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The global wellness industry is now worth $4.2 trillion with wellness tourism experiencing a 6.5% annual growth; more than double the growth rate for overall tourism. Forecasting the next big trends in wellness travel for 2019, we live up to our reputation as the wellness holiday specialists. From tough and transformative travel, to grief retreats and wellness mumcations, discover the hottest new trends that will influence the wellness travel world in 2019.

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. 

What is Amatara and who’s it for?

Amatara is a place for anyone seeking to restore their inner balance. As a destination spa in Phuket, it offers luxe accommodation, and what the General Manager Eric refers to as a ‘middle way’ approach to wellness. For guests who love to indulge in 5 star resort facilities and enjoy fine dining, although would like to also immerse in a wellness program, Amatara is the place! The programs offer weight management, detox, relaxation, fitness, yoga or anti-ageing. Or you can simply enjoy the luxury resort setting, sit by the pool and chill out. There is no-one there to enforce guilt for not sticking to a program, digital detox or to refrain from drinking alcohol – the choice is yours to make. This approach works well, and I found the guests merged nicely particularly as there are areas focused on wellness if one would prefer to eat or relax there only. 

What is Monchique Resort & Spa and who’s it for?

If you’re looking for an amazing and renewing spa retreat in marvellous surroundings, then a stay at Monchique Resort & Spa is just what is needed. The resorts setting is peaceful and serene with views that stretch all the way to the Atlantic coast but because it’s located in the mountains, there is a warm cool breeze.

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:

Take your passion for healthy eating a step further and indulge in one of our top nutrition holidays for healthy foodies. Learn more about how to better your insides with nutritional talks and consultations as you enjoy breath-taking surroundings and world-class treatments that will leave you with a spring in your step. Make the most of fresh detox smoothies, Asian cuisine, healthy twists on classic junk food staples and much more. There are also plenty of opportunities to work on your outsides too with complementary access to group classes such as yoga, Pilates, meditation and general fitness. These retreats truly are a healthy foodies’ heaven!

Kick-start or continue your wellness journey on a group retreat in the comfort of other like-minded and wellness driven people. Experience a wide array of holistic activities such as yoga, meditation, Pilates and sunrise walks to allow you to relax and unwind in a calming and friendly environment. There is plenty of opportunity to pick up the pace too with everything from aerobics and dance classes to TRX training and beach runs. So, get ready to embark on a special journey and reconnect your mind and body with our top group retreats for social wellness.

Your holiday is the perfect time to relax and enjoy yourself, as you escape the day to day grind. Whether you’re dreaming of lying on a beach, sightseeing in the city or practicing yoga by the pool, your trip should be fun and most importantly, stress free.

Preparing for a trip away can be hectic and time-consuming, so to make it easier, we have provided a few useful tips to keep you stylish and stress-free during the Autumn/Winter holiday season:

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.

Grab life by the horns and satiate your inner nomad as we help you to secure more time off work next year, so you can double your leave in 2019. Inspiring worker bees and wellness travellers around the world, these wellness holiday ideas are perfect for an extended healthy holiday. From fitness in the dramatic Swiss Alps and weight-loss amid the volcanic mountains and iconic rice paddies of Bali to active mindfulness in Spain, these destinations emanate the best of what wellness travel has to offer. With a little strategic planning around the 2019 bank holidays (and maybe an understanding boss), ditch the desk for longer and let your fit flag fly at one or more of these exciting destinations.