Detox or retox: Wellness retreats with a twist at resorts around the world
A new travelling program is putting the ‘treat’ in health retreat. W Hotels is leading the charge with this new way to sweat and reset, where you can choose to detox, retox, get fit or just party in a different destination around the world.
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When someone says ‘wellness retreat’, what comes to mind? Perhaps green juices, a compulsory 30km hike and maybe even your phone being confiscated? What if I told you there’s a new retreat in town and it actually encourages you to sip cocktails, indulge in degustation menus and even spend a good chunk of time at the spa?
W Hotels is leading the charge with this new way to sweat and reset, which allows you to have the best of both worlds.
Dubbed FUEL Weekend, the concept is a travelling event that can pop up at a luxe W Hotel anytime, at any one of its more-than-50 destinations around the world.
My fave holiday involves sun, sand and sea, so I’m pumped to be heading to the W Koh Samui, where the weather is pretty much always a balmy 27C — perfect cocktail temperature, but in this case also ideal for getting my heart rate up in the beauty that is a tropical Thai island instead of my local gym.
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The retreat’s motto is ‘Detox, Retox, Repeat’ and focuses on bringing you world-class workouts by expert trainers — anything and everything from F45 and Barry’s Bootcamp to SUP yoga — along with Michelin-star-worthy meals, memorable parties, and luxe service and accommodation.
You can go hardcore on the ‘detox’ with a huge choice of back-to-back workouts and activities to choose from. I do it all — from sunrise yoga, poolside boxing and beach bootcamp to cooking classes and spa treatments, and then ‘retoxing’ with a vino — or three — at the private dinners and beach parties. Then ‘repeat’.
The beauty of the FUEL retreat is that you’re in charge of your own experience. Don’t feel like doing 6am HIIT? You don’t have to — there’s no-one dressed in a white uniform chiming a bell to wake you for a 5am silence seminar, either — your schedule is up to you.
The same goes for the fun stuff. You’re free to head out of the resort to check out the local town, its culture, food and activities instead of taking part in the lunchtime workout at the resort, for example.
The power is in your hands, but what you put in is what you get out, so don’t expect to ‘detox’ if all you participate in is the ‘retox’ part of the program.
My do-it-all approach has me feeling a little overworked by day three, so instead of heading to the Thai-themed dinner extravaganza, I order room service and spend some time in my private plunge pool.
If you’ve always wanted to do a wellness retreat but been put off by the somewhat restrictive programs, this modern approach may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
THE RUNDOWN
Where to next?
Muscat, Oman, October 17-20. Stay tuned for 2020 locations.
Cost
Varies for each FUEL Weekend. About $2000 for the weekend, all-inclusive (external activities at your own cost).
Top tip
Solo? This trip is great for singles as you can follow your own schedule and make new friends from all over the world.
More info: w-hotels.marriott.com/about/fuel