With worrying statistics that almost a third of children aged between 2 and 15 are overweight or obese[1], and recent warnings that children are bingeing on social media like they would junk food[2], it would appear there is a health pandemic amongst our youngest generation. To break the vicious cycle of unhealthy habits, Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists, urges that families need to provide healthy experiences to promote positive well-being for their children. From encouraging exercise and good nutrition, to taking active and healthy family holidays, parents can take small steps towards creating the foundations for healthy behaviours that will last their children a lifetime.

With the Summer holidays soon ending, the start of a new academic year invites an opportunity for implementing new behaviours and habits. It's estimated that around one in five children starting primary school this September will be overweight or obese[3]. Although schools have various healthy eating initiatives in place, parents need to do more to teach their children healthy eating habits at home, and model these behaviours themselves. Simple measures, such as portion control, limiting snacks, reducing sugar intake and involving children in the preparation of food are good first steps to making positive changes.

Likewise, engaging in regular physical activity with your child will help them maintain a healthy weight, promote optimal growth and boost their confidence. At least 60 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended for children aged five and above, and presents a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond with their children.

For parents looking to completely overhaul their family's health, a family wellness holiday could be the key, where healthy eating, regular activity and joint meaningful experiences can kickstart healthy habits and create lasting memories. Research[4] has shown that children value family holidays more than toys and other material goods, demonstrating that parents should be saving their hard-earned cash for healthy travel experiences with their children, rather than the latest gadget.

Family wellness holidays allow parents and children to enjoy extended periods of playful downtime together, away from the stresses of regular life, and can strengthen the parent-child bond. They also offer the perfect opportunity for children and adults alike to discover a new hobby or hidden sporting ability, which they can continue long after the holiday. Aside from the physical and emotional benefits outlined above, holidays are also believed to advance children's brain development and improve concentration skills, demonstrating a clear link between holidays and educational attainment.

Top 5 Health and Fitness Holidays for Families

Best for Sports – Sardinia: Forte Village

Set on the Southern tip of Sardinia, this action-packed retreat will have the whole family spoilt for choice with the array of activities on offer.  Watch the kids excel in a sport they love, with a choice of 13 specialist training camps, including tennis, basketball, dance and football. Make a splash together as you enjoy some family bonding out on the waters during water sports, and get some culinary inspiration as you learn healthy recipes together at the cooking school.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Forte Village from £1,525pp. Price includes half board, return flights and transfers.

Best for Yoga & Spa – Vietnam: Fusion Maia Family Holiday

Visit Vietnam and enjoy some well-earned family time at a wellness retreat that dedicates itself to the art of relaxation. Enjoy some soul-centring exercise together as you and the kids experience Fusion Maia's signature style of yoga, suitable for all levels. Rebalance your bodies as parents indulge with holistic treatments, while little ones join in with their own mini treatments. Say goodbye to your frantic daily routine at home to make the most of your family-friendly yoga vacation. 

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Fusion Maia from £2,285pp. Price includes daily breakfast, return flights and transfers.

Best for Mountain Biking & Windsurfing – Portugal: Martinhal Luxury Beach Resort

Discover the best of Portugal with mountain biking and windsurfing on an active family adventure holiday. With lessons available for all ages at the award-winning windsurfing academy and a varied selection of TREK bikes, sporty adventurers of all sizes can make the most of these stunning surroundings. After an active day; indulge in the luxury spa while the children enjoy one of the seven kids clubs and five sports academies, including surfing, windsurfing, swimming, tennis and football.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Martinhal from £1,105pp. Price includes breakfast, return flights and transfers.

Best for Multi-Activity: St Lucia The BodyHoliday WellFit Families

Keep active in the Caribbean on an action-packed family holiday at this all-inclusive luxury wellness resort, which promotes family bonding, well-being and fitness. Enjoy a bit of healthy competition in the parent vs children competitions, including volleyball and beach-a-thalons, or cook up a storm together in the healthy family cooking classes. With activities ranging from dance classes and cycling adventures, to sailing lessons and abseiling, there is something new for everyone to try.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at The BodyHoliday from £1,935pp. Price includes full board, return flights and transfers.

Best for Adventure – Oman: Zighy Bay

Combine family fitness with a taste of adventure at this luxury retreat in Oman, set upon its own private beach and surrounded by spectacular mountains. With a dedicated Kids clubs for children and teens, youngsters can enjoy activities including treasure hunts, swimming relays and beach bowling, as the teens try out slack lining, rock climbing and yoga. With kayaking, mountain biking and paragliding, there is no end to the excitement for mum and dad too.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Zighy Bay from £2,135pp. Price includes breakfast, return flights and transfers.

For advice, guidance and booking visit http://www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/family-holidays or call 0203 397 8891

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For further information and hi-res imagery please email:  denise@healthandfitnesstravel.com / paul@healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891

Notes to Editors:

About Health and Fitness Travel

Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that originated in the UK in 2010 and is committed to providing healthy holidays that enhance and change lives. Created by Paul Joseph and Adam Heathcote as a result of their passion for health and fitness travel and offering bespoke holidays to improve people's well-being to lead happier and healthier lives.

Health and Fitness Travel offers clients a tailor-made seamless service with the very best health and fitness holidays, handpicked by its expert team, together with exclusive and added value packages with the best deals. As leading specialists, Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays in various destinations which include Fusion Fitness™ BodyBreaks™ and Discover Recover™, offering clients the best value and holiday experience. For more information visit: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com

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[1] www.gov.uk

[2] www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk

[3] Public Health England

[4] James, Oliver (2017)