NEED TO KNOW
FIVE DAYS OF BRONZING, BOATING AND BARRE UNDER THE GOZO SUN IS THE PERFECT COMBINATION FOR KIERA BLACK
OOD beach holiday preparation can take months. There are outfits to figure out, multiple gym sessions required to hone a physique and, of course, the actual itinerary of the trip.
But after all that planning, one of the biggest disappointments comes on day two at the breakfast buffet, when your thighs feel a little wobblier, your tummy is a bit more bloated, and your swimsuit appears to have shrunk in the wash.
There is, however, a shortcut to looking and feeling good on a sun and sand break: book onto a wellness retreat and enjoy the best of both worlds.
Tempted by a new barre-themed retreat on Mediterranean island Gozo, I went along to find out for myself.
Barre is a blend of Pilates, yoga and ballet with minimal sweating but maximum toning. Little wonder it’s been a hit with celebrities, Victoria’s Secret models and even Pippa Middleton, who used it to stay svelte during her pregnancy.
There are several variations on the exercise, but the programme I’ve booked onto is a Barrecore Retreat at the five-star Kempinski San Lawrenz.
Personal trainer Niki Rein, who founded the Barrecore programme, will lead up to two daily classes, all set against a backdrop of palm fronds, pools and ancient ruins.
As I bend and press during my first lesson, I try to stifle any groans.
They say it only takes four classes of lunging, squatting, shaking and quaking to notice results; I have nine in store. But after a couple of days, I find myself slipping into the routine with ease, and I’m soon balancing plies like a pro.
One of the 21 islands that make up Malta’s archipelago, Gozo is a dreamy, tangerine-hued escape blessed with natural beauty and dotted with fascinating historical ruins.
Ggantija is one of the archipelago’s best-preserved Megalithic sites, where towering stones were erected by the island’s first Sicilian settlers between 3600 and 3200 BC. As dusk settles, I enjoy a “stretch” barre class overlooking the impressive structure, admiring the red Gozitan landscape rolling out to the horizon before me.
It’s a memory-making moment, although nothing beats a glass of crisp Gozitan rosé as the sun sets on the island’s 350-year-old salt pans, which stretch for 3km along the north coast. During summer months, local residents come to harvest the salt to store and process it in caves carved into the rocks.
Possibly the best viewpoint on the island is the Citadel, an ancient fortified city with panoramic views of the glimmering cityscape and the stunning baroque Gozo Cathedral, which dominates the central square.
Muscles not burning enough yet? No problem – there are plenty more activities available for true fitness fanatics. Go for a pre-breakfast guided hike through the island’s rugged farmlands, or take to the waves for a paddle along the jagged coastline with Gozo Adventures (from £55 for a full day with picnic lunch).
You don’t need kayaking experience to revel in the sea spray as you glide past deep caves and secret coves; you’ll be a savvy seafarer in no time, under the guidance of engineer-cum-instructor David, who moved to Gozo from the UK to pursue a career in adventure sports.
If your arms need a rest after all that exercise, leave the driving to someone else and take a sailboat excursion with Amethyst Sailing Trips (£55 for a five-hour trip). Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are aptly named; the water is like molten lapis lazuli and chockfull of vibrant, inquisitive fish. Just don’t forget your snorkel and goggles.
The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz sits on Gozo’s idyllic Dwejra Bay, on the island’s north-west coast. There are 140 charmingly rustic rooms set around tropical gardens.
Look forward to prosecco-fuelled evenings on the balcony, a live guitarist crooning into the balmy evening, and a plate piled high from the themed buffet of the night.
Then, back to your room to plunge into a cloud-like king-sized bed. Bliss.
■ KIERA BLACK stayed at Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, where the next barre break will be operated by Paola’s BodyBarre (paolasbodybarre.com) for five nights from May 12, 2020. Prices are from £2,450 per person, including all meals, activities, and a wine-tasting excursion to Ta Betta vineyard, transfers in Malta and Gozo and full barre class schedule.