UK Weight Loss Retreat: Sustainable Fat Loss Without the Boot Camp

FitFarms was established in 2006 and describes itself as the UK's original weight loss retreat, with nine locations across the UK, Spain, Portugal and America. Locations include the Cotswolds (a former working farm in traditional stone with countryside views), Derbyshire (stone cottages inside the Peak District National Park), Dorset (under a mile from the Jurassic Coast), the Lake District (a five-star hall and cottage ten miles from Ullswater), Scotland (on the edge of a loch and river), Salisbury near Stonehenge for extended two-week programmes, Portugal's Algarve coast (minimalist boutique hotel rooms), Villena in Spain (a traditional Spanish villa in rolling countryside) and a site near Tampa Bay in America. There is also a non-residential option for people who live close enough to travel home each evening, and a two-day online programme.

A typical day is structured but not punishing: guided fitness activities, all meals cooked fresh by the FitFarms chef, educational workshops, outdoor walks and wellness sessions. The exercise is adapted to the individual, and the health questionnaire each guest completes before arrival is reviewed by a GP fitness specialist team. Nutrition workshops and recipe sessions run throughout the stay, so guests learn to cook and eat in a way they can keep up at home.

The team is led by Stephen Cole, a specialised health chef who has appeared on ITV, working alongside an award-winning residential team. The company has been featured on BBC News advising the government on weight loss and long-term lifestyle change, on ITV News, and on Channel 4 News discussing lifestyles after the pandemic. It has also supported NHS-related health and wellbeing initiatives.

Guests commonly arrive on their own, often having never done a residential retreat before and feeling nervous about it. The team's stated approach is to settle people in and make them part of the group, which is why the programme skews supportive rather than competitive. Reported outcomes include reduced body fat, a healthier BMI, lower blood pressure, better immune function, less tiredness and improved confidence.

A one-week programme is the standard option, and a two-week programme is available at FitFarms Salisbury for guests who have the time. A £100 discount applies to courses booked before 18th September at 10pm, taken off the balance payment rather than the deposit.

What's included

- Residential accommodation for the duration of your programme - All meals freshly prepared by the FitFarms chef - Guided fitness sessions adapted to your level - Nutrition workshops and chef-led recipe sessions - Mindset and lifestyle coaching - Outdoor walks and country excursions - Wellness and relaxation sessions - Pre-arrival health questionnaire reviewed by a GP fitness specialist team - Access to the FitFarms aftercare programme (recipes, exercise videos, nutritional tools) - Ongoing accountability and motivation support after you leave

What's not included

- Travel to and from the retreat location - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Non-residential guests' accommodation (day attendance only) - Optional extras not listed in your programme