THE BODYHOLIDAY

Cap Estate, Saint Lucia ‘If you get your relaxation kicks from an endorphin rush rather than lying on a sunlounger, run (don’t walk) to book The Bodyholiday. That’s not to say there’s no downtime in the plan, but why come to a five-star all-inclusive wellness resort and not do everything? In the first three days, I tried (deep breath): water skiing, coastline biking, sunrise yoga, beach boot camp, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding. After that, I stopped counting. The experience totally changed my exercise mindset. I tend to focus on high-intensity fitness, so yoga was a revelation that left me feeling fitter and somehow “cleaner” than my usual gym sessions. I’ll keep it up, I hope. Surroundings are picture-book Caribbean (white sandy beach, jungle backdrop, crystal-blue ocean) while the villas are huge – mine came with a private pool and a wellness concierge, who produced platters of fresh fruit whenever I needed something sweet. (I also had a sneak peek at two new villas. These have private chefs for an ultra-luxe experience.) Food was healthy, with dinner at farm-to-table I-tal restaurant bringing another epiphany: I eat (and enjoy) a lot of red meat, but the plant-based menu, all sourced from the organic garden by chef Damian and his wife Ratoya, opened my eyes to a vegan style of eating: simple, flavoursome and embodying a lighter idea of wellbeing than the one I’m used to. I would recommend The Bodyholiday to everyone.’ Sophie Lockyer

RED NOTE I did whatever I liked whenever I liked it and still found time for excellent massages and an Elemis facial. From £390 per person, per night including full-board accommodation, a daily spa treatment and access to all daily activities. Dinner at I-tal from approx £65 per person (thebodyholiday.com)