Reviews

Our wellness travel specialist Olivia Trussell spent 7 amazing nights at Komune Resort and Beach Club Bali and tells us why all mum's deserve and need a mumcation…

I will preface my review with four words - sublime, rejuvenating, hidden gem.

What is Amatara and who’s it for?

Amatara is a place for anyone seeking to restore their inner balance. As a destination spa in Phuket, it offers luxe accommodation, and what the General Manager Eric refers to as a ‘middle way’ approach to wellness. For guests who love to indulge in 5 star resort facilities and enjoy fine dining, although would like to also immerse in a wellness program, Amatara is the place! The programs offer weight management, detox, relaxation, fitness, yoga or anti-ageing. Or you can simply enjoy the luxury resort setting, sit by the pool and chill out. There is no-one there to enforce guilt for not sticking to a program, digital detox or to refrain from drinking alcohol – the choice is yours to make. This approach works well, and I found the guests merged nicely particularly as there are areas focused on wellness if one would prefer to eat or relax there only. 

What is Thanyapura and who’s it for?

The question is, who isn’t it for? Thanyapura has something to offer everyone! You will be surrounded by world-class fitness facilities, an Integrative Health Centre plus a Wellness Centre, set amidst a lush tropical backdrop. Not to mention, an Olympic size swimming pool and multiple tennis courts (some shaded to protect you from the sun).

Located on an exclusive private island in the Turks and Caicos COMO Parrot Cay is a unique resort that emanates quiet luxury.  Having just returned for a seven-day retreat at the resort I can say that its pristine waters, gorgeous beach, elegant environment and world-class spa are a breath of fresh air for the body, mind and soul.

We all know that Ibiza has a reputation for being a party island but it’s also a beautiful place to relax and boost your health and fitness. A four-day wellness break with38 Degrees North was just what I needed to get fit, detox and recharge. I stayed in Santa Eulalia, a beautiful coastal town with lots of fabulous restaurants and home to a luxury spa holiday and fitness center at Aguas de Ibiza, a 5 star eco hotel.

Arriving in Koh Samui, I was greeted by a friendly Absolute Sanctuary driver and taken to this healthy hideaway, located in a quiet part of the Island. Absolute Sanctuary is Thailand's premier detox and yoga resort and just five minutes from the airport, a stunning Moroccan-inspired boutique resort for those seeking a holiday to rejuvenate, unwind and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Living a Healthy Fit Life under the Tuscan Sun at Adler Thermae...

What is Adler Thermae?

Built 10 years ago in the small village of Bagno Vignoni in Tuscany, and  a 2 hour drive from Pisa or Rome airport and 40 miles south of Siena, Adler Thermae Spa & Relax Resort represents a typical Tuscan Villa, soft cream interior to rich green cypress trees with the real feature being their healing thermal springs. The luxury spa and wellness centre is beautiful with splendid views of the Tuscan countryside. Adler Thermae offers a range of wellness programmes from detox, Ayurveda, weight balance to yoga, fitness, anti-ageing and anti-stress.

I've always loved Tuscany as it's my favourite part of Italy and simply beautiful, although I've never been to southern Tuscany before so booked myself a healthy break to Argentario Golf & Spa Resort. Built in 2009 and located between the beautiful Porto Ercole and Porto Santa Stefano; the resort has a quiet ambiance, is very modern with 73 rooms and has a stylish minimalistic look and feel about it with sweeping swirl staircases, high ceilings, quirky but cool furniture and very spacious.

What is Forte Village and who’s it for?

Set in a 116-acre green park Forte Village is a rare place designed for both adults and children. The expansive resort stretches out across the white beaches of Sardinia’s south coast and is home to eight distinct hotels, an array of sports academies, shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities which are sure to keep the whole family entertained. This exquisite resort also offers the opportunity to discover nature’s most powerful detox at Acquaforte Thalasso and Spa where you can enjoy the ultimate spa holiday and wellness experience.

What is Palacio Estoril and who’s it for?

Palacio Estoril is a thirties five-star luxury golf and spa 130-room hotel just outside Lisbon with a colourful clientele from politicians and pop stars, to footballers and royal family. The sixth James Bond film was also filmed here.

For clients who appreciate grandeur and luxury, set in the heart of Estoril and a short walk from the nearest cafes, shops and beaches, the hotel attracts wellness, golf and spa lovers with a flair for culture offering lavish interiors set in lush gardens. Whether you are a solo traveller searching for a relaxing spa break, or a group of friends looking to get fit, Palacio Estoril has the wellness programme for you.

What is Pine Cliffs and who’s it for?

Pine Cliffs is an award-winning 5-star luxury hotel, but it is so much more than that: it's a resort, a golf course, a spa, fitness centre, tennis academy, a lifestyle and an experience. Located on the amazing coastline of the Algarve, in Southern Portugal on a stunning cliff-top above Portugal’s longest beach, Praia Da Falesia. Whilst I was there, I saw families, couples, singles, spa-lovers, golfers and many more because of the variety of amenities and sprawling grounds the resort is situated on.

What is Six Senses Kaplankaya and who’s it for?

Nestled in a secluded bay along the magnificent southern Aegean coast, the luxurious Six Senses Kaplankaya offers the ultimate private retreat. If you’re looking for a high degree of personal comfort, exceptional service and the chance to indulge in a relaxing wellness break then Kaplankaya is the place for you. This Mediterranean gem opened in May 2018 and is the perfect healthy holiday destination for both adults and children looking to relax and rejuvenate in the Turkish sunshine.

What is Epic Sana and who’s it for?

Nestled upon Portugal's Algarve coastline, Epic Sana, offers a healthy holiday destination for people looking to unwind and relax in a beautiful beachside location with the aid of a comprehensive wellness programme. The resort specialises in various spa treatments and their extensive facilities will have you soothed from head to toe. It’s also a great location for anyone wanting to discover the south coast of Portugal, or perhaps tie in a wellness break to their longer European explorations.

What is Lefay and who’s it for?

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Lefay, all our client reviews were glowing but I couldn’t quite envisage the Italian wellness scene; how would the indulgences of Italy translate into a healthy holiday? Needless to say, I was blown away! Lefay itself is stunningly located on the mountainside of Lake Garda in Northern Italy, set in beautiful woods and olives groves with breath-taking views. This Italian paradise acts as an energetic hotspot for likeminded people and I was soon made to feel at home with my welcome drink and fell chatting with some other guests lounging by the pool and in the spa. There’s a warm, calm energy that pervades the whole place and the staff are friendly.

What is Marbella Club and who’s it for?

Before I arrived, I knew Marbella Club was going to be special, it’s one of those places where reputation precedes; a genuine “hall of fame” with a focus on tailor-made wellness programmes and excellent facilities. As soon as I stepped foot in the grounds, I got a sense of the infamous heritage, it was founded in 1954 by Prince Alfonso and grew into an exclusive beach club luxury hotel, and as I walked surrounded by palm trees, fresh air and sea blue waters, I could see why he created it. The architecture is beautiful, typically Spanish with beach and lavish gardens surrounding. Now, more than 60 years later the iconic Marbella Club has been visited by celebrities from across the world looking to escape the throngs of society whilst also indulging in luxurious exclusivity.

What is Monchique Resort & Spa and who’s it for?

If you’re looking for an amazing and renewing spa retreat in marvellous surroundings, then a stay at Monchique Resort & Spa is just what is needed. The resorts setting is peaceful and serene with views that stretch all the way to the Atlantic coast but because it’s located in the mountains, there is a warm cool breeze.

My wellness break at Penha Longa; a secluded retreat in the countryside outside Lisbon made me feel like royalty. A sophisticated and large golf and spa resort with 194 rooms, set among the spectacular Sintra Mountains and in the beautiful grounds of a 14th-century monastery and, later a 19th century palace. Penha Longa resembles nature, history and luxury with world-class service, spreading over 220 hectares of pine forest in fairy-tale hills, just 15 minutes north of Cascais town and beach.

The perfect healthy break for sports and spa enthusiasts, Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Crete is a five-star luxury spa holiday with outstanding facilities and open from April till October. On arrival to Elounda, the first view from the hilltop is a panorama of the Bay of Mirabello; after checking into my deluxe sea view room and a light supper, I went straight to sleep as it was late.

What is Zighy Bay and who’s it for?

Imagine all your Arabian dreams come true and that’s Zighy Bay, a luxury eco-friendly wellness retreat in Oman, amidst an arid yet heavenly mountainscape that dramatically falls into a turquoise blue sea. It’s a slice of secluded bliss that will have you soothed under a story tale sun.

As a solo traveller, I found Zighy Bay perfect for my needs. I met some friendly people and also managed to enjoy my own private holiday. It’s also an ideal place for couples and families alike; especially as all 82 villas & suites feature a private swimming pool.

The Caribbean is known for its palm beaches, rum punches and all-inclusive hotels, but in St Lucia there’s a well-being resort which promises if you give them your body for a week they will give you back your mind, and if you really engage yourself in their healthy holiday promise it will happen.