Although the phrase ‘healthy holiday’ had me imagining nightmarish boot camp scenarios, I was welcomed with an ice-cold rum at the Verandah Resort & Spa on Long Bay, which is situated on Antigua’s north-east coast, and then driven to my room in an electric buggy. The resort has an eco-friendly no-car policy.

What I liked about the Verandah was that, rather than turn my stay into a pious health pilgrimage, I had the option to indulge or abstain as I pleased – and the guilty pleasures are always there for the taking, if you feel so inclined.

So, while I didn’t have to resist the typical holidaymaker’s free-for-all at the resort’s nutritious breakfast buffet, I had the option to feast on fruit salads, yogurts and nuts on more virtuous mornings. All co-ordinated by nutritionist Suzi Grant, the Healthy Bar has a rotating menu with warm salads and goat’s cheese for lunch one day and fresh grilled fish the next.

After several wistful glances out at the sparkling blue waters, I decided to check out the resort’s catamaran trip to the nearby uninhabited Green Island, where my fellow travellers and I were taken snorkelling at an adjacent coral reef. Although we fell victim to one of Antigua’s rainstorms (which are often sudden, but always short) while in the water, this didn’t scare away the fish, which floated around us undeterred.

The next day, I headed up to the island’s rainforest on Signal Hill to try out the exhilarating Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour. I saw exotic plants, wildlife and birds from above, thanks to nine zipwires that connect two sides of a valley. I opted for the more extreme package, in which you undertake an aerial assault course after zipwiring, and regretted it the instant I stepped onto the first rope ladder. While there’s nothing like a fear of heights to get the adrenaline pumping, I was in need of some serious pampering when I got back.

I headed straight to the resort’s relaxing spa and undid the day’s stresses with an unbelievable deep tissue massage. I wasn’t quite ready to lose the post-treatment, blissed-out feeling, so I rounded off the day with a sunset yoga class to help maintain my inner peace. The cumulative effects of the sun, sea and stress-free holiday experience meant I barely even noticed the flight home. Even better, I did more exercise and ate more healthily than I would’ve at home – and there wasn’t a hangover in sight.

For more information visit www.tcsignature.com

Words: Amy Bangs

The sights, sounds and smells of India hit you like a sucker-punch to your senses. It is a country so diverse, that each area has its own distinct culture, dialect, food, and landscape. The region of Kerala on the south west tip of India boasts sweeping hills, tea bushes, lush forests fluttering with huge butterflies, massive paddy fields and peaceful backwaters filled with all manner of fish.
My first stop was in the highlands of Munnar province, famed for its tea plantations. A trek round the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, which, at 2160m above sea level, is the highest tea plantation in the world, soon got my heart rate going. Here, I witnessed how the nation’s cuppa (and a source of numerous health benefits) comes to our table, from being harvested by hand by an army of pickers, slowly dried, and then processed.
By the end of the day I was exhausted and looking forward to a restful evening. I was staying in my first of three homestays during my trip to Kerala, where you stay with an Indian family in their own home. It allows for a more personal experience, as you get to know your hosts, and get a real feel for how Indian people live. The aptly named Spice Garden, was on a pepper plantation with views of cardamom and cinnamon fields. My room was a basic double, but was clean, with an ensuite bathroom – you pay more for more luxurious rooms. Bed and breakfast is included, but you can also ask your family to provide lunch and dinner as extra. For dinner, I was given a sumptuous feast of eight dishes of different types of rice, curry and vegetables.
Keralan cuisine is characterised by its extensive use of coconut. Keralans use both the milk and flesh in curries, drinks and desserts, the oil for cooking and even for conditioning their hair. Despite being high in saturated fat, the Keralan people claim coconut oil is actually quite healthy, as it’s low in cholesterol and believed to help improve metabolism. Rice is a staple dish in the region, also used to make rice cakes and pancakes known as appam, dosas, and idlis. They’re served with vegetarian curry (yes, even at breakfast!) called sambar. Many Keralans are Hindu so much of the food is vegetarian, and the curries are tasty and healthy. Being a coastal region, there’s also plenty of fresh fish including sardines, mackerel, crabs, and a fried fish dish called karimeen.
Next refuge was at Kottayam, which is a major centre for rubber production. There are hundreds of trees, with the distinctive marks scored into the trunks. My bed that night was in a traditional bungalow, with a stunning marble courtyard that opened to the sky. My hosts, were the Kuruvinakunnels, who were  warm and friendly, and organised for me to visit a Hindu temple, where I was lucky enough to witness a traditional wedding. I also had an Ayurvedic massage. For me, this was India at its most real – no tinkly spa music here. This was Ayurveda with no airs and graces. My masseuse rubbed me down with a traditional mix of oils and spices, leaving me smelling slightly of curry (but not in a bad way!) and supremely relaxed.
My final night was in the coastal backwaters near the town of Alleppey. The area has garnered the accolade of Venice of the East because of its massive network of canals and lakes which you can access via boat. In fact, one of our days was spent cruising smoothly down the backwaters in a houseboat. The room in my homestay looked directly out onto Vembanad Lake, and one of my most enduring images is of a pink and orange sun rising over the lake while the local fishermen set out in their boats.
Staying in a home makes such a difference, as you find out about the daily customs and practices of a real Indian family. Leaving Kerala,I felt I’d had a brief but intense and memorable experience of the true India.

Destination details

• The homestays Hannah visited range from £26-£83 per night for b&b.

• Flights to Cochin in Kerala are available on various airlines including Emirates and Qatar Airways. Prices depend on the date of travel and start from approximately £466 for a return fare including taxes. For more information call Mahindra Homestays on 020 3140 8422, email reservations@mahindrahomestays.com or visit www.mahindrahomestays.com

Words: Hannah Fox

For most people, plunging 12 metres beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea strapped up to an oxygen tank will provide equal measures of fear and exhilaration. For me, it was both – and also a little Mills & Boon.
There I was, scuba diving for the first time with a dashing instructor, JP, who clasped my hand as we floated past schools of iridescent fish. JP stared deep into my eyes. ‘Are you OK?’ he signalled. I gave him a thumbs up, the international sign for ‘yes, all good thanks,’ but in diving, it means you want to go back to the surface, so when he started to pull me up towards the distant sunlight, I shook my head and gave him the correct hand signal. I wasn’t ready to leave this underwater safari just yet.
We were exploring a coral reef just off the coast of Carriacou, an island that’s part of the Grenadines. After spotting flying fish in the water while on the boat from nearby Grenada, and enchanted by stories of the natural world beneath the water, I’d decided to give scuba diving a go. And once I’d mastered the art of breathing underwater, equalising my ear pressure and dealing with the odd heart flutter, I was free to bask in this aquatic paradise. We just missed a nurse shark, apparently, but I was too busy looking at the golden eel to see it.
Once out of the water and adjusting back to sea level, my friends and I left our lovely instructor and headed to Paradise Beach for lunch. This strip of white sand and turquoise water is exquisite – just what you see in all the brochures. Under the trees we ate fresh fish and grilled plantain, and sipped on a rum punch.
Grenada and its tiny island neighbours are amazing places to explore. It may be all too tempting to stay within the confines of a comfortable resort but it’s worth making the effort and venture out.
The Seven Sisters waterfalls are one of its natural gems. To get to the waterfalls you take a short hike through the lush rain forest, the distant peak of Mount Saint Catherine gracing the horizon. This is where our guide, Telfor, hiked for his birthday last month – his 70th birthday. With his wiry frame, big smile and jelly shoes, he didn’t look a day over 50. It’s little wonder he’s deemed one of Grenada’s living legends.
After working up a sweat (everyone except Telfor), we rewarded ourselves with a dip in the crystal-clear pools at the falls. If you’re feeling brave, you can also leap off the waterfalls or if not, an enthusiast who calls himself Super Butterfly will impress you with his somersaults and backflips. Lots of healthy active locals here!
Back at the beach and inspired by Super Butterfly’s antics, we decided to be a little more adventurous. There are all sorts of water activities available, we decided to take a sail in a little Hobie Cat. Another popular activity is sea kayaking in a clear-bottomed boat. Not only is it a great workout for the arms, but it’s also the perfect way to admire the coral reefs and explore Grenada’s underwater sculpture park. Created by British artist Jason de Caires Taylor, this collection of human-size figures is a quirky twist to the natural environment. You can get a closer look with a snorkel.
By this time we’d worked up a serious appetite, so we headed to the boutique Maca Bana resort for a cookery lesson and gourmet meal of our own making. The chefs had selected produce from the hotel’s own organic farm and we were to feast on callaloo (a bit like spinach but richer) soup, callaloo cannelloni, snapper and vegetables bursting with flavour.
For cooking fans, these experts will show you a thing or two. Grenada’s dubbed the spice island, so expect liberal sprinkles of nutmeg. In fact, it’s criminal not to leave the island without some spices to take home. Not only will they make cooking more exotic, but they’ll remind you of a place so beautiful that when you leave, it’ll seem like a dream.

• For more information on Grenada, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com. Find more info on the Maca Bana resort at www.macabana.com.

Words: Helene Dancer

My previous experience of staying in the New Forest involved squeezing into a tiny tent, so when the opportunity arose to stay at the luxurious Carey’s Manor Hotel & SenSpa, and in a proper bed, I jumped at it. Turning the car into the sweeping drive I caught sight of the grand manor house, dating back to William the Conquerer  – my ideal picture of a country retreat. Relaxation is key here and carrying your own bags is a no no – I’d barely stopped the car before a member of staff came rushing out to greet me and take my luggage to my room. I stayed in a spacious Rosewood Garden Room – with such fabulous views across the gardens, who wanted to bother with repeats of Friends on the flatscreen TV?
Keen hikers, riders and cyclists would be in their element with acres of forestland in this glorious National Park right on their doorstep. But for those who don’t want to venture too far, the charming village of Brockenhurst is just a stone’s throw away. Explore the quaint shops and see in the ponies and cattle wandering wild and grazing on the green.
I preferred to exchange my walking boots for a robe and spend the day in the state-of-the-art Thai SenSpa. Boasting a hydrotherapy pool, herbal sauna, crystal steam room and ice room among other facilities, I was in heaven, only tearing myself away for a relaxing Manuka honey facial. Not only great to eat, this superior honey from New Zealand has skin healing properties and it certainly did an excellent job for my parched complexion.
A tasty, yet healthy, meal in the Zen Garden restaurant, one of three restaurants on the complex, rounded off my perfect stay. The next time I visit the New Forest, I’ll definitely be leaving my tent pegs behind.

• To find out more about Carey’s Manor Hotel & SenSpa visit www.careysmanor.com or call 01590 624467.

We’re all watching our pennies and our carbon footsteps these days, so it’s fortunate you don’t have to travel to far-flung spas for a health boost and some heavy-duty pampering. There’s plenty on offer here on our doorstep – and Northern Ireland is one of the UK’s little-known great spa destinations. With its stunning coastline, there are few places in the British Isles quite so breathtaking for a getting-away-from-it-all weekend.

My trip starts in Belfast, a city that featured in the news for all the wrong reasons when I was a child in the 80s – so I’m very interested to see it now. With its mixture of imposing Victorian buildings, old-fashioned pubs, world-class hotels and trendy bars, there’s a real feeling of a modern city emerging from history. It has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, plus all the things you’d expect from a capital city – great shopping, nightlife and historic sights. There are elements which serve as a reminder of the Troubles – including the murals of balaclava-clad paramilitaries on the Shankill estates, and the ‘peace walls’ dividing traditionally Catholic and Protestant areas – and it is unsettling, though fascinating, to be wandering round as a tourist in areas that so recently simmered with sectarian tension. It’s moving visiting Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly and site of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which put an end to the Troubles.

After my city tour it’s on to the Culloden Estate and Spa, an awe-imposing five-star hotel set in the Holywood Hills, a few miles from Belfast’s city centre. With its luxurious rooms and sounds of the capital close by, I while away a deliciously lazy afternoon in its warm circular pool, jacuzzi and steam rooms.

The next day we head out of Belfast and take a drive through some of the prettiest countryside I’ve seen in the UK. We’re making for Newcastle, Co Down, a quaint seaside town on the eastern coast, for a stay in the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa. My room looks out onto the stunning bay, edged by the beautiful Mourne Mountains. In the distance a fairytale church nestles among the trees against the crags – it’s the perfect destination for a bracing bay-side walk. Walking through Newcastle is a bit like stepping back in time – it has all the best bits of the typical old-fashioned seaside town. I sit in the jacuzzi and watch the sun set over the mountains – stunning. After tucking into a delicious meal made from local produce – seafood – it’s time for an early night.

It’s no exaggeration to say the Slieve’s spa is one of the most luxurious I’ve ever had the fortune to be pampered in. I start off by reclining in the Vitality Pool with its circulation-boosting jets – I’m the only person there and can feel all my stress melt away as I gaze out at the bay from the full-length window. Then I head for the steam room, before being collected by my therapist for my treatment. I choose a revitalising massage – my therapist uses the perfect pressure and a blend of relaxing essential oils such as lavender – I’m in utter chilled-out bliss. There’s a great menu of other treatments too, including ayurvedic hot stone therapies, salt scrubs and wraps. I could easily spend the whole day lounging around, but after a little post-massage relaxation, it’s time to head back to Belfast and the airport. I leave Northern Ireland feeling revived and unwound, with fresh-air roses in my cheeks – I’ll definitely be back.

Destination details
If you would like more information on the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, and the Culloden Estate and Spa, log onto www.hastingshotels.com.

For more on Northern Ireland and all it has to offer, from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Words: Charlotte Haigh

The moment I stepped out of the airport and was met by a blast of warm air and the huge grin of our minibus driver, I knew I’d arrived in the Gambia – they don’t call it Africa’s smiling coast for nothing. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the airport and the dusty streets of the capital, Banjul, we soon arrived at what can only be described as an oasis of cool, calm paradise at the Coco Ocean Resort and Spa. It sits right on the Atlantic coast with stunning views of the ocean, right next to the Bijilo Forest Park Nature Reserve.
The tropical gardens are full of papaya, banana and coconut trees, as well as the majestic baobab tree, with its thick trunk and hanging fruit. Many of the fruits and vegetables grown in the grounds are served in the hotel’s three restaurants, which provide a selection of fusion dishes and traditional local food such as barracuda fish, mangoes, star fruit and peanuts. The restaurants overlook the ocean so you can watch the sun go down in some of the most amazing sunsets that I’ve ever seen.
While the white sand beaches, sunshine and tropical plants suggest a far-flung country such as Thailand or the Caribbean, the Gambia is less than six hours away from the UK. The official language is English so communication is easy, and with no time difference, it makes for a quick and easy break to get away from it all. What’s more, the Gambian dry season is during the winter, making it a perfect winter escape from the UK’s dreary weather.
All of the hotel’s architecture has a Moorish influence, with high domed ceilings and cool tiled floors, and this theme continues in the spa, where I was treated to an invigorating traditional Moroccan hammam, the only one in the country. This involved me sitting in a hot steam room while a therapist rubbed and scrubbed me until my skin was soft and glowing. Other treatments included body massages using natural soaps and scrubs, facials, and a thalassotherapy pool, sauna and plunge pool.
On the next day I went on a day-long boat trip up the slow and winding River Gambia, which bisects the country. The country is renowned for its incredible collection of wildlife – I witnessed great white herons launching from the riverbanks – and bird-watching tours are extremely popular here with good reason. I visited a traditional Gambian village, where local women shuck river oysters to sell in the nearby markets. The country is one of Africa’s smallest, but it has a rich history. Further down river is Fort James Island. This was a strategic defence outpost for slave traders during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, as Gambia was one of the main sources for the Atlantic slave trade.
On my final day, I had a relaxing facial to cleanse and tone my skin, and then settled down for a foot massage, while propped up on a lounger that looked out to the ocean, sipping refreshing herbal tea –  absolute bliss. When it was time to leave, I got to the airport in just over 30 minutes and was back in the UK by the evening. That’s the beauty of the Gambia. Its size and distance means you can get sun, beaches and spa in half the time it takes to get to other luxury spa destinations. The Coco Ocean Resort was so welcoming and friendly, with everything you could need at your fingertips. It’s no surprise that, much like the local people, the whole experience left me with a big smile on my face.

Mid-buttock clench, I knew this was an adventure I wouldn’t forget in a hurry. As we bumped down this particular rapid on the Kelani river in Sri Lanka, our screams met the smiles of locals washing their brightly coloured saris at the river’s edge, but failed to impress the Jurassic Park-style water monitor lizards perched on the river bank. They stayed stock-still as we jumped out of the boat and floated down a calm patch of water, lying on our backs and looking up at the blue sky.
Sri Lanka’s a fascinating mix of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. You can explore ancient Buddhist temples, visit an elephant orphanage, relax with a top-quality brew in the tea plantations, or don a life jacket and do some white water rafting.
Navigating your way around the island isn’t hard – you can travel independently or organise a guide. We did the latter and our man Jude took great pleasure in making sure we saw as much of his country as possible. We were particularly interested in outdoor activities and his eyes shone as he confirmed our 5am wake-up call for our hike through the Horton Plains National Park, one of the world’s best eco-tourism spots, near the city of Nuwara Eliya. ‘You have to see the sunrise,’ he told us. ‘You’ll see colours you’ve never seen before.’
He was right. The pink sky, much like the colour of the ubiquitous rhododendrons, slowly lightened to reveal rolling grassy plains and forests that felt much more European than the jungle vegetation at the lower altitudes. We trekked up to marvel at a sheer drop called the World’s End, and to the impressive Baker’s Falls. Adam’s Peak glistened in the distance; a climb Jude told us was gruelling but well worth it.
We had another dawn adventure when climbing the Sigiriya rock fortress in the central Matale district. This ancient castle is one of Sri Lanka’s seven world heritage sites, and was built by King Kasyapa during the fifth century. To see the ruins, you need to climb right to the top. It takes about two hours and it’s well worth it. On the way up, the views are magnificent and you’ll pass ancient frescoes of the king’s concubines. At the top, after passing through the Lion Gate and navigating a steep metal staircase fixed into the side of the sheer granite rock face that sits 370 metres high, you’ll see the king’s throne, carved into the rock overlooking his swimming pool and its waterslides, and the area where his concubines danced for his entertainment. This king had it made.
The Dambulla caves, further north towards the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, are less of a climb but also a real cultural treat. These caves are another world heritage site and house beautifully hewn statues of Buddha in different meditation poses, and the scent of the frangipani flower hangs heavy in the still air. Step outside and the sound of the crickets crescendo as you watch the monkeys playing on the hills below.
When it comes to outdoor activities, Sri Lanka has a wealth of opportunities. It’s also the perfect place to de-stress and there’s no better way of unwinding after a day’s adventure than by relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful beaches and swimming in the sea. The Indian Ocean is like a warm bath and there are some great surfing spots in the south near Galle if you still have some energy left. Dig your toes into the fine golden sand while you sip on freshly squeezed fruit juice (the pineapple comes highly recommended) and decide on which delicious curry you fancy trying for dinner. The island is also renowned for its fresh fish. Decisions, decisions…

You may love the idea of an eco-friendly holiday, but choosing a genuinely green escape can be complicated. After all, there are so many different things to consider, from deciding how to travel, to researching the eco merits of the tour operator or hotel, and how the food is sourced.

Getting there
Flying justly receives a bad press due to its heavy environmental cost. So what about taking the train? If you’re off to Europe, even the more distant corners, travelling by train could be a viable option – it’s less stressful than flying and can form a fun part of your trip. It also means fewer carbon emissions than flying or driving. If you really have to fly, offset CO² emissions by paying money to an organisation such as Climate Care (www.climatecare.org). The money will be invested in projects supporting energy renewal schemes and reforestation.

Where to stay
Opt for green hotels, guesthouses and homestays. ‘Ask the tour operators and hotels you are considering booking whether they have a responsible tourism policy in place that they’ll share with you,’ says Krissy Roe of Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com). ‘Make sure it explains how they minimise environmental impacts and support the local economy.’ And don’t be duped by every hotel claiming eco credentials. Caroline Sylger Jones (www.carolinesylgerjones.co.uk), author of Body & Soul Escapes books, warns: ‘The “eco-friendly” label is used too easily by hotels, spas and retreats across the globe, which in reality still offer water in plastic bottles, use toxic toiletries in the bathrooms and fill the bedrooms with unnecessary electric gadgets. Most are still using chlorine in their pools and hot tubs, and fossil fuels to heat their water.’

Once you’re there
Thinking and buying local once you arrive is also crucial. According to Responsible Travel, this means hiring local guides where possible, staying in locally run accommodation, eating in local restaurants and trading with local craftspeople. Also remember to use water sparingly, avoid using plastic bags and switch off lights, air-conditioning and electrical appliances in your room. A growing number of tour operators and hotels now reinvest in the community by employing local people and sourcing ethically produced food. Others go further by giving customers the opportunity to participate in Community Based Tourism (CBT) projects, where local residents – often in rural, poor communities – invite tourists to stay and learn about their way of life.
There’s also the option of volunteering with environmental charities such as Earthwatch (www.earthwatch.org); devoting time to working directly with the environment is perhaps the ultimate way to holiday with a conscience.

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Ethical rail and tour operators
For train options, check out www.eurostar.com, www.raileurope.com and popular train advice website www.seat61.com.
Tour operator The Adventure Company (www.adventurecompany.co.uk) uses guides local to the destination, and locally run guesthouses and restaurants. Award-winning Explore (www.explore.co.uk) offsets all flights’ carbon emissions, and proceeds are put towards relevant projects.

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Top 5 excellent eco breaks
1 Chalalán Ecolodge (www.chalalan.com) in the Bolivian Amazon is a Community Based Tourism break. The lodge offers natural and cultural tourism, providing jobs for local people. It operates by solar power, water is purified by filters, and there are special waste systems. Three nights cost £430.

2 Ireland’s Gyreum Eco-Lodge (www.gyreum.com) was the first of its kind to be awarded the EU Eco-label for tourist accommodation. It’s often used for group retreats, and there are double rooms costing £24 per person per night. Eco credentials include glass and sheep’s wool insulation and rainwater capture systems.

3 The Yurt Hotel is tucked away in a rural corner of Andalucia, Spain. There are five Mongolian yurts (www.yurthotel.com), each boasting a spectacular view. The camp’s carbon footprint is admirably low: there are compost toilets and solar panels, and the swimming pool is chlorine free. Food is organic and locally sourced. A double yurt costs £120 per night.

4 Located in the heart of San Francisco is the stylish Orchard Garden Hotel (www.theorchardgardenhotel.com), one of a handful of hotels awarded the LEED certification for environmentally sound buildings. The furniture is made from sustainably grown maple, all cleaning fluids are chemical free, there are recycling bins in the bedrooms, and the restaurant sources locally and organically. Double rooms cost from £130.

5 The Rogner Bad Blumau spa (www.blumau.com) in Austria shines for its ‘life in harmony with nature’ philosophy. Treatments are based on all-natural milk, saffron and honey; water is sourced from the curative spring and self-purifies; electricity and heating come from the same waters, and the entire green-roofed complex operates on green energy. A percentage of guests’ payment is donated to the World Wildlife Fund. Room only is around £147 per person per night.

Words: Lucia Cockroft

Sensuous seaweed
First came the Vichy exfoliation treatment. My therapist rubbed coarse salt and oil into my skin, then blasted it all away with a seawater-filled hose – and yes, it’s as invigorating as it sounds. Next came the pampering I’d been craving – a gorgeous algae treatment, which saw my body cocooned in a wrap of warm seaweed extracts. I brushed away creeping feelings of claustrophobia by reminding myself of the nutrients my skin was absorbing – seaweed is heavy with proteins, minerals, lipids and minerals.
The next day began rather less luxuriously, with an indoor aqua-gym class designed to tone and raise the heartbeat. But it was fun, and felt like far less work than it really was. In the afternoon, I was booked in for a multi-jet massage, during which a therapist blasted giant torrents of water at my body to tone the skin and pep up circulation. It was an odd sensation, and not exactly relaxing, but respite quickly followed with the memorably delicious Jet Lag treatment: an encased bed of warm mud bubbled away beneath my back as the therapist expertly worked on my scalp before performing reflexology on my feet. It was all I could do to stay awake.
I felt genuinely rejuvenated and de-stressed at the end of my stay – I had that well-rested glow that made me look as though I’d slept for 24 hours. Who needs Thailand when all this is available just a three-hour hop from Gatwick?

Need to know
The Marbella Club Thalasso Cure costs from €1900 (about £1660) per person per week, including accommodation, breakfast and lunch, a doctor’s consultation and up to three hours’ treatment per day. Shorter spa periods are available. Visit www.marbellaclub.com for further details.

Words: Lucia Cockroft

Banish thoughts of scoffing soggy fish and chips behind a windbreak with a cardigan over your swimsuit. These days, there’s far more to holidaying in the UK than beach huts and bad weather. In fact, taking your break in Britain is the next big thing in these times of recession and climate concern. More than one million Britons stayed at home last summer instead of taking a holiday abroad, according to the Office for National Statistics – and the trend for ‘stay-cations’ is likely to continue this year.

Stress less
You don’t have to trek to the Far East or Thailand to find spiritual enlightenment and relaxation. There are centres all over the UK that offer different retreats for you to cast off your stresses, deepen your mind and reinvigorate yourself. The Madhyamaka Buddhist Centre in Yorkshire is home to the Mahayana Buddhist community and offers a range of classes and retreats. You can also go there on a working retreat, and exchange your skills for free meals, accommodation and course or class attendance.
More info Call 01759 304832 or visit www.madhyamaka.org

Fun on the farm
Escape the noise and grime of towns and cities and enjoy a stay at a real working farm. Feather Down Farms provides luxurious tents on farms throughout Britain, from Scotland to Cornwall. The tents (more like cloth-covered cottages) have no electricity so a wood-burning stove is provided for cooking and heating, but they do have a comfy double bed and single bunk. Each farm has a shop and many have hen houses for you to collect fresh eggs from each morning. There’s also livestock, so you get the full farm experience.
More info Call 01420 80804 or visit www.featherdown.co.uk

Save the planet
If you want to give a helping hand while on holiday, sign up for a week as a volunteer with The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. It runs research trips off Scotland’s west coast, on board an all-inclusive yacht, between April and October. Volunteers research the marine environment, including dolphins, whales and porpoises, as well as help out with cooking and cleaning. All training is provided.
More info Call 01688 302620 or visit www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk

Fun for the family
Butlins and Pontins offer a good value alternative to holidaying abroad, and are great for keeping the kids entertained.If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, Centreparcs has four sites set in woodland, with stylish accommodation and plenty of activities.
More info Call 0845 070 4734 or visit www.butlins.com; call 0844 576 5943 or visit www.pontins.com; call 08448 267723 or visit www.centerparcs.co.uk

Go wild
If you’re keen to put some distance between you and life’s mod cons, opt for a wilderness-style break. Islay Bushcraft offers courses based on the Hebridean island of Islay. You’ll learn how to make a fire without matches, cook a simple meal and construct a shelter, as well as discover the animals and birds that inhabit the island. Day, one-night and five-night trips, as well as child-friendly options, are available.
More info Call 01496 850010 or visit www.islaybushcraft.co.uk

Work up a sweat
Swimming outdoors is a great way to get fit and see the countryside. Swimtrek organises trips throughout the UK, ranging from a six-day jaunt on the Isles of Scilly to a weekend break in the spectacular Lake District. It caters for all levels of swimmers and, don’t worry, wetsuits are provided if you need one! If boot-camps are more your style, there are plenty of UK-based trips to choose from. The Running Inn offers fitness courses in East Sussex for runners of every level, from beginners to aspiring Paula Radcliffes. You can also benefit from nutritional advice, Pilates, massage and holistic treatments during your stay.
More info Call 01273 739713 or visit www.swimtrek.com; call 01323 720640 or visit www.therunninginn.co.uk

For accommodation with a twist, stay in a…
Treehouse
Love the idea of waking up among the trees? Try a treehouse holiday. There’s no need to worry about splinters or shaky branches, as these treehouses are built to a high standard and have all the mod cons you could need.
More info Call 01823 431622 or visit www.treehouseholidays.com; call 01798 865001 or visit www.castlecottage.info/thetreehouse.html

Castle
For those who aspire to grandeur (if only for a week or two), treat yourself to a stay in a castle. Augill Castle in Cumbria is a beautiful B&B with 11 bedrooms, in a prime location for walks in the Lake District.
More info Call 01768 341937 or visit www.stayinacastle.com

Windmill
Surrounded by fluttering reed marshes, Cley Windmill in Norfolk is a unique place to stay in a beautiful area of East Anglia. The nearby salt marshes are a haven for wildlife and popular with bird enthusiasts.
More info Call 01263 740209 or visit www.cleymill.co.uk

Lighthouse
One for those who like holidaying on the edge (literally). Many lighthouses are now decommissioned because of modern navigational methods. However, they make for interesting and romantic holiday locations, particularly for those who like to get away from it all.
More info Call 01779 470476 or visit www.buchannesslighthouseholidays.co.uk; call 01492 876819 or visit www.lighthouse-llandudno.co.uk

Showman’s caravan
If you’ve always fancied staying in a gypsy-style caravan, head on down to Goongillings holiday cottages in Cornwall, where you can hire out your own ornate caravan. Decorated in the traditional Romany style, it’s the perfect base for your own Bohemian holiday in the south-west.
More info Call 01326 340630 or visit www.goongillings.co.uk

Other useful information sources
- Visit www.youstayuk.com; www.visitbritain.co.uk.
- Read Body & Soul Escapes: Britain & Ireland by Caroline Sylger Jones (Footprint Handbooks, £14.99).
Words: Hannah Fox