Women's Wellness Retreat at Lake Karapiro, New Zealand

A typical day at Resolution starts with movement before breakfast, then a mix of nutrition and wellbeing sessions through the middle of the day, with fitness and education woven together rather than split into separate halves. Afternoons leave room for treatments at the day spa, a swim in the pool, or time in the sauna. Evenings are calmer — dinner, then rest.

The nutrition side is taught rather than prescribed. Guests learn about how food affects energy, sleep and weight, and the meals served during the week are the practical version of what is being taught. The fitness sessions are pitched so that women at different starting points can take part; the retreat is not a bootcamp and the gym is there for those who want it, not a requirement.

What separates this from a standard spa break is the education component and the length of the stay. A week gives enough time for habits to start shifting, and the facilitators — described by returning guests as supportive and caring — work with the group across the whole programme rather than dropping in for single sessions.

The property itself, Lakeside Health & Wellness Resort, has a day spa, pool, spa pool, sauna and gym on site, so the facilities guests use during the week are all within the grounds. Lake Karapiro is on the doorstep, and the Waikato region around it is farmland and water — quiet, and a long way from a city.

Many guests are repeat visitors. One reviewer, radio personality Jay-Jay Feeney, has been on four Resolution retreats and describes coming back for the reset after falling out of good habits, and for the group of women she has met there.

What's included

- Live-in wellness retreat accommodation at Lakeside Health & Wellness Resort - Meals during the stay - Fitness and movement sessions - Nutrition education and workshops - Wellbeing and stress-management sessions - Access to the day spa, pool, spa pool, sauna and gym - Support from the retreat facilitators throughout the stay

What's not included

- Travel to and from Lake Karapiro - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Any treatments or extras not confirmed in your booking