Helios Retreats Anmeldelser 

Such an amazing time away. The Helios Retreat in the Anantara in the Maldives was such an extraordinary experience.

The setting was incredible, waking up to views of the Indian Ocean was the perfect antidote to the English Winter.

Danny Osborne (the trainer) was fantastic; his workouts were always challenging but never dull. Sarah White (yoga teacher) was fantastic and her handstand workshop was a particular highlight.

Thank you all. I return to London with a lovely new set of friends!

Thank you Helio Retreats for a 5 Star experience. Everything was first class
Hugo and his team made sure that everything ran like clockwork
What a perfect location
Will definitely be back
Tim & Gill Ward

The Bahamas is my second retreat with Helios. I had to come again as I had so much fun in Mykonos, and it didn’t disappoint. The Bahamas retreat hotel is beautiful, such an island vibe. We did quite a few workouts on the beach. Trevor the trainer had so much energy, and super fun to train with.

The activities were really fun too with a boat day out to feed the turtles and see the swimming pigs. And another day driving the golf kart around to see governors harbour island.

I met such a cool group of people, and had the best time. Highly recommend it!

Incredible First Trip

I've done many travels from solo backpacking trips, trips with friends, to luxurious trips but this is definitely a travel experience everyone should try! I love fitness and travel but I’ve always found it difficult to stay consistent with your fitness routine while traveling and exploring new places. Helios experiences cater exactly to what I’m looking for. It was an incredible experience where you could travel, meet new awesome people, stay fit, and disconnect from your everyday life.

The hotel is great with good service and amazing beach view, but what make the experience remarkable are the group of people in the retreat. Hugo, the owner, is very welcoming, friendly, and hilarious. Cat, the co-host, is also very kind, helpful, sweet, and fun to talk to. Trevor, the lead trainer for the Bahamas trip, did the excellent job in leading fun and energizing workouts for a bunch of strangers (at first!) with various fitness background. He was able to modify and cater the workouts according to your injury/needs while also keeping the energy up and bonding people in workout classes and excursions. I also got a chance to spend time with a group of amazing people from all over the world. Really glad to have met them and for all the fun times we had.

I guarantee you’ll leave the trip feeling more energized while also relaxed, happy, and beaming with satisfactions that you join this trip!

I had the pleasure of attending the Morocco Helios retreat. The entire experience was amazing. Upon arriving at the airport in Marrakech I was picked up by a driver that took me directly to our home for the week which was super convenient. The resort was absolutely beautiful and was set up for complete comfort and relaxation. It included beautiful rooms, a stunning pool, a spa, movie theater, rooftop bar and was built was natural plants and foliage everywhere which further added to the amazing ambiance.

The retreat had a great mix of activities to help the mind and body recharge and take in the amazing culture of Morocco: from HIIT workouts, yoga and boxing to dinner in the city, movie night, mountain hikes and of course the excursion to the Sahara. The mix of events were very enjoyable and allowed me to totally disconnect from my everyday life and just relax. I also loved that I didn't have to do any planning or much thinking/logistics to be able to enjoy so many different things.

Amelia and Tamara really enhanced the entire experience! Not only were they extremely knowledgeable fitness instructors that pushed us in every session and crafted great workouts/yoga for the group. More than that they served as the vibe setters for the group and overall resource for anything the group needed. They constantly worked hard to ensure that all 14 members of the group had what they each needed to fully enjoy the experience!!

Between the culture, amazing food and service and the beauty of our selected lodging in Morocco, this trip was like nothing I have ever experienced before in my life!!

It's been a week since I returned home from Morocco. I'm still feeling the bliss of the trip. What an incredible experience! The accommodations (The Source Hotel and Umnya Dune Camp) were breathtaking and extremely comfortable. Top notch trainers/hosts. Loved Amelia's strength/boxing workouts! While Tamara's yoga classes brought me to a space of powered zen. Both were able to cater the workouts to all attendees and ensured the programming complimented one another. Additionally, both went above and beyond as hosts (Not to mention they made the trip SO fun!) What elevated this retreat was the cultural experiences -- hiking the high Atlas Mountain, traditional Moroccan meals, an astrology class under the stars (WOW), traditional Moroccan musicians and camping in the Sahara desert! What made the trip for me were the genuine people I encountered. From other guests, to employees at the Source/Umnya Dune Camp, our amazing tour guides and locals. This is a trip you don't want to miss!

Great time trying out heluos. Trevor the trainer was great, very hands on and a real part of the group. The whole team was very personable. As somone who likes to travel solo, this was a great change of pace, and I was able to keep up my gym routine which normally I can't on vacation. Definitely recommend!

When I was sat 1000 km from the nearest village, out in the Sahara desert, I couldn’t stop thinking what an incredible experience this was. How lucky I was to get to see those sand dunes, stretching as far as the eye can see. And see the stars, unobscured by city light, shining so vividly.

Honestly this was one of the best trips I ever went on in my life. Made of two parts: the hustle and bustle of the hotel in Marrakesh, and the serenity of the Sahara.

Despite joining a fitness retreat, initially, I was a little shook they’d arranged 4-5 workout classes in a day in Marrakesh. But, actually these are all carefully planned so you work different areas of the body and the DOMS aren’t so bad.

Amelia and Tamara, the fitness instructors, were true pros. Super on-it. Super organised. I took a lot from all the classes.

And I could chill, knowing Sam was taking amazing pics of the whole trip, so I didn’t need to.

We were so well looked after, in the desert, at the hotel and by our drivers. They couldn’t do enough for us. Whether that was bringing a chair up a sand dune or helping us scout out the best WiFi.

I've been home for less than 24 hours and have that restless feeling any good holiday leaves you with after experiencing new cultures, interacting with new people and having time to reflect, reset and just be.

Having booked in 2020, Hugo was flexible and accommodating in a time of uncertainty for the travel industry when the trip had to be rescheduled for later dates. The information and communication was great and provided reassurance that we were in good hands.

The trainers Amelia and Tamara were everything you'd hope for. Incredibly knowledgable and passionate about what they do, they were both motivating and attentive with a genuine care and warmth. They were truly there to guide and support you, making sure you had the best experience, tailoring the sessions to meet your needs.

Our group was the first to stay in the new accommodation and Sahara camp. There were a few minor bumps to the itinerary and timings but nothing that impacted the overall experience. If anything it demonstrated how committed and focused Hugo, Amelia and Tamara were on our group and making sure we had the fantastic stress-free trip we'd planned. A huge thank you to team Helios for all of your commitment, hard work and for taking such fabulous care of us - you were awesome.

Overall, it was a powerful experience with a group of beautiful, like minded people who started the week as strangers and left as friends with memories that'll last a lifetime. If you're in need of some time to reset and reconnect with yourself and others in a fantastic location, you really can't go wrong!

I’ve just returned from Morocco and can’t stop thinking about this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. A bit concerned to travel given the world we now live in, Hugo and the Helios team were always there to answer my questions about the trip, logistics, etc.

Being a solo guest, I was a bit apprehensive in attending alone, however, from the beginning of the retreat to the very end, I felt welcomed and a part of the group each day. This trip was such an enriching experience and one I certainly will not forget. From the hotel, the workouts, the comradery between the group, outings into the city of Marrakech and of course the Sahara extension – this trip was worth every single penny. If you are contemplating whether or not this trip is worth it, just book it. You won’t regret it!

I’ve just returned from the Morocco trip with a full heart, full belly, and safe to say, full of endorphins. I’d like to think its hard to go wrong with any trip planned in beautiful Marrakech, but the Helios retreat managed to top any expectations I had going in. It was the perfect balance of exercise, adventure and relaxation that really felt tailored to our group’s desires and needs on any given day. What really makes or break a trip like this are the people, and from the Helios team to the others who attended I was truly blown away by the deep connections and lifelong friendships we were able to make by the end having arrived as total strangers only one week earlier.

Leading up to the trip, Hugo and his team were extremely responsive and attentive to any questions or concerns, especially with the uncertainty around traveling these days. From the first session it was clear why our trainer and yoga instructor Amelia and Tamara were selected to partake; they’re clearly the best in the biz and both so passionate about what they do which immediately shone through from the workouts that were designed for our group to how attentive and proactive they were with regards to planning the logistics around our day to day activities. Our professional photographer Sam was an added bonus and in a league of his own when it came to setting the mood and capturing memories that I’m sure we’ll all look back fondly on for years to come.

Goes without saying but all in all this is a unique trip of a lifetime you won’t want to miss, and whatever you do, DONT skip out on the Sahara extension. Thanks again to Hugo & co for an unforgettable vaca - see you in 2022?!

Mykonos Oct 2021 Retreat

If you're looking for fun, adventure, and fitness all wrapped up in an incredible destination, the Helios team delivers through and through. I booked the Mykonos retreat as a birthday present to myself and I can honestly say I came away with a priceless experience. To say "wow" is an absolute understatement. Coming on this trip solo, I was excited yet a bit unsure. Hugo and his team made sure I was in good hands from the start. I met some incredible people on this trip and the activities set up for us were not only a great way to bond, but also so much fun and a great way to learn, grow, and explore from an all-around perspective. Highlight of the trip for me (other than the awesome workouts) was the catamaran sailing trip and driving buggies around the island.

I can't say enough good things about our strength training coach, Amelia, and our yoga instructor, Tamara! They are both natural leaders and made sure everyone in the group felt comfortable, including making time to get to know each of the guests, their fitness levels and goals. Amelia and Tamara's positive impact made a huge impression and was a true source of motivation. There is so much to learn from them. Our photographer, Matt, was awesome - always there to snap some incredible shots...and for the comic relief.

Thank you Hugo and the Helios team! The vibes, the people, the location, and the workouts all came together to make for an unforgettable experience. To say this was a once in a lifetime experience would be wrong because I know I'll definitely be back for more adventures.

WOW!

As I sit back on my flight back home, I cannot help but to feel an immense sense of gratitude.
My tank is replenished!
I have to say the highlight of this retreat for me was arriving at a foreign country, being introduced to a group of strangers, and leaving with priceless memories and deep bonds with a group of amazing individuals.
About the retreat: there’s enough information to help you plan for what you need. I really appreciated having Hugo around giving the experience a personal touch, while also ensuring people are being greeted from the beginning. The fitness coaches, Amelia & Tamara have crafted a flow that helps your body get moving from the first day, and keep the flow / vibe going throughout. Sam captured timeless moments, and overall made himself available for individual needs as well.
Words will not earnestly encompass truly the experience overall, but if you get a chance to escape to Morocco, you HAVE TO join the Sahara as it is the crème de la crème of the retreat.
Lastly, be open to the people. The group of strangers you will inevitably meet, will surely become part of what makes this a truly magical experience - including the local folks.

YOU GUUUUYS! Thank you, truly, for being amazing! IMY! (*insert heart emoji*)

- Oz

Great travel experience, highly recommend joining Helios retreats. I’ve dreamt of visiting Morocco for a while and the programme looked like a perfect mixture of fitness and travel so it was. Good hotel, delicious food and great PTs. If going to Morocco, don’t miss Sahara trip, unbelievable experience in luxury tents though be prepared to drive 6 hours one way (absolutely worth it though!)

What an incredible adventure with Helios in Morocco! They curated every detail from the kickass workouts, to the savory local fresh cuisine, to a once in a lifetime trip to the Sahara desert in uber luxury tents. Amelia is an incredible trainer who knows how to personalize the workouts to get you the results you need and keeps them fun and engaging. Tamara is an inspirational yoga instructor who keeps you motivated and feeling rejuvenated. Sam, the talented photographer, worked tirelessly to capture every moment to ensure the memories last a lifetime. Our hosts Amelia and Tamara were always there to ensure every little detail was taken care of to ensure a stress-free vacation. They really did an excellent job of balancing the active, energetic workouts and yoga with seeing all of the wonderful sites in Marrakesh. And even though the schedule was packed with activities, it was all tailored and adjusted to meet my and the group’s needs. I highly recommend the retreat with the Sahara desert add on—epic sites that words can’t describe. Thank you Hugo and Helios!!

After posting a positive review (4 stars) on another site provided by the owner Hugo and emailing him privately with specific comments/constructive feedback (and offering to have a phone call to discuss), he insisted that I leave a review on here before receiving the album created by the professional photographer on the retreat. Reviewing only on the other site was insufficient. So I created this account to do just that.

Another guest received this text from Hugo:
"As the owner of the business, I reserve the right to choose how I'd like to gift the clients. The hamper is an extra service we offer for those who help us with a 5-star review. So are the pictures."

Seeing all the 5-star reviews on here and knowing he offers incentives for them is unethical and against Trustpilot's standards. I'm sure many of the reviews were written sincerely, but makes me doubt how comprehensive all of them could be if no one had any areas for improvement.

The rest of the Helios team was lovely and the retreat was overall a fun time, so they're the only reason this isn't a 1-star rating. But I can't in good conscience recommend it at this point. Dealing with Hugo just isn't worth the price when there are so many other options out there.

Booking my first Helios retreat offered a much needed opportunity to hit the reset button and celebrate entering a new decade after a year and a half of juggling working from home with a baby during a pandemic. Once past some hiccups prior to departure involving the retreat dates (on July 9th we were given the green light to book flights for Oct. 7-13 when the retreat was actually Oct. 6-12 and then once we booked flights, on Aug. 10th we were asked if we would be willing to switch to Oct. 1-6 or Sept. 8-13 instead b/c the island was going to close or shut down on Oct. 7?), I had a truly restorative and memorable time in Mykonos.

I convinced a friend to go with me and she in turn convinced 2 others to join us so we started off as a party of 4, but when 1 backed out, Helios was accommodating and kind enough to arrange for a triple room for us at Zinas Villas. Hugo was on hand sharing his local knowledge and experience (the guy working at an ice cream shop we visited said "of course I know Hugo"), and I appreciated Georgia's amiability and humor.

As a fitness junkie, trust me when I tell you that the trainers are excellent (we had Amelia and Tamara), the workouts and yoga offer variety and challenge for all levels, and the settings and views are incredible. The excellent poolside welcome massages and delicious meals at the villa prepared by a private chef were such a treat. The Bowl Mykonos food was tasty and healthy, but I was sometimes craving a bit more (you work out for 2 hours in the morning before breakfast). I really enjoyed the longer hike we did one morning, and I had a blast zipping along the hilly, curvy roads on a quad bike/ATV (not included/separate charge and unless you have prior experience, you have to pass a test drive to rent one or there's a buggy option that doesn't require a test).

We split off from our group the night they went out to Cavo Tagoo so we could enjoy the quads a bit longer and have a more casual, local fare dining experience (our taxi driver recommended Kiki's and when we told Hugo he said it's too hard to get a table there but when we mentioned that the taxi driver said it's not that bad now b/c it's the low season, Hugo added it to the itinerary for the group for lunch on our last full day).

The catamaran day was sublime, but note that it's not included/separate charge and not everyone in your group may get to go. My friend volunteered me to take the last spot, as she and the third person in our traveling trio had already opted not to go but they were also told the boat was at capacity so there was no room for them anyway.

Our retreat's content creator, Matt, was a fun and chill person to be around and he got some great shots during the week. While I assumed each person received a link to his or her personalized photos since Hugo sent me 32 pix before I posted my review, I later learned that others received the full set of 296 pix. I had been asked multiple times to write a review and told I would receive a gift in the mail if I did (these requests and offer were in the group chat as well as private DM - no conditions were tied to the offer at the time it was made). Once I wrote my 4 star review, I was then told that gifts and photos are only sent for 5 star reviews. Hugo never sent any trip photos to the 2 other people in my traveling group (one never wrote a review and the other wrote a 4 star review which she later downgraded based on this whole post-trip experience).

If not for these post-trip interactions, I would've absolutely gone on another Helios retreat and friends at home really wanted to go as well. While my travel experience fell short in the positive ending department, it at least excelled in good company. I enjoyed spending time with the other travelers in our group. We met up with a subset of them again during our overnight in Athens on the way home, and hopefully our paths will cross again beyond just staying in touch digitally.

I had a great time on the recent Mykonos Retreat. The trainers were excellent, food was great & I was fortunate to be with a fun group of people. For anyone booking I'd recommend the the boat trip which comes as extra.

If you are thinking of booking this retreat- do it!! I can honestly say this was one of the most memorable trips I’ve had. I have returned home feeling fitter, energised and with some great new friends!

The food was delicious, the trainers were first class and the owner Hugo is really personable and makes an effort to make sure everyone is having the best time. A special mention to our photographer Matt who captured the best moments and felt like a fun member of the group.

Helios retreats thank you- I will be back!!

I wanted an active get away that was fun and still felt like a holiday and this completely delivered. I had an amazing week in Mykonos.

The workouts were incredible and have inspired me to change things up at home. The food was amazing (we did a combination of meals at the villa and incredible restaurants) and the other guests were so lovely and so easy to get along with. The day on the Catamaran was a dream.

It’s completely suitable to all levels of fitness. If you have any doubts, just go for it. An incredible week of memories.