FAQ

What is a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience?

Our collection of wellbeing travel experiences are multifaceted, favoured by vast, open spaces. Paired with the privacy to move, think, create, learn and grow through a unique selection of physical, mindful and creative nature-based activities, workshops and classes.

We work with learned experts deeply respected in their fields and a fine selection of boutique hotels and properties committed to eco-sustainability. Each wellbeing travel experience is designed to provide undisturbed time and space to slow down, disconnect, restore vitality and a sense of belonging.

Choose from a Fixed Date Retreat, Private Retreat or a Curated Working Experience. To learn more about each individual offering, please skip to ‘What is a Fixed Date Retreat?’, ‘What is a Private Retreat?’ and ‘What is Curated Working?’

What is a Fixed Date Retreat?

Immersed in the beauty of an untouched and natural environment, every Fixed Date Retreat in our collection carries the classic Balance Holidays spirit. Bringing individuals from all walks of life together to connect, explore and exchange ideas on an all-inclusive curated experience. We pay close attention to each destination, specialised practices with leading experts, a nutritious field-to-fork menu and more in the programme design, to effectively support your wellbeing.

To learn more and to explore our collection of Fixed Date Retreats, please visit our Fixed Date Retreats page.

What is a Private Retreat?

At Balance Holidays, we believe in making special moments last longer for the things that matter to you. Our Private Retreats follow the framework of our Fixed Date Retreats, combined with personalisation and privacy. Allowing the focus to remain on reconnecting, restoring and creating happy memories on an experience complete with a unique roster of outdoor activities. Facilitated by a team of caring experts, circled in a pristine, natural environment.

To learn more and to explore our collection of Private Retreats, please visit our Private Retreats page.

What is a Curated Working experience?

Redefining a new work-life dynamic that supports the demands of your work with equal attention to your wellbeing. Curated Working draws inspiration from the core values of Balance Holidays (to build wellbeing in all we do), into the way we work in one destination. Highly curated, personalised and fully flexible, working around your personal agenda. Each experience is inclusive of our signature combination: a private and discreet, natural environment, outdoor activities and field-to-fork meals.

To learn more and to explore our collection of Curated Working experiences, please visit our Curated Working page.

What does a typical day on a wellbeing retreat look like?

Our Fixed Date Retreats are distinctively defined by unique wellbeing themes and concepts, which as a result, determines the day-to-day structure of each programme. On the other hand, our Private Retreats embody the same approach but with an added touch of personalisation to ensure the focus of the experience remains on your wellbeing and celebrating time together.

With this in mind, we recommend referring to the ‘A Typical Day’ section listed on each programme landing page to find out more about what can be expected from the programme you are interested in. It is important to note that all itineraries listed are a sample only and subject to changes.

Nonetheless, whether you book a Fixed Date or a Private Retreat with Balance Holidays, the full programme schedule will be emailed to you prior to the beginning of each experience.

What does a typical day on a Curated Working experience look like?

Every Curated Working experience is unique as the intended nature is to be fully flexible and open to personalisation. Ensuring it suitably moulds around your interests and needs. We therefore suggest referring to the ‘A Typical Day’ section listed on the individual Curated Working experience pages or contacting us. Do note, the full programme will be emailed to you prior to the start of the chosen experience.

What is included in a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience?

Our experiences are an all-inclusive offering. The key differences are the practice styles, outdoor activities, workshops and classes. Which will vary between Fixed Date retreats, Private Retreats and Curated Working. Please refer to the ‘Overview’ and ‘What’s Included’ sections of the individual experience pages for a better understanding.

What is not included in a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience?

In general, transportation is not included in the price of the programme. You are therefore responsible for making any and all suitable logistic arrangements. Please refer to the ‘Practical Info’ section of the individual experience page for detailed information on how to reach each destination. The Balance Holidays team remains at your full disposal should you require additional information. Feel free to contact us via email, phone or WhatsApp.

Any food, beverages, activities, treatments and items of a personal nature not listed under 'What's Included' on the programme page are unassociated to the wellbeing travel experience and will incur additional fees.

How many guests can attend each experience?

The number of attending guests varies between each experience. Please refer to ‘No. of Guests’ in the Overview section of the experience landing pages, which details this information.

Can I attend a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience by myself?

Absolutely! At Balance Holidays, our experiences are designed to be enjoyable for solo-travellers regardless of whether you choose to attend a Fixed Date Retreat, Private Retreat or Curated Working.

If you are a solo-traveller attending a Fixed Date retreat and wish to share a room, please contact us to let us know. We will be happy to pair you with another guest where possible.

Do I need to be of a certain fitness level to join a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience?

Our experiences welcome everyone as they are designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for people of all skills and fitness levels. From a physical outdoor activity to a physical exercise, our caring, knowledgeable and professional experts are with you every step of the way. They are familiar with teaching multilevel groups and will be happy to adapt the intensity of an exercise or a pose to your preference. Just ask! After all, we keep group sizes intimate for a reasonable teacher-student ratio and curate each programme on the grounds of giving every attending guest the opportunity to flourish, learn and grow. Regardless of how much time you have spent on a bike or a mat.

If you have an existing health or medical condition, please skip to “I have an existing injury and/or suffer from a mental health condition. Can I attend one of your wellbeing travel experiences” and “Will attending a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience help me overcome any of my physical/mental health conditions?” You may also refer to our extensive Terms & Conditions if you wish to learn more.

Can I book extra activities and treatments in addition to those listed in the individual programmes?

Yes you can! Please contact us to explore the extra activities and treatments available for your chosen programme. Do note, these will incur an additional cost separate to the listed price of the experience and you assume responsibility for complying to any and all booking requirements set out by the supplier.

What food and beverages can I expect?

We are obsessed with delicious food. After all, our founder is Italian!

Each programme menu is specially designed by the Balance Holidays team. Capturing culinary traditions informed by the destination through recipes and concepts. Combined with locally-sourced or where possible, home-grown organic, in-season ingredients. All meals will be prepared using seasonal fruits and vegetables, paired with small portions of fish or free-range protein meats, legumes and gluten-free grains in place of carbohydrates, absent of refined sugars. Non-Gluten free options are also available. Refreshments such as light snacks, fresh fruit juices and herbal teas are also included.

Where our experiences are held in some of the world’s most exquisite wine regions, cultivating native grape varieties in the estate gardens. For a complete, immersive experience, we make sure to include a wine tasting and/or small intakes of wine with the programme.

*To find out about individual dietary needs, please skip to ‘I have a food allergy, intolerance and/or dietary requirement’ to learn more.

I have a food allergy, intolerance and/or dietary requirement.

Please indicate any food allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements you may have to a member of the Balance Holidays team when booking a wellbeing travel experience with us. This will allow us to make any suitable arrangements with the property partner kitchen staff to accommodate your needs as best as we can. Do note, we cannot guarantee every request and requirement will be met but endeavour to where we can and kindly advise you to refer to our full Terms & Conditions for further information.

Who will look after us at each experience?

Alongside our esteemed experts and an outstanding concierge team at each destination. A Balance Holidays Host or Representative, depending on the destination and whether you are travelling solo or as a group, will be present and contactable throughout the entire programme to provide assistance and support where needed.

What should I bring?

The welcome pack we send out to each guest prior to the beginning of each experience details this information.

While weather is unpredictable, we recommend checking the local forecast before departure to understand what items of clothing are suitable for the climate and season. If you are still unsure, please contact us.

Will I receive a welcome pack?

Yes. Prior to the beginning of each experience, we will send you a welcome pack containing all necessary information relating to the programme, leading expert(s) and contact information of the Balance Holidays Host or Representative via email. A dedicated Health, Hygiene and Safety information sheet adapted to each experience will also be included. Ensuring you are supported and taken care of from the beginning to the end.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

You are responsible for purchasing your own travel insurance, as explained in our booking Terms & Conditions.

What happens if I sustain an injury during one of the physical activities or treatments on an experience?

Our guests’ safety is top priority. As our programmes include an array of physical activities and exercises, the instructions and guidance given by our experts have been designed with your safety in mind. Prior to the beginning of each programme, we always advise guests to follow the instructions, direction and guidance of the expert and to always pay close attention to their bodies, to minimise the risk of injury and incidents. It is possible to experience temporary muscle soreness after an activity. However, if you feel an exercise or a pose is too complex or intense for you, tell the teacher immediately.

Before attending one of our experiences, besides purchasing adequate and comprehensive travel insurance for yourself and all members of your party, please refer to our extensive Terms & Conditions to learn more about agreeing to participate in physical exercises and activities.

Are your experts insured?

Yes, all experts we work with at Balance Holidays are insured under General Liability/Master Insurance Policy.

I have an existing injury and/or suffer from a mental health condition. Can I attend one of your wellbeing travel experiences?

As mentioned in our Terms & Conditions, when booking a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience, we encourage guests to declare any existing physical or mental health conditions. If you have concerns about any of the activities and practices involved and its impact on your health, we strongly advise consulting your Physician or General Practitioner before booking to understand in full all the necessary requirements to safeguard your health and wellbeing. On the retreat, guests are responsible for listening to their bodies, slowing down and stopping if and when something does not feel right.

Will attending a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience help me overcome any of my physical/mental health conditions?

We do not advertise, advocate nor imply that any of our experiences or practices and activities listed in our programmes are a substitute for any medical care or treatment. Please seek professional advice before booking if you are unsure.

How can I bring forward the lessons and tools from a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience to sustain healthy, balanced living at home?

To support your wellbeing journey beyond each experience, we will be happy to work with our panel of knowledgeable experts to design a post-retreat offering that follows our philosophy on curated details to ensure it moulds to your individual wellbeing needs. Our post-retreat offering typically consists of a series of activities, workshops, tutorials and seminars. However, the structure will vary based on each programme.

Please contact us if you are interested.

I am an eco-friendly-traveller. What efforts are in place at Balance Holidays to minimise the impact of travel on local environments, ecosystems and communities, reducing food waste and promoting food sustainability?

At Balance Holidays, we are advocates of generating a positive impact in everything we do. Which is why our team pays careful attention in choosing each partner property by visiting each destination personally. As well as assessing their social and environmental values through the existing measures in place. In doing so, we ensure our sentiments are aligned and each year, we generate an annual Best Practices report to continue propelling the movement forward. From choosing fresh, organic ingredients sourced locally, making each meal field-to-fork as much as possible, to encouraging digital detoxes to synchronise with natural lighting. Balance Holidays is also a proud supporter of the Slow Food Movement. Visit Our Responsibility to learn more.

What does it mean that Balance Holidays is WellSpoken certified?

As a brand, we have been accredited with the WellSpoken Mark, an international certification for brands who are committed to providing trustworthy wellness and wellbeing information to the public. The WellSpoken Mark certification aims to address and counter poor quality information that has become commonplace in the wellness and wellbeing sectors. Brands who have received the certification mark have undergone a robust assessment of both their content and editorial procedures and have made a public commitment to uphold the highest level of excellence when developing and sharing content. More information about the WellSpoken Mark, see www.wearewellspoken.com.

Where can I leave a review for a Balance Holidays wellbeing travel experience?

Providing unique wellbeing travel experiences and unparalleled customer service is synonymous to Balance Holidays. Yet we believe there is always room for improvement, which is why we value the honest feedback and opinions of each and every single one of our guests. To help us continue growing and offering exceptional programmes and service, please follow the link to our Google Business Page to leave a review.

What are my payment options?

We offer a number of payment options and will be happy to help you find one that works for you. To find out more about matters relating to payment, please refer to our booking Terms & Conditions. If you would like to discuss this further with a member of the team, feel free to contact us.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Yes, all details relating to cancellations are detailed in our booking Terms & Conditions.

One of the activities/workshops/classes has changed or is no longer part of the programme. Can I get compensation?

In the instance an activity/workshop/class has to be removed from the programme, replaced or postponed to a different day, no compensation of any kind or responsibility can be taken as some circumstances are beyond our control. A circumstance beyond our or our supplier’s control is one that cannot be foreseen or avoided even after taking all due care and includes, but is not limited to, adverse weather conditions or forecasts. Please refer to our extensive Terms & Conditions if you wish to learn more.

I’m ready to book! How do I sign up for a wellbeing travel experience with Balance Holidays?

Please browse through our collection of available programmes listed in our Retreat Calendar and in the Curated Working page. Once you have decided, complete an Enquiry form on our website and click ‘SEND’. If you cannot decide which retreat is right for you, email us (mailto:hello@balanceholidays.com) and we will get back to you within 24 hours. You can also give us a call on our toll-free number (tel:+02080363888) or WhatsApp us (tel:+07383099202).