BodyHoliday announces first European wellness resort in the Algarve, set to open in 2029

BodyHoliday, the wellness resort based in Saint Lucia, has announced plans to open its first European property in the Algarve region of Portugal in 2029. The new destination, to be named BodyHoliday Algarve, will be situated in the eastern part of the region, near the Ria Formosa nature reserve and within walking distance of Praia da Lota beach. The 26-acre site will feature 175 guest rooms, five dining venues, a 40,000-square-foot wellness centre, a fitness complex and a range of leisure facilities, including a FIFA-standard football pitch and racquet sports courts.

Andrew Barnard, CEO of the group, will lead the expansion. The third-generation hotelier said: “From windsurfing and trail running to yoga and nutrition, we’ve always believed that true wellness should feel intuitive rooted in body awareness, rather than routine. It’s about longevity through personalisation, not prescription. Our expansion into Portugal embodies that same philosophy: creating an oasis that encourages guests to rediscover joy, reignite passion and restore balance.”

The expansion marks a significant step in the company’s international growth strategy and will be led by a newly appointed global leadership team, which includes professionals from major hospitality brands such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, IHG and Soho House. “This marks a pivotal chapter in BodyHoliday’s story,” explained chairman Jeremy Plummer. “With an exceptional leadership team at the helm, we are honouring a proud legacy while shaping the next generation of transformative wellness destinations.”

Founded in 1988, BodyHoliday in Saint Lucia has built a reputation for integrating holistic wellness with leisure travel. Its expansion into Europe comes amid growing global interest in wellness tourism, which the Global Wellness Institute projects will reach a market size of $9 trillion by 2028.

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BodyHoliday Algarve is scheduled to open in 2029. For further information and updates, visit the brand’s website here.