Healthy Living

While it’s inarguably the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas can become a taxing occasion for everyone. From the stresses of the season’s chaos to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain, ‘merry’ can easily turn into miserable. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent the unwanted side effects of the Yuletide festivities. By making small but significant changes, you can experience a jubilant Christmas that will not only make you happier, but also leave you healthier for the coming year ahead.

It’s a well-known fact that you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others, the hard part is actually practicing this and prioritising yourself, especially when you have a new-born soaking up all your time. Self-care may seem like an unachievable goal when you’re a new mama but something you know you need. During these early months you may need to lower your expectations from a 30 minute meditation, bath, home-cooked meal from Yotam Ottolenghi or a mani-pedi to some more realistic options.

Looking forward to working out in paradise on your fitness holiday but not sure how you will handle recovery in the heat? Read on to find out how your body can restore back to its optimal state ready to take on the next workout and avoid muscle ache. Whether you are boosting your fitness on a bootcamp holiday or keeping moving on a multi-activity holiday, exercising in warm temperatures comes with added challenges for your body, so it is important to find a way of addressing these issues. Whilst improving your fitness levels and ability to exercise, sweating also increases, causing you to dehydrate faster. You therefore need to make sure your body gets the rest and recovery it requires after an intensive workout to function at its optimal level again. Rest and recovery after a workout are two different things; while rest is defined by sleep and time not exercising, recovery refers to actually taking action to repair your body. Take note as we share our five top tips for your body’s recovery in the heat!

Whilst the world is getting ready to open up socially, there are definitely going to be some of you working from home for a good while yet or adopting a hybrid of working some days in the office and others at home. It’s important that we all maintain good health whilst doing so and there are no quick fixes – just healthy habits that provide the foundations for good movement, good sleep, and good mental wellbeing! With this in mind, here are 5 ways to improve your overall health whilst working from home.

We all have those days—when we feel tired the moment we wake up and unable to resist crawling back to bed. Sometimes we feel mentally foggy or irritable, it’s no surprise that we go through a lull in the middle of the day when even a smidgen of energy seems impossible. Getting a quick natural energy fix can be really easy by switching up your daily routine or escaping on a sleep retreat to banish lethargy and rediscover a good night’s sleep. Wherever you are in the world, start your day right as we share five healthy ways to energise your morning!

If the average candlelit dinner just won’t cut it, these eight extravagant dining experiences are sure to satisfy. From Bedouin style brunches to tree-top gourmet dining, you are bound for a unique gourmand adventure that will tickle your fancy. Backed by a nutrition-centric retreat, these experiences will not only give you a taste of luxury, but also the benefits of healthy living. After satisfying your belly, wind down and satiate your need for pampering at the spa with a wide menu of indulgent treatments.

Read on for some inspiration on your next foodie holiday. We won’t blame you if these extravagant dining experiences leave you drooling.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is already in the air.

Food is a life essential and nourishing our bodies with healthy foods is the ultimate form of self-love. Making and sharing food is such an act of love so this upcoming Valentine’s Day we recommend you forget about trying to score dinner reservations. Why fight the crowds when you can make a delicious four-course menu in the comfort of your home?  With our healthy recipes, you can now create restaurant-quality entrees for your Valentine – from easy entrees to decadent healthy desserts.

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

Given the apparent explosion of conversation and the presence of debate spread across the internet discerning Cannabidiol (CBD) - including using CBD for health and wellness purposes and its legality - anyone would be forgiven in thinking that it is a new phenomenon.

Ageing is the natural process we all go through in this amazing thing we call life. As we transition through the milestones, our body, spirit, and mind transform as well. While we cannot avoid the signs of ageing, we can certainly give our bodies the best chance possible at ageing healthily.

Suzie Walker

Suzie is a nutritionist and founder of The Primal Pantry. She transitioned to a paleo lifestyle 6 years ago, and decided to set up The Primal Pantry in 2014 after struggling to find healthy, on-the-go snacks that support a paleo diet. Suzie is on a mission to challenge the packaged food industry by forging a real food revolution.

Sean Carey

Sean Carey is the Fitness and Lifestyle trainer at Absolute Sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand. Sean, originally from the UK is not only a certified Fitness trainer but also a Yoga and Pilates teacher. He believes that exercise training all comes down to body awareness regardless of what our goals may be. Once we understand what is entailed to achieve results then the probability of the goal being achieved is greatly increased. Sean says one method of exercise might be right for the one person but a different method may be required for another, and this can only be realised through body awareness.

Shining the spotlight on the role of the digestive system in weight management, Amanda Holmes, visiting food expert at Marbella Club in Spain, shares the benefits of adapting our diet to help with weight loss.

Booking a holiday can be a daunting experience, with an endless list of crucialfactors to consider and the price sprinting past the budget. There's a common misconception that wellness retreats are the reserve of the very wealthy, but in reality, there is a tailored retreat to suit all budgets from shoestring toultra luxe. The cost of wellness retreats can vary dependent on a number of factors.  

At Health and Fitness Travel we believe everyone should be able to embark on a wellness retreat, no matter their budget and can tailor a holiday that perfectly suits you and your requirements! Keep reading to see our recommendations for catering a wellness holiday that suits your health and wellness goals as well as your bank account: 

The recent outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing a great deal of concern and uncertainty for many across the world. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness in animals and humans; COVID-19 is the latest strand of coronavirus to be discovered. 

Holidays are commonly viewed as an opportunity to blow out, let loose, forget the diet, care about it later etc., the only problem being, you get home and beat yourself up about doing so. Of course, holidays are all about enjoying yourself, but maintaining some balance and keeping your body healthy may mean that you really enjoy your vacation and regret less later. One area of the body which is most affected by the holiday blowout is the gut, so how do we minimise the harm on our digestive tract?

Timmis Kambanellis

Timmis is the fitness expert at the award-winning Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. He studied kinesiotherapy (which is the application of scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals) in Thessaloniki. Discovering a passion Timmis then went on to specialize in Fitness and Personal Training at the North Academy of Fitness. Timmis has since gone on to receive accolades from Spa and Wellness specialists and has a successful morning TV slot on the Cyprus national network.

Now that the holiday festivities are over, there’s never been a better time to reassess your fitness goals and go on a healthy escape. This year, reveal a brand new you as you kick-start your metabolism on these fitness retreats set in the world’s most stunning locations. From a tropical paradise in Koh Samui to the breath-taking French Alps, these destinations are jam-packed with activities all geared to get you in great shape. Fill your schedule with a slate of outdoor adventures and exciting group classes and then refuel with mouth-watering healthy cuisine to complement your fitness journey. Cap off the day with some pampering at the spa or in-room massage for the ultimate recovery before dozing off in your very own private luxury villa.

Nahid de Belgeonne

Nahid de Belgeonne is a qualified expert in yoga and Power Plates, and the founder of the Good Vibes brand of boutique fitness studios, offering a unique class combination of Spincycle for cardio, Power Plates for strengthening and toning and Glow Yoga for your soul. Nahid was inspired by many movement disciplines including Pilates, martial arts and the Feldenkrais Method, and practices an accessible style that leaves her clients feeling good within themselves. Empowerment, kindness and a sense of humour are key mantras in her method of teaching, coupled with a strong belief that everyone deserves to achieve the best health possible.