Escape to the Algarve
With 300 days of sunshine a year, clean air refreshed by Atlantic breezes, and its proximity to the UK, the Algarve is always a great choice for a yoga and wellness break
Thinking of where to go for your next healthy getaway? Portugal’s sunny south is always a good idea. The Algarve is the southernmost region in the country framed by a 200-km coastline. Known for its promise of more than 300 days of sun per year, it is home to award-winning beaches, authentic gastronomy and a range of outdoor activities from surfing to cycling, walking, and birdwatching that attracts thrill seekers and nature lovers alike.
It’s also crammed with amazing health and wellness options for the discerning yoga traveller. Plus you can get some 50% off treatments at top hotels during Algarve Spa week (there are actually two in 2020, one each in April and October) if you really want to spoil yourself! You’ll find everything from brand new farm house retreats, top-of-the-range wellness hotels, new spa programmes for teens and kids…and lots of yoga. Here’s a flavour of all things wellness in the sunny Algarve this year.
memmo Baleeira
memmo Baleeira is launching its first wellness retreats in 2020. It has long been a destination for nature and wellness, with surfing, trekking and biking at the heart of any experience in Sagres. This year will see the launch of The Detox Programme, designed to help guests restore, rejuvenate and recover. The retreat includes specialist detox lunches with seasonal and healthy ingredients and treatments range from detoxing facials to lymphatic drainage, with the aim of energising the body and removing toxins.
The programme includes the use of the hotel’s spa facilities and members are also encouraged to rejuvenate in the surrounding nature of the wild Costa Vicentina. Activity is key, so whether it’s trekking the ancient trails, surfing in the Atlantic, cycling along the cliffs to explore further afield, yoga classes on the cliff tops, rock climbing or kayaking, memmo Baleeira can accommodate. three-day programme costs £280pp including two night’s accommodation, half board, a 50-minute treatment, two yoga classes, daily detox drinks and use of the spa. Visit: memmohotels.com
Villa Monte
Located in Olhao, in the eastern Algarve, Vila Monte is launching its first in-house series of retreats this year. The retreats will be led by three facilitators, Janet Shook, a wellness curator for Villa Monte Farm House, Luisa Peres, specialising in healing through the elements of nature, and Karim Fadali, a yoga expert and an avid explorer of astrological charts.
February 18-23: Nurturing your True Self includes Kundalini Yoga and meditation, dance of the elements, nature hikes and nature healing nutritional support and guidance. A three-night programme costs €755pp.
March 17-22: We are Stardust includes guided star-gazing sessions to get familiarised with the visible constellations and planets, talks on astrological chart’s fundamental principles, application of esoteric astrology, yoga and meditation practices and an exploration of the creation myths of yogic traditions. The three-night programme costs €850pp.
A special menu has also been developed for these retreats from locally-sourced products providing vegan and gluten-free meals with super foods at the in-house A Terra restaurant. Visit: vilamonte.com
Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel in Alvor
The 5 star Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel in Alvor only opened last October. This state-of-the-art wellness centre embraces modern integrative and regenerative medicine with the most advanced wellness and preventative diagnostics, therapies and programmes. Longevity’s USP is its thorough anti-ageing regime. A fleet of doctors, nutritionists and fitness trainers are at each guest’s disposal and will create individually-tailored programmes.
The Detox & Relax wet area circuit could be the place for you: consisting of an infra-red sauna, hammam, ice fountain, Epsom salt room, sensations showers, relaxing room, indoor heated Himalayas salt detox pool and sensation relax pool. Visit: longevityalvor.com/en
Vidamar Resort Hotel
The Vidamar Resort Hotel Algarve has designed a spa programme especially for families with children aged 6-11.
The Parents & Kids’ SPA programme for one adult and child includes: one back and leg massage (25 min); one mini-facial treatment (25 min); unlimited access to the fitness room for adults, accommodation in double room with one extra bed with daily buffet breakfast; daily family dinner (drinks not included); unlimited access to the indoor heated saltwater pool for the adults and children; and family welcome VIP, in room, upon arrival.
The ‘Parents & Kids’ SPA Programme two-nights stay package costs from €339 per room for two adults and one child or two nights stay package from €474 per room for two adults and two children. Visit: vidamarresorts.com/resort-algarve
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
The prestigious clifftop resort, Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, located in the beautiful central Algarve, has launched a new concept, ‘VITAL Wellness’ designed in partnership with London-based health and fitness specialist Harry Jameson, as well as a Teen Wellness Programme. VITAL Wellness encapsulates Vila Vita Parc’s commitment to supporting and encouraging health, wellness, nutrition and
vitality throughout the hotel’s 11 restaurants, spa, and sporting activities. That includes a Teen Wellness Programme, designed to educate young adults aged 13 to 18 years of age. The Vila Vita Parc is a five-star luxury hotel and resort with 170 rooms, suites and villas, a Michelin-starred restaurant and 11 restaurants, bars, a spa, private yacht, wine cellar and a range diversified sports and leisure activities.
Visit: vilavitaparc.com/en
ALGARVE SPA WEEK
Visitors can enjoy as much as 50% discount on treatments at participating hotels during Algarve Spa Week, held this year in April and October 2020. Expect amazing prices, exclusive treatments and top spa facilities. Visit: algarve-spa-week.com
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
