Well-being

by Angie Newson

A Yoga and Pilates Expert

Sleep problems and insomnia are common issues for today's busy generation, stemming from stressful working lives, anxiety and lack of exercise, which can have long term effects on our health and well-being. We have handpicked a range of our luxury wellness holidays which give you the perfect chance to return to your normal sleeping pattern and achieve deep relaxation. With key lifestyle consultations, helpful advice and indulgent spa treatments on offer, the benefits of our sleep retreats for sleep enhancement will continue even after you return home.

For some people, the first image that springs into mind when they hear the word meditation is that you are just sitting down saying ommmm with your legs crossed. Contrary to that opinion, meditation is certainly more than that stereotype. You can find insight, bliss and peace with added health and relaxation benefits. It can even change your outlook on life, reducing stress and anxiety. With our meditation retreats this can be possible and we have listed 3 of our best ones for healthy holiday inspiration.  From our relaxing wellness retreat in the small island of Phuket in Thailand to the mountains of New Zealand, all our meditation breaks and retreats offer peace and rejuvenation.

If you desire a bit of extra help beyond the traditional beauty spa treatments, but want to avoid the clinical environment of a doctors surgery, then a medical spa holiday could be the destination for you. Medical spas have become increasingly popular in recent years, with treatments and programmes that might aid your health further than traditional spa treatments, like facials or massages. Here, spa goers are still be able to enjoy treatments that are part of a typical luxury spa holiday, but with the added benefits of modern day technologies and expert medical staff.

Modern life can be time consuming and stressful; work commitments, commuting and deadlines can often leave strains on relationships. Take the chance to reconnect with your partner by indulging yourself in luxurious surroundings and holistic activities. Pamper yourselves with spa therapies from full body wraps to massages and wine and dine at exquisite restaurants that serve exotic cuisine at its best. All of our well-being holidays offer spa facilities which offer full relaxation designed to revitalise and replenish mind, body and soul.

Modern life can be time consuming and stressful; work commitments, commuting and deadlines can often leave strains on relationships. Take the chance to reconnect with your partner by indulging yourself in luxurious surroundings and holistic activities. Pamper yourselves with spa therapies from full body wraps to massages and wine and dine at exquisite restaurants that serve exotic cuisine at its best. All of our well-being holidays offer spa facilities which offer full relaxation designed to revitalise and replenish mind, body and soul.

Many of us battle with balancing our hectic daily schedules and home life. Between work-related issues, personal problems and struggling to find the time to catch up with yourself, it becomes increasingly easy to fall into a trap of feeling burnt-out, exhausted and stressed. In fact it is so common that in 2012, around 428,000 people suffered from work-related stress. Chronic stress is not only bad for your emotional state, but also for your physical health and well-being in general. Symptoms can include a lack of focus, irritability, migraines, and a cycle of poor nutrition and sleepless nights.

The road to recovery from cancer has never been a clear-cut path and often demands a lot of time to cope with the aftermath from cancer treatments. For individuals going through this journey, a rejuvenating post-cancer recovery retreat may be the wellness solution you need to help restore your energy and revive your spirit. With the importance of patients getting the support they need to get their lives back after fighting the illness, wellness plays a fundamental role in cancer recovery. For recovering cancer patients, our 5 rejuvenating spa and well-being centres offer personalised wellness programmes, to ease you into facing life after cancer.

With many of us in search of ways to improve our daily lives, Emily Alp, freelance journalist and guest yoga teacher at Samahita Retreat in Thailand, shares 5 life changing benefits of going on a yoga retreat.

Detox your brain as well as your body and escape to a luxury hideaway for a much-needed tech break. It is no secret that technology is having a negative impact on human interaction, not only affecting our relationships with others, but also, our relationships with ourselves as mental health studies continue to reveal worrying statistics. This negative psychological and social impact has meant there’s never been a better time to take some time out from digital world and learn the benefits of a digital detox retreat on your mind and body. So, swap the screen time for some me-time with these 5 luxury holidays that will allow you to disconnect and reconnect.

What most travellers have in common is their desire to explore and discover new things, but put that aside, we all have different reasons for feeding our wanderlust. Some travel for leisure, some do it to escape their humdrum routine. But lest you think travel is merely for recreation, think again; there are trips you can take that bear a significant impact on your life. Whether you want a total lifestyle overhaul or find peace within yourself, our wellness retreats have a lot to offer to make your holiday a momentous one. From a charming town in Brazil to the palm-fringed coast of Thailand, embark on a transformative journey with our five meaningful holidays to take this year.

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.

Pamper yourself with holistic spa therapies including full body wraps and massages, and personalise your treatments to your own wellness goals. Expert therapists and nutritionists will guide you through the perfect wellness programme to improve your mental and physical well-being, whether you want to de-stress, unwind or detox on holiday. Many people have more than one health objective, so you can also use a healing spa holiday to work on all other aspects of your mental and physical well-being. All of our luxury spa break destinations also offer cardiovascular fitness classes, which can include circuit training, scenic treks and aerobics to help you slim down and tone up. You can choose the daily holistic activities you want to take part in to create your perfect healthy holiday.

It is an unwanted but common side effect of our modern world that people suffer from a mental imbalance and feel worn out. The consequences of struggling with mental clarity have distressing effects on your everyday life. Apart from affecting your performance at work, they also cause emotional problems such as depression, anxiety and stress. Fortunately, there are ways to combat this with life coaching being one of the many options. There’s a huge demand for life coaching services today, and now, you can obtain these services at some of the most idyllic wellness retreats around the world.

These life coaching retreats, set in beautiful locations worldwide, will help reset your focus while enjoying exquisite spa treatments and personal coaching sessions that will create a new, more successful you. These luxurious hideaways will allow you to escape your stressful daily life, whilst specialist treatments and holistic classes guarantee you the relaxation and life-altering revitalization that you deserve.

Combining the expert knowledge of a doctor’s clinic and the relaxing atmosphere of a luxury spa, medical spas provide tailored wellness holidays focussed on improving your health. Far removed from the clinical environment of a hospital, these medical spa retreats are situated in some of the most stunning destinations around the world, from Spain to Thailand. 

The big ‘M’ word – Menopause; many women going through this ordeal have to overcome a number of the common symptoms, ranging from hot flushes and night sweats, to mood swings and insomnia, leaving you feeling not quite like yourself. It doesn’t happen overnight, but is rather a gradual process that can prove to be tedious for every woman. Take some time out to treat yourself to a wellness holiday where health specialists can help you to manage menopause symptoms in a natural and healthy way. Banish those sleepless nights and feel ready to continue tackling the menopause when you return home with heightened knowledge on how to manage the symptoms.

With hundreds of spa treatments boasting a variety of health benefits, how do you know which is best suited to you? From traditional Ayurvedic healing to modern Western techniques, there are many different types of spas that offer you the chance to improve digestion, cleanse your pores and increase mental clarity. We have rounded up our top 5 luxury spa treatments with the “wow” factor so you can match holistic therapies to your personal wellness goals. Personalise your spa holiday with the best healing spa remedies on offer, from Shirodhara in India to Chi Nei Tsang in Thailand. Combat emotional imbalances, detox your body and feel refreshed with our favourite spa treatments at our best-selling and award-winning spa retreats.

Unplug from the daily grind and find the perfect escape for your much-needed R & R with these 5 wellness retreats around the world. Experience the benefits of a healing holiday whilst you surround yourself with beautiful mountains, stunning green landscapes or sandy beaches, and indulge in a variety of spa treatments and holistic activities. From a COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali to an eco-luxe hotel hidden in the lush green woodlands of southern France, these wellness retreats are guaranteed to rejuvenate and revivify your mind and body.

Bali: COMO Shambhala Estate

Aptly situated 20 minutes away from the sacred Campuhan river in Ubud, Bali, COMO Shambhala Estate is a holistic sanctuary for well-being and transformation. This award-winning luxury is surrounded by lush tropical jungle, fantastic scenery, and River Ayung. It boasts luxury accommodation alongside a variety of wellness offerings such as holistic healing, spa, detox, and yoga. They also offer transformational programmes designed to address specific issues in your life be it rejuvenation, detox, or fitness. Leave with a new sense of self, armed with the skills and knowledge to continue your wellness journey long after your stay.

More information: View COMO Shambhala Estate

Thailand: Absolute Sanctuary

When it comes to all-inclusive wellness holidays, there’s nothing quite like Absolute Sanctuary. Located on the North-Eastern side of Koh Samui, also known as the island of healing, this wellness escape is the personification of health and restoration. Choose from a wide array of programs that offer different solutions including detox, weight and stress management, fitness, lifestyle change and more. For keen yogis or Pilates fans, this is the place for you. It caters to beginner and experts alike, boasting three fully-equipped yoga studios and a dedicated Pilates reformer studio. Absolute is a blend of luxury, relaxation, and health-giving activities perfect for the discerning wellness traveller.

More information: Absolute Sanctuary

Philippines: The Farm at San Benito

 Located on the foot of Mount Malarayat, secluded in the jungle, The Farm at San Benito is a slice of tropical heaven on earth. Indulge in a boutique spa holiday with daily yoga sessions and a whole gamut of treatments at the award-winning spa. Treat your taste buds and refuel with a nourishing vegan menu to complement your pursuit of overall health and wellness. The atmosphere is also eco-friendly where a lifestyle of sustainability is well observed and adapted in every aspect, sourcing products locally, minimising waste, and even enforcing strict diving etiquette to protect the nearby marine ecosystem.

More information: The Farm at San Benito 

France: Lily of the Valley

Bathe in the crisp woodland air of southern France at Lily of the Valley where your well-being is at the front and center. The retreat espouses an approach of overall wellness, achieved through a combination of holistic spa treatments, clean eating, and the ambiance of an exceptionally beautiful natural environment. Take your oms outdoors as you practice yoga and meditation facing the Mediterranean coastline. Eat healthy bespoke meals, go on mountain hiking, and sleep well in your room with the backdrop of Gigaro hills. This secluded wellness haven will let you feel closer to nature whilst still enjoying the comforts of a luxurious wellness break.

More information: Lily of the Valley

Spain: SHA Wellness Clinic

Taking wellness to another level, SHA is a five-star medical spa destination that encompasses the best of Eastern and Western philosophies to promote optimal health. Set near the beach in L'Alfas del Pi, SHA is inherently blessed with a stunning vista conducive for any wellness pursuits you may have. A range of physical activities, lectures, cooking classes and spa therapies are on offer depending on your chosen program. SHA is also the world's first macrobiotic wellness resort, featuring a healthy cuisine designed to bring balance to your life. Outside the retreat, explore the nearby town of El Albir, which has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafes to explore.

More information:SHA Wellness Clinic

Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact ushere to discuss tailor-making your perfect wellness retreat.

With so many retreats to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which retreats are truly authentic. Here at Health and Fitness Travel we have spent years trying, testing and researching all kinds of wellness escapes from Ayurvedic and mindfulness to yoga and digital detox to decipher which retreats are the most trustworthy. Thankfully, we can assure our clients that during any one of our healthy holidays, they will have the time to rest, focus on themselves and release any built-up stress causing mental exhaustion. Under the guidance of highly trained wellness experts, guests can feel assured that they will leave their holiday with the mental clarity and sense of purpose they’ve been searching for. So, without further ado, here are 6 authentic wellness retreats that are loved and trusted by us. 

Revitalise your mind and body with our blissful detox retreats in Asia. It is often overlooked just how many toxins our bodies are exposed to in the modern world. Not only are nasty impurities hiding in the food we eat, but they can also be found in the air we breathe and the products we use daily. From boosting your energy and curbing food cravings, to managing stress and promoting skin heath, there are a whole host of benefits for you to discover on our luxurious detox holidays. Enjoy everything from Ayurvedic massages in India to organic, detoxifying facials in Malaysia which will have you going home feeling refreshed and re-energised.