Friends Wellbeing Holidays: Laughter & Self-care

How busy are you?

Sanne: "Incredibly hectic. Right now, I'm on the go for fourteen hours a day dealing with a move, renovation, work, and taking care of my two young children, aged four and two."

Carolien: "I also have two young children, work as an actress, and run a business. Finding a balance between work, kids, and a moment for myself can sometimes be a challenge. The kids always come first. Often, I can't get my work done during the day because of that, so I end up doing it in the evenings or early mornings. By the time it's my turn, I'm exhausted, and all I can do is stare blankly ahead or at the TV."

Do you frequently go on vacations with your girlfriends?

Carolien: "I went last year with my best friend, who was pregnant with her fourth child at the time."

Sanne: "For me, it's been six years already. That was before your wedding, Carolien."

How does a vacation with girlfriends differ from one with your partner or family?

Sanne: "It's a significant difference because you can completely set your own agenda. When my children are around, everything revolves around them, and I forget about my own needs. The only things I manage to do for myself are sleep and sunbathing. With friends, you engage in entirely different activities, following a more adult-oriented schedule. You can have a conversation that lasts longer than fifteen minutes or read a book. It's delightful! Plus, you can use the bathroom alone, which is also quite nice."

Carolien: "With friends, I only have to think about one person instead of the entire family. It's wonderful to truly let go at home. The fun starts at the airport. I see women with families bustling around while I calmly go grab a coffee and read my magazine. Waiting in line for fifteen minutes is suddenly not a problem anymore without children. On the way there, there was a child who ran away from the line, and I thought, 'Should I grab that little arm or not?'"

You went to Hotel Botanico in Tenerife. Would you recommend it?

Carolien: "The Asian ambiance is incredible. It truly feels like you're in Asia. The Botanico team is unbelievably friendly and helpful. There's a wide range of dining options. The spa is fantastic with excellent treatments, and the view is magical. It's a complete package."

Sanne: "Absolutely recommended, with delicious food, excellent wellness facilities, lovely pools, and beautiful botanical gardens. And the service! In the evening, your pajamas are neatly laid out on your bed. What's also great is that you can step directly from your bed into the wellness area and vice versa. Everything is right there."

What does a wellness program add to a girlfriends' vacation?

Sanne: "Normally, we're the ones taking care of everything, and now other people took care of us. We were pampered so much. It was delightful!"

Carolien: "It adds a deeper layer of relaxation. Massages, for me, work very meditatively. Additionally, I engaged in a lot of physical activity and gained a lot of energy and satisfaction from the daily morning workshops, ranging from yoga to meditation. To make the most of this short break and experience everything it had to offer, I scheduled treatments non-stop from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM every day, including pedicures, manicures, and massages. I thought, 'Now is the time.' It helped me shed all my stress."

Which (wellness) moment stood out the most?

Carolien: "The Shiatsu massage. It wasn't necessarily the most relaxing, but it was the most effective. It reached deep into the muscles, addressing the knots and tension points. I felt so much lighter afterward."

Sanne: "I found the massages based on the Ayurvedic tradition and the corresponding menu to be very intriguing. You truly feel like you're taking a healthy approach, and it brought a profound sense of calm to my body. As a warm Ayurvedic body type, pitta dosha, I received a cooling massage with oil that didn't make me feel too warm. Caroline, on the other hand, being a cooler vata, received a warming massage. The women at the spa are highly attuned and could sense exactly what I needed. They don't just follow a routine but genuinely felt where I held tension."

Was it purely magical, or do you also have a tip for Botanico?

Carolien: "Spain isn't quite there yet when it comes to vegetarian options, so the menu could be improved in that regard. However, I must give credit to Botanico because they prepared a delicious vegetarian dish on the spot. So, you can definitely visit as a vegetarian, but it would be nice if such options were readily available on the menu."

Now that you're back, what did this break bring to you?

Carolien: "I feel lighter. On the third day, I noticed that I was genuinely letting go of something, finally surrendering to it. And as friends, we had some incredibly profound conversations. When we usually meet, it's always a rush with kids, and conversations are in fragments. This time, we genuinely had quality time for each other. That allowed us to discuss things that had never been broached before. It means a lot to me. And, of course, there was a lot of peace and catching up on sleep. I was a bit saddened when we left because I wished I could have remained in that ultimate state of relaxation for one more day. I experienced instant homesickness when I got back."

Sanne: "I can relate; I was also sad to leave. But I felt rejuvenated and full of energy, which was much needed for the home renovation. I can handle things again, which is incredibly gratifying. I returned as a happy, upbeat person, and my partner noticed it too. We realized that we should really give each other the gift of such a vacation with friends."

What did you learn from this break?

Carolien: "I've come to realize that I need to prioritize spending time alone and taking better care of myself. I shouldn't set the bar so high for myself. I need to check in with myself more often, asking, 'Are you okay?' And if not, 'What do you need?' We often assume that taking solo trips or going on vacations with friends is selfish or hypocritical, but it has a positive impact on the entire family. When I'm burnt out, I'm not as enjoyable as a mother, partner, or employee. Recharging my batteries is crucial."

Sanne: "I've particularly recognized how much I've missed this and that we should make it a more regular occurrence. I think women tend to have a quicker tendency to put themselves aside. They do it to maintain a pleasant atmosphere and keep everyone content. I see this in myself and in my friends. Many women want a girlfriends' holiday, it is important to say, 'I need this!'"

Get ready for a Friend's Health & Wellbeing and enjoy spa, excursions and Specials Group Deals!

Palazzo di Varignana, Italy

There's so much to enjoy at this elegant Italian estate! Surrounded by 100 hectares of olive groves and vineyards, it's perfect for leisurely walks and cycling (with e-bikes available for rent). The award-winning spa, voted 'Best Italian Spa 2020,' makes it an ideal destination for both short getaways and extended wellness retreats. Just 10 km away, there's a driving range and an 18-hole golf course. Explore the nearby town of Ravenna with its mosaics and historic sites, take a guided tour in the Ferrari Museum or discover the flavors of the Emilia-Romagna region with local wine tastings of Lambrusco, Sangiovese, and Pignoletto. Immerse yourself in Italian culinary traditions with a cooking class in the picturesque countryside surrounding Bologna and learn to craft traditional Emilian dishes under the guidance of local chefs.

Paradis Plage, Morocco

Relaxed and chilled Surf & Yoga resort located on a beautiful 5 km sandy beach with a contemporary Moroccan style. Here they take chilling to the next level with the relaxed surfer-style vibe, its famous yoga classes, the Moroccan EcoSpa and its organic cuisine. There are free daily group activities such as fitness workouts, body combat and kayaking. You can take surf and yoga classes, both for beginners and advanced. Go along the ‘road of honey’ and come to discover the natural pools of Paradise Valley at only 27 kilometers away. More tips to see & do in the area: charming fishing harbor Essaouira. Walk in the picturesque little street of the old medieval city of Marrakech. Discover the fortified village of Tafraout with the landscape of pink granite and deep red-walled canyons. 

Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, Greece

In the surroundings of Miraggio Thermal Spa in Greece, you can explore the beautiful landscape and enjoy various activities. Take a boat trip to nearby islands for stunning views of the Aegean Sea, or visit historical sites like the ancient city of Mendi. Hike through lush forests or indulge in water sports such as snorkeling and diving. Nearby villages offer opportunities to experience Greek culture and cuisine, while the thermal spa itself provides relaxation and rejuvenation with its healing thermal waters and wellness treatments.

Pine Cliffs, Portugal

Almar Jesolo Resort & Spa, Italy

Monchique, Portugal

Nestled in the heart of Serra de Monchique, let yourself be enveloped by its stunning landscapes that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the region with captivating walks like Monchique Walk and Caldas de Monchique, or indulge in Core Training, Bootcamp, and Yoga sessions amidst nature's embrace. Immerse yourself in natural cosmetics workshops and cocktail labs, or savor culinary delights. Discover the renowned Lagar dos Pardieiros, where the "true" gold of Monchique olive oil has been produced since 1953, offering tastings steeped in tradition. Choose from scenic routes, horseback rides, or coastal boat trips to explore the beauty of the Algarve. Experience winemaking at Quinta do Francês with an Odelouca wine tasting to conclude your adventure.