Discover Canyon Ranch; the wellness resort to transform you

Health and fitness, the newest growing trend still yet evolving in travel with more people ditching the traditional fly and flop for the more active and healthy holiday, didn’t just start a few years ago. Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona kick started the wellness revolution in 1979.

Most of us know we should be exercising and focusing on living a healthy lifestyle but we claim we’re too busy. Wellness is a necessity, not a luxury and Canyon Ranch; the health and fitness spa destination will help you explore new ways to lead a healthier, more fulfilled lifestyle. This award-winning all-inclusive resort in the magnificent Sonoran Desert offers endless opportunities for pleasure, relaxation, discovery and renewal.

Everything at Canyon Ranch is about your health and fitness. You can hike in the desert, play tennis, refine your golf game and indulge in the most lavish spa treatments and with a choice of 40 fitness classes each day from yoga to dance and water exercises such as treadmills in the swimming pool, you can be as busy or as quiet as you like. Outdoor actives include biking, climbing walls and adventure programmes such as a high ropes challenge course to get your adrenaline pumping.

The Life Enhancement Programme is ideal if you want to begin or restart a fitness programme, develop a healthy diet, explore spiritual practices, investigate alternative approaches to health, recuperate after illness, manage your stress or come to terms with a life transition. This programme is part of the integrated approach to nutrition, stress management, and staying fit. 

At the award-winning spa, you will find highly trained health professionals and a complete state-of-the-art Health & Healing Centre with extensive diagnostic testing capabilities, including an onsite sleep lab. A range of health professionals will take the time to evaluate your health history, understand your health concerns and develop your personalised map to wellness. The centre offers personalised physical evaluations, as well as a full range of diagnostic services for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic disorders, sleep disorders and genomics testing.

Start or continue your wellness journey by discovering Canyon Ranch, the health and fitness resort to restore, explore and transform yourself.

- Paul

Yoga June, at The BodyHoliday, LeSPORT

Yoga June. The heading says it all – yoga throughout the whole month of June at LeSport, The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia. Their Wellness Centre’s usual weekly activities schedule include daily yoga classes, but in the month of June, there are many more classes and of different varieties for guests to indulge in while on holiday.

Types of classes include meditative, hatha, restorative, ashtanga, vinyasa, fitness, and nidra yoga, among the teaching of other specifics such as body balance, breathing, hip-back bending and more. Whether you’re an enthusiast, or looking to try yoga for the first time, the range of classes really allow you to develop at your own pace without feeling out of place.

Every year there are usually three teachers, all of varying teaching styles that focus on different aspects of yoga. This year, we’ll see Dr. Abhishek Jain, Michael Bailey, and Kathyrn Cullen all share their expertise. Last year I was fortunate enough to have spent two weeks in June on holiday there, and as a yoga lover, I made the most of all their classes on offer. The yoga studio is set in their stunning Wellness Centre - far enough away from the many different activities that go on, so much so that during some yoga classes such as meditative yoga, you can experience real tranquillity.

I woke up daily for an early morning class, and in the late afternoon once the sun had enriched me, I took a second class. With access to daily yoga I really got a sense of the power of yoga and what it can bring to me when you breathe and flow with awareness. Every class became a new sense of rejuvenation. The guests at LeSport are really friendly, and it was not long before I became friendly with the other holidaymakers who had come for Yoga June, many who had already been to the resort before. By the end of the holiday I really felt healthier, energised and fitter -  a state of excellent wellness.

The BodyHoliday, LeSport is the perfect place to for a pure health and fitness experience. With a multi-award winning spa, and a daily schedule of varying classes, this all-inclusive resort boasts the best of everything. Health and Fitness Travel went there earlier this year to experience what they had to offer. For those of you who just can’t get enough of yoga, The BodyHoliday also have Yoga October.

- Adam

Top Destinations for Royal Wedding Bank Holiday Bonanza

Thanks to a late Easter, the early May bank holiday and now the Royal Wedding on 29 April, Brits can take three days leave and get an 11 day break between 22 April and 2 May.

Watch the royal wedding by the pool on holiday on satellite TV for those who don’t want to miss Will and Kate’s big day. For those wishing to escape the wedding celebrations for a healthy few days away, a European rejuvenating break is the perfect choice.

Favourite locations include the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Europe, with the introduction of more flights and more bespoke packages at some of our top holiday destinations, hot spots include St. Lucia, Mexico, Mauritius, Portugal and Spain.

Top Five April Health and Fitness Destinations:

Aphrodite Hills – Cyprus

Be as active or leisurely as you choose at this luxury award winning health and fitness retreat in Paphos, Cyprus. Combining the finest accommodation and cuisine with professional standard 18 hole golf and tennis academy facilities along with a state of the art spa and gymnasium, with lots of other activities from horse riding to mountain biking.

Dreams Riviera Resort – Mexico

Enjoy unlimited luxury where everything is included. Activities range from exciting to purely relaxing, including endless land and water sports, a world class spa and fitness centre, yoga, and much more. From diving to dance lessons and one round of complimentary golf per day this is the perfect health and fitness getaway. 

The BodyHoliday, LeSport – St Lucia

The perfect all-inclusive health and fitness experience. The Body Holiday provides a truly luxurious and personal service, a Wellness Centre that provides a range of treatments that will leave you feeling alive and a range of fitness activities that could keep you busy from dawn ‘til dusk. It is an experience that allows you to be as busy or as quiet as you want.

Shanti Maurice – Mauritius

Discover the healing benefits of world class spa, try a private class of yoga, cooking lesson, meditation, a game of tennis or experience the fitness activities - kayaking, golf, windsurfing, morning powerwalks and more. You can be as busy or as quiet as you want to at Shanti Maurice.

Longevity – Portugal

Relax, rebalance, revitalise and rejuvenate with this short luxury health and fitness break. Enjoy spa treatments, daily morning hikes, Pilates, fitness and relaxation classes. De-stress and keep fit with healthy gourmet cuisine at this fabulous medical spa in the Algarve Portugal. The stunning resort is surrounded by beautiful mountains with breath-taking views of the hills and the coast.

- Paul

Detox Holidays

Detox, or detoxification is the removal of toxins from the body via methods including special diets, hydrotherapy, sauna therapies and exercise.

In today’s celebrity culture, detox diets have been made famous by the likes of Beyonce and Gwyneth Paltrow, who take advantage of quick detox diets to lose weight. Detoxing can also be undertaken to aid recovery from alcohol consumption. Detoxing can involve reducing the amount of chemicals and processed food we ingest, and focusing more on consuming organic foods, important nutrients, anti-oxidants and vitamins. Reduction of alcohol and caffeine are also encouraged. Benefits can include improved mental clarity, purer skin, better digestion, increased energy and general improvement to the immune system.

Health and Fitness Travel offer various detox holidays that incorporate a rich variety of detox methods in conjunction with fantastic yoga and Pilates exercises. We believe that detoxing can be a realistic catalyst to help you begin or re-establish a healthy way of living. We are delighted to offer a number of detox holidays in luxury destinations around the world, ranging from countries such asThailand and Spain, to Mauritius and St Lucia.

- David

Eight easy ways to exercise

The 21^st century sees the majority of the people in the UK leading hectic lifestyles, that are not conducive to fitting in time to go the gym or arranging sports matches with your friends. However, do not despair, as Health and Fitness Travel has 8 sneaky ways to fit in some mini-bursts of exercise into your busy schedule.

Public transport

If you take public transport to work then why not hop on and off your bus/train 1 stop earlier, and grab those extra few minutes walking. Provided your journey isn’t too long, you could build up to walking the last two stops, then three, then maybe walk the whole way!

Lunch breaks

Even if you only have 10 minutes spare during your lunch break, use it effectively and get some fresh air. Go for a walk, run or a cycle around the block. If the British weather isn’t playing ball then find an empty room and do some press-ups, sit-ups or jumping jacks - anything to get your heart rate up above the norm.

Stairs vs. lifts & escalators

Will you really save that much time at work by taking the lift instead of the stairs? Come on, this is a really easy cheat that you can exploit multiple times a day. If you’re super keen then run up the stairs instead, so long as health and safety allows it! You can apply this cheat to escalators too.

Aeroplane flights

If you feel inactive on a long flight abroad to one of Health and Fitness Travel’s fabulous destinations then remember to take regular walks up and down the aisles just to keep your blood flowing and joints mobilised. Take a squash ball to squeeze in your hand or do some toe raises whilst still sitting in your seat. Little things can aid circulation and help you avoid conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

TV

If watching TV is integral to your evening routine, then why not combine it with using an exercise bike. Enjoy your favourite programmes whilst shedding calories; it’s win-win.

Entertain the kids

If you have children then take the opportunity to play some ball games or take them for a jaunt down to the local park. Fun family activities like these will get you and your children energised. Multiple ticks in the win column here!

Housework

The majority of people don’t like doing housework but we all know it must be done. It is proven that tasks like vacuuming, dusting, gardening and scrubbing floors are all cheap and easy ways to burn off an extra few calories. A clean and tidy environment is important for physical and mental wellbeing, so stop putting it off and get on with those chores!

Pick an exercise you enjoy

It seems obvious but so many people do exercise that they don’t like. It can become something they dread and inevitably give up through lack of willpower. Find an exercise that you DO enjoy doing and that you can look forward to. Having a positive attitude before you begin is part of the battle won.

All these free bits of exercise count and will contribute to a healthy body and mind. Adopting this positive, active lifestyle choice is extremely beneficial to your wellbeing.

Book a holiday with Health and Fitness Travel and build upon your newfound health and fitness orientated mind-set!

- David

Top five romantic healthy holidays

Have you decided what to do on Valentine's Day yet? We've got some great ideas for healthy holidays for couples and it’s not too late to book a break away for a truly romantic getaway. These holidays are designed to ensure you board the plane home not only relaxed but rejuvenated too and include all sorts of vitality-boosting activities, menus and treatments for the ultimate health and fitness romantic experience.

1. Ladera & Cap Maison Peak to Beach – St Lucia

Discover the best of St Lucia with this exciting adventure package at two romantic resorts. Experience the majesty of the dramatic Pitons during your stay at Ladera, the famous open-air hotel in the southern rainforest, followed by the rest of your holiday at the fashionable boutique hotel, Cap Maison, located on the northernmost tip of the island. Healthy meals, spa treatments, water sports, snorkelling and soft adventure programs to include zip lining, horseback riding, rainforest hikes and a Gros Piton Climb are available for you to experience.

2. Chewton Glen Luxury Spa & Fitness Break – Hampshire, England

A luxury country house hotel and spa set in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside on the edge of the New Forest National Park is just a few minutes' walk from the sea. Relax and unwind overnight with this spa health and fitness break at Hampshire's finest hotel. Enjoy a spa treatment of your choice with a private yoga lesson, use of the leisure facilities, three course dinner, luxury accommodation and complimentary sessions in the dance and aerobics studio.

3. Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa – Cyprus

This boutique hotel in Cyprus is perfect for couples looking to boost their body and mind. The stunning spa has a natural spring lounge which offers non evasive natural therapies using healing waters. The cardio fitness concept contains the well-equipped fitness centre and the total Experience suite offers a rich hammam style environment where your body is soothed and cleansed. Other spa offerings include sulphur inhalation and aquatic bodywork therapy, volcanic stone baths, sulphur mud therapy and Vichy showers. Meditation and yoga classes are also available. Enjoy traditional healthy Mediterranean cuisine at the gourmet Cava romantic restaurant.

4. Zitahli Ayurveda Retreat - Maldives

At Zitahli Spa Resort you will find warm Maldivian hospitality ensuring a memorable health and wellness experience. Arrival by seaplane will totally take your breath away; the beautiful spa provides a decadent array of organic therapies in opulent pavilion style treatment rooms. Complete with plunge pools, herbal baths, luxurious relaxation lounges and dedicated to a holistic approach to health and well-being, guests will delight in this bespoke Ayurveda Program consisting of yoga, Pilates and eight Ayurveda treatments.

5. LaLuna Wellbeing Rejuvenation – Grenada

Enjoy this wellbeing rejuvenation program at a laid back, chic island and romantic hideaway in Grenada, which offers guests an opportunity to open their minds to the ideas of yoga, Pilates, and meditation. Your Inner Batteries will be recharged to allow you to face the reality of your daily schedule without so much stress. This romantic holiday includes Balinese massages, three complimentary scuba dives, a spiritual hike in the rain forest and daily yoga and Pilates classes.

- Paul

Becoming a centenarian

We are living in a time where life expectancy in the UK is continuously improving, and reaching 100 years in age will become more common. Being 50 can hardly be considered old; it will soon mark the halfway point in many of our lives. But why are we all going tolive longer?

According to the latest research nearly 20% of living people in the UK will reach the milestone of 3 figures in age. Improvements in healthcare is a large factor in the extension of life and it is thought that in 35 years time there will be in excess of 200,000 centenarians in the UK.

Research shows numerous ways of prolonging the twilight years:

- Maintaining a lifelong physically active lifestyle
- Minimal alcohol consumption
- A non-smoking background
- A purpose in life – something to strive towards every day
- Keeping mentally active
- Sustaining a healthy weight - not being overweight

Studies reveal that 100 year-olds have strong social connections with family and friends, are able to maintain positive outlooks, and are not adverse to change of routines.

Eating a healthy diet containing anti-oxidants – found in fruit and vegetables – is another great way to diminish the chances of developing cancers and heart disease.

Combining all these lifestyle traits can help you march on to the big 100 and enjoy many more years of excellent health, fitness and wellbeing.

- David

The Body Holiday

TheBodyHoliday gave me the ultimate health and fitness experience

What a fantastic way to kick off the year by flying to the beautiful island of St Lucia and staying at TheBodyHoliday, LeSport to get healthy and fit. On arrival I was given my schedule of spa treatments at the health and wellness centre and my BodyAware program for the week. I had just enough time to watch the beautiful sunset go down with a fruit punch on the beach.

I spent my first day joining a morning Hatha Yoga class, followed by a one on one personal training session in the gym. I then sat down to eat my healthy breakfast and enjoyed a Thai Massage at the award winning spa after. As the day went on, I joined a Tennis lesson and Neil the resident coach helped improve my technique as I was so rusty, I also had an elementary golf lesson and then it was time for lunch at the deli and a Mango Tango Smoothie.

By day 3 I had done more yoga to include Ashtanga, Kudalini and Vinyasa Flow. I had also tried a Pilates and BodySpin class on the bikes but the Body Burn class was my most challenging, however I felt great afterwards from working up such a sweat. I decided to put my name down to go diving and snorkelling at the Pitons, yes I was trying to pack in a lot of activities but I wanted to try as much as I could. I even attempted an Archery lesson and introduction to fencing. I always endeavour to try out new activities I’ve not done before.

I really enjoy watersports and participated in a windsurfing and waterskiing lesson, followed by kayaking. An Elemis body scrub, LA Therapy facial and a Marma Massage in the Ayurveda wellness centre had me feeling so refreshed and energised by day 6. I joined in with water and beach volleyball most days if I had time and the food was just divine. I particularly liked dinning at Tao restaurant, the best steak and fish I have ever eaten.

I had also signed up to The BodyAware program with a holistic health coach called Rob from London. I really did get the one on one attention I needed to improve my health and wellbeing. The program started with a lifestyle consultation and health and fitness assessment. I received a detailed nutrition and exercise plan during my stay, activities included a beach boxing session and TRX Suspension training which is the new body weight training session to target your core muscles. I was also given 4 personal training sessions with on-going support throughout my stay along with posture analysis.

If I had more time, I would have signed up for some of the soft adventure programs off resort which include Zip lining, a Gros Piton Climb for those who love a challenging hike with beautiful views of the island and for extreme adventure the River Doree Rappel is serious adrenaline.

Their mission statement - if you give us your body for a week, we will give you back your mind and TheBodyHoliday does exactly that.

- Paul