Spa

Located on the North East coast of Bali, is the secluded haven of Spa Village Tembok around 3 hours by luxury transfer presents the ideal opportunity to experience the ever changing Balinese scenery and to take many photos; with your own private tour guide.

What is THE BARAI and who’s it for?

THE BARAI is a luxury spa and wellness destination in Hua Hin, Thailand, set across 4.5 acres of pristine beachfront land and now offering a range of healthy lifestyle programs, perfect for a solo wellness adventure, a luxury healthy honeymoon or even an active family escape as adjoining is the Hyatt Regency and guests have access across both properties. Watch my video review here.

Not far from the hustle and bustle of Manila, you will find yourself at The Farm at San Benito, 90 kilometres from the International airport. Entering the grounds is like entering another realm, time slows and it's all about you, and your well-being.

Travel Specialist Samantha spent 48 hours at luxury 5-star hotel, COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives and this is her snapshot review…

When I daydream I imagine COMO Maalifushi, set on a tropical island, surrounded by white sand and stunning aqua blue waters it is easily accessible from Male via a short seaplane flight, which is a bucket list item itself. The resort offers a 44m free-form pool, COMO Shambhala spa, open air yoga pavilion, water sports centre, dive centre, boutique and library. Three restaurants and fruit and vegetables are locally sourced or grown in the onsite gardens and bottled water is recycled. Transport around the island is mainly by bicycle, which guests can collect shortly after arriving.

Travel Specialist Samantha spent 48 hours at luxury 5 star property, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa on a recent trip to Bali and this is her snapshot review…

Travel Specialist Samantha spent 72 hours at Phuket Cleanse and this is her snapshot review…

Less than an hour from Phuket airport is a health and fitness haven Phuket Cleanse, owned by husband and wife team Stanton and Melanie Proctor. The private retreat is situated on a private property with 18 rooms split across three blocks. Each room is air-conditioned and optimised for sleep and features either a king-sized or twin beds, bathroom, fan, towels, and organic toiletries.

Como Point Yamu is undeniably luxurious and sits in one of Phuket's more serene areas, just 25 minutes from the International airport. With the emphasis on wellness that the COMO brand is famous for, the vibe is electric and tranquil at the same time, expect top quality service with just 79 rooms, including 50 suites.

Here you can enjoy complimentary daily classes, as well as the luxurious Shambhala spa and cuisine if you choose or opt to dine on divine Italian fare or heavenly Thai cuisine. The perfect destination for a short break, a luxury healthy honeymoon or if you like to begin the day with yoga and watch the sunset over cocktails!

A modern twist on the traditional Balinese hotels, COMO Uma Ubud is a tranquil haven on the edge of the bustling village, just an hour away from Denpasar International airport and 5 minutes from the city centre you will find the 46 contemporary rooms, suites and villas, poised on the side of the lush green Tjampuhan Valley, the Uma Pool Villas offer mesmerising views to the river below. All rooms are elegantly decorated and infused with the signature scent of eucalyptus and peppermint complemented by the softness of lavender and geranium. It’s perfect for a solo spa retreat or an indulgent healthy honeymoon.

I was very excited about visiting SHA Wellness Clinic to rejuvenate and energise for a few days in Spain. It's making quite a name for itself and with regular visits from the likes of Kylie Minogue, Simon Cowell and Naomi Campbell, it seems everybody wants to reap the rewards from coming here.

Inline with the current trend for healthy holidays in exotic surroundings, Shanti Maurice has join forces with world class fitness and nutrition experts SP&Co to launch its first Health & Fitness week starting on 3rd June 2013. Over the course of seven days in June, guests will work with a team of health professionals, from Reiki masters and spa therapists to personal trainers and nutritionists.

Located in the untouched south of Mauritius, set in a tranquil bay on a curving lagoon of white sand Shanti Maurice is the ideal holiday destination to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. With a choice of many other luxury resorts in Mauritius, I considered myself lucky to have found this gem of a place.

Located in the untouched south of Mauritius, set in a tranquil bay on a curving lagoon of white sand Shanti Maurice is the ideal holiday destination to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. With a choice of many other luxury resorts in Mauritius, I considered myself lucky to have found this gem of a place.

The added pressure of travelling solo can make going on holiday as a single parent seem daunting. No matter how much you want to have some quality time away and give your children a fun break, it can be hard to imagine ever escaping on a relaxing retreat. However, with our single parent family holidays, gone are the days of single parents shying away from holidaying with the kids.

Much more than just a pool-side holiday, our hand-selected healthy holidays provide opportunities for the whole family to have fun and enjoy quality time together in health and wellness. With group fitness classes and activities there are plenty of options for single adults to meet like-minded holiday-makers whilst the kids discover a ready-made group of friends at the Kids Club. Head to the Caribbean on a family water sports holiday, satisfy your sense of adventure in Morocco on a family adventure & culture holiday or discover new surroundings on a family spa holiday in Italy.

St Lucia: The BodyHoliday WellFit Families

Kayaking at The BodyHoliday

Escape to St Lucia to The BodyHoliday on a luxury family activity holiday that promotes fitness and well-being, ideal for a healthy all-inclusive family fitness break. Get active together with an amazing range of water sports and activities, from sailing to dance and diving to abseiling, for an unforgettable all-inclusive family activity holiday. Wear yourselves out at parent vs. children competitions, including volleyball and beach-a-thons, before indulging yourselves at the wellness centre with specially designed mother and daughter beauty sessions. The perfect destination for a family friendly spa break, this healthy holiday in the Caribbean will see you all return home revitalised and closer than ever.

More information: View The BodyHoliday WellFit Families

Morocco: Paradis Plage

Surf lesson at Paradis Plage

You’ll be spoilt for choice on an affordable family holiday at the beach front destination of Paradis Plage in exotic Morocco. Boasting a whole host of beach side activities to entertain you all, the kids will love learning a new skill with organised surf lessons and canoeing. With a round-the-clock experienced babysitter service, single parents can take some time to focus on their health and fitness knowing their little ones are well looked after. A popular destination from our specialist singles holidays, single adults will have no problem meeting like-minded solo travellers with complimentary access to all group activities and fitness classes, ranging from yoga to belly dancing and beach mountain walks.

More information: View Paradis Plage

Thailand: Thanyapura

Cycling at Thanyapura

Boost your family’s health and well-being on a family fitness holiday for the whole family at this sports holiday in Thailand. Your little ones will love the activities and adventures they discover at the kids Tree Club; from cooking classes, to arts and crafts, car racing and traditional Thai games. With babysitting services and a variety of sports training camps for the kids, enjoy some much needed adult relaxation with a group yoga class or indulgent treatments at the luxury spa, before making the most of quality family time with a family game of tennis or beach volleyball.

More information: View Thanyapura

Spain: Marbella Club

Kids Club at Marbella Club 

Going solo on holiday with the kids can be a breeze with the phenomenal kids programme at Marbella Club in Spain. Located just 30 minutes from Malaga airport, this exclusive resort is in a perfect position on the beach perfect for luxury family holiday. The Kids Club offers a great mix of sports and activities for all ages from face painting to cooking lessons! Whilst the kids are entertained, single parents can take advantage of unlimited access to the luxury spa and complimentary attendance to group fitness classes, including yoga and TRX workouts. 

More information: View Marbella Club 

Italy: Forte Village

Ready for a snorkelling adventure at Forte Village

Set on the beautiful Sardinian coastline this is a great activity break for a single parent family beach holiday. Be blown away by the kids club, with unbeatable activities including; go karting, football club Marvin's magic club. Meet like-minded adults with group fitness classes from yoga to Boxercise, before enjoying quality family time, making this activity holiday an ideal destination for a family sports holiday. Refuel together at a choice of restaurants; from stone baked pizzas to authentic Caribbean cuisine, there is no wriggle room for fussy eaters at this luxury family retreat.

More information: View Forte Village

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

You may be a bit nervous to head overseas on your own but healthy singles holidays are increasingly gaining popularity as they allow you to personalise your getaway to your own distinct requirements; and allowing you to enjoy your holiday at your own pace. Our hand-picked singles spa holidays which provide an excellent way to meet new people with the same passions and interests, whilst being able to fully unwind in a tranquil setting.

In need of a spring healthy break I headed for a long weekend to France at La Clairière Bio & Spahotel, in the picturesque Alsace region of La Petite Pierre. A family-owned establishment, this wellness retreat is small and welcoming with a friendly atmosphere. From the organic, seasonal food to the ecological bathroom products, it has an unpretentious air which enables you to feel instantly at home. I was lucky enough to be in a Deluxe room with an additional sitting area and large balcony, but the Comfort rooms are perfectly sized for a couple, or friends sharing. The Classic rooms are elegantly furnished and cosy but perhaps better suited to solo travellers, though I would advise to upgrade if staying more than a couple of nights.

With warm temperatures in Spain still around 23 Celsius in mid-October; I decided to take a short healthy holiday to SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain for a sunny detox retreat.

Europe is full of destinations for short wellness breaks but if you are looking for an affordable healthy holiday then Svata Katerina in the Czech Republic will surely fit the bill.

Located about 2 hours from Prague near the small town of Počátky, Svata Katerina is a place for those who love the countryside. Set in several acres of green pastures and forests, they offer outdoor activities including tennis, horse riding, hiking, biking, dog sledding, and in the winter time skijoring, a cross between skiing and horse riding. The wellness centre offers a spa, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi giving you the perfect combination of spa and sport.

Forecasting the next big trends in wellness travel for 2017, we share the best travel trends in the spa and wellness industries. From holidays for a healthy mind, to stop-smoking-holidays and full body-MOT escapes, discover the hottest new trends that will influence the wellness and spa worlds. 

Stop Smoking Retreats

Forecasting the next big trends in wellness travel for 2017, Health and Fitness Travel, live up to their reputation as the leading experts in wellness holidays worldwide. From holidays for a healthy mind, to specialist stop smoking retreats and full body-MOT escapes, discover the hottest new trends that will influence the wellness and spa world in 2017. 

Top 3 Destinations: SHA Anti-Tobacco (Spain), Kurotel Anti-Tobacco (Brazil), Marbella Club Anti-Tobacco (Spain)

Optimal Health for the Modern Man

Following an increasing move away from the ultra-masculine man towards the Modern man, more men than ever are now going to spas and wellness retreats. In today’s ever more liberal society, it’s becoming more socially acceptable for men to escape on a wellness holiday where they can take part in masculine activities, like boxing and HIIT, before recovering with a massage or spa treatment. With men, still significantly less likely than women to make time to consult a doctor, wellness retreats catering to men also offer a more approachable means of addressing health issues.

Top 3 Destinations: Chiva Som (Thailand), Komune Resort (Bali), Marbella Club (Spain)

Healthy Mind and Emotion Healing Holidays

With more of us looking for ways to boost self-confidence or learn how to manage stress, it is little wonder that mind and emotion healing holidays are a rising trend in the wellness world. With a growing understanding that a healthy mind leads to a healthy life, retreats offering coaching in mindfulness, meditation and yoga, are helping sufferers of modern-living burnout to reconnect their mind, body and soul.

Top 3 Destinations: Shreyas Silent Retreat (India), Marbella Club De-Stress Emotional Rebalance (Spain), Kamalaya Embracing Change (Thailand)

Post-Cancer Recovery Retreats

No longer shying away from the complexities of treating a cancer sufferer, a rise in wellness spa retreats creating specialist post-cancer recovery programmes offers a sanctuary for cancer survivors to recharge and rejuvenate. Helping you to feel like the best version of yourself again, a range of holistic spa therapies and alternative natural medicine treatments, from acupuncture to Ayurveda, will nurture and resort your well-being. Combined with expert consultations from psychologists, nutritionists and physiotherapists, regain your appetite and your strength as you rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in a luxurious wellness sanctuary.

Top 3 Destinations: Chiva Som Cell Vitality (Thailand), Kurotel Post-Cancer (Brazil), The BodyHoliday BodyScience (St Lucia)

Full-Body MOT Holidays

Every year, drivers spend thousands taking out MOTs on their cars, so why not spend the same amount of money and loving attention on your own body? After all, it’s the only one you’ll ever have. Enter full-body MOT holidays where fitness training, wellness activities, spa treatments and diet plans are personalised to your body. Taking personalised wellness one step further, some even offer DNA analysis, to really tailor the treatment plan to your health needs.

Top 3 Destinations: The Body Camp (Ibiza), The BodyHoliday BodyScience (St Lucia), 38 Degrees North Healthy Hedonism (Ibiza)

Eat-Well Detox Holidays

Gone are the days when a detox holiday entails a punishing regime of fasting and tiny portions; time for the eat-well detox. Foodie lovers in search of a cleansing detox will be pleased to know that on an eat-well detox you’ll be able to refuel with well-proportioned nutritious meals throughout the day, that won’t leave you going hungry. Focusing instead on eating a generous amount of healthy food, try a more satisfying experience for those looking to detox without forgoing food.  

Top 3 Destinations: Ti Sana Liver Detox (Italy), Kamalaya Comprehensive Detox Rejuvenation (Thailand), Como Shambhala Estate Detox (Bali)

Zen Adrenaline Junkies

The idea of zen and adrenaline might seem like an odd combination, but more and more of us are now embracing ‘adrenaline-après’ holidays where we can satisfy a thirst for high-octane adventure with kite-surfing and paragliding, before relaxing with spa treatments, meditation and yoga.  A great way to train your body and mind to let go of stress and enjoy living in the moment, embrace the mind-body cocktail of zen adrenaline and return home ready for anything.

Top 3 Destinations: Zighy Bay Sense of Adventure (Oman), The BodyHoliday Fusion Fitness (St Lucia), Maya Ubud Adventure (Bali)

Physical Therapy Holidays

Everyone puts their bodies through a lot of stress. Whether from being hunched over a desk or working out to the extreme, muscles are frequently being strained, pulled or teared. Answering the call for worn out bodies, the rise of physical therapy holidays provides opportunities for recovery from your injuries and to re-train your body to peak perfection.  Heal your body with a wide variety of treatments, from expert consultations with physiotherapists to aquatic therapy and posture alignment. 

Top 3 Destinations: Chiva Som Physical Renewal (Thailand), Lefay Sports & Posture (Italy), Amatara Fitness(Thailand)

Family-Wellness Holidays

Following the rising realisation that the next generation of spa goers are the younger generation, more spa and wellness retreats are now offering family-wellness holidays. No longer a no-go zone with the children in tow, with an array of mini spa treatments designed especially for children, now the whole family can be pampered from head to toe. Also focusing on drawing the kids away from their iPads and video games, action packed kids clubs encourage children to experience new sports and activities, as they swap their smartphones for bicycles, tennis and water sports.

Top 3 Destinations: The BodyHoliday WellFit Families (St Lucia), Fusion Maia (Vietnam), Terre Blanche (France)

New Waves in Wellness

With 71% of Earth being covered in water, it only makes sense that we’ve taken to board sports like ducks to water. Riding a new wave in wellness, more of us are now turning to board sports as a fun way of toning up and shaping up. From stand-up paddle boarding to indoor board fitness classes and surfing, board sports offer a great workout for training your core and legs.

Top 3 Destinations: Epic Sana Sup Fitness (Portugal), Komune Yoga & Surf (Bali), Paradis Plage Surfing (Morocco)

Preventative Health to Lower Your Biological Age

Already highly popular with the Baby Boomer generation, the appeal of preventative health holidays offering the chance to help slow down the clock are also rising in popularity with Generations X and Y.  Proving that age really is nothing but a number - whether pressing pause on ageing by learning to let go of stress or sweating your way to a more youthful you, reducing your biological age is the new mantra of the ‘ageing gracefully’ gurus.

Top 3 Destinations: SHA Rejuvenation (Spain), The BodyHoliday Healthy Ageing (St Lucia), Longevity Anti-Ageing (Portugal)

Social Group Fitness Holidays

If you’re a social butterfly and like to make friends wherever you go, then you’re probably a part of the ever-rising number of people escaping on social group fitness holidays.  Whether a group of friends or the solo traveller who doesn’t want to train alone, with the added support of individuals going through the same process, you’ll soon reach your fitness goals. Offering the opportunity for you to train in groups where you can learn from each other, you may even make some lifelong friends.

Top 3 Destinations: The BodyHoliday September Solos (St Lucia), Wildfitness Zanzibar (Tanzania), The Body Camp (Ibiza)

Workplace Wellness

If you’re a social butterfly and like to make friends wherever you go, then you’re probably a part of the ever-rising number of people escaping on social group fitness holidays.  Whether a group of friends or the solo traveller who doesn’t want to train alone, with the added support of individuals going through the same process, you’ll soon reach your fitness goals. Offering the opportunity for you to train in groups where you can learn from each other, you may even make some lifelong friends.

Top 3 Destinations: Ultimate Luxury Around The World Wellness Trip (Worldwide), Lefay (Italy), Kamalaya (Thailand)

Eco-Friendly Wellness Retreats

With a rise in green conscious travellers in search of a wellness holiday that is as kind to the planet as it is to you, there has been a growing emergence of eco-friendly wellness retreats offering a trip, without the guilt trip. Return home an expert on the local fauna and flora with educational eco-forest walks, indulge with all-natural spa remedies and refuel with healthy organic cuisine from onsite gardens.

Top 3 Destinations: Karkloof Safari Spa (South Africa), La Clairière (France) Aro Ha (New Zealand)

For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891 

A broken heart can welcome unwanted stress into your life, and it may feel like your world has been torn apart. Eliminate mournful emotions and jet-off on a much needed spa break to kick-start your journey to self-love and healing. Set sail on an anti-stress voyage where you can discover the world of Shirodhara (ritual to rest and calm the mind), or grasp some of the action on a singles holiday, featuring a range of group classes and personalised spa packages, where only the best and most natural products are used to help you fully mend and unwind, leaving you with a more positive outlook.