Booking a fitness retreat can do wonders for your physical and emotional wellbeing. At OriGym we’ve handpicked some of the best fitness retreats in the UK, all of which are sure to remove the stresses of daily life, whilst inspiring you to improve your overall health and fitness.
But before we begin, if you’re interested in taking exercise a step further after your fitness retreat, then why not gain your Personal Training Diploma. With the help of OriGym’s industry-leading experts, you will pass your qualification the first time around and be ready to immediately jump-start your career.
Alternatively, you can download our FREE prospectus to read more about every specialist course we have to offer.
Contents:
- What Is a Fitness Camp & Boot Camp Retreat?
- 15 Best Fitness Retreats and Bootcamps
- Benefits of Going on Fitness or Boot Camp Retreats
What Is a Fitness Camp & Boot Camp Retreat?
A fitness boot camp is a physical training programme that is typically conducted outdoors and in large groups.
There are various types of fitness retreats, each with their own purpose, such as:
- Weight loss
- To tone up muscles
- To practice yoga or pilates
- To practice yoga and pilates
- To train intensively through practices such as HIIT
Fitness camps are also conducted in their own style, some camps favour military-style training that are even operated by military personnel.
These provide participants with an intense and vigorous training experience and are typically created to help a client lose weight, or to prepare for an intense event such as a triathlon.
Other camps offer a more relaxing experience exploring different styles of yoga or pilates interspersed with meditation sessions, massages and light walks around the local area.
The duration of fitness camps can vary from a 1-day camp to a 2-week fitness holiday, each also situated in different locations. Some operate in local parks, others in secluded villages and some abroad in picturesque seaside towns.
Most fitness retreats include the cost of accommodation, catering and the hiring of specialised equipment in the price. However, this is not always guaranteed and we must stress the importance of reading what you’re purchasing.
With all this context in mind, let’s get stuck into the best boot camp retreats in the UK. Within this list we have tried to include a spectrum of options, to ensure that there is something every reader can enjoy.
15 Best Fitness Retreats and Boot Camps
#1 – No.1 Bootcamp
UK Locations: Norfolk
Global Locations: Ibiza, Marrakesh, Portugal
Price: From £1370
Dates: Each week (Norfolk)
Kickstarting the list of the best health and fitness retreats in the UK and abroad is No.1 Bootcamp’s 7 day fitness holiday. With camps located in Norfolk, Ibiza, Marrakesh and Portugal, you’re provided with a plethora of location choices for this fitness retreat.
No.1 Bootcamp uses military-style training methods to provide you with the necessary tools to achieve your exercise goals. Whether that be to shed a few pounds, tone up your muscle or gain a serious endorphin kick, all of which is achieved through the company’s varied programs.
You’ll start off your stay with a 1-1 weigh-in session and consultation with a fitness expert. Following this, they will provide a tailored programme for you to work on throughout the week.
This programme will be paired with an in-depth overview of exactly how you can achieve these goals, meaning that you’ll never be left in the dark.
At No.1 Bootcamp fitness retreat you will partake in a wide range of classes, specifically designed to prepare your muscles for the day ahead. In accordance with your programme, you’ll then participate in some of the following sessions:
- HIIT classes
- Muscle hypertrophy and weight lifting sessions
- Kettlebell and free weight classes with specialised inductions
- Spinning classes
- Boxing
- TRX training
- Optional long walks and hikes.
In between these classes, you’ll also be fuelled with 3 daily superfood meals and snacks made from locally-sourced and organic ingredients.
You also have the opportunity to learn more about food by attending nutrition seminars and 1-1 discussions with dieticians to answer any of your nutrition-based questions.
Many participants find these sessions particularly useful as knowing how to fuel your body with the right foods is an important factor in any fitness journey.
But, don’t worry, No.1 Boot Camp health and fitness retreats aren’t just hustle and bustle – you will also have personal time to wander down to local beaches, relax in your private room, or socialise with fellow retreaters and coaches.
For this reason, we can clearly state that No.1 Bootcamp truly strikes the right balance between pushing you hard to achieve your fitness goals, whilst also giving you the opportunity to relax on your time away from home.
#2 – More Life Adventures’ Women’s Wellness Retreat
Location: Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Price: From £1300
Dates: 2022 TBC
More Life Adventures is a small fitness and movement community, whose retreats promote living life to the fullest, practicing self-care, keeping active while also taking time to relax and unwind.
The retreat leader, Stella, is a former architect and personal trainer from London, who founded the company to rediscover herself after falling out of love with the city.
After taking some time practising self-care, prioritising her health and wellbeing, More Life Adventures was born as Stella wanted others to experience the wonders fitness retreats could bring.
The Women’s Wellness Retreat invites up to 8 guests to a manor in the small coastal town of Budleigh Salterton, for a total of 3 nights.
Prior to the date of arrival, each guest will be invited to a 1:1 consultation with nutrition and fitness experts to educate you on how their programme will help you feel fitter, healthier and more confident.
Exercise days will include medium-intensity workouts using free weights and conditioning equipment. If this sounds somewhat alarming, have no fear as coaches will adjust the weights in accordance with your fitness level.
In-between exercise classes, you’ll be encouraged to participate in active recovery sessions. These will include local beach clean-ups, wild swimming and walking along the Jurassic Coast which boasts incredible views of the English Channel.
Now, as mentioned earlier, More Life Adventures are massive advocates for downtime. They set aside time for you to hang out as a group or have some chill time in private so that you can truly enjoy your time at the retreat. The last thing Stella and her team want is for you to feel as though your holiday becomes too intensely focused on exercise.
Stella’s fitness holiday package is one of the best luxury fitness retreats in the UK, a must try for any like-minded fitness-loving women, who are looking to spend quality time together.
Now, if you’d like to discover more of More Life Adventures’ programmes, be sure to also check out the next option – their best fitness retreat that’s abroad where fitness and Cretan culture come together.
#3 – More Life Adventures’ Power Monkey Crete Retreat
Location: Crete, Greece
Price: $4499 (approx. £3294)
Dates: 21st – 25th June 2022
More Life Adventures offers a secondary fitness retreat, this time located in Crete. Here you will be visiting a canvas of wild beaches and ancient treasures, all intertwined with quaint Cretan villages.
As seen with the previous option, More Life Adventures believes that training in small groups produces the best results, which is why there are only 10 spaces available for this fitness boot camp holiday.
Small groups provide the opportunity for more one-on-one training so that you get the best quality coaching to achieve your fitness goals.
Throughout the course of your fitness bootcamp retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Improve your weight lifting technique
- Engage in aerobic activities such as beach running and hiking
- Have fun obstacle course competitions
- Practice gymnastics moves with specialised coaches
In between classes and in your evenings, you can expect to make the most of the outdoor activities that Crete has to offer. This includes:
- Taking boat trips
- Going open-water swimming
- Snorkelling
- Paddleboarding
- And gorge walks
In short, you’ll never be short of something to do on your luxury fitness retreat.
Once your ticket is bought, you’ll be invited to stay in a beautiful villa for a total of 4 nights, in which you will have your own private terrace to unwind after an intense day of training.
Additionally, during your stay you will be provided with a Mediterranean diet, cooked by local chefs with fresh and organic ingredients, sure to fully immerse you in Greek culture.
So, if a fitness retreat abroad is what you’re after, then More Life Adventure’s Monkey Power opportunity is one you don’t want to miss out on. We guarantee that you’ll be left with only incredible memories that will make you want to revisit time and time again.
#4 – Northern Boot Camp
Location: Northumberland
Price: From £625 (4 day price)
Dates: 1 x camp every month, dates vary
If you’re on the hunt for weight loss boot camp holidays, then Northern Boot Camp may be a suitable option for you.
Northern Boot Camps range in duration starting from 1-day all the way to 2-weeks, thus providing a variety of time frames to accommodate your weight loss needs.
The best part of Northern Boot Camp is that they serve all fitness types, regardless of whether you’re a competent runner or struggle with 50 metres. There’s no element of competition – as long as you’re focused on working your hardest to achieve your own personal best.
Depending on which camp you choose, you could participate in activities such as:
- Boxing
- Kettlebell exercises
- Team adventure challenges
- Obstacle courses
Ultimately, Northern Boot Camp prides themselves on being a health and fitness retreat that injects an element of outdoor adventure to their programmes, a feature which proudly allows them to stand out among their competitors.
Additionally, if you’re wanting to turn your weight loss boot camp experience into an extended stay, there are multiple different forms of accommodation to choose from, all at a range of price ranges.
During your stay, you will also be provided with high-quality meals and snacks to fuel your training. The food provided will be accompanied by discussions with dieticians who will be on hand to give insight on how you can alter your diet to enhance your weight loss experience.
As well as this, you can enhance your knowledge by attending nutrition seminars, classes and motivational talks to further boost your motivation in achieving your goals.
Out of the other options in this list of the best fitness retreats, Northern Boot Camp is one of the more affordable options while still providing a wealth of incredible amenities that you ought to take advantage of.
#5 – Be Military Fit
Location: 100+ locations around the UK
Price: Memberships start at £28
Dates: At least 1 session in each location per week
Be Military Fit is another example of a weight loss boot camp retreat, with this entry having the unique prospect of being designed by Bear Grylls.
The intent behind Be Military Fit is simple, to help you achieve your goal in a fast and efficient manner, with each session promising to make you fitter, leaner, and faster. This is achieved through 6 key components:
- Physical Preparation
- Strength
- Anaerobic Capacity
- Speed
- Power
- Recovery
Be Military Fit offer a variety of programs, including:
- CrossFit running sessions
- Specialised personal training programs
- Signature military sessions
All of the aforementioned courses are designed to be 60-minute workouts, specially chosen to increase your heart rate to the point that is optimum for calorie-burning effects, both before and after your workout.
The signature Be Military Fit workout consists of various exercises that you are to complete both individually and in teams. You’ll be tested on your physical and mental strength and endurance, all of which will be rewarded with the most incredible endorphin rush.
Finally, a fantastic aspect of Be Military Fit is that they have over 100 locations in the UK where you can test your fitness limits. To discover where your local session is held, follow the link and type in your postcode – you’ll be sure to find one near to you.
#6 – The Tree Yoga Weekend
Location: North Yorkshire
Price: From £340
Dates: Every Friday-Sunday
When it comes to listing the best health and fitness retreats in the UK, The Tree’s wellness yoga weekend must be discussed.
The Tree is here to offer you a fantastic weekend away from modern life and escape to the beautiful countryside. Yoga has a wealth of healing benefits, so why not put some time aside to rejuvenate your soul for an entire weekend?
This particular luxury fitness retreat is open to everyone, regardless of gender, age, or skill level.
Many people can often feel isolated and intimidated by the mere prospect of yoga, but the idea behind The Tree’s Yoga Weekend is to make everyone feel at home, with classes, breath techniques and meditation sessions that encourage tranquillity.
The Tree’s Yoga Weekend also offers plenty of opportunities to unwind, including personal time to soak up in the jacuzzi and make use of the sauna.
There is also a range of treatments involved including massages and physiotherapy sessions to allow your body and muscles to recuperate after a day of stretching.
Additionally, since The Tree is located in the idyllic countryside of North Yorkshire, you’ll also have the opportunity to wander around breathtaking hills and local villages during your stay.
There will also be plenty of healthy foods to choose from during every meal. This includes:
- Hearty breakfast options – Including porridge, cereals, fresh fruits and toast.
- Lunch will be The Tree’s soup of the day – Prepared from organic ingredients from local farms.
- Evening meal – Which will be vegetarian or vegan to accommodate all dietary types.
It is noteworthy that mobile phone connection is scarce in Rosedale, which many guests may find advantageous when signing up for this luxury fitness retreat.
Please note, The Tree does provide WiFi for you to send messages to your family and friends, but suggests keeping devices at bay to soak up every ounce of relaxing time.
The Tree is most certainly one of the best fitness retreat holidays to consider booking, regardless of whether you’re a new or seasoned yogi.
#7 – Yoga Retreat in Puglia
Location: Puglia, Italy
Price: From £995
Dates: Every week from April – October. Bookings must be at least 10 weeks before departure.
La Rosa house in Puglia offers one of the best fitness retreat holidays for avid yoga families to soak up the summer sun while tuning into their spirituality and inner self.
Each week-long retreat invites you into the elegantly restored 16th century home, La Rosa House, which features a local village, beautiful farm, and idyllic backdrop – perfect for a yoga holiday.
If that wasn’t enough to peak your interest, Puglia boasts 11 hours of sunlight in peak season, allowing you to be selective of what time of day you practice your daily flow.
Yoga sessions take place twice a day, each of which is tailored to the guest’s own level. You’ll have the opportunity to try a range of different yoga styles including Restorative, Ashtanga, Yin and Vinyasa just to name a few.
These sessions typically last for 2 hours in the morning and 1.5 hours in the afternoon. Each day is divided into mealtimes, including opportunities for you to relax and unwind with massage treatments, and visits to the local villages to ensure you fully immerse in Italian culture.
La Rosa offers delicious cuisine that uses a wide variety of local, seasonal and fresh produce. You’ll have your own in-house chef cooking a healthy vegetarian menu containing lots of raw, organic and gluten-free dishes.
These meals will be influenced by traditional Italian cuisine containing pasta, pastries, pizzas and homemade bread to help soak up the summer sun. La Rosa chefs opt for buckwheat flours for their bakes as it is much lighter and healthier, thus prioritising your health and wellbeing even when you’re indulging in holiday relaxation.
This is one of the most beautiful idyllic fitness retreats that are abroad for you to explore. It is a stunning location to unwind from the stresses of modern life and tap into your spirituality.
#8 -HillMotts Cotswolds Weight Loss and Boot Camp Retreat
Location: Cotswolds
Price: From £239 (3 day)
Dates: 2 x each week
Hillmotts is one of the most recognisable names on our list, and even provided some of the very first fitness retreats in the UK.
At Hillmotts the primary objective is to lose weight through changing your habits. This is achieved through both physical and psychological learning, ensuring you know how to change your entire eating habits, rather than just resorting to fad diets.
This weight loss and boot camp retreat offers participants a fun fitness experience away from home. Located in the beautiful Cotswolds containing quaint villages and rolling hills spanning almost 800 miles, there’s no better place to unwind and relax.
Upon arrival, each participant will have a 1-1 consultation with a fitness professional who will tailor a programme that is suitable for you. Your fitness experts will be happy to provide a helping hand to facilitate your goals as you look to kick-start your fitness journey.
The training sessions include carefully constructed group sessions that are challenging yet rewarding and enjoyable for all.
Even better yet they aren’t too challenging, meaning that newcomers need not feel put out. Hillmotts scheduled activities include:
- Group hikes
- Interval training
- Boxing
- TRX training
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Kettlebell Sessions
Just to name a few, by doing this the weight loss boot camp holiday provides a full scope of activities, allowing you to hone your skills and abilities to enhance your at-home training regime.
Moreover, it is noteworthy that these sessions won’t be conducted in a military-style, so don’t worry if the idea of that environment stresses you out. Here, the trainers will be sure to boost your motivation to keep going in a positive and encouraging way.
As for the accommodation, all participants are invited to stay in Hillmotts beautiful Cotswolds house, situated a stone’s throw from Blenheim Palace. The rustic accommodation truly allows you to immerse into the countryside and escape from the stresses of daily life.
Hillmotts weight loss and boot camp retreat are most certainly amongst the best fitness holidays in the UK. There’s no better location than the sensational Cotswolds if you’re wanting to leave city-living for a few days!
#9 – Lake District Walking Retreat
Location: Keswick, Lake District
Price: From £565
Dates: 5 start dates per week
The Lake District is the largest National Park in England, home to Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, and Wast Water, the deepest lake. What better way to explore these incredible sights than to incorporate them into a fitness retreat.
However, when compared to some of the other examples to feature on our list Lake District Walking Retreat is a little different, you can say goodbye to HIIT and sweaty boot camps in favour of training that heavily relies on walking.
Your 6-day walking holiday will begin in Keswick, a bustling town in the north of the district situated next to Derwentwater Lake. You’ll be invited into one of Keswick’s charming hotels where you’ll have your own room and private en-suite.
On each day thereafter, you’ll be provided with transportation to each walk’s starting point and an easy-to-follow map detailing different trails and paths you can take to reach the summit. The locations you can expect to visit are:
- Walking Day 1: Castlerigg and Castle Head / 7.5 miles
- Walking Day 2: Honister Pass / 9 miles
- Walking Day 3: Derwentwater / 9 miles
- Walking Day 4: Skiddaw / 11-13 miles
- Walking Day 5: Walla and Falcon Crags / 7 miles
To complete these walks, you don’t have to be a seasoned mountain climber. Each walk is circular and has the option to be shortened to accommodate less experienced walkers.
So, don’t worry – you won’t be climbing upward for miles or scrambling along steep mountain ranges as this walking fitness holiday makes sure that a range of fitness levels are able to enjoy the activities.
Going on a walking retreat is a fantastic alternative if weight loss boot camp holidays don’t quite appeal to you.
Walking is a fantastic, and often overlooked, method of losing weight and improving fitness so is most certainly worth considering if this is what you want to achieve.
#10 – Fitness Training in the Algarve
Location: Algarve, Portugal
Price: From £1350
Dates: 2022 TBC
Fitness retreat holidays are a great way to get in shape, whilst also seeing some amazing locations, so what better place to get fit than in the southern region of Portugal.
The Algarve is a hotspot for sun-seekers that boasts golden beaches, sea caves and crystal clear waters. It draws almost 4 million visitors each year including families, surfers and party lovers, the Algarve has everything that you could ever want in a holiday.
This is why Northern Boot Camp has been operating their Algarve boot camp retreat for the past 10 years, to allow fitness lovers to lose weight, improve their skills and take some time away from everyday life.
Upon arrival, retreaters are invited to one of the most luxurious villas in the whole of the Algarve. Villa Monte D’oiro has its own gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna all of which overlook stunning views.
This is also where you’ll meet your Northern Boot Camp personal trainers who will discuss your goals for the week and advise you on how to achieve them.
Following this introduction, you will be working in the gym, on the terrace, at local obstacle courses and on beaches engaging in a variety of activities, including:
- Boxing
- Weight Training
- Surfing
- Yoga
The exercise you complete will be listed within your chosen package, so be sure to read that carefully.
In between your activities, you’ll have some time to relax and unwind while being fed a plethora of Mediterranean meals made from fresh local produce.
A Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world, so fuelling your body with beautifully hearty dishes after a busy day of activities will do your body wonders.
Directors Caroline and Dan will be staying nearby to oversee your whole week and to make your experience as fulfilling as possible.
Ensuring that you get the most out of your time in the Algarve is their utmost priority, so you can be sure to feel like you’re being taken care of throughout your stay.
So, why not try out a fitness retreat that’s abroad? That way, you get to enjoy a complete change of scenery, immerse yourself into Mediterranean culture all the while working towards your fitness goals!
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If you’re enjoying our article on the 15 Best Fitness Retreats & Boot Camps, check out these other great OriGym articles:
- Become a Personal Trainer: 6 Simple Steps
- How to Start a Fitness Bootcamp Business
- What is Group Personal Training?
#11 – New You Escapes Weight Loss and Boot Camp Holiday
Location: Sussex
Price: From £699
Dates: 1 x per month. Some 2022 dates yet TBC.
New You Escapes have been designing and hosting weight loss boot camp retreats since 2006. Their sole aim is to empower and educate retreaters about how they can achieve long-term results while feeling as though they’re on holiday.
New You Escapes’ Sussex-based program is broken down into 3 fundamentals – exercise, food and comfort.
They believe that when each works together, the most effective results will transpire.
Exercise – Before you arrive at your weight loss and boot camp holiday, you’ll have a 1-1 online consultation with a personal trainer where you’ll discuss your goals, current fitness level and experience with exercise. Following this, they will then tailor a plan for you to work on during your stay.
You’ll then have up to 7 hours of physical training per day with the support of your qualified personal trainer, providing insight into the best techniques and methods of performing exercises. You can also spend your time off hiking in the local countryside to further increase your fitness and de-stress your mind.
Food – You will also discuss your dietary requirements with your personal trainer before you arrive. Please note that all food and drink are included in the price of purchase, you won’t need to pay any hidden or additional costs.
You will have the opportunity to attend nutritional talks to help you gain a better understanding of food to enhance your weight loss journey.
If this is a topic you’re interested in, you should highly consider enrolling in our Level 4 Advanced Sports Nutrition course. As an industry-leading qualification you will be learning from industry experts, all whilst developing a love and understanding for nutrition.
Comfort – Now, recovery is an essential part of any training programme, and whilst staying on this fitness retreat you can unwind on the beautiful grounds – You are on holiday after all!
Or, you can make use of the many on-site amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court and table tennis table should you want to keep moving.
New You Escapes is one of the best fitness retreats in the UK, surrounded by coastal walks and sea air. Sussex is a wonderful place to reside for 5 days of fitness fun that truly feels like a home away from home.
#12 – Reboot Fitness Retreat
Location: Bournemouth
Price: From £795
Dates: 2 x per month
Established in 2009, Reboot wanted to create a package where fitness lovers could come together in a beautiful location, and work as a team to each improve their mental and physical strength.
As of today, Reboot is recognised as one of the leading companies operating boot camp retreats in the UK.
The Reboot fitness retreat includes 5 nights stay in a 4* hotel just a stone’s throw from Bournemouth beach. This is where you’ll meet your fellow fitness holidaymakers and personal trainers who are set to make your stay fulfilling, exciting and memorable.
The trainers will conduct a private weigh-in session where you can establish your fitness goals. From this, trainers will advise how to facilitate your goals with a personal programme for you to work on.
The personal trainers in attendance will also host over 20 fitness sessions that are designed to be challenging yet seriously rewarding. Each session will be adapted to your personal ability so there’s no need to worry about feeling as though you aren’t as fit as your fellow retreaters, as you’re there to get the most out of all training activities.
Examples of some of the activities you will participate in are:
- Wild-swimming
- HIIT
- Beach Yoga
Additionally, alongside these activities you will have 3 nutritious meals and snacks per day. Nutritionists will delve into the benefits of each dish and note how you can make your own version at home. Reboot also caters for all dietary requirements so you’ll be sure to eat well.
Then, once your trip comes to an end and you return home, the Owner and Head Coach at Reboot, Mark Hooks, will provide you with 12 weeks worth of aftercare and personalised training plans for you to work on.
This is an additional touch that makes Reboot truly stand out from other fitness retreats.
#13 – 3 Day Simply Yoga Retreat
Location: York
Price: From £380
Dates: 1 x per month
Are you on the hunt for one of the best luxury fitness retreats in the UK? If so, this beautiful 3-day yoga holiday is something you should certainly consider booking onto!
Situated at Deighton Lodge in York, the 3 Day Simply Yoga Retreat encourages you to leave all of your stresses and strains at the door and tune into your inner self.
This retreat provides the perfect opportunity for you to have some quality ‘you’ time and restore equilibrium and sense of harmony back into your daily life. The retreat is also a wonderful chance for yogis of any level to engage in different styles of yoga and to potentially try something a little different.
Over the 3 days, you’ll participate in 7 yoga classes that include the following styles:
- Vinyasa
- Yin
- Restorative
- Nidra
- Ashtanga
Organisers hope that by incorporating different sessions you will find a new love for style that you may otherwise never try.
Your package includes all meals and snacks, all of which will be plant-based. You’re welcome to engage in discussions with your chefs on nutrition, recipes and tips on cooking your own plant-based meals at home.
In-between your yoga flow, you’re given the opportunity to wander the historical streets of York. From walking along York’s city walls, climbing up Clifford’s Tower to learning about York’s rich chocolate history, there’s plenty to explore and see within the local area.
Alternatively, cosy up next to Deighton Lodge’s wood-burning fire with a good book to wind down after a busy day.
This is most certainly one of the best fitness retreats for those wanting a low key and relaxing holidaying experience. You can escape out of your hometown and explore somewhere new, all the while keeping fit and moving through different styles of yoga.
#14 – The Zest Life – Yoga and Wild Swimming Retreat
Location: Isle of Anglesey
Price: From £548.40
Dates: 2022 dates TBC
Next, we have the Yoga & Wild Swimming retreat from ZestLife, another one of the best yoga fitness retreats in the UK.
Located on the Isle of Anglesey, this yoga retreat allows you to truly connect with nature. With wild swimming in stunning lakes and seas and tapping into your inner self in luxurious yoga studios, you’re bound to feel refreshed and energised during your time in Wales.
Upon arrival, you’ll be staying in a secluded country house called Plas Cadnant which has 21 acres of private land for you to wander and explore during your stay. It has spectacular views over Snowdon, a winding river and beautiful historic gardens.
A small stroll through the gardens will lead you to the on-site yoga studio; a fabulous converted oak barn with high ceilings, beams and underfloor heating makes the perfect place to relax and unwind.
As for the swimming, you’ll be guided by professional swimmers who will tailor a swimming programme according to your ability. From local beach swims to floating in lakes, or even taking a dip by cascading waterfalls, The Zest Life provides a plethora of locations where you’ll feel invigorated and energised after wild swimming.
In between your busy yoga and swimming schedule, you’ll also have a chance to indulge in some body treatments. These include massages and organic oil treatments to help ease away any stresses.
Moreover, eating healthily is an integral part of the yoga and swim retreat. Each meal will either be vegan or vegetarian, with gluten-free options provided for each meal too, including
- Warm soups
- Pasta Dishes
- Flapjack snacks
- Cakes
You’ll also have the option to indulge in a wide selection of Pukka teas to keep yourself warm and cosy. Why not even take a flask with you to the beach after wild swimming?
If you’re on the hunt for the best fitness retreat in the UK, you may have just found it. Be sure to keep an eye on The Zest Life’s website to find out when their 2022 dates are released to book your slot.
#15 – TYBC – Trimmer You Boot Camp
Location: Newtown, Wales
Price: From £499
Dates: 1 x of each package per month
Finishing up our list is a fantastic Trimmer You Boot Camp holiday situated in Eastern Wales. This award winning weight loss boot camp combines luxury accommodation with rigorous training days to give you the feel of a holiday while also achieving your fitness goals.
There’s plenty to see and do at the Trimmer You boot camp, each day will contain up to 8 hours of training with a variety of activities to try. This includes:
- HIIT Training
- Boxing
- Core Training
- Hiking in the Welsh countryside
- Circuit Training
- And so much more
Even better yet, each activity is tailored specifically to your ability so don’t worry if you’re a fitness newbie, as coaches and personal trainers will welcome anyone of any fitness level to participate.
As mentioned, this boot camp has an element of luxury in where you’ll be staying, with all rooms having their own en-suits and hot tub access, ensuring you can unwind in style.
You can even book yourself in for a massage treatment that aids your muscle recovery so that you can operate to the max each and every day.
All food and meals are included in the price and cooked up by Trimmer You’s talented chef. Nothing is processed; all food is made from organic and locally sourced ingredients to enhance your weight loss effects.
Some of these meals will be accompanied by nutritional talks to educate you on how to have a nutritious and balanced diet once you head home.
You also have the option to attend nutrition seminars and Q&A sessions to provide a deeper understanding of nutrition and food.
There are numerous packages available for you with Trimmer You; either select a Weekend Boot Camp, Mid-Week Boot Camp or a Week-Long Boot Camp. Simply follow the link above to select your package and your desired date.
So, there we have some of the best boot camp retreats in the UK with some international options too in case you’re feeling extra adventurous.
There are so many types of fitness retreats that you ought to try; from yoga retreats to military-style camps and some that combine aspects of both.
Benefits of Going on Fitness or Boot Camp Retreats
#1 – No Distractions
One of the amazing benefits of fitness and boot camp retreats is that you get time away from distractions.
You can leave your email app closed, laptop at home and phone on silent as, when you’re at a retreat, the last thing you want is a flood of notifications coming through and distracting you from your stay.
Fitness holidays guarantee to keep you busy. Even in your downtime, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in other activities such as walking, swimming, getting a massage or immersing into the local culture of your holiday.
You’ll also be served up some beautiful food containing organic ingredients that have been locally sourced.
Each of the fitness holidays outlined in this list promises to fuel your body with hearty and healthy foods to keep you energised throughout your day. You’ll be far too busy tucking into these delights to be distracted by anything else.
At the end of the day, you have paid for an incredible opportunity to work towards your fitness goals with like-minded people in a stunning location. Make sure that any potential distractions are dealt with by leaving them at home, on silent or in your room when on your retreat.
#2 – Meet Like-Minded People
Another benefit of boot camp retreats is that you’ll be spending your time with like-minded people.
If you’re someone who is considering attending a retreat alone, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to socialise with fellow holidaymakers, all of whom you have something in common with – be that a love for fitness or pursuit of the same goal.
Going on a retreat is a fantastic opportunity to make some new friends as you’ll be spending a lot of quality time together.
Whether it be during your training sessions, when you come together for your meals or spending your free time together, there’s ample opportunity for you to socialise throughout your time away.
Alternatively, you might wish to go on a retreat with your family or friends. This is a great way to catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while and get to do activities that you each love.
That is merely one of the benefits of group training, for a more detailed explanation head over to our article analysing the 9 benefits of group exercise.
#3 – Boosted Confidence
The best fitness retreats are the ones that boost your confidence.
During your time away, you’ll be pushing yourself to the limits and testing your mental and physical strength in ways you didn’t know you could. This results in you benefiting from a serious endorphin rush each and every time that you exercise, which, in turn, means your confidence soars!
With fitness retreats, you’re able to try out different types of training, styles and techniques that you may not get the opportunity to when in your regular gym.
It can also be nerve-wracking starting a new class if you’ve never done it before, but this is where fitness retreats can seriously benefit you. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will give you the confidence to approach various other types of activities once your retreat is over.
Additionally, most fitness retreats have the sole purpose of helping you to lose weight, tone up or improve your overall fitness. In just a few days, you’ll be able to achieve all three.
Noticing these results can seriously boost your confidence too. This alone may be enough to give you the final push to get out there and book yourself onto an incredible fitness getaway.
#4 – Improved Strength
When you leave your fitness boot camp, you’ll be surprised by how quickly your strength improves.
Fitness retreats provide a fantastic opportunity to take part in different types of training. You’ll be lifting weights, doing bodyweight exercises, completing obstacle courses and so much more.
However, as well as improving physical strength, you’ll also improve your mental strength.
Half the work when exercising is mindset, if you lack motivation, determination or the desire to achieve your goals, you’ll find it very difficult to see results. Fitness retreats will help you to alter an unmotivated mentality and turn it around into something inspiring.
On a retreat, you can’t simply stop halfway through a training programme because you’re tired, you must keep moving and pushing your limits. Then, once you realise you can do it, your mental strength and determination will grow.
#5 – Adopt A Positive Mindset
When you fuse each of these benefits together, this will result in you adopting a more positive perspective. This doesn’t just go for your attitudes towards fitness, it will trickle into the way you perceive other aspects of your life.
You may find that your positive mindset benefits the relationships that you have with your loved ones. You might also find that symptoms of anxiety and/or depression begin to diminish.
Once you begin to get your endorphin rush after exercise and see the results of your efforts, the more of a habit that regular exercise will become in your life.
Furthermore, fitness retreats can truly change a person’s perspective about themselves and the world long-term in the most positive of ways.
Before You Go!
As evident from the list we have provided, there is simply no shortage of fitness retreats across the UK and abroad.
Whether you want a yoga holiday to tap into your spiritual self, want something more military-style, or want something that sits nicely in the middle, we hope that this article has provided a range of each to inspire you.
With a Personal Training Diploma you can even take this a step further and launch your own fitness retreat. This is possible with OriGym’s CIMSPA recognised and OFQUAL regulated course, which will help you understand the business side of the industry before graduation.
But if training isn’t your forte, you can always read our complete prospectus, which is guaranteed to feature a topic that will interest you.
