Discover all our Weightloss holidays

What is a weight loss holiday? 

A weight loss holiday allows you to focus exclusively on your health and wellness goals without the distractions and demands of daily life. It provides a dedicated period for self-care. Weight loss holidays provide a comprehensive and structured approach to weight management in a supportive and health-focused, relaxed environment. It's important to choose a weight loss program that aligns with your specific goals, preferences, and any medical considerations you may have. Do not expect miracles: you won’t lose 5 kilos in a week (or you might do, but most probably only by losing water). The goal of a weight loss holiday is to gain sustainable weight loss over a period of time, including when you are back home again.

What to expect on a weight loss holiday? 

Weight loss holidays, also known as weight loss retreats or weight loss vacations, are wellbeing programs designed to help you achieve your weight loss goals while enjoying a rejuvenating and immersive experience. These programs are offered at Health & Wellbeing resorts, medical spas or spa destinations, and they combine elements of sport/exercise/fitness, healthy food, mindfulness activities, workshops and spa treatments.

Beyond short-term weight loss, these programs emphasize the importance of long-term lifestyle changes. Combining weight loss with a vacation experience can make your journey more enjoyable and memorable. You get to explore a new destination while prioritizing your health. 

We have listed the elements that could be included in a a weight loss programme:

(Side note: each element of a weight loss holiday or retreat can vary depending on program and destination).  

• Nutritional guidance: Nutrition is a fundamental component. Weight loss is mostly about your meals, a healthy and nutritious diet. You will be guided on healthy eating habits and portion control. There are many concepts of diets and it is important to find out what works best for your body.  
  
• Sport/exercise/fitness: Exercise and physical activities, such as yoga, Pilates, hiking, muscle training or cardio workouts are central to weight loss holidays. It will help you to burn calories, build muscle and improve your next fitness levels. A weight loss holidays include various sport, fitness and exercise elements. 
  
• Tailored programs: Programs are often personalized to meet your goals, needs, challenges and fitness level. Whether you are looking to lose a few kilos or you embark on a significant weight loss journey, each program will be adapted to your needs accordingly. 
  
• Holistic / Medical supervision: Weight loss holidays can take a holistic or medical supervision or a blend of those two. The holistic approach is to look at all aspects of a human: body, mind & soul. A naturopath or holistic therapist will look more in depth how your mental and stress levels have contributed to weight gain (emotional, stress or hormone imbalances). Some weight loss retreats offer medical supervision, especially good for those who have specific medical conditions. Some offer a blend of those, e.g. testing your hormone levels, thyroid function, your cortisol or any other facts about your body.  
  
• Spa and relaxation: Stress has a big impact on weight gain. Cortisol holds on to fat. Many weight loss retreats offer spa treatments and relaxation activities to help you unwind and reduce stress, which will help you in your weight loss success. 
  
• Mindfulness and stress reduction: Weight loss is not only about physical activity and diet. It also involves managing stress and emotional well-being. Mindfulness practices, meditation, and stress-reduction techniques are often part of the program. Reducing stress is essential for successful weight loss. 
  
• Education and workshops: During a weight loss program, the hotel or retreat can offer workshops or educational sessions to learn about sustainable weight management, how to make healthy food choices, how to prepare healthy dishes and how to incorporate fitness into your daily live.  
  
• Supportive environment: Being away from home and being surrounded by like-minded people with similar goals can be motivating. Weight loss holidays often provide a supportive environment where you can share your experiences and challenges. 
  
• Duration: Weight loss holidays can vary in duration, ranging from a few days to several weeks, depending on the program. 
  
• A reset in lifestyle: Weight loss holidays are not just short-term weight loss, but could be a great (re) start of a healthy lifestyle. It will offer tools, knowledge and skills needed to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle after returning home. 
  
• Individual coaching: Some weight loss holidays include one-on-one coaching or counseling sessions to address challenges such as emotional eating, how to lower your stress levels etc.  
  

Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any significant weight loss program is advisable, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns.

Losing weight on holiday is easier

Losing weight is not easy. The temptation from all the unhealthy foods we are surrounded by on a daily basis is large. However, a holiday can provide the ideal opportunity to break out of those unhealthy eating and snacking habits. In a pleasant, comfortable environment you will enjoy fresh and light meals, which in itself often causes any cravings to disappear. Particularly when you’re spending your days doing sporting activities and having gorgeous, relaxing treatments! You will be supervised by a nutritional coach or dietician during a weight loss holiday. This will give you insights into your eating habits and teach you how to eat better and healthier, without getting hungry. During the holiday, those initial few kilos will drop off. And with the right tools in place, you can continue working towards a healthy weight once home.

Which specific Weight loss treatments could you expect? 

Spa treatments can complement a weight loss program and can be beneficial in the weight loss process:

• Massage Therapy: Massages can help alleviate muscle soreness, reduce tension and promote relaxation. It can be especially beneficial when you are incorporating exercise into your weight loss program. 
  
• Facials: Facials not only rejuvenate the skin but also provide a sense of pampering and self-care. 
  
• Body Wraps: Body wraps may include detoxifying or hydrating treatments. While they won't lead to long-term weight loss, they can provide a temporary sense of tightness and rejuvenation.
  
• Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy treatments, such as hot tubs, saunas, or steam baths, can promote relaxation and help relieve muscle tension. 
  
• Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to enhance relaxation and reduce stress. Certain scents, such as lavender or chamomile, can have a calming effect.
  
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture sessions can help with stress management and may support emotional well-being during a weight loss program.
  
• Mud Baths: Some spas offer mud baths, which are believed to detoxify the body and improve skin texture. While not directly related to weight loss, they can be a relaxing experience.
  
• Reflexology: Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet or hands to promote relaxation and reduce tension. 
  

Ask our team

Our team of well-being travel experts is dedicated to providing guidance and assisting you in discovering your ideal Weight Loss holiday destination. We are here to offer advice, ensuring that your journey towards well-being aligns perfectly with your preferences and aspirations.