Bovey Castle has it all – from fishing the estate’s rivers and kales, to discovering cider pressing and bee keeping. If you are looking for something more adventurous, you can go deer stalking, and abseiling in the surrounding Devon countryside, ride out across the moor from one of the nearby stables, take on the 4×4 off-road driving course, shoot rifles, try archery, or even take a hot air balloon ride. In addition, Elemis treatments are available in the hotel’s critically acclaimed spa, as well as world-class golf on Bovey’s ‘Top 10’ 18-hole championship course.
From January 2011, there is even more of a reason to visit this multi-award winning resort, with the launch of the Bovey Castle Weight Loss Academy. With weekly academies planned for January (23rd to 28th), February (13th to 18th) and March (13th to 18th) this is much more than a weight loss retreat or boot-camp. It’s a luxury confidence boosting experience intended to give guests the power to overcome weight loss struggles; be it for a baby weight blitz, pre-wedding preparation or simply a post Christmas kick-start. Based in 400 acres of the dramatically beautiful Dartmoor National Park, its unique approach is aimed to permanently fix the broken cogs that have kept the body and mind from running at optimum levels. Seducing the body into giving up unwanted fat and helping guests to become increasingly motivated and healthy every day of the programme, it will essentially kick-start a new routine and support each guest until it becomes second nature – all in the most luxurious surroundings.
Inspirational figures
The co-founder, personal trainer and healthy eating author Simon Lovell has created the academy with expert dietician, and psychotherapist and fellow co-founder Karen Chugg. A bullied computer geek and fat fast-food junkie, Simon flipped his life around in 2004 and now works as one of the hottest personal trainers and nutritional advisors around, renowned for stripping weight from anyone in his path. Simon’s original training techniques and weight-loss ideas have made him national fitness expert in top women’s magazines and his best-selling book ‘The Lunchbox Diet’ launched to critical acclaim in 2009, receiving praise from press and celebrities alike – everyone from Elle Magazine to Cameron Diaz!
Simon and Karen have both had to overcome their own weight struggles through their lives and now bring their vast experience to help others, allowing guests to discover why they eat the foods they do, why they find it hard to keep a steady weight and to set out a plan for life, that they can sustain and use to reshape their life. And that is what makes this so unique; the fact it is just as much about the mind, as it is about the body, which works to ensure long-term results rather than just a quick fix.
The approach of the academy is unique as well as personally tailored to each individual, combining a proven formula of teaching, physical education and relaxation. All of this is contained within an uber-luxe environment, which means you wake up in a stunning room in the picturesque countryside ready to spend another day cleansing your mind and body through structured exercise programs, seminar and fun workshops leaving you energised, full of life and, most importantly, looking and feeling amazing. Simon Lovell explains his passion:
“As soon as I set foot in Bovey Castle something clicked and I knew that the Academy had to be born.”
“It was a dream come true and now we’re launching it’s a fantastic feeling, knowing that it will shape so many lives. For a personal trainer it’s the ultimate fitness playground and Karen can get the most out of her sessions in the most fabulous setting. This coupled with our other experts makes it the most exciting place to be in 2011 if you want to feel great about yourself”.
“Our passion for the weight loss academy has come from overcoming our own personal struggles and wanting to make long lasting change in people, whatever stage they are with their weight and most of all; confidence. We’ve had the ah-ha moments that have shaped our lives and now it’s time for us to spark the light in others.”
Inspirational setting
Set in 400 acres of Dartmoor National Park, on the edge of the valley and overlooking the beautifully restored Edwardian gardens and trout lake far below, it is an exceptional example of England’s last true wilderness.
In addition to the 63 rooms and suites in the castle itself, the luxury five star accommodation offering also features 14 exquisite three-story granite lodges – each bordering the golf course and secluded by lakes and manicured lawns. Offering three double bedrooms, all of which are en-suite, comfortably sleeping six or indulgently sleeping two they make the perfect choice for families, groups of friends or couples looking for that extra bit of and seclusion.
– Standard package – £1,997 sharing / £2,367 own room
– Deluxe package – £2,317 sharing / £2,677 own room
This is arriving Sunday afternoon, departing Friday after lunch. Includes all food, drinks (with meals) and activities.
B&B rates for those wanting to indulge in the Bovey Castle experience but wanting to take it a little easier start from £225 per room per night. Christmas and New year packages are still available to book.
For further information visit www.boveycastle.com or call 01647 445000
