Welcome to Andy Chambers, who has recently joined our formidable team of fitscape fitness trainers, having just returned from a week with us in the Italian Dolomites.  The key for us with all our trainers is that they must be highly qualified and experienced (of course!) but they also need to be fun, motivating and engaging characters that our guests enjoy being with.  Andy certainly fits the bill and has a great sense of humour too. He has been working in the fitness industry for over fifteen years and provides a unique style of personal training, combining the use of assessments that solve performance issues, martial arts conditioning and the latest fitness training techniques.  Andy holds a BA Hons in Sport & Fitness Studies, Diplomas  in Health & Fitness and Personal Training with the International Institute for Sports Therapists (IIST), and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.  Using his extensive knowledge, Andy has helped a wide range of clients to reach their goals quickly, whether it be to enhance their overall well-being, get back into shape after childbirth, develop their core conditioning, improve their flexibility & posture, or just increase their general health and fitness.

And, as we discovered on the recent fitscape fitness holiday to the Dolomites, many of our guests love learning and trying out some Taekwondo moves with Andy on our holidays!

For further information about our team of exceptional fitscape trainers, please see fitscape trainers

For details about all our forthcoming fitscape holidays, please visit dates & prices

One of The Healthy Holiday Company’s leading personal trainers, Elizabeth Banks, explains how to keep fit while on holiday. Clearly, if you really want to stay fit or get fitter, the best option is to come on a fitscape fitness week or an in:spa retreat!  But, if you’re off somewhere else, here are some helpful tips from Elizabeth:

1. Be Realistic
Be realistic about how many workouts you want to do while you’re away. Don’t be too tough on yourself. Even if you let it go completely, it doesn’t take long to undo the damage when you get home.

2. Make Exercise Fun
Make exercise fun by combining it with holiday activities: walk to the beach, rent bikes to explore, take out a kayak for an hour. You can break up your workout into small chunks – a few minutes in the pool, then sunbathing then back in the pool.

3. Try a Suspension Trainer
If you want a total body workout in your villa or hotel room, invest in a TRX Suspension Trainer. It’s all the kit you need and it weighs just 1.2kg and folds down to the size of a bag of sugar. If that’s too much, you can buy a stretchy Dyna-Band at most good sports shops.

4. Run on the Beach
Running on the beach is great exercise. The different terrain is a good workout for your feet. If you want it to make a bit more challenging, do it barefoot. Swimming is a good low-impact exercise, and you can do it during the heat of the day.

5. Time it Right
You may want to get up early to exercise before the temperature gets too high and the beach and pool get crowded. But listen to your body. If you’re not a morning person it might be better to exercise in the evening.

6. Hydrate
Make sure you stay well hydrated, particularly after a long flight. Drink lots of water during the day and try to alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water. If you do drink too much, don’t beat yourself up – remember tomorrow is another day!

7. Treat Yourself
Buy a new piece of kit – that’s always a great incentive for exercise. It could be a new pair of swimming goggles, or a pair of trainers. One of the best pieces of kit you can buy is a skipping rope, and it weighs very little.

8. Eat Well
Don’t forget the importance of eating well.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I t sets you up mentally and if you eat a good breakfast, you are less likely to get peckish and snack on junk food throughout the day.

Elizabeth Banks has worked in the fitness profession for 10 years and is a keen boxer, skier and mountain biker. She has a studio in Central London and works as a personal trainer for fitscape and in:spa retreats

We have recently added a new destination yoga date to Crete with Isaac Mullins from 13-20 August and to give things a bit of a kick start we are currently offering £150 towards flights.  But please note that this offer may end at any time and is subject to availability.

Location:  The retreat is hosted on the wild, unspoilt south coast of Crete.  The 14 bedroom family run yoga retreat centre is located on a small cliff overlooking long beaches with a mountain backdrop; pristine beaches are minutes away.  Great yoga compliments the incredible atmosphere at this peaceful destination. People who appreciate breathtaking scenery return again and again to this area to soak up this unbelievable energy. The perfect place to rediscover yourself and enjoy a week of yoga, fun and relaxation.

Schedule for the week: There will be a twice daily practice.  We’ll serve tea and fruit from 07.30 and morning practice will start at 08.30 and run until 11.00. Brunch will be served at 11.30 and there will be tea and a snack at 15.30. Evening practice will be from 17.00 to 18.30, followed by dinner at 19.30.

Other things to do:  Apart from twice daily yoga classes, guests can swim in the sparkling sea or the pool, enjoy a massage, chill in a hammock or simply sunbathe; tranquillity will find you here. Maybe you’ll fancy snorkelling to meet the local sea life, taking yourself away on an exhilarating hike along an endless beach, exploring local history or just strolling to a nearby taverna.

Accommodation:  Every en suite bedroom has a stunning view of the Mediterranean from its balcony or terrace.  The rooms are simple, clean and spacious.

Meals:  The scrumptious vegetarian lunch and dinner are served buffet style with a stunning view. At all times guests are welcome to a wide range of teas, including medicinal Cretan mountain teas, as well as fresh coffee and fruit and nuts. For breakfast help yourself to muesli, fruit, freshly made yogurt, toast and local honeys and jams.

The vegetarian food will be nutritious but delicious, drawing inspiration from the Cretan diet which is reputedly the healthiest in the world. Fertile mountain slopes and bountiful sunshine produce some of the tastiest fruit and vegetables, which, when prepared with love (and local olive oil) result in mouth watering yet healthy cuisine.

What’s included: Everything at the retreat is included: accommodation, meals, all yoga classes and local transfers to and from our recommended flights. The exception is massage and an optional Friday night group meal at a traditional taverna.

Weather: The weather is highly likely to be warm and sunny for all our yoga holidays to Crete.

Note:  The retreat is non-smoking, alcohol free and vegetarian. There are tavernas within easy walk if you have any extra needs.

Isaac has taught yoga on several in:spa retreats to great acclaim, but this is his first destination yoga holiday.  Here’s some background on Isaac:

Isaac began practicing Ashtanga Yoga 13 years ago, initially only to complement his career as a dancer with companies including the English National ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Spanish National Ballet. At 23 his desire to pursue yoga overtook his desire to dance, prompting him to train as a teacher.  He has travelled extensively in India, studying many styles including Ashtanga, Sivananda and Iyengar.  He is a humble, attentive and intuitive teacher who has the ability to teach people from all walks of life.  He mainly teaches a flowing vinyasa style of yoga with interesting and varied sequences, and incorporates meditation and breathing techniques.  Isaac’s morning classes will begin with pranayama and meditation followed by a dynamic asana practice.  During the evening classes you will be practicing meditation and yoga nidra (yogic sleep).  He will also use this time to explore different aspects of asana practice in more detail.

Please visit destination yoga / crete for pictures and further information, or call us on 0845 458 0723

Winston Squire, one of our most popular personal trainers,  also works with the England rugby and polo teams, which is no doubt why he was hanging out with England rugby legend Mike Tindall (at a charity polo match in Gloucestershire yesterday) when Prince Harry, in playful mood, arrived and made a ‘gangsta gun’  gesture at his future brother-in-law.   Fortunately for all, Winston was able to intervene and save the day!

Picture caption:  Back orf Windsor: Trainer Winston Squire intervenes after Harry’s mock threat… and Mr Tindall (in the black and pink t-shirt) is seen laughing

To see the full story, visit Mail Online

Amelia Freer has been an in:spa nutritionist for several years and has helped numerous guests on in:spa retreats over that time. She is amusing, inspiring and very well informed.

Amongst her many areas of expertise is the subject of foods that are good for your skin. On Thursday 23 June from 18.30 – 20.00 at the Dermalogica store just off Kensington Church Street W8, Amelia will be giving a talk on this important and popular subject, with plenty of time for guests to ask questions afterwards.

Skin Superfoods – learn how to boost collagen, banish wrinkles, and moisturise from within. This will be an exciting and informative talk about the cutting edge research that is the next step in 21st Century skin care. While skin care ranges have introduced vitamins and plant extracts to skin creams, new research shows that taking in special skin nutrients internally can make skin glow. Come and hear how special foods can improve texture, hydration, protect you from free radicals and address pigmentation.

Price: Just £15 per person, to include a glass of wine and some tasty, healthy nibbles. Places are strictly limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Booking: please call Nicola on 0845 458 0723

Location: Dermalogica, 8 Lancer Square, London W8 (just off the south end of Kensington Church Street)

Nearest tube: Kensington High Street

Click here to view map

Alli is one of our highly regarded in:spa nutritionists and passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with everyone.  With this in mind, she has teamed up with guilt-free cake maker Ruth Feingold to host two baking workshops in June, focusing on sugar and gluten free baking.  A maximum of 10 guests can join the workshops in Alli’s kitchen in London’s Chiswick on 6 or 17 June.  From past experience, we’re sure that these events will be both fun and informative, and guests will enjoy a light lunch or supper as part of the festivities.

Alli and Ruth will teach you how to cook the following:

• Pistachio Cake
• Orange Torte
• Lemon Raspberry Muffins
• Banana Loaf
• Chocolate Coconut Muffins

If you have the time, we are happy to highly recommend that you join one of the workshops.

Dates:  6 June from 19.00 to 22.00 and 17 June from 10.00 to 13.00

Location:  Alli’s kitchen, 72 Thornton Avenue, London W4 1QQ  See map

Price:  £50 per person to include a light lunch or supper

Booking:  email alligodbold@msn.com or telephone 0780 359 6907

The English Tea Room at Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair has recently launched, under the guidance of acclaimed in:spa nutritionist Amelia Freer, their ‘TEA-TOX’, a healthy version of their award-winning Traditional Afternoon Tea. Served on tea-stands, guests can indulge in the following, without feeling too naughty:

Apple and cucumber jelly (100% pure apple juice, cucumber and gelatine)
Blueberries and lemon cream served in a chocolate cup (blueberries, lemon, low-fat crème fraîche and sugar-free Xoxoline chocolate)
Carrot seed cake (eggs, sugar-free xylitol, ground almond, potato flour, carrot, baking powder, cinnamon, sultanas, olive oil, sunflower and pumpkin seeds)
Orange cake with yogurt topping (orange, sugar-free xylitol, eggs, ground almond, low fat yogurt, low fat crème fraîche, lemon, honey and gelatine)
Raspberry sorbet (raspberries and sugar-free xylitol)

Smoked chicken with pear and walnut on a chicory leaf
Poached salmon with cucumber on baby gem leaf
Smoked mackerel with beetroot and horseradish on rye
Egg white, chive and mushroom duxelle on spelt bread

Hummus (chickpeas, garlic, lemon, coriander, tahini and olive oil) and
Guacamole (avocado, chilli and lemon juice) with crudités

Alongside a selection of different teas and herbal infusions including whole peppermint leaf, fresh ginger, chamomile, along with a blend of silver needle and rose.

The price of this special ‘Tea-Tox’ is £37 per person. Should guests wish to enjoy a ‘Champagne Tea-Tox’, then The English Tea Room will serve it with a glass of Dosnon & Lepage, Extra-Brut Champagne, which is low in calories, at £45 per person. Please call 020 7518 4006 and quote ‘Tea-Tox’ on making a reservation. Advance bookings are highly recommended. Afternoon Tea is served between 3pm and 6pm Monday to Friday and 1pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

in:spa nutritionist Amelia Freer says “This Tea-Tox is ideal for those who are keen to indulge in afternoon tea, without piling on the pounds. The ingredients are perfect for blood sugar balancing allowing guests to feel fuller for longer. With no salt or sugar, high in omega 3 and antioxidants and bursting with fibre it ticks all the healthy boxes. It is a must-try for all”.

Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4BP

Tel: +44 (0)20 7493 6020

Lorraine has been an in:spa nutritionist for several years and has helped numerous guests on in:spa retreats over that time. She is amusing, inspiring and very well informed and always gives thoroughly enjoyable presentations.

Thursday 23 June, 18.30 – 20.00

Amongst her many areas of detailed nutritional expertise is the subject of skin superfoods.  On Thursday 23 June from 18.30 – 20.00 at the Dermalogica store just off Kensington Church Street W8, Lorraine will be giving a talk on this important and popular subject, with plenty of time for guests to ask questions afterwards.

Skin Superfoods – learn how to boost collagen, banish wrinkles, and moisturise from within. This will be an exciting and informative talk about the cutting edge research that is the next step in 21st Century skin care. While skin care ranges have introduced vitamins and plant extracts to skin creams, new research shows that taking in special skin nutrients internally can make skin glow. Come and hear how special foods can improve texture, hydration, protect you from free radicals and address pigmentation.

Just £15 per person, to include a glass of wine and some tasty, healthy nibbles. Places are strictly limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Booking: please call Nicola on 0845 458 0723

Location: Dermalogica, 8 Lancer Square, London W8 (just off the south end of Kensington Church Street)

Nearest tube: Kensington High Street

Click here to view map

With guests shortly arriving for our fitscape ski & fitness holiday on Sunday (27 March) in the Italian Dolomites, Kathryn and the team have gone out a couple of days earlier to re-aquaint themselves with the mountains.  She’s there with, pictured from left to right, George (personal trainer and expert skier), Lisa (assistant host) and James (yoga teacher).  The great news is that there is still loads of good quality snow and the weather is gorgeous (but chilly) – all in all, ideal conditions for a late season ski trip to the magnificent Italian Dolomites.

Our base for the week is the 5 star Relais & Chateaux hotel Rosa Alpina, in the charming village of San Cassiano.  This ultra comfortable hotel, run by the Pizzinini family for several generations, is very close to the cable car and will provide our guests with the perfect environment from which to enjoy a wonderful skiing holiday.  The hotel is surrounded by one of the world’s greatest ski areas:  the Dolomiti Superski. It consists of 12 valleys, 460 lifts and 760 miles of ski runs and all are accessible under one ski pass. The skiing is, quite simply, amazing.

The luxurious Rosa Alpina hotel, recently voted the best hotel spa in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller, is exclusively for the enjoyment of our guests and it’s the perfect haven to return to after a day on the slopes. With roaring fires, excellent service and exceptionally spacious, comfortable bedrooms, Rosa Alpina is a magical place to stay and experience a fitscape ski holiday.

Days start with a morning stretch, lead by George, to get any tired limbs warmed up before we head out on to the slopes with our team of expert guides and instructors.  All guests that wish to join these small guided groups will be allocated to one of their experience and skill level.  Some days we will be heading to less well explored parts of the mountains, away from the pistes, to try snow shoeing or cross country (also known as skinning) skiing.  It’s great exercise and a delightfully novel experience for those of our guests who have never tried it before.

We return to the hotel for afternoon tea and healthy snacks, followed by (for those that wish to join in) a fitness training class and then an evening restorative yoga class.  Of course, there’s always the award winning spa for guests to enjoy instead.

And, as a very important aspect of the week, guests will enjoy and benefit from delicious, nutritious healthy cuisine created by the hotel’s expert team of chefs, headed up by Norbert Niederkofler (Michelin star).

There’s still some late availability!  To find out more, please see fitscape ski or call us on 0845 458 0723

Alli Godbold will be known to many of our in:spa guests as she has been a nutritionist on several of our retreats in recent years. What you might not know, however, is that she has just published a book of terrific healthy recipes called ‘Feed Your Health’.  We happily recommend it! To give you an idea of what it’s all about, here’s the helpful blurb on the back cover:

Known from her numerous appearances on TV and radio, Alli Godbold is a nutritionist who loves her food! Here is a collection of her favourite recipes, tried and tested at her popular cookery workshops. Alli believes healthy eating should be delicious – all about exciting flavours as well as maximum nutrients, and not about denial. You will be inspired to cook dishes that will not only delight your friends and family but also enrich their health!

Try a couple of these recipes and you will be hooked; never again will you reach for a ready meal! Easy to prepare, most of the dishes are ready in under 30 minutes and don’t require any fancy culinary skills Get chopping, invite your friends over, and feed your health …

A nutritionist regularly interviewed on TV and radio and quoted in the press, Alli began her career as an international model. Traveling the world gave her an opportunity to sample many local cuisines – including those of Japan, Italy and France – and presented her with a mission to combine exciting culinary experiences with optimum health. Alli currently provides services as a nutritional therapist for in:spa retreats and New You Boot Camps as well as managing her own practise, offering private consultations and cookery workshops from her home in London. She also works in the community, teaching healthy eating and cooking to people with disabilities through the Adventures in Eating project and with the Asian Centre in Wood Green, London.

Order: if you would like to order a copy of Alli’s book, at just £13.99, please click here