Wellness

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).

The success of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics has boosted sales of health and fitness holidays and is set to continue. Active and wellness holiday experts Health and Fitness Travel has seen a remarkable increase in enquiry levels for tennis, water sportsand active breaks, demonstrating the nation's growing appetite to combine fitness and well-being by participating in exciting sports.

Whether you travel all the time for business or have a much-anticipated holiday coming up next month, there is no reason that being away from home should derail your weight loss goals or healthy lifestyle. With unhealthy foods all around you and plenty of 'other' activities taking you away from exercise, there's no lack of temptation, but healthy travel is possible with a little preparation.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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. 

Enjoy an exclusive week of tennis coaching with the former British No.1 and TV Sports Presenter including the official launch of the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. 

In today's fast-paced, frenzied society, increasing numbers of stressed out individuals are shunning their slick, mirror-tiled high-tech gyms to pursue yoga as a form of exercise. Not only does yoga produce a cardiovascular workout, but it can help to reduce blood pressure, heart disease, depression and stress as well as improving focus and concentration. And did we mention fun? Yes, yoga is a lot of fun. Holidays with yoga classes are proving more and more popular, especially as they help to enhance a holiday's wellness element.

Pranayama is the 'Science of Breath', the control of the vital force (prana) in the air we breathe. It is a meditation technique that consists of slow, regulated deep breathing, which helps to calm the mind, balance the emotions and reduce stress and anxiety. It can be practised anywhere but it is advised that you meditate in a clean, peaceful place. It is most beneficial to do pranayama in the early morning or evening hours and playing appropriate soft music will also enhance your experience.

Looking for agetaway in Italy, where the food is ‘eccellente!’, the views are immaculate, the weather’s gorgeous and most of all you get awellness escape that satiates all your healthy endeavours? ThenPreidlhof’s announcement of transformational wellness offerings for 2023 should get you sufficiently excited! Not only have they developed a whole new retreat – their Integrated Wellness Retreat. But they have also updated their current retreats and developed some highlights to get excited for throughout 2023 withintheirglowing flow retreats.  

The perfect treat for the health-conscious dessert fan, this raw dark chocolate tart from Amatara Wellness Resortin Thailand is the ultimate non-guilty pleasure. This healthy dessert is gluten-free, by using almond flour instead of wheat flour, and is completely free of refined sugar, thanks to a coconut nectar substitution. The delicious raspberry gel provides the perfect combination of sweet and sour to offset the bitterness of the cacao. An indulgent treat that is simple to prepare, guaranteed to satisfy even the most insatiable sweet tooth.

INGREDIENTS

Tart Shell:
300 g stone ground oats                
300 g almond flour          
60 g cacao powder          
100 g coconut nectar or agave nectar
100 g water        
Pinch of salt  

Chocolate filling: 
200 g cashew nut soaks 
80 g water
80 g coconut nectar or agave nectar
65 g cold pressed coconut oil      
50 g cocoa powder          
3 g organic coffee powder           
Pinch of salt and vanilla

Raspberry gel:
450 g raspberry puree
50 g coconut nectar
5 g agar agar

METHOD

1. Place the oats, almonds and cocoa powder into your food processor. Pulse for a few seconds

2. Add the coconut nectar, water and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture is combined

3. Take the mixture out of the bowl and place on a silicone mat or wax paper. Place another mat on top and roll flat (about 5cm thick). Lift up your dough and carefully place it into your tart shell

4. Push down on the base and carefully around the sides making sure that it is evenly spread out

5. Take a knife and cut around the edges to get a nice even finish. Place in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling

6. Soak cashew nuts in filtered water for around 2 hours. Once soaked, drain and place the nuts into the blender with 80 grams of water. Blend on high until smooth. Now add the rest of the ingredients and blend until the mixture is smooth

7. Take out your tart shell and pour your mixture into it. Place the tart into the freezer

8. Place the raspberry puree, nectar and agar in a small sauce pan

9. Mix well and then bring up to a boil. Let it boil for 30 seconds and then take off the heat

10. Place the mixture into a container and let it set in the fridge

11. Once set, remove from the container and place in a blender. Blend on high until nice and smooth

12. To serve, place a small dollop of raspberry puree on or plate and using the back of a spoon; push the gel across the plate to get that gourmet finish

13. Place your chocolate tart on the top and decorate with some chocolate décor or some fresh raspberries.

If you would like to book a holiday at Amatara Wellness Resort, talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here.

Tell us about the resort, what makes Ayii Anargyri special?  

Set in a beautiful, peaceful location in nature, surrounded by mountains is Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa. I found Ayii Anargyi a particularly special place and as soon as I arrived I felt a deep sense of calm. It has a homely, unpretentious feel to it, I felt comfortable as soon as I arrived and would highly recommend it to solo travellers. It was a total joy to be able to visit and a special place that I hope to return to soon.

Tell us about the resort – what makes Kamalaya so special?

Having heard so many glowing reviews about Kamalaya, I was very excited to experience it myself and understand what makes it such a special place with such a high rate of repeat guests. From the beautiful location to the nurturing spa treatments and nourishing food, it’s impossible to visit Kamalaya and not feel instantly better in yourself.  

According to new research released today in the latest edition of The Psychologist, the positive effects of a holiday fade in just two weeks; however The Psychologist believes we should be taking more time off from work to keep us healthy and happy, but is this realistic?