more about stress and ageing, especially during their anti-ageing retreat. Let’s break down different causes and factors of stress and how they can affect our physical and mental health.

Though it may seem as if there is no correlation between your love language and where you should spend your wellness holiday, you may just be surprised how much our choices for each respective love language suit your needs. Love is a force that cannot be quantified by science, and neither can your love language. Whether you most prefer giving gifts, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, or physical touch, we’ve got you covered on where you can fall head over heels on holiday!  

Thinking about somewhere to travel to this year? Why not explore the UK 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 relaxing spa 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.  

With warmer weather on the horizon and fewer barriers to international travel then there have been in the last two years, it's no surprise that everyone's thoughts are turning to where to go on holiday for wellness in 2022. In fact Google searches for 2022 summer holidays are the highest they have been all year! With this in mind, we're taking a look at the best places to visit to attend to all aspects of your wellness this summer.

{source}<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"name" : "8 of the Best Summer Wellness Retreats for 2022",
"datePublished" : "2022-04-27",
"image" : "https://i.assetzen.net/image/XYy8buZCGNXJkUWdbsE7WMor4AOgD4_0DMLaSTfoYuI.eyJ3aWR0aCI6ODAwLCJpZ25vcmVfZm9jdXMiOnRydWUsImltYWdlSWQiOiI2OUxyYXJmZmJPQXYifQ.jpg",
"articleBody" : "With warmer weather on the horizon and fewer barriers to international travel then there have been in the last two years, it's no surprise that everyone's thoughts are turning to where to go on holiday for wellness in 2022. In fact Google searches for 2022 summer holidays are the highest they have been all year! With this in mind, we're taking a look at the best places to visit to attend to all aspects of your wellness this summer. Offering something for all; from solos to couples holidays and even family retreats in a range of both popular and overlooked destinations across the globe, these retreats allow you to focus on reaching your wellbeing goals be they fitness, mindfulness or preventing burnout from stress. These tailor-made trips in luxurious surroundings in Europe, South East Asia and even the Galapagos Islands offer the perfect solution for those looking to travel again whilst also looking after their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Without further ado let's explore the best places to visit for summer wellness in 2022! For Eco-Friendly Flexibility in Portugal: Yoga & Sea at Alamos Retreat We’ve all been missing sandy beaches and warm blue oceans, there’s no question about that. This retreat is perfect for travellers looking for a holiday that blends relaxation and fun. Alamos Retreat’s unique water sports and yoga combination holiday allows travellers to have fun and relax. The eco-chic vibe of the hotel radiates a nurturing, organic feel. Located just a few minutes from the shores of Albufeira, challenge your active side by learning poses and techniques in yoga as well as skills in either surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. With daily classes, switch it up and try all three water sports in the crystalline water that Portugal is world-famous for. With intimate class sizes, improve rapidly and keep your newfound skills for years to come! Booking and Information: Alamos Retreat To Kickstart Your Summer of Wellness in Ibiza: Fitness at Six Senses Ibiza Some of us are guilty of letting our fitness habits slip during summer, especially whilst on holiday. However, Six Senses Ibiza can provide the perfect kickstart to summer wellness. Engage your mind and body by focusing on movement, low and high intensity training as well as recovery treatments, meditation and sleep. Six Senses take a personalised approach towards full body wellness so you can really gauge how to make the most of your break. Help yourself improve muscle tone and strength, flexibility, agility and help reduce the risk of weight gain and chronic disease on this tailored fitness retreat. Being an extremely bespoke experience, this retreat can be done at your own pace and at your own ability level, so you can feel fully confident and happy with your own progress and achievements. Booking and Information: Six Senses Ibiza Feel Amazing Together in Italy: Wellness for 2 at Preidlhof Summer retreats can be the perfect chance to treat you and your significant other to the break you both deserve amidst the pleasant season’s climate by embarking on a couple's wellness retreat. Wellness for 2 at Preidlhof is a versatile and engaging retreat that promotes new ways of being connected through a variety of sensory and interactive spa rituals. Relax, release and regenerate with your partner in the beautiful rural setting of South Tyrol. The hotel lies between the Stelvio National Park - the oldest natural park in Italy, with its mountain landscape and wild nature - and the Texel Group Nature Park. Share your journey to wellbeing and learn more about each other in the process. Spend precious time together on the ultimate couple's wellness retreat and leave with a stronger bond and happy memories to look back on! Booking and Information: Preidlhof Learn How to Drift Off in Greece: Sleep at Porto Elounda Sleep at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort is perfect for those looking to improve their sleep pattern, de-stress and restore energy levels during the day. Offering unique wellness approaches such as Yoga Nidra, meditation, low intensity training, relaxing treatments and amenities will help you feel better equipped to face all your daily challenges. An effective combination of these resources and helpful advice from Porto Elounda’s Sleep Doctor will help pave the way to a happier, healthier life. Introductory and closing screenings alongside sleep tracking reviews will help you gauge how you sleep and thus how you can improve it, allowing you to feel well rested and refreshed for years to come as a result of learning more about your body on this sleep-enhancement retreat. Booking and Information: Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort Boost Your Immunity in Austria: Immune System Booster at Park Igls Summer months can provide the perfect motivation to pursue new healthy diets, practices and routines. And where better to do so than on a dedicated health retreat? The Immune System Booster retreat at Park Igls is specially designed to strengthen your immune system and make you much more resilient to illnesses. Exclusive access to lab tests which determine the current state of your immune system allows you to gain a helpful insight in how to enhance it further. Challenge yourself to embark on the Mayr diet. Predominantly a fasting diet style, this is a great unique approach for full body detoxification, instigating healthier habits and cleaner living! Booking and Information: Park Igls Restore Your Equilibrium in Thailand: Comprehensive Balance & Revitalise at Kamalaya Taking the time to recover and re-charge during the summer months is essential for keeping stress levels low and overall wellness high! If the high demands of modern life have been affecting you acutely then a stress management retreat could be perfect for you. Comprehensive Balance and Revitalize at Kamalaya is a restorative and healing retreat, carefully designed to deal with the symptoms and underlying causes of adrenal burnout. It is to assist with stress prevention and recovery from a mind, body and spirit perspective. It encourages and teaches to make the best of future challenges and opportunities by helping to maintain the balance during stress and change. Not only combining restorative therapies and nutrition with personal consultations in Naturopathic Lifestyle, Nutrition and Stress Management, the programme also includes nutritional and herbal supplements and remedies to support recovery. Booking and Information: Kamalaya Make Family Memories in Morocco: Family TimeTogether™ at Paradis Plage Taking the time to relax, get fit or even learn something new with your family can be the perfect opportunity for to experience beautiful settings and healthy activities together. The first of its kind in Morocco, this eco-retreat resides on the Agadir coastline, with its own private beach overlooking the sapphire Atlantic. The perfect destination for a family holiday as it rests away from your regular tourist spots with extensive facilities and activities for all the family to enjoy! Catch a wave surfing or kayaking, try a mindful group Yoga session indulge in tailored spa treatments for all ages 4+. Not to forget that guests will enjoy the swimming pool and the calm-inducing zen garden. Booking and Information: Paradis Plage Become an Active Explorer in The Galapagos: Active Tours - Galapagos There’s a lot of excitement revolving around exploration and new adventure following the pandemic, and with restrictions easing, summer 2022 is the perfect time to embark on an active tour of the mythical islands of Galapagos. Walking in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, embark on an electrifying discovery of unusual animals on land and underwater including, from inquisitive manta rays and docile Galapagos tortoise to the playful sea lions, roaming freely around the island. Putting on your explorer hat, hike high over the island to the peak of Sierra Negra Volcano, cycle around the island and snorkel the glistening waters of the archipelago to feed the endlessly inquisitive nature of our being and get fit whilst doing so. Booking and Information: Galapagos Active Tour Feeling inspired to book a summer wellness break? Will you be channelling your inner David Attenborough or working up a sweat in Ibiza? Are you looking to go away with a loved one for some much-need relaxation or will it be a fun-filled family affair this year? Whoever's going and wherever you want to go, we'd love to help you plan! Talk to our Wellness Holiday Specialists today to discuss tailor-making your ideal summer 2022 wellness holiday. You can call us on 0203 297 8891 or fill in our enquiry form here!",
"url" : "https://healthandfitnesstravel.com/blog/8-of-the-best-summer-wellness-retreats-for-2022",
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"name" : "Health and Fitness Travel"
}
}
</script>{/source}

The daily pressures of work can have a great impact on mood, motivation as well as overall performance in the workplace. In fact, wellness initiatives have been proven to increase the productivity of individuals by around 12%. So, being able to provide employees with social, active escapes can be the perfect opportunity to bond with the people you work with every day, improve mental and physical well-being and most importantly, have fun together! Here we will go through some of the top sports holidays, perfect for competitive teams or afficionados of particular sporting pursuits to embark on together as part of an invaluable bonding and team development experience. 

Many of us drink alcohol to relax and socialise. Alcohol can be part of a healthy lifestyle as long as you drink in moderation and combine it with regular exercise and a healthy diet. However, drinking alcohol excessively or when it can be considered harmful is proven to have many adverse effects on your mental and physical health. Drinking a large amount over a long period of time can cause you to develop a higher tolerance to alcohol, where you may no longer experience the short-term side effects that you might have otherwise. Ultimately, alcohol can present many adverse effects on the body. Here we will discuss these health implications and how this can impact you now, and in the further future. 

One of the fastest-growing health-care professions, osteopathy is a form of therapy that strengthens the back and targets other postural problems through improvement of the lymphatic, nervous, and circulatory systems. Osteopathic technicians and specialists stretch the joints and the muscles as well as massage them to help the body heal itself. An osteopathic retreat is a type of wellness retreat that provides benefits to travellers that may be suffering from an affliction that concerns the muscles, bones, and joints, such as lower back pain. This type of retreat may also prove beneficial to athletes and active travellers so they can keep their bodies in peak condition. Here are five superstar standout retreats centred around osteopathic treatments! 

{source}<!-- JSON-LD markup generated by Google Structured Data Markup Helper. -->
<script type="application/ld+json">
[ {
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"name" : "Top 5 Healthy Gut Holidays",
"datePublished" : "2022-04-07",
"image" : "https://i.assetzen.net/image/SwlvrHguQ4wm/FvjqvaV6PG6xp4AjQzeG32xUppdXWHc5DHNCy568WsY.eyJ3aWR0aCI6ODAwLCJoZWlnaHQiOjUzMywicXVhbGl0eSI6MTAwLCJpbWFnZUlkIjoiU3dsdnJIZ3VRNHdtIiwibWFpbnRhaW5fcmF0aW8iOnRydWUsImRvd25sb2FkIjp0cnVlfQ.jpg",
"articleBody" : "towards optimal wellness!"
}, {
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"name" : "Top 5 Healthy Gut Holidays",
"datePublished" : "2022-04-07",
"image" : "https://i.assetzen.net/image/FFe5NjqUzJO8/ZHqZ92gG9wwfhTpKjksqSY2gyL6gM2LIoGldNXXR9tc.eyJ3aWR0aCI6NjM1LCJoZWlnaHQiOjQyMiwicXVhbGl0eSI6MTAwLCJpbWFnZUlkIjoiRkZlNU5qcVV6Sk84IiwibWFpbnRhaW5fcmF0aW8iOnRydWUsImRvd25sb2FkIjp0cnVlfQ.jpg",
"articleSection" : "Gut Health at SHA Wellness Clinic"
}, {
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"name" : "Top 5 Healthy Gut Holidays",
"datePublished" : "2022-04-07",
"image" : "https://i.assetzen.net/image/wLPRt6ZNKglo/jBu4ZcjXEEhWDi1yNg_cEq1JFcrrTG-btFOeP9V8WkU.eyJ3aWR0aCI6NjM1LCJoZWlnaHQiOjQyMywicXVhbGl0eSI6MTAwLCJpbWFnZUlkIjoid0xQUnQ2Wk5LZ2xvIiwibWFpbnRhaW5fcmF0aW8iOnRydWUsImRvd25sb2FkIjp0cnVlfQ.jpg",
"articleSection" : "Immune System Booster at Park Igls",
"articleBody" : "One of the many benefits of a healthy gut is what great impact it has on your immune system. Your gut is a big deal. Did you know that it makes up around 70% of your immune system and contains 1.5kg to 2kg of bacteria, more than the weight of your brain? So, keeping this vital organ healthy is a top priority! </SPAN><SPAN data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </SPAN></P>\n<P><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\">The Immune System Booster programme at Park Igls is specially designed to target the immune system and help lower your susceptibility to illness. Extensive medical examinations and wellness therapies alongside a personal Modern Mayr diet plan makes this an ideal chance to try a </SPAN><A href=\"https://healthandfitnesstravel.com/fasting-retreats\"><SPAN data-contrast=\"none\">fasting retreat</SPAN></A><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\">. Introducing your body to new innovative ways to detoxify and revitalise your mental and physical well-being can open your eyes to new habits for obtaining and maintaining a healthy gut."
}, {
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"name" : "Top 5 Healthy Gut Holidays",
"datePublished" : "2022-04-07",
"image" : "https://i.assetzen.net/image/DpeWOb1I937G/aRR2D5VokOJyMw5UXtN0kBvlRZdGtQpwPjBrfDA6ZJg.eyJ3aWR0aCI6NjM1LCJoZWlnaHQiOjQyMywicXVhbGl0eSI6MTAwLCJpbWFnZUlkIjoiRHBlV09iMUk5MzdHIiwibWFpbnRhaW5fcmF0aW8iOnRydWUsImRvd25sb2FkIjp0cnVlfQ.jpg",
"articleSection" : "Enriched Gut at Kamalaya",
"articleBody" : "Keeping your gut in tip top condition doesn’t just come from what you consume on a day-to-day basis. Yes, this plays a big role but conditioning your mind and body using the right techniques and practices can also have a great effect on gut health. Kamalaya is an award-winning resort located on the south coast of </SPAN><A href=\"https://healthandfitnesstravel.com/asia/thailand\"><SPAN data-contrast=\"none\">Thailand</SPAN></A><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\"> and is home to some of the best wellness treatments and medical services designed to transform your healthy lifestyle.</SPAN><SPAN data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </SPAN></P>\n<P><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\">Enjoy a valuable combination of medical consultations, spiritual practices and traditional Chinese medicine that will help transform your </SPAN><A href=\"https://healthandfitnesstravel.com/mindfulness-retreats\"><SPAN data-contrast=\"none\">mindful retreat</SPAN></A><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\"> into a new, progressive mindset, unlocking any tensions between your mind and your body. Abdominal organ therapy, pranayama breathing sessions and nutritional guidance are just some of the engaging ways you can help keep your gut a healthy one!",
"url" : "https://healthandfitnesstravel.com/europe/austria/park-igls"
}, {
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"name" : "Top 5 Healthy Gut Holidays",
"datePublished" : "2022-04-07",
"image" : "https://i.assetzen.net/i/WsesdNYWiJcB/w:1024/h:0/q:70.jpg",
"articleSection" : "Raw Food Detox at Sianji Well-Being Resort",
"articleBody" : "What we eat day-to-day has a big impact on how we sleep, on our mood and our motivation. Some of us may be vegan, vegetarian or are unable to or chose to eat certain foods, which is great because being actively conscious about what you’re consuming is the first important step towards habitual change. Some people may even opt to </SPAN><A href=\"https://healthandfitnesstravel.com/blog/a-guide-to-starting-a-raw-food-diet\"><SPAN data-contrast=\"none\">start a raw food diet</SPAN></A><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\">, which can have many healthy benefits. Eating lots of fruit and veg helps control blood pressure and reduces the chance of health implications such as strokes, stomach cancer or kidney disease due to the reduction of sodium in your diet. </SPAN><SPAN data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </SPAN></P>\n<P><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\">Raw Food Detox at Sianji Well-Being Resort can be the perfect opportunity for you to experience a raw food diet and how this has an effect on your mind and body. You will learn all there is to know about gut health through consultations with a doctor, dietician and detox specialist. You’ll also learn how to prepare food in the Raw Food Workshop whilst you indulge in a fresh detox diet that will help show you all the great healthy benefits that it can bring!"
}, {
"@context" : "http://schema.org",
"@type" : "Article",
"name" : "Top 5 Healthy Gut Holidays",
"datePublished" : "2022-04-07",
"image" : "https://i.assetzen.net/image/6z0w6Z5OjeLk/JmeQlwg3fxibMXUWR1iQ34JIszrMuvSmkrCva5koGbE.eyJ3aWR0aCI6NjM1LCJoZWlnaHQiOjQyMywicXVhbGl0eSI6MTAwLCJpbWFnZUlkIjoiNnowdzZaNU9qZUxrIiwibWFpbnRhaW5fcmF0aW8iOnRydWUsImRvd25sb2FkIjp0cnVlfQ.jpg",
"articleSection" : "Gut Health at Chiva-Som",
"articleBody" : [ "Did you know that around 95% of serotonin, a major mood-influencing hormone, is produced in the small intestine? This makes up for almost all of your serotonin boosts throughout the day. So, making sure you fuel your body with the right diet and nutrition is very important so you can make sure you’re looking and feeling your absolute best!</SPAN><SPAN data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"> </SPAN></P>\n<P><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\">Chiva-Som&#39;s Gut Health programme incorporates a blend of wellness treatments, mindful practices and gut healing meals. This retreat targets full body detoxification bringing natural nutrients, fibre and probiotics into your digestive system. Even if it’s a yoga or </SPAN><A href=\"https://healthandfitnesstravel.com/pilates-holidays\"><SPAN data-contrast=\"none\">Pilates break</SPAN></A><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\"> you’re looking for, you can intertwine these wellness treatments and diet changes into your active itinerary, making this a great all-round healthy excursion. Take care of your body through </SPAN><A href=\"https://healthandfitnesstravel.com/advice/glossary#Pranayama\"><SPAN data-contrast=\"none\">Pranayama breathing</SPAN></A><SPAN data-contrast=\"auto\"> sessions, holistic massages and many more healthy exercises leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated once you return home!", "One thing we’ve learned is that wellness doesn’t just come from how you exert yourself physically, but what you choose to fuel your body with is crucial for every aspect of your health. This goes back to the classic saying; you are what you eat! Even making the smallest changes in your diet can present many health benefits, improved mood, increase of energy, lower susceptibility to illness and so many more. If you&#39;re interested in continuing your healthy gut journey or if you’re not sure how to get started, then look no further!" ]
} ]
</script>{/source}

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and medical check-ups are just one part of the equation. Giving your body an appropriate diet and nutritional intake to go alongside these great active habits is key to aim for faster, higher vitality. A healthy gut can make a substantial difference to your immune system and many other vital health aspects, helping control digestion and balancing hormones for example. Keeping these aspects of your health in check is very important to provide your gut with healthy bacteria and immune cells which help ward off infectious agents like viruses and fungi.