Spring is just around the corner so now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a detox. Ozel Rowland discovers three top hotel and fitness retreats around the world designed to rejuvenate body, mind and soul
in:spa retreat, Marrakech, Morocco
Spend a week facing the sublime Atlas Mountains of Marrakech at Le Palais Paysan, a gorgeous boutique hotel providing a peaceful sanctuary for a revitalising health and fitness journey. Each day offers a full schedule of yoga, group fitness classes and personal training, as well as a consultation on nutrition and a menu brimming with delicious and wholesome meals.
You’ll enjoy access to a team of experienced specialists, and many of the activities are optional, so this retreat is perfect for anyone looking to get fit on their own terms.
Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, Morocco © wonker
A typical day starts off early in the morning with a cup of herbal tea, followed by dynamic yoga ora jog to help get your blood pumping. Then, after breakfast, it’s time for a round of group circuit training. If you’re feeling up to it, you can squeeze in another fitness training session before lunch. Or, if you fancy something a bit more sedate, why not enjoy a dip in the hotel’s swimming pool or opt for a deep cleanse in the hammam. Or, if you fancy a wander, the local medina is only 30 minutes away. You’ll finish the day off with a relaxing massage or a restorative yoga class and a tasty, nutritious dinner.
During your stay, you’ll also get an opportunity to go on an invigorating trek through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, where you can take in the spectacularly dramatic views of the area’s spectacular Moroccan terrain. February can be an ideal time to go trekking, with the crisp climate and cooling breezes still at bay and temperatures ranging from about 10˚C to 15˚C.
Prices start from £1,995 for two people sharing a Classic 8-day retreat.
Fitscape ski retreat, Italian Dolomites, Italy
Located in the mountainous backdrop of the northern Italian province of Bolzano, Italy sits the world-renowned ski resort of San Cassiano. Here, Relais & Chateaux’s family-run Hotel Rosa Alpina hosts the Fitscape ski retreat. The programme is open to guests of all levels of fitness and skiing experience and features an energising expedition through the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Dolomiti Superski – a mighty expanse of 12 different ski areas and a 1,200km stretch of ski runs.
The weather sits at a lowly 5˚C in February – an ideal temperature for skiing and snowshoeing in the beautiful Italian Alps.
Out on the slopes you’ll be led by a team of Fitscape ski experts who provide pre- and post-ski stretch classes as well as top tips for developing or fine-tuning your skiing skills. Around midday, everyday, you’ll enjoy lunch out in the mountains while soaking up magnificent snowy panoramas. Back at the hotel, guests can soothe sore muscles by partaking in restorative yoga sessions, or, you can push your fitness levels even further with a spot of post-ski fitness training. For a more relaxing experience, head to the hotel spa, which has a heated pool, steam room and sauna.
Prices start from £1,925pp, or £1,875 for two people sharing a deluxe room for 7 nights, and includes breakfast and dinner, group skiing and yoga classes.
Sunset, St Lucia, Caribbean © Steve Walker
The BodyHoliday, Le Sport, St Lucia
For an ultimate oasis of luxury and indulgence, look no further than BodyHoliday resort located on the Caribbean island of St Lucia. This lavish beachfront hotel is situated on the north coast of the island, on the white sands of Cariblue Bay, and combines the frills of an all-inclusive beach holiday with a reviving health and well-being programme guaranteed to leave you feeling renewed and refreshed by the end of your stay.
Each day begins with the option of going on a morning walk along the nearby beautiful beach, or a vigorous workout, before sitting down to a delicious buffet breakfast. You can then choose to take part in an activity of your choice – BodyHoliday provides a long list of things to do during your stay. The resort boasts three swimming pools, a fitness centre, a wellness centre, plus a range of water sport activities and aerobic and yoga classes.
But BodyHoliday isn’t just all about exercise. The hotel boasts three restaurants and a deli, both serving up gourmet-style dishes, health juices and tasty snacks. There’s also nightly live entertainment and the resort’s clubhouse has recently undergone refurbishments, so now features a piano bar – perfect for unwinding after a hard day’s detoxing.
November is the hottest month in St Lucia, with highs of 31˚C but February holds its own with some rather impressive averages of around 26˚C.
