Wellness holidays

To fully experience the powerful healing benefits of an Ayurveda spa oliday, our beginner’s guide will inform you of the 10 things you should know before you embark on this holistic wellness journey. Discover the restoring effects of Ayurveda on your body and soul on a wellness holiday that will be tailored to your individual health goals and overall well-being. The key to re-balancing your body is understanding how Ayurveda principles work to achieve a calming, holistic awakening.

BodyHoliday on the exotic island of St. Lucia is a unique All-Inclusive wellness resort. Rivalling no other, this exclusive 5* Caribbean haven offers personalised service, a diverse selection of appetising food, first-class accommodation, a magnificent beach and proudly promotes health and wellbeing.

Booking and planning a girl’s wellness holiday is a mission but once you have found a date everyone can do for your girl’s break away, finding a health and fitness retreat can be a logistical nightmare if everyone has a different budget.

They say experiences, not things bring us joy, so while flowers and chocolates are the usual Mother’s day presents, nothing says ‘I love you mum’ better than giving her a memorable holiday she deserves. Families looking to treat mum need not look any further as we share the best Mother’s day-inspired healthy getaways which offer fun and meaningful experiences for all the mums and mother figures in our lives. From island getaways in Thailand to a beach retreat in Morocco, she’ll find everything she needs to cultivate calm and revitalise her mummy mojo!

The menstrual cycle can be different for everyone, which often makes it difficult to talk about. While some people’s periods don’t affect their daily life, many people experience pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), caused by fluctuating hormone levels. Others have irregular periods or amenorrhea, where their period stops altogether. Menstrual health needs to be more openly spoken about, as it can indicate underlying health conditions. It is important to learn to manage your period the best that you can, and notice changes in your natural cycle. Managing your menstrual health can be difficult, but our range ofwellness retreats can help you to tackle menstrual problems, be it mental or physical, through a number of treatments, therapies, and holistic approaches. Keep reading to discover our best retreats for managing your menstrual health!

Whether you and your partner are an adventure-driven couple, fitness fanatics, or if you prefer to unwind on a healthy getaway, we have you covered with our best spa holidays and wellness retreats for couples. Each destination boasts its own range of exciting wellness programmes specifically tailored to suit every need. If you are a couple who can work out from dawn till dusk, or if fitness is the furthest from your idea of fun, these wellness programmes have it all. Set in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, from the serenity of the tropical Thai jungle, to the unspoilt island paradise of St Lucia, these couples spa holidays are guaranteed to rekindle your romance. Unwind in perfect harmony as you reconnect together on one of the best spa holidays and wellness retreats for couples.

Save yourself the hassle of travelling overseas with a wellness, fitness and spa break in the comfort and safety of the UK. With the popularity of staycations increasing, more wellness, fitness and spa retreats are opening right on your doorstep and overseas travel is no longer a necessity to always need a well-earned break from home.

After the turmoil of 2020, this year should be focused on restorative wellness and healing. While it may not feel like we are out of the thick of it, there is a new source of hope in the vaccine and we can begin to see an end to the pandemic that has taken over our lives. As we face another lockdown, and cabin fever and restlessness intensify, many of us will feel the need to escape. In these uncertain and unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to be kind to ourselves, and what better way to restore your mental and physical wellbeing than on a women-only wellness retreat. Experience some much-needed tranquility as you work on your health goals surrounded by a group of like-minded individuals. Whether you are looking to improve your self-worth, fitness, or peace of mind, we have compiled a list of the best women-only wellness retreats for 2021. 

Bali is a world-renowned well-being destination that provides an oasis of peace for those who visit. It attracts many people from all over the globe for its relaxed atmosphere and exotic landscapes. Its unique combination of natural beauty and culture makes it an idyllic destination for healing and self-discovery. Discover 5 of the best Balinese yoga retreats for your next wellness adventure that will allow you to combine leisure travel with wellness living. From the serene seascapes of Nusa Dua to the fascinating rice fields of Ubud, yogi lovers can enhance their practice across Bali on our transformative yoga holidays.

February is LGBT+ History Month where we celebrate the community and its heritage to advocate, support and help bring about awareness and change. The term was first coined in 1994 by High-school teacher Rodney Wilson, who became the founder of the first Gay history month celebration, not to be confused with Pride, which came as a result of the 1967 Stonewall riots. As well as celebrating, LGBT+ History month also emphasises education, as a study conducted by the charity Stonewall in 2017 explained that 2 in 5 LGBT+ students had never experienced any form of education that reflected them or the history behind the LGBT+ movement. Education is key to highlighting the lived experiences and important matters of all those in the community. It’s vital for advancing the visibility of diverse and inclusive safe spaces and institutions such as schools and workplaces. Crucially, it is important to keep raising awareness in order to stamp out homophobia, transphobia and hate crime. So which countries are striding forward as an accepting and loving society? Keep reading where we think YOU should go for your perfect LGBT+ wellness holiday.

What Makes a Country LGBT+ Friendly?

• Civil Rightssuch as gay marriage is a fantastic place to start. Checking to see if your desired destination has legalised it because dejectedly whilst writing this, only 29 of 193 nations have done-so according to the UN. This doesn’t mean many of those countries won’t be safe for LGBTQ+ members but the best bet for safety and peace of mind is where gay marriage has been legally recognised and anti-discrimination laws are in place.
• Pride is another great place to start, as these fantastic events ignite city streets with a buzz of excitement, love, freedom, and unfiltered liberty of expression. It is always good to research ahead, does your desired getaway celebrate Pride? Is it just the capital city or numerous other destinations around the selected country too?
• Religious Beliefs are another factor to take into consideration as certain creeds have outlawed homosexuality, so make sure to check whether the country’s religious attitude is laid-back or zealous.

Where do We Recommend?

Malta

Malta has seen one of the quickest turnarounds in terms of LGBT+ acceptance and inclusion. In 2006, a poll conducted found only 18% were in favour of same-sex marriage, when this poll was re-conducted in 2016, the result had jumped to 65%, which is a big jump for a culture deeply associated with Catholicism. Homosexuality was made legal in 1973, with same-sex marriage being legalised in 2017. Since 2015, Malta ranks first in ILGA-Europe's latest rankings for LGBT+ rights, and has held this title since.

Kempinski San Lawrenz, Experience Ayurveda

Perched on the island of Gozo - the northern Maltese archipelago, the grandiose Kempinski San Lawrenz stands with stunning architecture, 30,000 meters of grounds and cutting-edge facilities, set amongst gorgeous sweeping hills and verdant countryside. With multiple swimming pools, extensive classes, gourmet restaurants and a stunning spa, this retreat has it all! Yet, the main drawing factor is the practice of the traditional wellness techniques of Ayurveda that include Udwarthanam, Dhara herbal tranquillity, Abhyanga, Elakkizhi, Naranga Kizhi, Ayurvedic Queen's Facial and full-body lymphatic massages, making it a perfect Ayurveda holiday.

Spain

Due to the ancient Romans, homosexuality was commonplace in Spain for centuries! This changed due to strict Christian influence leading into the fourth century, but it was once more legalised in 1979. Since then, Spain has been one of the leading nations for LGBTQ+ rights with same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption legalised in 2005 and anti-discrimination employment laws since 1995 in sections of the country. With this, Spain is home to some of the gay capitals in the world in Madrid and Barcelona with multiple Pride celebrations and gay-friendly communities. 

The Body Camp, Fitness Fever

The Spanish archipelago of Ibiza is considered one of the most welcoming gay-friendly destinations around the globe with teal waters, white sand and a wonderful atmosphere, Ibiza is also the perfect spot for a fitness holiday! This isn’t any fitness holiday though; The Body Camp offers expert-led fitness classes and circuits as well as nutritional coaching, cooking classes, mindfulness coaching and goal setting/visualisation sessions. This is all the while you are relaxing on the south coast of the tropical Ibizan isles being fed a nourishing 100% plant-based diet for a truly wholesome experience for the body and the mind.

Information and Booking: The Body Camp

Marbella Club, Fantastic for the Family

Perhaps you are planning for a family holiday away? If so a top choice on this list would be, Marbella Club. A converted Spanish Royal residence that was home to Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, perches on the Costa Del Sol’s ‘Golden Mile’, sandwiched between the dazzling Alborán Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountain range. What makes this destination particularly appealing is the multiple family-oriented programmes on offer, these provide activities that are specifically designed for everyone to join in and enjoy. Some of these include horse riding, paddle-boarding, bike tours and cooking classes, as well as a kids club and childcare options if parents need a moment together. This palm-clad gem is also home to a wealth of facilities with their holistic Thalassa spa which offers treatments including lymphatic drainage massages, detoxifying seaweed wraps and Reflexology, as well as multiple wholesome restaurants and an 18-hole golf course.

Information and Booking: Marbella Club

UK

The United Kingdom has a lot to offer the LGBT+ community with certain areas being particular hotspots such as Brighton, Edinburgh, and London. Same-sex adoption in England, Scotland and Wales has been legalised since 2005, then same-sex marriage in 2014 and the 2010 equality act was also a huge step forward to protect the LGBTQ+ community. According to a study conducted by Pew Research in 2020, 86% of the UK’s society supports and accepts homosexuality. There are also multiple Pride celebrations across the UK, notable mentions in addition to those already stated are Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds, and Southampton.

The Glass House, A Deep Detox

Everything COVID-19 related has left an impact on our physical and mental states, so why not heal both on a thorough detox holiday? Only an hour from London, upon the Essex countryside, resides the cutting-edge modern marvel that is The Glass House Retreat. Detox runs in this facilities veins as you are provided with interchangeable wholesome diet plans, art body composition analyses and goal evaluations as well as cryotherapy Lava shell massages, Colonic Hydrotherapy, Lipofirm Pro Body Contouring, Caci non-surgery facelifts and Dermalux Light therapy facials! All the while enjoying complimentary access to the swimming pool, Himalayan salt block sauna and state-of-the-art exercise studio and gym to purge your body of all unwanted toxins.

Information and Booking: The Glass House

Grantley Hall, Living in Luxury

Everything about Grantley Hall exudes opulence and class, be a member of high society at this stunning retreat that has hosted Royalty. Hidden away in the rolling Yorkshire landscape, this private estate is home to a 2-Michelin star restaurant, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and stunning architecture, where you can enjoy knowledgeable cultural-historical tours of the house and grounds. The Three Graces spa is the real eye-catcher though, with cutting edge technology such as an underwater treadmill, cryotherapy chamber, EMS suits and 3D body scanners fused with wellness practises offering a comprehensive treatment programme.

Information and Booking: Grantley Hall

Portugal

Gay rights have been drastically improved over the last 40 years in Portugal, only being decriminalised since 1982 but since then there has been a boom of legislations protecting and safeguarding the LGBT+ community. With same-sex marriage being legalised in 2010, the gender identity law of 2011, 2016 saw the approval of same-sex couples adopting a child and gay, lesbian, and bisexual citizens can also join the military. Whilst it has all happened very quickly, this is a fantastic and safe destination with a vibrant gay-scene and is deemed one of the top LGBT friendly travel destinations as per the Spartacus Gay Travel Index report in 2019

EPIC SANA, An Awesome All-Rounder

This holistic wellness haven rests in the picturesque Algarve, upon 8 hectares of stunning Portuguese natural beauty, looking out over the North Atlantic Ocean. Epic by name, epic by nature with 5 outdoor swimming pools, but the real drawing factor is the cutting-edge Savanna Wellness centre that boasts saunas, Hammam baths as well as expert-led wellness therapies with Osteopathy, reflexology and their bespoke Savanna massages. With this, enjoy the 24/7 gym with activities like boxercise, Yoga, TRX suspension training as well as idyllic bike excursions. All the while dining on a mixture of Portuguese and international cuisine, cooked using locally sourced ingredients, perfect fuel for an active holiday.

Information and Booking: EPIC SANA

Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa, A Sumptuous Spa

Feel yourself submerse into a state of pure serenity with a stunning spa holiday, a top choice is Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa. This exclusive retreat is also located in the Algarve, on a whopping 11-hectare estate with an ethos of health and rejuvenation. Medical and nutritional consultation and subsequent evaluation lead to bespoke treatments to maximise the benefit on your body. Their state-of-the-art spa offers Osteopathy, cranial-sacral therapy, pressotherapy, aromatherapy as well as complimentary access to herbal and alkaline balancing teas and multiple group classes. If you want a bit of fun too, Vilalara provides exhilarating activities with scuba diving, motor-boating and watersports.

Information and Booking: Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa

Australia

Australia’s gay rights at first glance appear to have occurred rather recently in comparison to some of the other nations already listed with homosexuality for men only being legalised in 1997 and adoption rights being approved for all territories in 2018. However, many territories in Australia have been repealing anti-LGBTQ+ laws as far back as 1975 and Australia is famed for Sydney being one of the gay capitals of the world with their renowned Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras festival. A poll in 2013 found that 79% were in support of the LGBTQ+ community which has no doubt increased today in 2021.

Great Walks of Australia, For Adventure Seekers

For the adventurers and thrill-seekers, we recommend one of our hiking holidays, more specifically our Great Walks of Australia! with multiple choices and routes to take exploring the Aussie outback this is a truly memorable experience. With an expert guide, you will discover some of the most stunning natural beauty on offer with mountains, lush greenery, and sea views. This can be enjoyed whilst stopping in rustic yet plush accommodation varying from lodges to glamping, where you can lay looking at the clear Australian night sky, a true sight to behold.

Information and Booking: Great Walks of Australia

Gaia Retreat & Spa, For Mindfulness and Spirituality

The term Gaia goes back to ancient Greece and was the personification of Earth, an accurate description for this stunning retreat that sits perched high up upon 25 acres of private Australian greenery. Founded by a group including none-other than Olivia Newton-John, guests enter a state of spiritual tranquillity arriving for a personal wellness consultation, a bespoke massage and Chinese medicine treatments of preferred choice. However, Gaia truly shines with its complimentary classes on offer such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Meditation, Organic Cooking Classes, Body Balance, Health and Well-Being seminars and Pilates, perfect for a mindfulness holiday!

Information and Booking: Gaia Retreat & Spa

New Zealand

New Zealand is arguably the most welcoming country for people from the LGBTQ+ community in the world as back in 2018, Prime Minister Jacinda Arden marched in New Zealand’s biggest Pride parade of 25,000 people. She is quoted saying ‘The streets were packed, and what an important message that sends about diversity and inclusiveness’. Same-sex marriages and adoption rights were legalised in 2013 and since, more bills have passed granting the LGBTQ+ community the exact same rights and protections as every other NZ citizen, talk about equality!

Aro Ha, Enigmatic Escapism

If you’re looking to escape from the worries and stresses of life, then a top choice is an all-inclusive holiday as everything is taken care of for you! Aro Ha is a perfect choice, surrounded by awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains, overlooking the sapphire lake Wakatipu, and immersed in the verdant alpine forests that New Zealand is known for, this is a magnificent trip of a lifetime. The striking yet minimalist architecture of Aro Ha is home to a Finnish sauna, Infrared sauna, spa, as well as orchards and of course, idyllic hiking trails. In this stunning environment, you are treated to a gourmet plant-based diet to nourish the body and soul whilst also receiving life-coaching sessions, daily Yoga, therapeutic massages, and dynamic movement classes.

Information and Booking: Aro Ha

This list covers all the bases in terms of a wellness holiday, whether you’re after detox, a fitness haven, an indulging spa or perhaps a blend of everything! This list has an option for you to celebrate and enhance body, mind and spirit!

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

Whether interested in immersing yourself in a foreign culture, participating in a new sport, taking an exotic adventure, enjoying a community festival, or savoring local food, this list covers events happening every month of the year right next to our many retreats spanning from the Americas to Asia. Time to mark your calendars for a relaxing trip abroad which includes an event of your liking!

Get ready to embark on a revitalising journey to better health and relaxation! Detox holidays are all the rage for their ability to enhance digestion, improve sleep, and elevate overall well-being. Thailand reigns as the ultimate destination with its stunning coastlines, majestic mountains, and serene countryside retreats - all designed to help you disconnect from the outside world. Prepare to indulge in a plethora of rejuvenating activities like yoga, meditation, and luxurious spa treatments, all aimed at melting away stress. We did not forget to include the best places to eat with a good understanding of potential weight loss goals, healthy eating habits, and fasting options. Join us as we unveil our favourite detox spa retreats in Thailand, designed to help you achieve your ultimate wellness goals. It's time to revitalise your body, mind, and spirit. Check out the following detox holidays in Thailand! 

A wellness programme for a healthy family bonding experience.

At Health and Fitness Travel, we offer fitness holidays suitable for everyone, including those dealing with chronic pain. It is recommended by theNHS tocombat chronic pain with enjoyable exercise activities such asYoga, Pilates, andwateraerobics, which can improve circulation, strength, and stamina. We offer all of this and ensure you have fun and relaxation while doing it. Our retreats providea holistic approach to pain management, integrating physical activity, nutrition, and massage therapy, targeting areas of pain and mindfulness practices in a supportive setting. Additionally, we offercustomised exercise retreats tailored to provide instant pain relief. Our fitness retreats are a powerful tool for chronic pain relief and improving overall wellness. 

Let’s face it - at times life can be stressful! That’s why it’s important to give yourself a break every so often to avoid burnout and extra stress. Our de-stress holidays are the perfect solution for the hard worker in need of rejuvenation! Health and Fitness travel offers a wide array of fabulous and soothing wellness retreats across the world, and here are five standouts that go above and beyond to make your relaxation experience unforgettable.  

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 toincrease 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 pursuitsto embark on together as part of an invaluable bonding and team development experience. 

With Mother's Day just around the corner, we're sharing the best wellness breaks to gift health-conscious mums for future travel. What better a Mother’s Day gift than a post-pandemic wellness escape? With our wellness travel gift cards that can be gifted now and redeemed later, you can treat your much-loved mum to a relaxing wellness holiday to destress and revitalise the body when travel restrictions ease. All holidays are protected by our book with confidence policy for extra peace of mind. From a mountain escape in Greece to a beach retreat in Portugal, these wellness breaks offer respite for hard-working and much-loved mums. Here are the top 5 wellness breaks in the UK and Europe for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

What is Borgo Egnazia and who is it for?

A family-owned luxury lifestyle hotel in the heart of rural Puglia, Borgo Egnazia is castle-like and candle-lit, built in the style of a traditional with luxury additions of a Michelin Star restaurant and an award-winning spa.

Booking a holiday can be a daunting experience, with an endless list of crucialfactors to consider and the price sprinting past the budget. There's a common misconception that wellness retreats are the reserve of the very wealthy, but in reality, there is a tailored retreat to suit all budgets from shoestring toultra luxe. The cost of wellness retreats can vary dependent on a number of factors.  

At Health and Fitness Travel we believe everyone should be able to embark on a wellness retreat, no matter their budget and can tailor a holiday that perfectly suits you and your requirements! Keep reading to see our recommendations for catering a wellness holiday that suits your health and wellness goals as well as your bank account: 

Shining the spotlight on the role of love in emotional balance, Emilie Chanon, Spa & Wellness Manager at Fusion Maia in Vietnam, shares the benefits of reiki on our health and well-being.