#wellness #Expansion #Saint Lucia #Castries #BodyHoliday

A New Chapter for BodyHoliday

BodyHoliday, the renowned operator of the Caribbean's first wellness resort, is entering an exciting new phase with the announcement of a new global leadership team. This strategic move aims to spearhead significant international expansion, starting with its first-ever European property, BodyHoliday Algarve, set to open in Portugal.

Since its establishment in 1988, BodyHoliday has carved a niche in wellness travel, consistently recognized as a leading destination in the wellness industry by publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. The resort is celebrated for its all-inclusive holistic approach, promising guests daily spa treatments, expert-led fitness and sporting programs, and a diverse array of activities, all complemented by nutritious culinary options.

In response to the global wellness tourism market, which is projected to soar to a staggering $9 trillion by 2028, BodyHoliday is keen to extend its reach beyond Caribbean shores. At the helm of this initiative is Andrew Barnard, CEO of SunSwept Resorts, who brings over 25 years of experience in luxury wellness hospitality.

“We’ve always believed that true wellness should be intuitive, rooted in body awareness rather than routine,” said Barnard. “Our expansion into Portugal is a continuation of this philosophy, creating an oasis where guests can rediscover joy, reignite passion, and restore balance.”

Introduction of BodyHoliday Algarve

Set to open its doors in 2029, BodyHoliday Algarve will be a luxurious five-star sanctuary located in the scenic eastern Algarve region of Portugal, just a 45-minute drive from Faro International Airport. This stunning locale, discovered by Barnard during his travels, is adjacent to the Ria Formosa natural reserve, featuring protected dunes that lead to the serene sandy beaches of Praia da Lota.

Approximately 26 acres in size, the seaside resort designed by London's Gensler will seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings. The plans include 175 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, five unique dining concepts, a 40,000 square-foot wellness center housing over 40 treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness complex, and multiple swimming pools, including a striking dune infinity pool that blends into the landscape. Additional amenities encompass lush gardens, a FIFA-standard football pitch, and dedicated courts for tennis and padel, all catered to BodyHoliday's signature health and wellness programs.

Barnard emphasized that this new leadership team is a pivotal step forward for the company. “As a family-run business, we have always taken pride in our distinctive values and personal touch,” he noted. "We are in the process of establishing a world-class team dedicated to the expansion and management of a collection of BodyHoliday resorts across various destinations. This approach allows us to honor our heritage and philosophy while creating a platform for sustainable long-term growth.”

The New Leadership Team

The newly formed leadership team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience:

• - Indu Brar, Operations Director: With over 30 years in luxury hospitality, Indu has held senior operational positions at Fairmont Hotels and recently led North American operational strategy at Accor.
• - Jean-Charles Denis, Chief Financial Officer: A veteran in financial management, Jean-Charles spent over a decade at IHG, overseeing significant elements of the company's international hotel portfolio and growth strategies.
• - Kevin Bundy, Project Director: An expert in real estate development with over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles in major global projects such as the Battersea Power Station redevelopment and developments for Soho House in Europe.

Non-Executive Board Members

• - Jeremy Plummer, Chairman: Previously the Global Head of Investments at CBRE Investment Management, managing $120 billion in real estate and infrastructure assets.
• - Alice Avis MBE, Former CEO of the Sanctuary Spa Group: Her tenure saw the company’s value triple before its sale.
• - Mia Kyricos, Global Hospitality and Wellness Strategist: A seasoned industry leader with influential roles at major hospitality brands, she is a founding board member of the Global Wellness Institute.

Plummer stated, "This marks a turning point in BodyHoliday's history. With an exceptional leadership team, we honor a proud legacy while shaping the next generation of transformative wellness destinations.”

About BodyHoliday

Located in Saint Lucia, BodyHoliday has been a pioneering wellness destination since 1988, offering a wide range of fitness courses, activities, therapies, and spa treatments. The resort features 155 rooms and four villas and hosts activities ranging from archery and diving to Pilates, Ayurveda, and Reiki. Popular annual programs include September Solos, Jive-June, WellFit Tribes, training camps, and yoga retreats.

For more information, visit BodyHoliday.