How would we describe an iRefresh Fitness Retreat? Around 500,000 steps, eight training sessions, 12 hours of exercise, five spa treatments, delicious food and plenty of pizza!
After more than two years without a fitness retreat, Paul finally headed to Gran Canaria with four clients in early February. Their five-day, four-night trip combined training, sunshine and time to unwind.
The brief was simple: finish the exercise by lunchtime, leave the afternoons free to relax and impose no alcohol bans!
Sunshine and a memorable arrival
Our iRefresh Fitness Retreat began with a 4am pickup from brand partners GD Luxury Transport, who whisked us off to Gatwick in style. After a light breakfast in the airport lounge, we boarded our flight to the sunshine.
Six hours later, following comprehensive Covid security checks, we checked into our hotel. The resort offered several restaurants, three huge pools, a spa, a fitness studio and a choice of bars. There were also plenty of places to relax in the grounds.
A brisk 20-minute walk took us to the beach and the famous Maspalomas sand dunes.
Training on the iRefresh Fitness Retreat
The dunes provided a fantastic setting for our outdoor sessions. Training on the sand added another dimension to the workouts, while blue skies and warm breezes made a welcome change from winter at home.
Temperatures ranged from 21°C to 26°C, with the warmest weather arriving on our final day.
Our programme included pre-breakfast HIIT, boxing, core training, stretching and mobility. A four-hour trek through the dunes to Playa del Inglés gave everyone a chance to explore. Yoga, spinning and personal training added further variety.
Finishing the main training by lunchtime gave everyone the balance they wanted from their iRefresh Fitness Retreat: active mornings followed by relaxed afternoons.
Good food and time to unwind
The food was fresh, varied and catered for everyone’s needs, including Steve’s enthusiasm for pizza!
One evening, we visited a fabulous Asian restaurant. On our final night, we walked into town for dinner at a locally recommended grill house. It was a great way to round off the trip.
Gran Canaria was under Level 4 Covid restrictions at the time. These had little impact on our stay, apart from limiting access to the fitness studio and spa, which we used less frequently.
Taking the motivation home
A delayed return flight meant a late finish. After the final drop-off, Paul eventually got to bed at 2:15am.
Even so, the benefits of the iRefresh Fitness Retreat continued after everyone returned home. One client felt inspired to restart running and push her training a little harder. Two others wanted to adjust their nutrition to support their training and overall health.
Everyone’s feedback was positive, with one shared request: make the next trip longer!
With that in mind, Paul is organising a seven-day winter retreat for the end of the year. If you’d like to join the next iRefresh Fitness Retreat, drop Paul a message!