Wellbeing • January 2015
Six laidback island retreats
Instead of splashing out on a flashy gym membership and battling the January gym bunnies, why not take a calmer, more pleasurable approach to recharging your body after the holiday excess by kick-starting a new fitness regime on one of these dreamy islands? But you can relax for now – The Spa Spy’s Lisa Stokes has done the legwork for you
St Kitts and Nevis
Island vibes: A haven of palm-fringed beaches and lush tropical landscape.
Retreat notes: The Four Seasons is set on the pristine white sands of Pinney’s Beach, with an award-winning spa and immaculate 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course nearby.
Work it out: Dine and Dive takes you on a diving extravaganza with the resort’s head chef/dive master to catch the elusive spiny lobster. After that deep-sea workout, enjoy your catch on shore at a private beach barbecue.
Mauritius
Island vibes: African and Asian influences blend to provide some of the world’s most lavish resorts.
Retreat notes: Perched on a Unesco World Heritage site among six marine national parks, the Constance Le Prince Maurice is an idyllic hideaway with a spectacular floating restaurant and spanking-new U spa.
Work it out: You magazine columnist Mimi Spencer has teamed up with the resort to introduce ‘Kick-start The Fast Diet’. It’s a semi-detox diet, paired with a gentle fitness regime and dreamy holistic spa treatments.
Hawaii
Island vibes: Hawaii’s Big Island is filled with dramatic lava-rock fields, snow-capped mountains, tropical rainforests and volcanoes.
Retreat notes: The 32-acre, super-luxe Fairmont Orchid sits along the stunning Kohala coast, and its Spa Without Walls leans towards holistic treatment (see offer below).
Work it out: Hula your way to toned abs and burn calories at one of the resort’s alternative dance classes.
The Maldives
Island vibes: The ultimate in Crusoe-chic, escapism and laid-back luxury.
Retreat notes: A popular island hideaway with A-listers such as the Beckhams, One&Only Reethi Rah boasts one of the world’s top diving spots right on its jetty step.
Work it out: Aside from the plethora of water sports, the resort has bagged a partnership with Bodyism founder and health guru to the stars, James Duigan. His introductory Lean and Clean Programme will tailor personal nutritional advice and fitness regimes.
Turks and Caicos
Island vibes: An archipelago of palm fringed islands – a diver’s dream.
Retreat notes: A secluded haven on the island of Providenciales – which borders the pristine reefs of the Northwest Point Marine National Park – the 40 timber-shingled pavilions of Amanyara sit along the coast with up-scale Aman minimalist pool villas also scattered among the tropical gardens.
Work it out: Stretch out with acclaimed pilates instructor Erika Bloom, in residence at the resort’s new pilates studios until May.
St Lucia
Island vibes: Emerald valleys, volcanic landscapes and turquoise seas.
Retreat notes: A premier Caribbean fitness destination, The BodyHoliday LeSport sits on the northwest tip of St Lucia, tucked away in a palm-strewn, white-sand bay. Wellness is at the heart of its proposition – its basic package includes daily spa treatments, activities and water sports.
Work it out: Brave the groundbreaking BodyScience programme, which uses cutting-edge technologies such as DNA testing to create a bespoke health, fitness and nutritional regime to suit your body type.
This article has been tagged Destination, Wellbeing