What do you actually do on an active retreat?
There is no single way to experience an active retreat. For some, it means hiking through mountain landscapes or exploring the coast on foot. For others, it might be Pilates, yoga, strength training or simply spending more time outdoors. The difference is that these activities are often part of a wider programme, with time for recovery, nourishing food and other experiences that support your wellbeing.
At Palazzo Fiuggi in Italy, Hiking for Longevity combines five guided hikes through the Apennines with medical and biomechanical assessments, movement sessions, yoga, post-hike recovery and personalised nutrition. The six-night programme is designed to explore how hiking, outdoor exercise and mindfulness can form part of a healthier lifestyle, with an initial medical assessment and final evaluation providing a more considered approach to the experience.
“Recent international research has solidified key principles that focus on enhancing longevity: establishing a connection with oneself and the world, engaging in outdoor exercise, and embracing mindfulness.” - Palazzo Fiuggi, Hiking for Longevity
For a broader reset, Yeotown Reset combines movement with time in nature and practices designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. Its five-day programmes can include guided hikes, yoga, breathwork, meditation, functional fitness and outdoor experiences, alongside nourishing food and time to restore. The exact experience changes with the seasons, making the programme less about following a rigid fitness schedule and more about finding a sustainable rhythm between activity and recovery.
At Wild Wellness at Gleneagles, activity takes a gentler, nature-led direction. Guests can spend time exploring the Scottish landscape through experiences such as guided walks, forest bathing, foraging and fishing, with the wider programme designed around reconnecting with the natural environment.
For those who prefer a more structured approach to movement, Six Senses Spa Elounda offers a Fitness programme combining higher and lower intensity training with recovery, meditation and sleep. Depending on the length of stay, the programme can include private yoga, hiking or canoeing, wellness screening, spa treatments and access to the thermal facilities.
Whether your idea of an active retreat is a challenging hike, a morning Pilates session or a walk through the Scottish countryside, the right programme should reflect how you like to move and what you want from your time away.
Who is an active retreat for?
Active retreats are suited to anyone who enjoys being outdoors, wants to incorporate more movement into their time away or simply prefers a holiday with a little more activity. You do not need to be an experienced athlete. Programmes vary considerably, from gentle walks, yoga and nature experiences to challenging hikes, fitness sessions and more structured training.
They can be particularly appealing if you:
- Enjoy walking, hiking, cycling, swimming or other outdoor activities
- Want to spend more time in nature while travelling
- Prefer a wellness break that combines movement with relaxation
- Want to improve your fitness in a supportive environment
- Are looking for a more active way to explore a destination
- Enjoy having activities planned for you rather than organising everything yourself
Who is an active retreat not for?
An active retreat may not be the right choice if you are looking for a purely restorative break with little or no physical activity. Some programmes involve early starts, guided hikes or several hours of movement each day, so it is important to choose a retreat that matches your current fitness level and interests.
If you have an injury, a health condition or specific medical considerations, some programmes may require medical clearance or may not be suitable. Our wellness travel specialists can help you understand what is involved before you book and find a programme that is appropriate for you.
What results will you achieve on an active retreat?
The results of an active retreat will depend on the programme, how you take part and what you want to achieve. For some people, it may be about getting back into a regular movement routine. For others, it could be having time away from a busy schedule, spending more time outdoors or discovering activities they can continue at home.
Depending on the retreat, you may come away with:
- A renewed approach to movement and exercise
- More confidence in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming or cycling
- Practical ideas around nutrition, sleep and recovery
- A better understanding of how your body responds to different types of exercise
- New techniques for managing stress, such as yoga, meditation or breathwork
- Time and space to reassess your everyday habits
- A clearer idea of which forms of movement you genuinely enjoy
Some programmes take this further with health assessments, fitness testing or practitioner consultations, giving you more personalised information to work with after your stay. Others are intentionally less structured, focusing on the simple combination of movement, nature, good food and time to rest.
An active retreat is not about achieving a particular result in a set number of days. The value is often in finding a sustainable approach to movement and wellbeing that makes sense for your life beyond the retreat.
How long is an active retreat and how much does it cost?
Active retreats can range from a short two night escape to a week or longer, depending on the programme and level of activity. A shorter stay can be ideal for a focused reset, while longer programmes allow more time for structured activity, recovery and additional wellness experiences.
As a guide, you can expect to spend from around £1,500 per person for a two night active retreat, including a structured programme and full board. Longer and more specialised programmes, particularly those involving medical assessments, personalised nutrition or private sessions, can cost more.
Prices vary depending on the retreat, destination, time of year, accommodation and what is included. Our wellness travel specialists can advise on current availability and pricing and help you find an active retreat that suits your interests, fitness level and budget.
Do I need to prepare for an active retreat?
Preparation depends on the retreat and the level of activity involved. Some programmes are designed to be accessible to different fitness levels, while others involve more demanding hikes, training or outdoor activities. You should always check what is included before travelling and choose a programme that reflects your current fitness level.
Medical supervision is not standard across all active retreats. Some wellness programmes include medical assessments or health screening as part of the experience, while others are centred around movement, nutrition, nature and recovery. For example, Palazzo Fiuggi’s Hiking for Longevity programme includes an initial medical assessment and a final evaluation alongside its guided hikes and movement programme.
It can also be helpful to arrive well rested, properly hydrated and ready to take part rather than trying to increase your fitness immediately before travelling. Comfortable footwear and suitable clothing are particularly important for programmes that include hiking or outdoor activities.
Yeotown takes a deliberately flexible approach to its retreats, with the experience adapted to different abilities and individual needs. In the words of Yeotown: “It’s your retreat, your body, your mind.”
What should I expect after an active retreat?
The most useful part of an active retreat is often what you take home with you. Many programmes introduce practical habits around movement, nutrition, sleep, mindfulness or spending more time outdoors that can be continued after your stay. Yeotown, for example, encourages guests to build on what they have learned by incorporating movement, relaxation, sleep, nutritious food and time outdoors into everyday life.
Our wellness travel specialists can talk you through the programme before you book, including the level of activity, any health screening or practitioner support and what you can expect from your stay.
