Nutrition

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.

The essential minerals in salt act as important electrolytes in the body. They help to balance fluids in the blood and are essential for nerve and muscle function. But too much salt can cause anumber of health issues, including high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. We offer our topnutrition-friendly retreats and tips for reducing your salt intake so that you can be your healthiest self.

Known for its exotic flavours and tasty food combinations, Thai cuisine has massively influenced western dining during recent years. The chefs at Thanyapura have aimed to incorporate traditional Asian flavours in this sweet and sour dish. Aside from its creative, spectacular presentation in a hollowed-out pineapple, this recipe contains a myriad of nutritional benefits. The main ingredient millet is considered a ‘super seed’, helping to reduce the risk of cancer, detoxify the body and improve digestion. Colourful toppings, such as goji berries and pumpkin seeds, help to provide vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy functioning body. This tasty dish is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.

Jo Foley

For over quarter of a century, Jo Foley has been visiting and reviewing Spas, Sanctuaries and Wellness Centres on four continents and has written about them for many publications including the Financial Times, Conde Nast Traveller, Tatler, Harper's Bazaar, Daily Mail, The Times and Sunday Telegraph. She has observed as Fat Farms have morphed into Pleasure Palaces and Health Centres into Holistic Hideaways, and has experienced rather more than her fair share of ayurvedic retreats in India, to detoxes in the Dolomites, and hammams throughout the Middle East. Hence, she can spot a charlatan at fifty paces, and is quick to differentiate between those who can truly cure and those who merely con.

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.

What makes Grayshott Health Spa special?

Grayshott Spa is a truly traditional English spa with a primary focus on well-being. Set in a rural location within 47 acres of National Trust land, its unique, peaceful, stress-free environment centred around therapeutic spa treatments, exercise and healthy cuisine is unlike any other spa in the UK. The caring, personal service and sincerity of the staff means it's a great place to unwind and recuperate.

No matter how much we put our wellbeing first, when there’s an ongoing flood of negativity streaming through the media, you can’t help but feel lackluster and unlike your normal self. We sat down with mindfulness expert and founder of Soul Alive, Luke McLeod to discuss these life moments and the techniques he uses to help combat stress and anxiety when at home or travelling.

Of the most common excuses men and women use for not exercising 'lack of time' is possibly the worst. You can try justifying your excuse with a hectic job or demanding family life, but in reality there is always time for exercise; you just have to be willing to find it.

Need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, without feeling guilty? These mango, lime and coconut tartlets from Fusion Maia make for the perfect treat that you can whip up in minutes. This raw dessert is made gluten-free by substituting flour for shredded coconut, with a succulent sweetness that is free of refined sugar thanks to dates and coconut cream. Finished with pineapple and mango chunks to give this healthy dessert a tropical fresh taste that is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

Mario Sella

Mario Sella, Wellness Manager at Ti Sana, Italy, grew up with a passion for science and physical activity that has led him to his role today. His childhood interest developed into an academic qualification, gaining a degree in food science and technology. A qualified personal trainer, Mario also studied and now teaches ancient oriental disciplines such as Qi Cong and Wushu-Kung Fu. Using his knowledge of nutrition and fitness, Mario oversees diagnostic tests, physical activity and, of course, nutritional plans to help guests at Ti Sana achieve their health and wellness goals.

Nestled in Notting Hill, NAMA foods is one of London’s best raw vegan cafes and I was lucky enough to enjoy a very delicious (and very non-traditional) Sunday lunch there in December with my boyfriend. I am a vegetarian and whilst I enjoy eating cooked vegan food at home, I never prepare raw vegan meals for myself so I was really looking forward to a treat. At NAMA, their brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks and of course dessert menus all offer a delicious variety of some of the healthiest foods available, similar to some of the raw and vegan food wellness retreats we send our clients to.

A relaxing retreat situated upon the scenic coastline of central Vietnam, Fusion Maia, promotes an overall-wellness approach for all of its guests. With healthy holidays designed to cultivate total well-being, now they’re taking their ideas one step further with three new healthy nutrition and detox retreats for 2016 and 2017.

Deborah Straub

Deborah Straub is a Nutritionist at Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She is a published author on bone health and breast cancer in a well-respected nutrition journal and textbook. Her areas of focus include maintaining a healthy weight during menopause, vitamin and mineral supplementation and breast cancer prevention. Deborah has a Master's of Science in Nutrition from the University of Arizona. She loves travel, hiking in the mountains of Tucson and her golden retriever, Riley.

Katie Handyside

Katie Handyside is the Sports Nutritionist, Personal Trainer and Health Coach at Reads Hotel in Mallorca. She has been working in and around Sports and Nutrition most of her life in London, Los Angeles, Vancouver and finally ending up in Palma de Mallorca where she has been running her own business in personal training and nutrition for over four years. Katie is a keen road biker and is also able to organise cycling tours, hikes and any kind of programme to suit all fitness levels and capabilities.

Words: Dr. Ken Wong

We all lead very busy lives and this can lead to neglect of our diet and exercise habits.

Healthy eating combined with regular exercise is the best way to look and feel healthy inside and out. There are a lot of different healthy eating  diets available to try on a nutrition friendly retreat including juice detoxing, alkaline, raw, macrobiotic or an Ayurvedic diet, but despite their differences the same principle rules for eating healthily usually apply. There is no need to cut out your favourite foods to help you lose those pesky pounds, simply follow our advice below and know that cutting out some foods altogether can actually be bad for you.

If you have just returned from overseas, been potentially exposed or tested positive to the novel COVID-19, new government-imposed rules mean you will need to be in either isolation or quarantine for 14 days and you’ll need enough food to see you through, with many people already stocking up just in case. There are two factors you should consider when stocking up on foods: (1) shelf life, (2) nutrient contents of food to support your immune system.

by Lucy Miller

A Fitness and Nutrition Expert

You’ve lost the weight, toned up and as a result, you feel fantastic. But the 50-million dollar question is – how do you keep the weight off? 

One of the best methods I use is keeping a food diary. I plan my meals every weekend so I know what I am eating in the week and then write down every little thing that passes my lips. It’s all to easy to forget what you’ve eaten and how much, which is how those sneaky calories add up and result in weight gain.

Aro Ha Wellness Retreat’s crunchy raw chocolate snack is the perfect healthy, sweet, shareable delight for any occasion! The crunch from the pistachio and goji berries will create a popping candy sensation, combined with the rich cacao powder and butter to add the chocolate whirlwind, before the succulent vanilla extract coats your palette with its aromatic essence. Being free of refined sugar means you can snack on these chocolatey treasures every day without the guilt!