8 Day Weight Loss & Fitness Retreat in the Algarve, Portugal

FitFarms runs this retreat from a contemporary villa in the Algarve, about 50 minutes from Faro airport. The property has a fully equipped gym that opens onto an outdoor pool, a large Jacuzzi, and a sauna in the luxury apartment. Bedrooms have private balconies or gardens facing the sun. This is the Portuguese base for a company that also runs retreats in Essex, Derbyshire, Devon, Ireland, the Cotswolds, Spain, and an online course – so the program is well-tested and refined.

The week is built around fat loss and toning, but the approach is educational. The schedule includes a private health MOT at the start (though no body analysis in Portugal), workshops on burning body fat and your relationship with food, and a wellbeing and lifestyle workshop. The theory is that you learn how your body works so you can keep the weight off after you leave. The team adapts every session to your level – if you have a medical condition or can't do an exercise, they'll find an alternative.

The food is a big part of it. Meals follow the nutritional therapist's macronutrient guidelines – balanced protein, carbs, and healthy fats. You'll get things like organic buckwheat pancakes, baked avocado with egg, courgette spaghetti with smoked salmon, and Thai fish cakes. All dietary requirements are catered for, and the kitchen is certified allergen-aware by the Institute of Hospitality.

The team is led by Stephen Cole, a specialized health chef who's appeared on ITV, alongside instructors like Gosia (nutrition and body toning), Justin Lord (aftercare program), and a roster of fitness and dance teachers. There's also a doctor who does blood analysis to give you insight into your health. It's a full team, not just one instructor.

The location is a real draw – the Algarve coast with its mild climate, around 20°C in March and November. You'll walk along cliffs near Ponta da Piedade, a famous spot for its rock formations, and do beach workouts on Meia Praia, which is 4 km of sand. It feels less like a boot camp and more like a structured health holiday.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation - All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and drinks - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Airport pickup and drop-off (Faro Airport, Saturday transfers at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm) - Welcome drink - Private Health MOT assessment - Welcome talk on arrival - Mind coaching and workshops with handouts - Relationship with Food Workshop - Wellbeing and Lifestyle Workshop - Daily fitness classes and workouts - Coastal walks and beach workouts - Free collection and return from train station or free car parking space - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments (massages, beauty therapies) - Additional activities not included in the itinerary