CARIBBEAN | BodyHoliday has announced a new leadership team, designed to usher in a new era of luxury international expansion.
A pioneer in wellness travel since 1988, BodyHoliday is known for its holistic approach, offering an all-inclusive experience that integrates daily spa treatments, expert-led fitness and sports programs, an extensive activity schedule, and fresh, nourishing cuisine. BodyHoliday's innovative "Feature Months" have brought Olympic champions, NFL and NBA stars, and leading experts in medical and wellness fields to host immersive programmes.
With global wellness tourism forecast to reach $9 trillion by 2028 (Global Wellness Institute), BodyHoliday is expanding beyond the Caribbean. Leading this evolution is Andrew Barnard, CEO of SunSwept Resorts (BodyHoliday, Stolentime), a third-generation hotelier with more than 25 years of luxury wellness experience.
"From windsurfing and trail running to yoga and nutrition, we've always believed true wellness should be intuitive and rooted in body awareness rather than routine," said Barnard.
"Our expansion into Portugal continues that philosophy, creating an oasis where guests rediscover joy, reignite passion and restore balance. We're thrilled to bring our approach to Portugal's stunning coastline."
Opening in 2029, BodyHoliday Algarve will be a five-star sanctuary on Portugal's Eastern Algarve, forty-five minutes from Faro International Airport. Discovered by Barnard during his travels, the site sits beside the Ria Formosa nature reserve, with a short walk through protected dunes leading to Praia da Lota's golden sands and calm waters.
Designed by London-based architecture firm Gensler, the 26-acre beachfront resort will be integrated into its natural surroundings. Plans include 175 guest rooms and suites, five dining concepts, a 40,000-square-foot Wellness Centre with more than 40 treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness complex, and multiple pools, including a dramatic negative-edge dune pool embedded in the landscape. Additional amenities will include a lush garden, FIFA-standard soccer field, racquet centre with tennis and padel courts, and BodyHoliday's signature health and fitness programs.
Barnard said the new leadership team marks a significant milestone.
"As a family business, we've always taken pride in our distinctive values and personal touch," he said.
"We are now building a world-class team dedicated to expanding and managing a collection of BodyHoliday resorts across multiple destinations. This ensures we preserve our heritage and philosophy while creating a platform for sustainable, long-term growth. BodyHoliday has always reflected what we hold most dear - movement, adventure, joy and the power of human connection."
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