Fitness

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. 

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. 

Whether you like Vinyasa flows or breaking a sweat with hot Bikram, take your practice to a whole new level on a yoga holiday. Satisfy your yogi wanderlust as you travel to exotic destinations that replace the four walls of your neighbourhood yoga studio with awe-inspiring panoramas of lush forests and pristine beaches.

So roll up your mat and embark on a journey to check off your yoga travel bucket list. From the shores of Costa Rica to the lush greens of Bali, combine your yoga retreat with whatever your yogi-heart desires for a life-changing trip that will transform your mind and body.

Have you ever been curious about raising the game on your fitness regime by escaping on an intense bootcamp holiday in an exotic destination? With our beginner’s guide to bootcamp holidays, get back to the fitness basics as you learn how to pick the right bootcamp holiday for you, what to expect and how to prepare.

Thinking of going on a Pilates holiday but unsure about what to expect or how to prepare for it? Learn how to make the most of this transformative fitness experience with our beginner’s guide and discover the 10 things you should know to prepare yourself the best way possible. It is first important for beginners to understand the fundamental principles behind this workout programme to maximise its effects to your health and well-being.

There is no greater place to get motivated to lose weight than on a weight loss holiday, where you can be supported by other weight loss travellers and guided by wellness experts. Discover the most effective and intensive weight loss holidays to help kick start your metabolism with effective diet plans and personal training sessions. In our beginner’s guide to weight loss holidays, you can learn how to break down the barriers that are preventing you from reaching your ideal weight. Escape from the daily stresses and temptations of everyday life and immerse yourself in a positive, motivational environment.

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.

So you’ve been hearing a lot of hype about raw food diets and you've decided you may want to give it a try on a nutrition friendly holiday that will introduce you to this healthy eating practice. A-listers have done it and proved to show positive results; Scarlett Johansson ate raw while filming to boost her energy, Kate Middleton turned to raw foods to make her skin more radiant, and tennis star Venus Williams embraced a raw vegan diet after being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition.

With many people short of time or simply eager to get on with the fun part of exercising, the importance of stretching before and after a workout is all too often overlooked. Again and again, it is drilled into us the importance of stretching correctly before and after physical training, yet still many of us suffer unnecessary injuries as a result of putting it off.

With many people short of time or simply eager to get on with the fun part of exercising, the importance of stretching before and after a workout is all too often overlooked. Again and again, it is drilled into us the importance of stretching correctly before and after physical training, yet still many of us suffer unnecessary injuries as a result of putting it off.

Karina Stewart

Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya in Thailand has twenty-two years of experience in the study and practice of diverse Asian healing and spiritual traditions. Inspired by her mother's interest in natural healing, meditation and yoga, Karina founded a health centre in Kathmandu, Nepal prior to opening Kamalaya. Her vision behind the award-winning retreat in Koh Samui is integral wellness programmes that aim to access the inner healing power within each individual and support a harmonious integration of heart, body, mind, and spirit

I arrived at Tenerife airport to a warm 25 degrees Celsius, blue skies and sunshine; a big contrast to the grey skies, rain and 8 degrees I left behind at London Gatwick the same morning. Abama Golf & Spa resort is set on the untouched western coast of Tenerife and is a destination itself situated across 400 acres of land and only a 20 minute drive from the airport.

Absolute Sanctuary, Thailand’s Premier Detox & Yoga retreat has collaborated with Absolute Pilates, to introduce Pilates group reformer classes and Pilates reformer bootcamp holidays at their boutique resort in Koh Samui.

Ramon Campuzano Rojas

Ramon is director of Puente Romano Tennis & Fitness Club in Marbella. He heads the Bjorn Borg Tennis School, is a Technical Consultant for both the Norwegian and Estonian Tennis Federations, and has trained many professional athletes in the ATP and WTA. He completes the roster as a Consultant and Director of the Andalusian Wheelchair Tennis Team.

Como Shambhala Estate is a stunning world-class and extraordinary wellness resort located in the heart of Bali near Ubud that attracts well-known celebrities for its growing prestigious class and exclusivity, known throughout Bali as the best on the island. Its 9 hectares of land covers the most beautiful part of the jungle surrounded by terraced rice fields, lying on a gradient which heads down towards the sacred Ayung River.

With 23 rooms ranging from classic doubles through to spacious and elegant suites, each with its own character and design, Reads Hotel offers a tranquil and chic personality in the heart of Majorca. It's family-run and the staff always introduce themselves to the guests with a sincere and welcoming manner. The Senorial Suite I stayed in had an expansive lounge and a semi-private terrace that opened out on to beautiful gardens; so spacious it felt like my own little bungalow!

What is Thanyapura and who’s it for?

Set alongside surrounding mountains in 23 hectares, Thanyapura attracts sports, fitness and health enthusiasts from all over the world aged from their 20s to late 50s. It’s an ideal place for an activity holiday if you have an established fitness-level and training routine or even if you’d like to immerse yourself in a truly world-class sports facility if you are less experienced with training available. Their marketing has an athlete-targeted approach but in reality is open for everyone at all levels.

Getting There

As an international airport Phuket is extremely well-connected in Southeast Asia. Direct flights operate from airports including Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur with a short 20 minute hassle-free transfer to the hotel.

The Hotel & Accommodation

The Sports Wing (aka Sports Hotel) is the modern, spacious and overall better of the two wings with rooms surrounding a pool suitable for nearby access to the sports facilities. The basic Garden Wing (aka Retreat Hotel) is the cheaper lead-in category suitable for solo travellers looking for a secluded and quieter stay situated just a few minutes from the main facilities, making this a good option for a singles holiday.

Most of the main buildings inside are impressive or aesthetically pleasing, but some of the connecting pathways are neglected slightly, although I was reassured this would be changed. Despite the large facilities, distance-wise you’re not far away from wherever you need to access. You can view a map of the resort here.

Families can be catered for with a comprehensive child/babysitting club and service.

Travel Specialist Adam about to start his private tennis tuition (left) and swimming tuition (right)

The Sports Academies & Facilities

There’s always a hub of activity with regular daily group activity classes (click to view example schedule) with usually between 5 to 15 classes to choose from a day ranging from spinning, bootcamp, mind training, Pilates, Zumba, Muay Thai and yoga. Facilities are open daily from 06:30 – 22:00. Additional facilities include a Muay Thai boxing ring offering classes and 1-to-1 training and there’s also a multi-purposed meditation room for optional mind performance training.

Thanyapura makes a great destination for a tennis holiday. During my stay I particularly enjoyed the coaching standards of my tennis tuition run by the accredited PBI association on the plexi-cushion courts – the large cover meant playing tennis was enjoyable without the sun beating down on you.

The main facilities include:

• 3 x Swimming pools (Olympic sized, 25m & 20m)
• Rugby/Football pitch
• Volleyball Courts
• 6 x Tennis courts (4 sheltered, 2 outdoor)
• Fitness, Muay Thai & Spinning Studios
• Fitness Centre (900sqm)
• Futsal pitch
• Athletics Track
• Mind Training Centre
  
  

The Cardio training room (one of the two fitness centre rooms)

Thanyapura features modern and technical-based personal evaluation such as video analysis for tennis, swimming, biking and running; oxidative stress measurement; and hypoxi altitude training. More is available than meets the eye and all accessible outside your normal programme inclusions. Alongside the sports facilities lies the spa occupying a set of plain rooms for normal spa and specialist treatments ranging from heart and cancer prevention, hormone and stem cell therapy and a range of doctors available in fields.

Hidden away is a 17-station bootcamp course – the most impressive of our entire collection of fitness holidays. You can use this in the mornings and request so as part of your personal training.

Most of the sports facilities here cater for children with separate classes, so if you’re interested in any of our family holidays for health conscious, active and sports lovers, Thanyapura is one of the best in our whole collection.

Phuket and neighbouring Phang-nga are routinely used for long-distance Triathlon bike rides

The Food

With primarily one restaurant, DiVine serves a variety of international cuisine with an emphasis on organic options with a selection of juices and smoothies. Two cafés serve up a host of normal café food and some surprisingly sweet offerings. Overall the food at Thanyapura is very good; a la carte is always available with a range of healthy to richly satisfying options or an optional small buffet. The main menu has a handy calorie count, protein, carbohydrate and fat percentages for each meal. Detox & Weight Loss guests receive a unique menu designed from your initial programme consultation.

The healthy organic food (left) and the main lobby area (right).

The Sports & Wellness Programmes

Bespoke sports and wellness programmes are the focal of Thanyapura. The Base Programme is the most basic with access to just the daily group classes while the others offer tailored 1-to-1 programmes and treatments so you arrive with a pre-arranged schedule. Choose from the available packages and durations:

The Staff

As expected from Southeast Asian culture the staff are very friendly and emanate warmth and good hospitality. English from the staff varies between adequate to below-average and so general service has room for improvement. A pleasant experience overall; staff are willing to cater for you wherever possible.

The Scenery & Surroundings

Free shuttle buses run you to the nearest beaches (only 20 minutes away). Phuket’s beaches are quite simply stunning. I highly recommend Layan and Suran beaches. Rental motorcycles or cars can be delivered to the hotel and getting around the 50km north-to-south island is relatively easy with only a few major roads.

My Summary & Verdict

Thanyapura is a new and modern sports hotel and part of the growing health and fitness trend. Year-round events take place at their truly world-class facilities; some weeks the resort can be busy with professional groups training in a particular sport on-site and so giving opportunities to meet the stars such as Maria Sharapova or current British triathletes, but some weeks can feel quiet – great if you want to focus on your personal goals.

►Book through Health and Fitness Travel and receive a complimentary round trip transfer to Naithorn beach per stay for all 5 night stays and up.

How to Book

To request a quote or for more information visit our Thanyapura page. Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect wellness holiday.

Find out Why to Book with Us and further details on How to Book.

We recommend booking a comprehensive sports or wellness programme to keep yourself busy and make the most of their facilities as it’s not the kind of place you go to hit the lounger by the beach.

In anticipation of my bootcamp holiday in Portugal, I began by preparing for my fitness holiday from the kit list I received in advance; gym attire - tick, gym attire x 2 - tick. The weather in Portugal is always sunny, and even in winter the temperature very rarely drops below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), making it the perfect location to hold a bootcamp.

At short-notice I decided to immerse myself in a 6-day fitness holiday to one of the most popular hotspot destinations for Europeans, Ibiza; an island of two halves, one with its party side and the other of wellness and discovery.

About Atmantan

Having launched in 2016, Atmantan Wellness Resort is still in its infancy, yet what it lacks in age, it makes up for in just about everything else. A luxury haven just outside of the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and Pune, enjoy the tranquil ambience of an adult-only retreat surrounded by like-minded individuals in an environment that emits spirituality. Nikhil, the founder of the resort is a keen fitness enthusiast, having completed four Iron Mans, and this passion for all things wellness is reflected throughout the resort. A year after opening, the clientele is primarily Indian, but as time goes on I see this destination spa becoming a haven for international wellness enthusiasts to join in the meaning of Atmantan: the divine amalgamation of the mind (mana), body (tann), and soul (atma).