More than 75,000 readers voted in the 2015-16 Telegraph Travel Awards, announced this week. Amongst the tour operators rated most highly is Wellbeing Escapes, founded by Cypriot Stella Photi, who is also the company’s Managing Director.
For all the opportunities to make dazzling discoveries in furthest-flung outposts proffered by many specialist tour operators, this year’s winner in the intriguing category of Best Specialist Tour Operator places its emphasis on sitting still and pausing for thought.
Wellbeing Escapes deals in a range of getaways – yoga holidays, Ayurveda retreats, spa sessions and detox breaks – where the grass is very much supposed to grow under your feet. Of course, such adventures can always involve a sizeable dose of travel – and destinations covered by the company include India, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Indonesia and St Lucia. But if you would prefer to focus on relaxation a little closer to home, you can also book a soothing serenade in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy – or the UK.
As the winner’s website phrases it: “Why travel halfway across the world for a luxury spa holiday?” Why indeed. Stella founded Wellbeing Escapes 10 years ago when she saw a growing need in today’s hectic world for people to take time to recuperate from their busy lives. “As a business woman I know that city life can be fun, vibrant and busy, but it can also be stressful, hectic and draining. Sometimes it’s hard to find time to simply relax, unwind and take care of our bodies the way that they need, especially after a long day hunched up over a desk,” she said.
“That’s why I founded Wellbeing Escapes – to give people a stress-free service with the very best health, fitness and relaxation holidays, handpicked by us, and coupled with exclusively negotiated packages to get you the best possible deal. We’ve created these so that you benefit from more treatments at a lower price than if you went and booked direct with the hotel or resort,” she added.
Quite the jet-setter, Stella has visited over 54 different countries and has tried well over 100 different treatments. It’s fair to say that Stella certainly knows a thing or two about wellbeing travel and has lent her expertise to many different media publications as well as being a leading member of the International Health and Wellbeing Alliance. Stella concluded, “My team and I come across lots of great health and beauty tips on our travels, as we meet with holistic experts, life-coaches, fitness instructors, meditation gurus and many more wonderful people who share our vision. We’ve set up a blog dedicated to sharing these excellent tips for enjoying a healthy lifestyle here, regardless of whether you’re going on holiday or not.” Because everyone deserves a little Wellbeing…call Stella and her team on 020 3735 7555 or email [email protected]
