Joseph Pilates, the method's founder, said, 'Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. In order to achieve happiness it is important to gain mastery of your body.'
Are you looking to do something different this Easter? Maybe another Easter egg hunt just doesn’t cut it. We share 6 of our favourite healthy activity holidays for singles, couples and families. Put yourself first and enjoy the perfect singles holiday with a wellness break in Spain or a detox retreat in Thailand. From fitness holidays and luxury spa breaks ideal for couples to activity holidays suitable for the whole family there is something for everyone to enjoy this Easter. Whether you are after a quick healthy getaway or willing to travel further afield, be inspired by our diverse selection of healthy activity holidays.
Read more: Easter Healthy Activity Holidays: Singles, Couples & Families
If you're looking to watch your weight there are so many healthy drinks that can help aid weight loss, simply by drinking them you can feel fuller than if you had drunk a fizzy drink, which can help stop snacking during the day.
Inline with the current trend for healthy holidays in exotic surroundings, Shanti Maurice has join forces with world class fitness and nutrition experts SP&Co to launch its first Health & Fitness week starting on 3rd June 2013. Over the course of seven days in June, guests will work with a team of health professionals, from Reiki masters and spa therapists to personal trainers and nutritionists.
The world's obesity problem shows no signs of slowing and recent research claims that it is not our caloric intake or exercise regime that has changed over the last 50 years; it is the sheer amount of sugar in our food. Rebecca Dorta, Nutritionist at Grayshott Spa, tells us why sugar is a major culprit in the case against obesity and many, if not all, health concerns.
With Easter on the horizon, it is so easy to spend the month scoffing on chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. Do something different this year and feel guilt free by taking a revitalising spa holiday or luxury spa break. You certainly will not feel like an ‘April Fool’ when you jet off to one of our stunning healthy holidays, specifically handpicked for their excellent treatments and luxury facilities. From the mountains of Italy to the beaches of Portugal our selection has a wealth of treatments for everyone to enjoy. Book a wellness holiday in April and you could be enjoying a revitalising underwater massage in sunny Cyprus or relax with a foaming facial treatment in the Spain. Our 5 selections will surely inspire you to take the plunge to spoil yourself with a lavish spa holiday this April.
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.
We all look forward to a much-anticipated dip in the swimming pool on holiday or snorkel in the sea, but do we ever take into account the rewarding effects it has on our bodies? For many of us, swimming is more of a hobby rather than exercise and a quick swim can be an excellent way to unwind and de-stress or cool-off on a hot day. But few people actually consider the positive outcome it can bring about for our health. With some of these tips, why not try and make your next trip to the retreats pool or the beach a more beneficial one?
If you’re bored of your exercise regime why not try something a bit unusual with one of our alternative fitness holidays. These healthy breaks offer something new to spice up your current workout routine and help keep you interested as your muscles get a brand new style of workout.
The use of water for therapy is no modern procedure. In fact, is has been carried out for hundreds of years and now forms an integral part of traditional medicine practises. Nonetheless, many of us are unfamiliar with the concept of hydrotherapy and how exactly it can benefit our health and well-being.
By definition, hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. A number of therapeutic treatments and approaches draw upon the healing properties of water for pain relief, making use of the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli. On the whole, cold water is used to stimulate and invigorate, increasing the body’s internal activity, whereas warm water is used to calm and soothe, slowing it down. Alternating between hot and cold water treatments can help to heal injuries, enhance various bodily functions and reduce any inflammation.
From Europe to the Caribbean, many of the world’s leading luxury spa holidays offer hydrotherapy suites giving you the opportunity to take advantage of the many positive effects of water therapy. Hydrotherapy encompasses a variety of treatments, including the use of hydrotherapy pools, thermal baths and water circuits, saunas, steam rooms, ‘experience showers’ and more, which can all help to improve a number of conditions. Modern day therapies are also enhanced with extras such as aromatherapy or Epsom salts. Thermal water circuits have a range of jets and water features which massage the body, stimulating the lymphatic system and flushing toxins whereas cold plunge pools or artificial ice and snow rooms will activate the body’s circulation.
The weightlessness you feel when under water relieves tension in the limbs, supporting aching muscles and easing the movement as opposed to when on land. Plus, hydrotherapy stimulates the release of endorphins, acting as a natural pain reliever which will further reduce muscle soreness. Incorporating hydrotherapy as part of your fitness holiday is a great way to recover after a day's training.
2. Rehabilitates injured musclesBeing immersed in warm or hot water raises the body temperature, increasing blood flow around the circulatory system and so alleviating pain. The improved circulation will in turn help to heal injured tissues and rehabilitate damaged muscles or joints.
3. Boosts the immune systemThe increased blood flow and circulation of white blood cells around the body allows lymph (an immune system fluid that helps collect and get rid of unwanted materials from the body) to be moved through the body more efficiently and therefore strengthens the immune system, helping to fight colds and illnesses.
4. Encourages detoxificationSaunas and steam rooms induce considerable sweating, the body’s primary way of eliminating toxins. Flush out impurities and toxins through the skin on a detox holiday and help to cleanse your body.
5. Relieves stressHydrotherapy treatment can be effectively used whilst on a de-stress holiday by helping to reduce blood pressure caused by stress. It may also slow down the body’s reaction to anxiety and release endorphins – a natural stress fighter.
To experience the benefits of hydrotherapy yourself, we recommend our top five healthy holidays that provide wonderful hydrotherapy treatments. The magnificent location and surroundings of all of these destinations, combined with the outstanding facilities create the perfect retreat where health and wellbeing is the primary focus.
The pioneering SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain prides itself on offering distinctively tailored destination spa wellness holidays and focuses on encouraging healthy habits long-term. During your stay, you can enjoy full use of SHA’s hydrotherapy circuit where you can experience the benefits of therapeutic pools, the Tepidarium, sauna, calidarium, feelings shower, hydro-massage beds and Turkish baths, all surrounded by the resort’s beautiful Zen garden.
More information: View SHA Wellness Clinic
The spiritual retreat of Ananda uses a combination of holistic spa treatments, yoga, meditation and healthy cuisine to improve guests’ overall well-being on an Ayurveda spa holiday with over 80 body and beauty treatments available. What’s more you can enjoy daily use of the hydrotherapy facilities, including the temperature controlled outdoor lap pool.
More information: View Ananda in the Himalayas
Palacio Estoril is popular for it's world-renowned Banyan Tree Spa in the Estoril Wellness Centre. Lots of spa treatments are available as well as a selection of hydrotherapy treatments, whether you relax with a Jet Shower or a Vichy Shower Massage, these treatments do leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. With these treatments available in most programmes at Palacio Estoril, there is something for everyone.
More information: View Palacio Estoril
The BodyHoliday, a very popular destination for a singles spa holiday, strives to deliver a personal service of spa treatments, therapies and activities based on the four pillars of exercise, a good diet, restorative beauty and relaxation. Every programme provides you with a hydrotherapy session included at the award-winning wellness centre, as part of your complimentary daily spa treatments.
More information: View The BodyHoliday
Nestled in the resort of Gargano, overlooking the scenic Adriatic coast; retreat within the luxury of Lefay Retreat in Italy. After rejuvenating in the eco-friendly wellness centre, continue your water wellness journey on a healing spa holiday as you experience the benefits of hydrotherapy, with the option of a variety of detoxifying treatments also available. Become one with the mouth-watering cuisine, including personalised dietary plans and an optional intolerance test to further enhance your experience.
More information: View Lefay
Experience this heavenly destination for yourself on a reviving spa holiday spent in the quiet and calm atmosphere of Longevity Medical Spa in Portugal. Embrace the goal of overall wellness on relaxation and pampering spa holiday as you treat your body to rejuvenating hydrotherapy treatments, accompanied by nourishing slimming meals. Go the extra mile with detox treatments and aesthetic medicine, before taking five with a dip in the hydrotherapy bath's mineral-rich waters.
More information: View Longevity Medical Spa
If you’re still in search of the right destination for you, explore our collection of worldwide spa holidays where many offer hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy and other water wellness therapies. Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect spa holiday with hydrotherapy.
We would like to introduce our amazing new spa and wellness retreat in India, which redefines the wellness holiday experience. Set in the gorgeous Himalayas, the Vana, Malsi Estate that opened in January 2014, brings together an insightful sanctuary of peace with the very best of hospitality. What makes this stand out is their philosophy of creating an exceptional and individual treatment for each and every client that walks through their doors. Specialists base daily spa treatments on your own personal wellness objectives combined with one’s physical strength, psychological disposition, digestive power and many others.
Read more: Vana Malsi Estate Spa and Wellness Retreat Opens in India
Interviews from leading health and fitness professionals from around the world to explore a wealth of knowledge in their areas of expertise.
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