The wellness wave: families are looking for healthy holidays (and finding them in Portugal)

While family summer holidays are typically all about packing the itinerary with high-energy activities to keep the kids busy 24/7, an increasing number of parents in the UK are looking for a more relaxed, mindful approach to their summer getaway.

According to the Global Wellness Institute in its Wellness Tourism Initiative Trends for 2024: “Families are increasingly valuing travel experiences that support their child’s wellbeing …This trend goes beyond traditional family vacations aimed solely at entertainment, focusing instead on immersive experiences that offer both fun and learning moments.”

Google data shows this is the case: searches for ‘spa for children’ are up 100% over the past 90 days in the UK, while ‘mindfulness for kids’ is up 70%. ‘Calming yoga for kids’ and ‘meditation for kids’ both reached breakout status over the past 90 days, which according to Google means the search terms are up more than 5,000% in that time frame (Google Trends).

Martinhal: rejuvenating family holidays in Portugal

Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts in Portugal understands the importance of offering children a space to decompress and enjoy a moment of mindfulness with the entire family – after all, Martinhal hotels are designed with families in mind, from the child-friendly room designs and baby puree menus, to their famous Baby Concierge and Kids Clubs. Here are just a few ways guests can enjoy family wellness on their Martinhal holiday this summer:

Spa treatments for all ages 

Martinhal Sagres on the Eastern tip of the Algarve offers a zen escape in its relaxing Finisterra Spa, which is set in its own secluded grounds surrounded by pine trees, lavender, hibiscus and other indigenous plants from the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Parents visiting Martinhal Sagres can take advantage of the vast range of adults-only treatments, but they can also bring the family along for parent-and-child treatments including back massages, manicures, pedicures and facials (all £72, available for children aged 4-11).

Families visiting with teens can also book in individual beauty treatments especially aimed at younger skin, including back massages (£40) and facials (£44) – available for children aged 12-16.

Family yoga classes 

At Martinhal Lisbon Oriente in the heart of Lisbon’s Park of Nations, guests can book yoga sessions for the whole family to enjoy, led by an expert instructor and with sweeping views of Lisbon from the hotel Rooftop. The classes involve simple poses and interactive games as well as mindfulness practice to help nurture mind, body and spirit. Prices start at £20 per family, ages 3 and up.

Wilderness hikes 

 Guests can make the most of the natural beauty of the Algarve by booking hosted hikes through Martinhal’s concierge – nothing else clears the mind like a nature walk, after all. At Martinhal Sagres, families can book a Family Walking Tour to explore the wide range of fauna and flora and historical landmarks just a stone’s throw from the resort, before coming back to fuel up with fresh, healthy food at one of the hotel’s multiple eateries.

See below for more details and high-resolution images for Martinhal Sagres and Martinhal Lisbon Oriente. For example summer bookings at each Martinhal resort, please visit our Newsroom.

Martinhal Sagres

Located on the eastern tip of Portugal’s Algarve coast, Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts’ flagship hotel Martinhal Sagres remains the leading light in luxury family holidays. With award-winning kids clubs, a large variety of activities ranging from mountain biking to surfing and sleek and stylish design, the hotel keeps even the most active of kids entertained and gives even the most stressed of parents a chance to breathe and unwind. Martinhal Sagres is incredibly spacious, with the facilities and green areas spread out over 220,000 square metres and with its own access to a 700m beach.

Martinhal Lisbon Oriente

Martinhal Lisbon Oriente is the newest hotel from Martinhal, having opened in Lisbon’s trendy Park of Nations district in Summer 2023. Martinhal Lisbon Oriente provides a city experience for short and long-term stays in Lisbon, featuring a selection of 5-star fully-equipped studios and apartments with extensive facilities for business, leisure and family travellers, including a 24hr concierge, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, well-equipped gym, kids’ club, all-day Terrace restaurant, and co-working spaces for digital nomads.