Cycling Holidays
John F. Kennedy once said that nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. Cycling culture has been on the rise for the last decade with hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts taking to the open road every day. In Africa and beyond, touring companies are responding to the trend by offering cycling holidays that combine leisure with keeping fit. Bike & Saddle, the leader in luxury cycling holidays in Southern Africa, offers one-to-fourteen-day cycling holidays in places like Kenya, Namibia and Victoria Falls. Locally their guided trips include routes along the Cape vineyards, the Garden Route, the West Coast and the bushveld. All fitness levels are accommodated and some itineraries include hiking and canoeing. Website: www.bikeandsaddle.com
Cycling around Victoria Falls with Bike & Saddle.
Walking Holidays
European walking holiday specialist, On Foot Holidays offers 28 itineraries across the continent that have been carefully crafted by locals and tested by staff from On Foot Holidays. Even though walks are self-guided, On Foot Holidays provides full support by arranging meals, hand-picked accommodation and comprehensive information packs for all guests. Luggage is transferred between hotels, which leaves you to explore the trail without heavy carrying. Every day concludes with a delicious local meal and excellent wines. Most On Foot itineraries are at least seven days long, but many of the routes can be shortened to three days should time be limited. These walks are designed to feature all the charm and authenticity of the longer routes with the intention of suiting all individual requirements.
Walking in Greece, Photo credit: On Foot Holidays.
On Foot Holidays’ popular Turkish Riviera itinerary follows the ancient Lycian Way through the ruined city of Olympos towards the Gelidonya lighthouse; while in France, Austria and Germany their walks trace medieval towns, ancient forests and famous winelands. Their Southern Tuscany route includes some of the best renaissance towns in Italy, while in Greece you can choose to explore various Adriatic islands and the Vikos Gorge. Other walks offered include the Amalfi Coast, Andalucia, Bohemia, Bulgaria, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Priorat, Chamonix, Cotes du Rhone, the Dolomites, Dubrovnik, Istria, Liguria, Mallorca, Portugal, Slovenia, Sabine Hills, South West England, Tuscany and Umbria. For more information and expert advice on walking holidays in Europe, contact On Foot Holidays on +44 (0) 1722 322 652/ walks@onfootholidays.co.uk/ www.onfootholidays.co.uk.
Yoga Holidays
Go east for a wellness getaway par extraordinaire. The Kamalaya resort in Thailand specialises in wellness holidays that include yoga, emotional balance and mentorship. With one-to-one yoga sessions tailored to suit every need, Kamalaya’s retreats are suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis.
Kamalaya Yoga Class, Photo credit: Health & Fitness Travel.
Bali also boasts a number of restoring wellness holidays. At the Maya Ubud, a luxury resort situated in a river valley, you’ll be guided through gentle meditation and yoga practice, while on the coast combine your yoga practice with surf lessons at the Komune Resort. Further afield on the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, the Ananda Spa brings you a week-long wellness programme that includes hatha yoga, Ayurvenic rejuvenation and outdoor treks. Websites: www.kamalaya.com/ www.mayaresorts.com/ www.komuneresorts.com/ www.anandaspa.com/www.healthandfitnesstravel.com
Phuket cleanse detox juice, Photo credit: Health and Fitness Travel.
