Reviews

Charlotte Dormon finds a delicious way to detox at the Absolute Sanctuary Retreat in Koh Samui.

After battling through another cold winter and the stress of London life grinding me down, I decided it was time to recharge the body, relax the mind and book in some well-deserved 'me time'.

GI Jane Bootcamp is the perfect destination for women looking to achieve their personal best when it comes to fitness. The military style exercise regime is incredibly rigorous, full of fun and the healthy meals are meticulously prepared and portioned to help your body to achieve its maximum performance.

What is Ananda in the Himalayas and who’s it for?

Ananda is the Sanskrit word for ‘bliss/happiness’ and I can certainly say that my 4 days at Ananda in the Himalayas have been full of it!

What is SHA Wellness Clinic and who’s it for?

SHA Wellness Clinic is an award-winning luxurious destination, ideal for anyone looking to cleanse their body & mind in gorgeous surroundings and in the hands of the best detox specialists in Europe. Their approach is based on a macrobiotic inspired cuisine, western philosophies and high-end eastern technology. During my four days at SHA, I’ve witnessed the life-changing power of these three elements combined, and how they can contribute to improve health. During my stay I met a variety of guests, some were simply looking to kick-start a balanced lifestyle while detoxifying the body, others were suffering from serious illnesses in search of healing therapies, and some with high weight-loss goals. With different lengths of stay, we all felt our intentions had been achieved and returned home feeling healthier.

What is BodyHoliday and who’s it for?

No wonder the mantra here is “Give us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind.” Working on our bodies whilst being kind to ourselves is an amazing way to relax the mind and bring clarity into our lives. It allows us to access our full potential and discard anything that keeps us from living life in full. This is precisely what BodyHoliday has in mind for its guests; the attention to detail, the thoughtfulness of the service and the in-house expertise make BodyHoliday not only a very special place in paradise, but also a great option for anyone looking for an all-inclusive wellness holiday to re-connect with nature, have fun and get the mind and body back on track. It’s one of the most popular wellness destinations in the world for solo travellers, but it’s equally exceptional for couples, friends and adult families. I can speak from personal experience when I say it’s exceptional for honeymooners, like my newlywed husband and I!   

What is Fusion Maia in Da Nang and who’s it for?

Fusion Maia Da Nang is Vietnam’s most unique, forward-thinking and individually oriented 5 star hotel. Since its launch in 2008, Fusion Maia has continuously promoted and embraced the idea of “it’s not a holiday, it’s a lifestyle.” It’s the first Vietnamese resort to offer the all-spa-inclusive concept, which means each of our guests has a minimum of 2 spa treatments per day; with the possibility of even more, depending on availability. It’s ideal for guests looking to de-stress, relax and kick start healthy eating habits with a touch of luxury and elegance. Yoga and Tai Chi are the core elements on Fusion Maia’s group class schedule and the atmosphere across the entire resort is very zen and peaceful.

With my last few student months ahead of me, it won’t be long until I’ll be stepping into the real world to begin my career. With this in mind, I decided to take it upon myself to gain as much experience as I could during my last break, in order to help me choose the right career path. With a passion for health and fitness, and plenty of experience in travelling, an internship with Health and Fitness Travel seemed like the perfect place for me to learn.  

I have now come to the end of my 8-week PR & Marketing internship in London with Health and Fitness Travel and it could not have been more worthwhile as I can take away a huge list of varied things I have learnt that will be useful for the future. Having just finished my year abroad in Madrid I knew I was keen to pursue my interests in travelling and start to explore paths within the travel industry. Everything about the internship appealed to me, especially the creative writing but the stimulating and interesting tasks I have subsequently been given have surpassed my expectations of how much I have loved this internship. From day 1, my action list was filled with tasks and learning how to grasp new software that were unheard of to me like Dreamweaver; a fantastic CV booster as I can now code.

What is Borgo Egnazia and who’s it for?

This is a wellness sanctuary for anyone that’s looking for a place to truly get away from it all. The perfect destination to spend some time being pampered, find some tranquillity and reconnect with yourself. Borgo Egnazia provides a five-star luxury wellness break for anyone who needs to take a step away from their daily life and find some inner peace. The integrated wellness programmes are tailor-made to meet the specific needs and goals of guests, and along with breath-taking scenery and numerous events and cultural activities, makes Borgo Egnazia the perfect destination for solo travellers, couples and families alike.

What is Six Senses Douro Valley and who is it for?

Six Senses Douro Valley is a true wellness haven, suitable for anyone looking to spend some time ‘away from it all’ sounded by lush green vineyards and blue waters. It’s the ideal place for anyone looking for tranquillity and a place to reconnect with themselves. The epitome of luxury and wellness where you can focus on both body and mind but also indulge in a glass of wine without feeling any sort of guilt.

Having had experience working in tourism overseas, I really wanted to discover what it was like to work behind the scenes for a travel company in the UK. Having touched on it at university, I found the prospects of online PR and Marketing especially exciting and was inspired to learn more. As a health fanatic as well as a lover of travelling, this internship seemed like an incredible opportunity and I can positively say that it has exceeded my expectations.

What is Almar Jesolo and who is it for?

A 5-star luxury lifestyle resort gracing the Italian Riviera, Almar Jesolo Resort & SPA is designed for well-being with exquisite service, class, and an award-winning spa.

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.

For nutritionist, author and wellness coach Jessica Sepel, destination spa COMO Shambhala Estate is "a health retreat like no other". Read on for her complete review:

What is Divani Apollon and who's it for?

A short drive south of the historic city of Athens is Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso. The welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the resort is immediately apparent as I was greeted at the reception by Yannis. After checking us in and given me a rundown of what the coming days had install for me, waiting in my room was a cool jug of refreshing fruit infusion water followed by dinner brought up to the room which consisted of a veggie stir-fry, walnut spinach and strawberry salad and chia seed pudding. To the locals Divani Apollon is known as the best luxury spa in which clients will travel from all over Greece to visit.

Tell us about the resort – what makes Aphrodite Hills so special?

Aphrodite Hills Golf and Spa Resort is a luxury 5-star resort nestled in the hills above Paphos and overlooking the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Aphrodite Hills also proudly boasts the best golf course in Cyprus, making it the perfect destination for a golf break.

What is Borgo Egnazia and who’s it for?

Borgo Egnazia is the perfect destination for anybody who wants to escape the daily stresses of life. From an award-winning spa and Michelin star restaurant, to stunning rooms and scenery, there’s no doubt that this luxurious 5-star resort will offer an experience like no other.

What is COMO Shambhala Estate and who’s it for?

COMO Shambhala Estate aims to improve physical, mental and spiritual well-being for every individual and the flagship retreat does exactly that. In a secluded setting within the breathtaking Balinese rainforest near Ubud, this wellness retreat is the perfect location for anyone looking to relax and rejuvenate.

What is Euphoria Retreat and who’s it for?

Euphoria Retreat is the dream, turned reality of the inspirational Marina Efraimoglou, a former chairwoman of a Greek bank. Two cancer diagnoses led her reevaluate her life and retrain in Chinese medicine, which allowed her to reconnect with herself and create her vision of a holistic and well-being destination spa. Here, the philosophy is centered on rebalancing the body’s energies and emotions of the five elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Wood and Metal; emotionally, physically and spiritually.

‘Euphoria’ is a feeling or state of happiness and bliss, and if your focus is to reset and rejuvenate in a peaceful setting, there’s no doubt that the holistic healing haven of Euphoria Retreat, within settings of historical ruins, is one of the best places to do so.

What is The Body Camp and who’s it for?

The Body Camp Mallorca is a group retreat which offers a carefully designed fitness programme, aiming to motivate guests to achieve their fitness and health goals by addressing current lifestyle choices and supporting you in changing your habits physically and mentally.

The Body Camp Mallorca is a group retreat which offers a carefully designed fitness programme, aiming to motivate guests to achieve their fitness and health goals by addressing current lifestyle choices and supporting you in changing your habits physically and mentally.

Welcoming up to 30 guests of all different ages and fitness levels, The Body Camp offers group activities every morning between 7am – 1pm with additional optional fitness in the afternoon for those who want to push themselves a bit more. For those who want some downtime can relax by the pool, take advantage of the incredible spa treatments or explore the island.

Most guests come for the full week-long experience (and sometimes more), although 3 or 4-day stays are also an option. Perfect for solo travelers, couples and friends alike, expect your stay to be filled with fitness, positivity, a delicious plant-based diet and plenty of laughs.

Getting There

Located in the heart of the island of Mallorca, there are frequent flights from the UK to Palma all year round. Being just a 2-hour flight away from the UK, The Body Camp is an ideal location for a week to rest your mind and body in a sunny and secluded location without the jetlag.

The villa is just a half hour drive away from Palma airport and approximately 45 euros. Check is between 4pm and 8pm but if you do arrive earlier, you have the chance to go into Palma and leave your bags in one of the luggage lockers and explore Palma’s picturesque Old Town, soaking up the culture.

The Hotel and Accommodation

Spread over 25 acres of land, The Body Camp is set in a rustic country retreat and is decorated throughout in a clean and simple décor. Offering 11 en-suite rooms and suites, there are options for different budgets for shared rooms or sole occupancy for those who prefer their own space. 

The house itself has a very inviting, tranquil and relaxing vibe that allows you to feel at home after an invigorating day of fitness. The living area has a cosy sofa and fireplace – the perfect spot for movie nights on the cooler evening, as well as an indoor and outdoor dining area which offers beautiful views of the Mallorcan countryside.

There is a well-equipped 24-hour disco gym and yoga studio as well as a hydration station offering a variety of herbal teas and deliciously infused water, to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

The Programme

A welcome dinner takes place on the first day where you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow campers, along with the chance to take your measurements and discuss your goals for the week.

The programme has been carefully designed to allow you to work different parts of your body and recover throughout the week with a mix of hikes, bleep tests, yoga, fitness and self-reflection sessions, as well as the cooking demonstrations and a Q&A on the benefits of a plant based diet.

No day is ever the same and the days plans are normally released the evening before with everybody working out together between 7am – 1pm and more optional fitness afterwards.

If you are after a fitness holiday in the sun, this is a great option! Contrary to the typical military style bootcamp that might come to mind upon hearing the words ‘fitness camp’ this is the total opposite. Anthony, the PT was the most enthusiastic and energetic trainer I have ever met, and he made it easy to forget we were actually exercising with his many dances and costumes. You’re encouraged to push yourself out of your comfort zone and work yourself to the best of your own ability; initially I had been worried about keeping up and pushing through the muscle ache but following the ethos of the camp to push the negative thoughts out, time flew by without realizing we’d done 4 hours of exercise before 1pm, and wanting to do more in the afternoon.

The Spa

The Body Camp offers a range of treatments which can be booked on arrival, from massages to ease out the muscle ache, to facials to supplement your glow, as well as access to healers to integrate yourself into the full experience. There is no spa as such, but rooms for the holistic treatments.

Food

Part of The Body Camp experience is the culinary experience led by co-founder and chef, Ben Whale. The Body Camp offers 100% plant-based and gluten-free menu with no refined sugars, with all dietary requirements catered for, as well as likes and dislikes.

Everybody eats together family-style, at set times with 3 meals and 2 snacks a day and the portion sizes are dependent on your goals which is discussed at the start of your stay.

The meals and snacks are all creative and beautifully presented and flavoursome. From guilt free pancakes for breakfast to the delicious Thai green curry, which was constantly reminisced about throughout the week.

There is no alcohol available although there is coffee limited in the mornings only. Throughout the day, you will spend a lot of time in the hydration station with a range of herbal teas and fruit infused waters.

The staff

There’s no doubt that it’s the staff at The Body Camp who make the experience. Greeted with a hug on arrival by Georgie and Lucy, I was made to feel welcome within seconds of arriving.

You can tell the staff are truly passionate about what they do and everybody pitching together with a ‘nothing is any bother’ attitude. With their infectious and endless energy, it’s hard not to giggle and dance along with them.

Highlights

• The food – The initial 2 days on the diet were difficult, which is completely normal stage of the detox process, but I felt completely energized after this. I learnt that the recipes are easy to make to do at home.
• The digital detox – you’re encouraged to keep phone usage to a minimum and it was nice to be able to appreciate my surroundings which is something I am now trying to do more back home.
• The exercise – Even on day 3, when my muscles were aching, I was able to push through the pain and carry on, something I hadn’t realized I could do before, and the week flew by far too quickly.

My Summary and Verdict

If you’re looking for a week of fitness in a fun, sociable group environment to spend with like-minded people, then there’s no doubt that you will find this at The Body Camp Mallorca.  Yes, there are a lot of press ups, sit ups and weights involved, but I can easily say that I have never laughed as much whilst squatting.

It’s no surprise that The Body Camp is so popular with celebrity fans including Caroline Flack, Emma Willis and Mel C. The Body Camp offers an idyllic setting for anybody looking for a week of fitness and relaxation in a fun, sociable group environment.

While the camp doesn’t offer extreme weight loss, be prepared to push yourself out of your comfort zone as the camp doesn’t just focus on your physical wellbeing but will help you learn to understand and improve yourself emotionally.

The Scenery and Surroundings

The retreat is set in a quiet location so I would recommend hiring a car if you wanted to explore the local area or beaches which is approximately a 45-minute drive away. You will also have the opportunity to borrow a bike and explore the local villages in the afternoons. Not all the fitness takes place onsite, and one of my highlights was the morning hike where you can take in the stunning scenery.

How to Book

To request a quote or for more information visit our The Body Camp Mallorca page.

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

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