Families

The beginning of the New Year marks the season for us to make resolutions for a healthier lifestyle. However, despite our efforts, most of our determination fades away within a couple weeks. By choosing rushed and unrealistic approaches like restrictive diets and monotonous workouts that promise quick results, we are not able to sustain the lifestyle we want and eventually fall back into old habits. Rather than looking to short-term fixes, we should focus on developing fun fitness habits that make us feel energised and happy.

A last hurrah for mums and dads-to-be, the babymoon boom has seen increasing numbers of pregnant couples making a getaway to calm expectant-parent nerves. From romantic retreats in the French countryside to luxury beachside breaks in Greece, Health and Fitness Travel, the leading specialists in wellness holidays worldwide, share their 5 best babymoon spa breaks for pregnancy escapes. With 56% of couples either planning or having already been on a babymoon, prepare for parenthood with stress relieving spa therapies and educational nutrition lectures, before the dawn of nappy changes and sleepless nights.

Thailand: Kamalaya Embracing Change

Embrace the change that’s coming and boost your well-being on a healing pregnancy escape on the coast of Koh Samui. Restore your body’s inner-balance and learn the skills you need to develop your inner emotional strength during an initial and follow up ‘embracing change’ wellness consultation. Whilst mum-to-be releases stress with holistic spa treatments, dad-to-be can enjoy a more vigorous afternoon with group classes from circuit training to Thai boxing. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Kamalaya from £2,845pp or £3,265 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

Greece: Blue Palace Thalassotherapy

With your little one on the way, make a getaway to Crete’s stunning Elounda coastline. As dad-to-be enjoys a round of golf or tennis, mum-to-be can benefit from the natural therapeutic properties of sea water, mud and seaweed during ocean inspired spa treatments. Keep fit and healthy during your pregnancy with a gentle water aerobics class and participate in nutritional demonstrations to ensure you are giving your little one the best start in life.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Blue Palace from £1,775pp or £2,370 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

Oman: Zighy Bay Sense of De-stress

Recharge your batteries in time for your new arrival on a babymoon beach spa break in exotic Oman. Begin your pregnancy escape with a personal wellness consultation, before stimulating your energy flow and calming any pregnancy stresses with an Indian head massage and private meditation session. Revel in your time together as you discover your idyllic surrounding with snorkelling and a romantic sunset cruise around the secluded bay.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Zighy Bay from £2,370pp or £2,930 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

Spain: SHA Essence

Calm any expectant-parent nerves in the tranquil surroundings of SHA Wellness Clinic in the south of Spain. Boost your well-being whilst carrying your child with a wellness programme tailored to your needs following expert medical, nutritional and natural therapy consultations. Sooth aching muscles with an aquatic therapy session and recharge with complimentary classes in yoga and tai chi. Enjoy guided walks of the surrounding area before preparing for parenthood during healthy cooking lectures.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at SHA from £2,795pp or £3,115 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

France: La Clairière Pure Relaxation

Revitalise your mind and body on a reviving babymoon spa break in the romantic woodlands of North East France. Initial wellness consultations will enable the creation of a bespoke wellness break covering nutrition, hydrotherapy, holistic activities and treatments. Treat those pregnancy stresses with a soothing body massage and relieving foot reflexology session before relaxing in the heated outdoor hydrotherapy pool. Enjoy complimentary yoga and beginner’s meditation classes, for calming and gentle activities to help you recharge.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at La Clairière from £1,375pp or £1,595 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

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

Have you ever dreamed of spending your Christmas wind surfing in Mauritius, or celebrating the New Year on a sunset cruise in the Caribbean? With an array of sports, activities and group fitness classes, our luxury family holidays are the perfect way for you and your family to escape the routine of day-to-day life and keep active in the warming rays of winter sun on an activity holiday.

Look past the notion that your children might not fit into the zen-like atmosphere of a rejuvenating body cleanse and discover the hidden benefits of a detox spa retreat where you can bring the kids along too. Here, we share the best wellness holiday destinations where you can take some me-time to detox and unwind on a family holiday without the worries of childcare arrangements. With Kid’s Clubs offering an exciting range of action-packed activities to keep them fully entertained, stressed-out parents need no longer compromise their well-being.

She may not sport a red cape under her shirt or possess superhuman abilities, but every mother juggling the demands of motherhood, career, home life and family merits the title super. This Mother’s Day, give the one true wonder woman in your life the break she deserves as we shine the spotlight on our wellness breaks for all the super-mums out there.

Swap the Easter bunny for an activity packed family holiday and create memories that will last long after the chocolate has gone. Whether horse riding in Portugal or surfing in Morocco, burn off youthful energy as we share 5 great healthy Easter holiday guaranteed to return the whole family home wreathed in smiles.

Everybody knows it’s important to stay healthy whilst pregnant, but have you ever considered how your health affects your chances of conceiving? Saying goodbye to a bad diet or simply taking time to relax and unwind could really help your family blossom. When it comes to enhancing fertility, Mother Nature should always be first in line. Just for now, forget man-made solutions and try making small changes to your own daily routine. Make more time for yourself, eat healthily and get more sleep. You will be surprised how much of a difference it can make.

With your little one on the way, make a healthy getaway to one of our luxurious destinations on a relaxing babymoon holiday, for some pre-baby rest and recuperation. A last hurrah for mums and dads-to-be, enjoy each other’s company on a healthy break, before your imminent transition to the world of family holidays. Unwind with a tailor-made combination of relaxing wellness activities and luxury spa treatments, sure to reward you with the pampering you deserve.

From snorkelling in the Caribbean to clay-modelling in Sardinia, with a variety of sports and creative activities, finding the perfect family holiday is easy with our 5 best child friendly wellness hotels and resorts. With a choice of luxurious resorts boasting exceptional spa facilities and wellness activities, these healthy holidays are sure to tick all the boxes, whether exploring the activities on offer as a family, or making time to relax as a couple whilst the kids make new friends at the kids clubs.

From snorkelling in the Caribbean to clay-modelling in Sardinia, with a variety of sports and creative activities, finding the perfect family holiday is easy with our 5 best child friendly wellness hotels and resorts. With a choice of luxurious resorts boasting exceptional spa facilities and wellness activities, these healthy holidays are sure to tick all the boxes, whether exploring the activities on offer as a family, or making time to relax as a couple whilst the kids make new friends at the kids clubs.

In need of some family time? Leave those busy, hectic lives behind, reconnect with your loved ones on a family holiday and cherish those special memories made. Travel to Morocco for great surfing conditions or venture to Mauritius where your children can enjoy crab hunting or cooking classes. With many different kids’ clubs, your children can enjoy exhilarating activities and learn new skills while making new friends, making their experience on a family adventure holiday extremely memorable. Keep up with your kids and embrace the outdoors with mountain biking or family yoga sessions to improve your family’s well-being and general health before dining on highly rated, locally sourced and delicious cuisine from all over the world. Achieve everything you want to on your tailor-made family adventure holiday and reenergise and boost your health as a subsequence.

Your children can experience the best junior tennis training camps in an idyllic destination, offering the perfect setting for an action-packed family holiday. Let your budding tennis starlets loose on the outdoor courts where they can enjoy expert coaching and exclusive guidance that will help to hone their tennis skills. There are personalised tennis coaching sessions and fun group sessions that your whole family can enjoy on a tennis holiday, where you can all improve your hand-eye coordination whilst increasing your strength and stamina during various fitness activities.

Bonding with your baby as a new mother is incredibly important, but so is feeling good about yourself. On a mother and babyfitness retreat, you can improve your health and wellbeing whilst staying close to your baby. Travelling with a baby is becoming easier than ever before, especially with manywellnessresorts adding their own kids club facilities and babysitting services. We have selected 5 of the best mother and babyfitness retreats, so you can work on your fitness goals whilst also spending precious time with your little one.

Stand-up paddle boarding has many fitness benefits, and there is no better place to practice than in the turquoise tropical waters of a beautiful warm destination. Integrate SUP with fun surfing activities and rejuvenating and rebalancing yoga to create the perfect wellness holiday.

Taking your parents to a magnificent retreat to the most beautiful places our world has to offer, will strengthen the family-bond and can be a great way to thank them for all they may have done for you. Not all parents are the same, however there are ones who love nature and animals, there are sporty ones and there are ones who just want to have a relaxing time, not worrying about anything at all. So here are some suggestions for family retreats for every type of parents, from active and adventurous moms and dads to culture and luxury loving parents, we’ve got you covered:

We’ve all heard about the wonderful health benefits of yoga, but there are so many different variations that it’s sometimes difficult to know what each one entails and which one would best suit your body. It’s important to have an understanding of what each style offers, so that you can choose one which will most benefit your fitness regime. So whether you are looking to embark on a revitalising yoga holiday to a far-flung location or simply want to get involved with a local class; here is a breakdown of eight different types of yoga.

Our luxury yoga holidays and retreats feature different types of yoga, so you’ll be able to practise the style you enjoy the most if you’re an experienced yogi, or have a go at all of them and find the best one for you. You’ll benefit from expert yoga teaching and guidance, in exotic destinations spanning from St. Lucia, Spain and Italy to India, Thailand and Bali. You’ll return home feeling reinvigorated with a desire to get back on your yoga mat.

1. Vinyasa yoga

Get flowing with Vinyasa yoga at Kamalaya

This type of yoga is often referred to as Vinyasa flow yoga, as it consists of different poses linked together with movement, and synchronised with breathing. Your yoga teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to another whilst inhaling or exhaling; generally when moving upwards you’ll inhale, and when moving downwards you’ll exhale. A Vinyasa yoga class can be fast-paced or slow, and allows a lot of room for the personality of the individual teacher who is taking the class. So, it’s important to find a yoga teacher whose style you enjoy, and be ready for something different when you begin a new class.

Try Vinyasa yoga at Kamalaya in Thailand

2. Kundalini Yoga

Experience "the mother of all yoga" at SwaSwara

This style of yoga has been described as “the mother of all yoga” as it is one of the oldest recognised forms. Kundalini is the word used to describe the untapped potential inside all of us, which this yoga practice seeks to target and release. It’s a very active form of yoga which includes common poses, as well as some of its own unique poses, chanting, meditation and sounds to stimulate your creative energy. People who practise it are said to finish their session feeling extreme happiness and tranquillity.

Try Kundalini yoga at SwaSwara in India

3. Ashtanga Yoga

Improve your circulation with Ashtanga at The BodyHoliday

Ashtanga is a form of moving meditation and a more vigorous type of yoga, perfect for people looking for a more fast-paced workout whilst on a fitness holiday. Breathing is synchronised with movement, producing an intense heat to sweat out toxins and improve your circulation. This type strictly follows a particular order of eight steps, each with a fixed number of breaths and movement which help maintain a healthy heart and stabilise the mind. Strength, sweat and stamina are the three main aspects of this form, which is said with your body’s natural detoxification process and leave you feeling restored.

Try Ashtanga yoga at The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia

4. Hot Yoga

Detox your body with hot yoga at Absolute Sanctuary

Otherwise known as Bikram yoga, this type is made up of a series of 26 poses and two breathing exercises carried out in a specific order in an extremely hot room. Steam is pumped into the studio to create a sauna-like environment, with temperatures reaching around 40°C, which is said to benefit joints, reduce the risk of injury and increase your flexibility. Also, due to the extreme heat, you’ll be sweating profusely meaning it’s a great component to a detox holiday. Also your heart rate will be elevated more than usual, making your body work harder and allowing you to see better results.

Try hot yoga at Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand

5. Iyengar Yoga

Try Iyengar yoga to encourage good posture at SHA

This style of yoga focuses on breath control and detail, precision and alignment when carrying out the different poses, to encourage relaxation, good posture and balance. It features hundreds of different yoga poses and fourteen types of breathing, so you can progress gradually from the easier forms to the more advanced movements. Often props are used, such as belts and blocks, to support the body in certain poses, reducing the risk of injury. This makes it a perfect form of yoga for people looking for rehabilitation on a healing holiday or those who need a gentle and very supportive exercise.

Try Iyengar yoga at SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain

6. Restorative Yoga

De-stress with restorative yoga at The Farm

Learn to reach deep relaxation and detach yourself from the stresses of daily life with restorative yoga. This will improve the functioning of your immune system and aid with specific wellness issues like digestion, insomnia, fertility and general fatigue, to name but a few. Props, like blankets and blocks, are used to support the body so you’re able to hold certain positions for longer and gain the utmost benefits of each stretch. It is a very gentle class which doesn’t see the body temperature rise as much as in other yoga classes, and is a perfect accompaniment to more cardio exercises.

Try restorative yoga at The Farm in the Philippines
 

7. Pranayama breathing

Experience different types of Pranayama at Ananda

This is a traditional practice of breath control used in yoga, which has been found to relieve stress and even improve respiratory conditions, such as asthma. There are several different types of Pranayama breathing, including inhaling and exhaling through alternate nostrils, chanting whilst exhaling and slow inhales then quick exhales. It is said to purify the mind and soul, strengthen your heart, enhance the proper functioning of your organs, remove toxins from your body, reduce blood pressure and get rid of any negative emotions that you feel, like anger, arrogance and greed.

Try Pranayama at Ananda in India

8. Hatha

Learn the basics at Marbella Club
Hatha is one of the more common types of yoga, and is great for learning the basics and reconnecting your body and mind. It describes gentle and basic yoga classes with no flow between poses, unlike Vinyasa yoga. It consists of six slow movements, breathing exercises and meditation, so it’s a brilliant place to start for beginner yogis. It’s also a great choice for people looking to learn effective relaxation techniques whilst on a spa holiday. It is designed to open up the body and allow the free flow of energy, to create balance and harmony.

Enjoy Hatha yoga at Marbella Club

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

Being a new mum is not always conducive to fitting in time to go the gym or arranging sports matches with your friends. Looking after your newborn will always take priority, but this doesn’t mean your health has to take a backseat. Take back the reigns with a healthy family holiday and learn how to fit in some mini-bursts of exercise before you depart, as we share 8 easy ways for new mums to exercise in everyday life. 

In the swing of hectic daily life it’s rare to find a moment where the whole family is together, let alone all getting along. Too often a family holiday can leave parents more exhausted than when they left. Once you have finished with all the lead up planning, the airport madness and the stressful task of keeping the kids safe and occupied all day, it’s no wonder there’s no time left for you to relax.

Discover the answer to all of your family holiday woes with our inspiring guide to our healthy family holidays, which combine the perfect combination of quality family time, fun for the kids and rejuvenating relaxation for the parents. From learning healthier lifestyle habits as a family, to showing the kids new corners of the world on a cultural wellness holiday, let us guide you through a new kind of family holiday.

Learn Healthy Habits as a Family

Learn to Kayak as a family at Porto Elounda

With Ipad’s and T.V leaving more children inactive and out of shape, the importance of parental influence on the younger generations health is more vital than ever. Revamp your stagnant family holidays lounging by the pool with a healthy change of pace by getting the kids active whilst soaking up the sun.

From ocean kayaking to hiking, set a good example for the kids and get active together with a host of fun-filled outdoor activities on a family activity holiday. Cycle and Zumba on a family fitness holiday or help the kids discover a new hobby with football academy training and tennis programmes on a family sports holiday.

With a selection of family friendly restaurants that offer healthier cuisine, remain confident that your family are eating nutritiously rich and healthy dishes.

A Treat for All Ages

Mother and daughter relax together at Shanti Maurice 

No longer having to choose between family time and relaxation, release stress and revitalise your mind and body with our family friendly spa holidays, where the whole family can indulge in luxury.  With many of our family holidays offering spa treatments specifically designed for children and teens, Mum and daughter can bond over a girly pedicure and massage while Dad and son can play sports together.

Cultural Experience

Kids will love the Kid's club activities at Soneva Kiri

Teach your children about cultural awareness and different traditions around the world as you explore your chosen destination on a family cultural wellness holiday.  Choose from a range of tailor-made activities and excursions from spring roll making in Vietnam and deep-sea fishing in Mexico, to cultural tours in Turkey and mountain biking in Morocco. Special kid’s clubs excursions, including visits to animal parks, dolphin spotting and treasure hunts keep them well entertained.|

Time Out

Enjoy some time for yourselves on a family holiday at Fusion Maia

With professional babysitting services and world-class kids clubs, Mum and Dad can happily opt for some alone time and take the pressure off of entertaining the kids, confident that your children are having fun and learning new skills in a structured and safe environment. Whether making time for a long lunch together, a game of tennis or an indulgent couples spa treatment, our family friendly resorts offer as much for the parents as they do the kids.

Fewer Planning Worries

Enjoying quality family time at The BodyHoliday 

Booking with Health and Fitness Travel means you can relax completely, knowing our meticulous team have organised every aspect of your family holiday and leaving no unwanted surprises.  All our healthy holidays have been hand-picked against a strict criterion to ensure that we offer the most beautiful worldwide destinations that are also family-friendly, safe and easily accessible.

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

In the swing of hectic daily life it's rare to find a moment where the whole family is together, let alone all getting along. Too often a family holiday can leave parents more exhausted than when they left. Once you have finished with all the lead up planning, the airport madness and the stressful task of keeping the kids safe and occupied all day, it's no wonder there's no time left for you to relax.

Women are blessed with the awe-inspiring duty of endowing a new life unto the world. Often called “The Miracle of Life,” this phase of a women’s life is regarded as the most life-changing mile stone for good reason. Women go through changes ranging from physical, emotional, and spiritual while being keenly aware of what it means to give birth to their own little child, therefore, nothing is more important than ensuring their baby starts out happy and healthy. However, this concern for a healthy new-born can sometimes be all engrossing and an impediment to a healthy pregnancy as early research indicates the more stress the mother exhibits during development, the higher likelihood the baby will present anxiety and attention difficulties at birth. Luckily, we offer programmes to relax and prepare you for a healthy birth during the fragile stages of pregnancy. Here are our top mum-to-be spa wellness breaks.