Get Fit For Your Upcoming Trip

FIT For Trips, the industry leader in travel fitness, introduces four to twelve-week programs to help get travelers ready for their 2019 vacations. “After the holidays are behind us, you find a lot of New Year’s resolutions in gyms all across America.” Explains Marcus Shapiro, owner and director of Fit For Trips. “Many of these people are excited to get in shape and healthy for an upcoming vacation in the new year.” Getting in shape and travelling more is annually on American’s top 10 resolutions list.

The four to twelve-week programs offered by Fit For Trips begin with an easy online form with questions about medical history, current and past exercise history, home or gym training, available equipment and trip details (if applicable). Not all Fit For Trips clients have a vacation planned some just want a kick start.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Not just for grownups

WELLNESS and sustainability have always been integrated into every aspect of the guest experience at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. Now it’s time for the parents to step aside so the kids can gain useful life skills and knowledge too. Grow With #SixSenses is the group’s new framework for the kids programs which incorporate six dimensions of wellness into all activities for younger guests and the company’s approach to kids and #family wellness. 

Grow With Six Senses encourages younger guests to understand more about what’s going on inside them and in the world around them. The approach is to learn through natural play (after all, there is nothing less fun than when children are told, “this will be fun!”). It’s an adventure, and as they journey through each activity, they’ll get a new stamp for their personal Six Senses passport.

Programs vary from resort to resort, but introduce specifically designed physical activities, yoga and mindfulness, local culture, sustainability and social experiences. Activities at Six Senses Yao Noi include roselle harvesting and flying yoga, while at Six Senses Fiji, opening in April, kids can make their own snacks using a solar oven. Six Senses Laamu has a beautiful garden for salad foraging and offers junior Zumba and healthy cookie making.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Field to fork detox in Andalucia

AFTER snow, slush and sleet comes spring so take time out and revitalise and rejuvenate mind, body and soul.

Not just a detox diet, but an expert-designed gourmet detox diet based on organic field-to-fork produce paired with tailored private sessions of yoga, meditation and tai chi, as well as massage, spa treatments, invigorating walks, revitalising sleep. Our small group has exclusive use of 1700-acre organic farm and luxurious mountain retreat, La Donaira.

La Donaira offers just 9 individually-designed suites, state of the art facilities including contemporary spa, exquisite shared spaces, open-air pool and gardens, yoga platform and running trails.

From €830/pp (3 days/3 nights) - Close to Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Easy access from Seville (1hr), Jerez (1hr) and Malaga (1hr 40mins) airports. 

www.ladonaira.com/events

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Spring into April in Miami

APRIL is all about sports and wellness in #Miami and the Beaches. From relaxing walks on the beach to Jet Ski adventures, there is a lot to be found in Miami.

As Miami is perfect for indoor and outdoor activities, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau has made April ‘Miami Sports and Wellness Month’, offering discounts and special offers for great activities such as yoga, golf and a wide range of water sport activities

The Miami Sports and Wellness Month will kick off with the ‘Yoga In The Park’ event, a free yoga class, on April 5th at 6:00 PM at The Tina Hills Pavilion on the south end of Bayfront Park.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Queensland emerges as a leader in sport tourism

NEW research shows #Queensland has emerged as a global leader in fitness and wellness tourism, with a report released by the government revealing what drives the world’s most #active travelers to ‘bucket list’ endurance events across the state. 

The Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland supports a line-up of 17 world-class endurance events stretching from the Gold Coast to Tropical North Queensland and covering everything from triathlon to multi-sport challenges, running, mountain biking and cycling events and ocean swims.

In the countdown to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Acting Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development Shannon Fentiman said the state was proud of its reputation as Australia’s endurance event capital.

Endurance events supported by the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar can be accessed here: www.queensland.com/events/endurance-events

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Yoga in Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

IT'S hard to imagine a more fitting place to which to retreat for a yoga holiday than a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whether it is famed for its aesthetically pleasing landscapes captured by Renaissance painters (as is the case in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia) or for its distinctive mountains and exceptional natural beauty (as in the Dolomites). Simply being in these unspoilt natural surroundings instils calm, regenerating both the body and mind, which is further intensified through specific yoga exercises. 

Adler Spa Resorts is very fortunate to have hotels in these two Italian locations of note and both are offering yoga retreats in November/December 2017, with Adler Thermae repeating its retreats in February/March 2018. Adler Mountain Lodge is in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites.  Adler Thermae in Tuscany has three yoga holidays planned for November and December, which will then be repeated in February and March 2018. Yoga is an integral part of Adler Spa Resorts’ offering – complimentary classes are offered week in, week out by the in-house team at all the hotels, with dedicated yoga holidays such as those described above taking place at specific times. 

www.adler-resorts.com/en/yoga-retreats-italy

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Colorado: the best US state to ride a bike in

CYCLISTS from across the United States and abroad widely recognize #Colorado as a premier #cycling #destination, because of its natural beauty, variety of terrain, notable bike rides and races and soaring elevation. From world-class bike races like the Colorado Classic and the Breck Epic to a cruiser ride along the Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade or mountain biking the downhill trails at Winter Park (“Mountain Bike Capital, USA”).

Must-Experience Colorado Bike Trails and Rides:

Bike-friendly Fort Collins

Cycling opportunities prevail in and around Fort Collins, and getting to know the area atop two wheels offers a bounty of benefits. Road cyclists will appreciate the 285+ miles of relatively flat, wide bike lanes, trails and paths, including three main bike trails offering 19 miles of paved surface: the Poudre trail that follows the Cache La Poudre River; Spring Creek trail following the creek; and Fossil Creek trail covering miles of open prairie.

Blue River Trail in Silverthorne

The Blue River Trail is Silverthorne’s link to the county-wide paved trail system. The 3.5-mile, hard surface paved trail begins at the top of the Dillon Dam and ends at North Pond Park. The Blue River Trail offers a meandering, family-friendly paved trail with spectacular views.

High-Desert Biking in Eagle

Eagle is a high-desert town, which means an extended biking season and trails that are open into mid-December. Over 100 miles of single-track mountain biking trails and paved recreational trails are accessible. Riders can start on beginner trails like Haymaker and Eagle Ranch Loop and then advance to the technical Mike’s Night Out. Eagle Ranch Loop is great for families and various skill levels.

Maroon Creek Road in Aspen

Few bike rides in the world can match the drama of this eight-mile road ride. Riders will round a bend and suddenly view the iconic Maroon Bells, two 14,000-foot peaks striped with snow year-round. The trek takes riders 22 miles round-trip through a moderately difficult ride with unparalleled views.

Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville

Biking is a favorite sport on Leadville’s famous Mineral Belt Trail, where riders can see the tops of the towering Sawatch Range and remnants of 1880s silver mines, all on a paved, 11.6-mile loop around town. Portions of the trail follow old railroad grades, making for a pleasant ride around North America’s highest incorporated city, set at 10,152 feet.The trail winds through Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District.

Monarch Crest Trail in Salida

Thanks to the diverse ecosystem in Salida, there’s always great singletrack to be ridden in the middle of winter or during the heat of summer. The Monarch Crest Trail should be included on the Colorado mountain bike bucket list. From the Monarch Crest trailhead at Monarch Pass, riders will encounter singletrack, doubletrack, fire road, smooth and packed trails, rocky and loose trails and great views of nature and wildlife.

Trailheads in Niwot

The town of Niwot in Boulder County is known throughout the cycling community as one of the best spots to begin or end a ride. Home to mammals, birds and amphibians, these trails are perfect for nature-lovers. The 6.4-mile Niwot trail system is composed of easy trails and provides breathtaking mountain views and shady cottonwood-lined paths along irrigation canals.

Winter Park, Aka “Mountain Bike Capital, USA”

With over 600 miles of cross-country trails and two downhill bike parks, Mountain Bike Capital USA™ has it all: mellow rides, heart-thumping singletrack adventures and gravity-fed adrenaline. Winter Park plays host to numerous bike races and events all summer long. For the novice, seasoned cross-country biker, downhill racer or the want-to-learn-more-skills casual biker, there are a variety of events and trails to choose from.

Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade

Choose from three different loops from five to 25-miles-long through mapped points of interest for those who want to stop and experience the agriculture and industry of the area. Explore historic downtown Palisade, tour along the scenic Colorado River and enjoy some of the best vistas of the Grand Valley, all while savoring fresh fruit from the beautiful orchards, or enjoying the lavender gardens, world class vineyards, premium wineries and fresh farm market fruit stands along the way.

7-Eleven Olympic Velodrome in Colorado Springs

Built in 1983 in preparation for the 1984 Olympic Games, the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome is the official training venue for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic track cycling and USA Roller Sports. The Velodrome features a 333.3-meter banked cement cycling track, which wraps around a 200-meter track for roller sports. The 1,000-seat facility is open to the public for community racing, and hosts local, national and international events throughout the year.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Conquer Snowdon

20 miles over 1 mountain. You’ll begin your journey at sea level from within the UNESCO World Heritage listed Caernarfon Castle before climbing steadily through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Wales with some obstacles along the way. 

Once you’ve braved the elements and descended from the summit of Snowdon, you’ll then face the ‘All Out Vertical Kilometre’, a guided abseil, and a series of land and water based obstacles designed to test what strength remains.

Find out more about Man vs Mountain

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Heathrow and FlyFit partnership announced

HEATHROW has announced an exclusive partnership with FlyFit to open the world’s first wellness and fitness studio in an airport. The studio, which opens this autumn, will offer passengers both instructor-led and interactive strength, restorative yoga, and cardio classes.

The brand-new, state-of-the-art space will be located after security in departures at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2: The Queens Terminal, accessible through a lift down to its private facilities. The FlyFit team will provide rental workout clothing, shower facilities and healthy food options to help travelers to stay well wherever their journey takes them.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

New Ambassador for Spabreaks.com

EUROPE'S leading #spa booking agency, Spabreaks.com, announced that actress and TV presenter Denise van Outen will be joining the team as a new ambassador for the upcoming year.

As spa travel experts, Spabreaks.com sends more than 4,000 people on spa breaks each week and is a pioneering leader in the spa industry, known for making #wellbeing more accessible for those with cancer and championing body confidence and mental health awareness. 

As part of her work with Spabreaks.com, the mum of one, famed in particular for her role presenting The Big Breakfast and performances in the West End and on Broadway, will be reviewing spas, sharing her thoughts on health and wellbeing on the company blog and working with the brand on upcoming initiatives throughout the year.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Ayers Rock Resort host the eighth Australian Outback Marathon

VOYAGES Ayers Rock Resort will host the eighth Australian Outback Marathon on 29 July 2017 and this year is set to be the largest to date, with the event selling out two months earlier than last year. With just over seven weeks to go, approximately 600 entrants, including a number of sponsored students from Indigenous communities, are set to pound the red dust with spectacular views of #Uluru and Kata Tjuta. 

Entrants are from 29 countries including #Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Portugal, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

Race organiser and sports tour operator, Travelling Fit, has designed the event to be enjoyed by all levels of #running abilities and four different events are available: a full Marathon, Half Marathon and 11km and 6km fun runs. The course is relatively flat with only a few inclines and sand dunes, and is mostly on unsealed roads, bush tracks and soft-sand trails.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Spabreaks.com launches its hottest relaxation holiday to date

SPA-LOVERS in search of the hottest new #luxury #spa holiday need look no further than Spabreaks.com's brand new four night 'city and desert' twin-centre break in #Oman.

The trip includes two nights in a luxury tented camp under the stars in the middle of the desert, two nights in one of Muscat's most luxurious properties, return flights, plus spa treatments dating back to the Ancient Egyptians.

Guests will enjoy two nights at Dunes by Al Nahda on a half board basis, experiencing a traditional hot sand ritual using techniques from the Ancient Egyptian times. Guests immerse themselves in sunken hot sand tubs before being wrapped in fabric and covered in a mix of milk, wine and oils before a relaxing massage. 

The final two nights will be spent at Al Nahda in Muscat on a bed and breakfast basis in an executive suite. As part of the package, guests will be treated to a 60 minute exotic facial.

For more information or to book visit www.spabreaks.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Inhale and Exhale in the Dominican Republic

YOGA with soft tropical breezes caressing the body while enjoying breathtaking ocean views and surrounded by swaying palm trees, sounds good! The newly built yoga platform at the Samaná Ocean View Eco Lodge, operated by Dominican Expert opened in December 2016, it is a unique, outstanding yoga spot in the #DominicanRepublic. 

The Samaná Ocean View Eco Lodge offers 14 cottages and 7 day #yoga #retreats. Each one features a terrace or floor-to-ceiling-window with amazing views over the Samaná peninsula. The concept of the lodge strives to offer its guests a relaxing holiday in a natural and original Caribbean environment. The Samaná Peninsula offers endless possibilities for excursions and activities. The nearby fishing village, Las Galeras is a perfect place to mingle with the locals and have a refreshing drink. 

Guests can also enjoy a variety of hiking trails in the area, visit the waterfall El Limón, or take a boat trip to the paradisiacal island of Cayo Levantado (also known as Bacardi Island) and during the months of January, February and March you can see humpback whales during their mating season in the Samana Bay, directly visible from the lodge. 

www.dominicanexpert.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Take a break . . .

AS one of the quietest destinations in Europe, #Scotland is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and calm. In fact, the recent Scotland Visitor Survey, commissioned by VisitScotland, revealed that almost a quarter of visitors’ #holiday in Scotland to ‘get away from it all.’

A growing interest in our physical and mental health has led to increased interest in #wellbeing tourism as holidaymakers embrace the chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Scotland’s stunning vistas, wild open mountains and hushed hideaways make it the ideal location to unwind in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  Hidden hideaways to help you get away from it all:

Croft 103

You’ll find these unique eco-art cottages on the shores of Loch Eriboll.With wood stoves, feather topped beds and outside solar tubs, it is the perfect romantic Highlands hideaway. These stunning low impact buildings benefit from the very best in traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge contemporary design. Croft 103 is the ultimate escape for couples who want to be a world away from it all – together.

High Sea Hobbits

These unique little hideaways are a great reason to escape to the country. Hidden inside their unusual exterior you’ll find all your usual home comforts from comfy beds to cooking equipment. Set in their own field on a small family run farm on the North East Coast of Aberdeenshire, the Hobbits, which sleep up to 4 people, combine the fun of glamping, the peace of the countryside and the adventure of farm life to create an unforgettable family experience.

The Old Pine Yurt

Ancient Scots pine trees provide a magical backdrop for your stay at The Old Pine Yurt. Located on the secluded foothills of the spectacular Cairngorms Mountains, with just surrounding nature for company, this is a camping experience like no other.The handcrafted yurt is equipped with all the usual home comforts including a cosy double bed, solar lighting, a wood burning stove and a dram to welcome you.Nearby you’ll find the ‘Hut’ with kitchen and toilet facilities as well as an eco-shower.

Isle of Eriska

If you prefer a touch of luxury when it comes to secluded hideaways, the five-star Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island, near Oban, is situated on a private island and can only be accessed from the mainland by a small bridge. Covering 300 acres, the 25- bedroom hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, its own golf course, nature reserve and spa.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

World Masters Games open in New Zealand April 21st

THE largest event New Zealand will host in the next decade kicks off this week when the World Masters Games opens in Auckland – and the event is about more than just sport.

For Tourism #NewZealand, the games are a major opportunity to encourage as many of the international participants, their family and friends, to stay longer and travel further afield in New Zealand before or after the Games.

The #WorldMastersGames involves athletes ranging from 25 to 60+ with the oldest competitor aged 101. The average competitor is in their mid-forties. This takes in TNZ’s key target age groups of independent professionals through to active, older people, many of whom can stay longer and spend more while they are here.

The athletes will compete across 28 sports at 46 venues throughout the Auckland region and two in the Waikato. The World Masters Games will run for 10 days from 21 April. For more information, visit World Masters Games.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Innsbruck: invites you to stay

HARDLY any location offers such a vast amount of quality of life as Innsbruck in #Austria. The Olympic City combines native alpine life with modern urbanism.

The Lanserhof in the village of Lans is a good place to start. For 30 years, this resort at the foot of the Patscherkofel mountain has been the top location for holistic health improvements. www.lanserhof.com

Combining the best of eastern and western culture – this is the dasMEI in the village of Mutters. Just a few kilometres from Innsbruck, this new hotel, at first sight built in a modern-alpine style, presents something unique through its stylish Asian accessories. www.dasmei.at

The Weißes Rössl at the heart of Innsbruck’s historic city provides the perfect opportunity for a peaceful end of the day. Since the 16th century, visitors from far and near have been welcomed to this olde public house with traditional culinary offers and authentic Tyrol hospitality. www.roessl.at

Family Landhotel Stern in Obsteig have been hosting guests for 500 years. Sustainability is key at this Four Star hotel since 2012, the hotel has been climate-neutral and in further steps the Tyrol menus and Austrian delicacies are made from products that are sourced from within the region. www.hotelstern.at

The Alpenresort Schwarz is only 30 minutes away from Innsbruck at the sun spoilt Mieminger Plateau. For years, it has been renowned as an ideal place to relax, let go and rediscover oneself, at the new sauna – or rather the sauna village where saunas take place in alpine chalets.www.hotel-schwarz.com/en

In the summer of 2017, the new swimming pool in Telfs promises pure action – for instance the 91-metre long waterslide with light and sound effects and time measurements. Both the family pool and the children’s pool inside are linked with the outdoor pool and thus offer swim and fun for old and young throughout the year. A special highlight are the six lanes in the school swimming pool – this has their own spectator area in anticipation of future spectacular swimming tournaments.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK