Holistic Weight Loss and Fitness Retreat in Tampa, Florida

A typical day at the Tampa site mixes off-site and on-site training. Guests head out for hikes in woodlands and along the coast, and there are beachfront classes that the operator says are consistently popular, including HIIT workouts and yoga. Back at the site, the class list covers swimming, dance, Pilates, exercise circuits and water aerobics. The site has a large indoor and outdoor exercise area and a large outdoor pool, so sessions can run whatever the weather.

Workshops on nutrition, mindset and recipes run alongside the exercise. The operator treats these as a vital part of the course rather than an add-on, on the basis that guests need the knowledge and tools to keep going after they leave. The programme is described as non boot camp, shaped around the individual, and staff are said to work within guests' limits and boundaries while encouraging them to push outside their comfort zone.

FitFarms is a residential programme, so guests stay on site for the duration of their course. Course lengths at Tampa are 5 days, one week or two weeks. The company also runs flexible online retreats for people who want the programme without travelling.

Tampa is the closest current FitFarms site to Panama City Beach. By car the trip from Panama City Beach to Tampa takes around 6 hours; by plane it takes about an hour and a half, with flights starting at $35. FitFarms says it is looking at branching out to Panama City Beach, drawn by its 27 miles of white sand beach, clear blue water and pond wildlife, but it is not currently open there.

FitFarms describes itself as the original FitFarms and says it has been featured on TV and in the press. The company also offers an aftercare programme for guests once their course ends.

What's included

- Residential stay at the Tampa, Florida site for the length of the course - Daily hikes through woodlands and along the coast - Off-site beachfront classes including HIIT and yoga - On-site classes including swimming, dance, Pilates, exercise circuits and water aerobics - Workshops on nutrition, mindset and recipes - Use of the large indoor and outdoor exercise area - Use of the large outdoor pool

What's not included

- Travel to the Tampa site - Flights (flights from Panama City Beach start at $35) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses