Outward Bound is a name many of us will be familiar with. The New Zealand arm of this organisation have enjoyed great success in showing people their full potential through challenge and adventure in the outdoors. Quite frankly, I can think of no better place to do this sort of thing than New Zealand. Rugged, stunning landscapes criss crossed by streams, rivers and lakes make it ideal terrain for doing adventure activities outdoors.
According to the Outward Bound web site:
“This Outward Bound was established in 1962 and still operates from the original location, Anakiwa, in the Marlborough Sounds.
Anakiwa, near Picton, has been described as the most perfectly situated Outward Bound school in the world. The natural timbered buildings of the facilities merge gracefully into the curve of the bay and are backed by native bush.
In front stretches a long jetty where the school’s small fleet of cutters are at anchor. The ‘classrooms’ of the school are the native bush, mountains, rivers and
seaways of Marlborough.
The Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand is a member of Outward Bound International which was founded by Kurt Hahn in Wales in 1941 – there are 42 member countries.”
The adventurous 8 day Discovery course is probably regarded as the most popular - designed to instil the knowledge and belief that there is always more inside you than you think there is. Activities are designed to take you out of your comfort zone including running, swimming, sailing, rock climbing, hiking, canoeing and camping.
From £750 (US$1,600) for 8 days
Northern Spain is well known for it’s rugged beauty which makes it the perfect location for The Big Stretch. Situated in the Pico mountains The Big Stretch runs various creative life coach courses together with workshops, treks and canoeing through breathtaking scenery.
The Big Stretch web site says:
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If you really want to hone your body while enjoying a bit of R & R then you might want to take a look at Wildfitness.
Situated on the Watamu Coast in Kenya, Wildfitness offers a way to boost your energy levels. Enjoying vistas over one of nature’s most stunning environments combined with the world’s best fitness trainers this retreat can help achieve vast leaps in physical prowess.
The emphasis on fun, cutting edge fitness courses gives visitors the opportunity to improve their physical shape and help improve natural vitality, strength and agility.
According to the Wildfitness web site:
“All ranges of fitness and ages come to Wildfitness, from fitness beginners to the super-fit!
Your base is Baraka House (‘blessing’ in Swahili), set right on the beach and angled to catch the Kaskasi Monsoon breezes. It’s open and spacious with shaded lounge areas and two rooftops with 360 degree views. Fly direct to Mombassa or to Malindi via Nairobi.”
Sounds great!
From £2,205 for 9 days.
More and more people are looking for the ultimate detox retreat these days. Well, the resort at Paraty-Mirim definitely comes close to the ultimate.
The Body and Soul site says:
“Body & Soul Adventures is a challenging adventure retreat located in the dazzling coastal mountains near Paraty, Rio de Janeiro.
Our unique and intense program of healthy eating, rainforest hiking, and ocean kayaking tones and trims the body. Daily yoga and massage sessions cleanse and relax the mind. Mother Nature’s beauty and serenity brings peace to the spirit. This unforgettable experience has had rave reviews by the New York Times, Yoga Journal, In Style and many others.”
Costs £950 (US$ 2,000) per person for six days.
Ashram is hidden away from the world, situated next to the Santa Monica mountains.
This unique getaway offers a variety of testing programmes that include hiking, restorative yoga and healthy eating.
Ashram has enjoyed full occupancy since it’s opening 30 years ago, a testament to it’s facilities and philosophy.
Much of the programme is described as “brutally tough” however, many guests report feeling rejuvenated at the end of their stay.
Stays cost from £1,900 ($4,000) for a week.
