Testimonials

+ Steph B

Gav and Fiona were great hosts, taking us physically out of our comfort zone, but with lots of laughs! Lulworth was a great venue and the hotel was luxurious. The highlights for me were paddle boarding and paddle board yoga as I just love being on the water. A great time making new friends. I can’t wait for the next experience.

+ Lisa F

What a wonderful experience from start to finish, Gav messaging back almost instantly with enquiries pre and boat booking. Gav and Fiona, 2 of the nicest people I have met let alone introduce us to the beautiful Lulworth Cove, whether that was paddle boarding or kayaking (this has to be the best part for me) or going for long scenic walks to admire the county side. Whilst being here we met so many lovely people who we stay in contact with still. I can’t wait to come again for next year. It’s an experience we will never forget.

+ Lisa S

After a busy few weeks a friend recommended I take a break on a wellbeing weekend and it was the best decision I made! Leaving work and family life behind I headed to Lulworth by myself for a wellbeing weekend. And that is exactly what I got! Decent information sent through prior to the weekend so I knew what to expect then met by the hosts Gav and Fiona. What perfect hosts, nothing was too much for these guys, they were so lovely and helpful :)

The weekend included exercise classes, SUPing, swimming, walking, yoga, and a nutritional talk. It was a great mix of activities which I and fellow guests loved. Gav ran the exercise classes and adapted them for different levels of fitness, making them fun and challenging! All activities were optional if you'd prefer to hang by the swimming pool or explore Lulworth further. The hotel was right at the waters edge, with stunning sunsets and a relaxed and welcoming feel.

Lulworth cove is a perfect location for a wellbeing weekend, with the stunning landscape perfect for outdoor activities, then retreating back to the hotel for a swim and chill time before a BBQ and some star gazing!

thanks guys, will definitely be back next year :)

+ Des K

A really wonderful experience, my mate and i travelled from sussex so knew nothing much about lulworth cove and i happened to find about the lulworth cove experience through facebook on a wim, gav and fiona were so friendly and accomodating. We had brilliant laughs and giggles. I def want to come back again and enjoy another experience as its a nice little package with not much thought needing to go into it and i’ll know i’ll be looked after. Its just a stunning place. Food was delicious and hotel was lovely.

+ Zoe & Lee

I found the wellbeing experience on Instagram and it fell on our anniversary so was the perfect opportunity to surprise my fiance with a weekend away. Gav & Fiona were very friendly easy to get along with, I felt well informed and looked after the whole time right from the start when booking. The planning and effort that went in to the weekend and to squeeze so much adventure into one weekend was incredible, it was so nice not to have to organise ourselves and to just turn up and have the best time. Lulworth cove was absolutely stunning the the hotel was beautifully situated with amazing views of the cove. The highlights for us were the paddleboarding, SUP fusion & Fionas nutritional talk which was very insightful. Gav really has a passion for fitness and the way he bought a group of people together was something special. We really enjoyed taking ourselves out of our comfort zone, spending the weekend with strangers but we really are so glad that we did and would highly recommend, such a memorable experience that we will cherish.

+ Laura & Roy

WOW-worth Cove.
We are in our late 50s and were not sure this would be right for us but were completely won over by the friendliness, enthusiasm and 'can do' attitude of our hosts Gavin and Fiona: We packed in a HiT class; paddle boarding, a beautiful long walk, boxercise, sea swimming and a yoga class in the spae of 24 hours!!! They are a very relaxed team; you can do as little or as much as you like.

Slept like a log.

5 star location and organisation.

+ Adrian E

My wife and I signed up to the Wellbeing Experience and it exceeded our expectations. It was an opportunity to get some exercise, meet some other people, eat good food and enjoy the lovely Lulworth Cove. The mix of activities were perfect for each of our tastes and everything was pitched well to meet our exercise tolerances. I loved the Boxercise session while my wife loved the SUP yoga session. We met some awesome people and made some new friends. Gav and Fiona were the perfect hosts leaving no stone unturned. Their attention to detail was spot on. I’d thoroughly recommend their Wellbeing experiences. An amazing place with great people and quality exercise led sessions.

+ Andy L

The Lulworth Experience with Gav & Fiona was just amazing 👍 What a stunning place to be in the world! It's a full two days of activities to suit any fitness level. From the moment you arrive, organisation is apparent till the time to leave. As a city goer to get out into the blue & paddle board was a lot of fun as well as the group exercises. I personally wanted a break for a weekend & mix with like minded people. Was on own but met a good set of people & look forward to next year. I would recommend this weekend to free your mind & indulge in your health, you won't be disappointed

+ Mishail F

This weekend away felt like a week’s holiday in a different country! Gav and Fiona are incredibly warm, brilliant organisers who have amazing ties with communities their experiences are set in and a real passion for bringing people together, health and fitness.

From the booking stage, they were brilliant in helping me organise earlier arrival as I was travelling from some distance to arranging travel to the experience itself, despite me leaving it quite late! They were amazing at striking a balance between encouraging and accommodating for different abilities - I actually realised I could do a lot more than I thought. It gave me a lot of momentum to push out of a lower energy phase following covid and is still ongoing so incredibly grateful for this!

Enough can’t be said about the breathtaking location (I still can’t believe we never the left the UK!) and how incredibly welcoming everyone was - especially as I’d joined the group solo! I’d really struggle to pick a favourite part and would highly recommend this experience!

+ Nicola E

I booked this as a much needed time away from the kids weekend with my husband. From start to finish it was fantastic and far exceeded expectations. The location is absolutely stunning - peaceful and beautiful - and we were based at a gorgeous boutique hotel right on Lulworth cove with outdoor pool, sea views and activities all in the doorstep. What attracted us was the sheer range of activities - all of which we were both able to attempt despite being very different abilities. These were very well co-ordinated and organised and I felt so relaxed despite being in the go! My husband loved the boxercise, whilst I enjoyed the SUP Yoga session, sea swimming and coast hiking. An added bonus was our very friendly hosts and the brilliant group - we had so much fun and really bonded as a group. We would thoroughly recommend it to all and we are in fact looking to book again in the coming year.

+ Kev R

I just wanted to personally thank you for one incredible weekend of exercise, wellbeing and good food. For myself it was so much more than just that. It was a big step in a long journey for me of self discovery and confidence. Please extend this thank you to Anna, your better half, Sabrina and the others. Everyone is fighting a personal battle that we know nothing about. You guys were welcoming, patient, friendly and professional. That also came with energy, atmosphere and an environment where I felt safe and accepted.

I cannot recommend improvements but to simply keep that safe space open for everyone that you encounter and cross paths with in the future.

Truly unique and unbeatable experience I had with Bournemouth Wellbeing Experience.

+ Daisy O

Thank you so much for having me for the retreat.

I’ll be honest I was skeptical before coming as relaxing, learning about myself exercise and general “wellness” isn’t something I’m usually open to. However I did come with an open mind and I’m honestly so glad I did.

I knew that the boxercise and body workout sessions I would enjoy and having done these classes before and I know how good they make you feel after. I wasn’t disappointed after!

I have done yoga before and enjoyed it and honestly Anna the instructor you chose to provide the sessions was amazing. Her voice is so therapeutic and considering the retreat was such a mixed bag of ages she did very well to a manage all our abilities.

I am notoriously known for not being able to “switch off” however the meditation session left me feeling like a new woman and the breathing techniques with yoga and meditation I learnt on that day I have continued to use in my daily routine to manage anxiety and stressful situations.

Sushi making was Really fun and something so different to do, I feel ive missed my calling and may start making the kids sushi on that regular now. Haha.

I can’t fault the choices we had for food at all. I struggle with my diet due to long term health problems but nothing that was provided impacted on that.

New things are completely out of my comfort zone but I am so glad I allowed myself to be talked in to it, I left feeling like I’d learnt some real things about my day to day relationships with food and stress management.

All in all it was a pleasure to be a part of it and i would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is looking to make some tome for themselves.

+ Jenny B

Before going on the retreat I was a bit apprehensive as I was going on my own, so I wouldn't know anyone. However, I met a lovely bunch of people from all walks of life and of different ages.

The venue itself was easy to find and had good facilities. The days programme had a variety of sessions, which were well structured and engaging. My favourites being the yoga and meditation, as these were things I hadn't tried before so I went along not really knowing what to expect. I had a fantastic nights sleep on Saturday!

I wasn't too sure what to expect from the NLP sessions. I came away very surprised at how informative they were and how we can challenge our mind set. I have kept away from the chocolate and wine, a huge success, a win for me! Not because I wanted to deny myself but because I choose not to want to eat the chocolate or drink the wine.

The food was delicious, especially the home made protein cookies supplied by Fiona.

Now, a few days after the retreat I'm feeling positive and using the techniques taught at the stress management session.

Fab weekend, thank you.

+ Maria P

I arrived at the retreat not knowing anyone, but left with a group of friends. I was nervous coming on my own, but the venue was easy to find and the views of the beach spectacular. The retreat host really looked after us and instantly put me at ease. We were regularly offered flavoured waters and the food at the retreat was excellent. Fresh, nutritious and of the highest quality. The venue was modern and very well presented, with luxurious surroundings. Ocean Beach Hotel is linked with two other hotels, offering a variety of leisure and spa options, including heated outdoor pools, indoor leisure facilities, restaurants, bars and even a pub.

The sessions were educational, inspirational and designed for real-world application. The recommendations were practical and realistic, some of which I have already incorporated into my life. I loved the fitness sessions and felt challenged, but only to my own limits. The yoga and meditation sessions were restorative and a great reminder of the power of nurture. Time between the activities meant that I really bonded with my fellow guests and left feeling more confident and fulfilled. I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat and left feeling much mentally lighter.

+ Natalie G

My time at the retreat was just one of sheer joy and was such value for money. Certainly an experience that involved all the senses. An amazing location with stunning sea views, the Oceana Resort Hotel offered a clean, comfortable and inviting stay with good facilities which we all made the most of throughout our stay. They say you eat with your eyes and we certainly weren’t disappointed with the food which was plentiful, nutritious and delicious (you won’t go hungry that is for sure). There was also always jugs of fresh water on hand infused with lemons, limes, cucumber and the like to keep us well hydrated which was a nice touch.

Upon arrival Fiona met me with a beaming smile and made me feel so welcome from the get go. She was always on hand to answer questions and she always had the same warm smile. As someone who arrived on her own, I felt as though I had gone with old friends, as the group was so friendly and the activities encouraged us to mix with everyone.

The instructors and facilitators of the sessions were very knowledgeable. The content of the talks from Sabrina, Paula and Brian were on trend and relevant for all and we were all encouraged to participate. Full of thought provoking ideas that we could chat about and take home with us. Using the 3 levels of ‘why’ to help me understand my motives for doing things has been invaluable already. We were also treated to a surprise session with a MasterChef contestant where we learnt how to make sushi. Chef Cheryl was a great teacher and my order for a sushi mat has already been placed.

Gavin worked us hard and helped us get the best out of our exercise classes, but he also made it so much fun. The super hero costume idea was inspired and I felt as though I just laughed and grinned throughout. Anna equally challenged us with Yoga, but talked us through the poses so if you were new to Yoga, you felt guided at all times. Her meditation sessions were relaxing and a welcome contrast to some of the more physical activities.

I was sad when it was time to go home, but I left feeling more confident, certainly armed with lots of tools to help me live a better life of wellness both physically and mentally. I came away with not only new friends but a smile that has stayed with me whenever I think or talk about the retreat. A huge thank you to all for creating such an amazing experience.

+ Dawn S

I attended one of the recent retreats run by Gavin at GT Fitness. It was held at the Oceana Resort in Bournemouth. This was a great location. It was close to the sea front, having tables in the reception area and several other areas that overlooked the sea front. I found this to be both calming and relaxing, perfect for the retreat. The hotel was very welcoming and comfortable. The food was of excellent quality. I had a range of fresh salad and sandwiches, followed by a fresh fruit salad. I would definitely recommend eating there.

Throughout the retreat, I had a range of different experiences, ranging from meditation and yoga, to kickboxing,circuit training and much more including diet and nutrition and stress management. The instructors were very friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive, showing how particular exercises were performed. This was very useful when I was doing the circuits in the big hall with the large number of apparatus. I would never have remembered how to use apparatus, so it was great to have this support, and I didn't even need to ask for it. There were enough staff to watch and help everyone while we were doing the exercises.

The others participants were all very friendly and of different fitness levels, sizes and shapes so I did not feel uncomfortable or self conscious in the least. I chatted to many of them, learning about their backgrounds and the work that they did, which I always find very interesting. Throughout the course, we had so much fun, laughing, relaxing and meditation through mindfulness, kickboxing and the list goes on.... I particularly found the yoga and meditation relaxing, so relaxing that I almost fell asleep!

On reflection, what did I learn? I lean't that I need to slow down sometimes and take time out for myself. Think about what I am eating, how much time I give to look after myself, work out how I can incorporate exercise into my busy lifestyle. I can do it if I am determined, after all I made to the retreat after my body and mind was trying to persuade me otherwise, that I did not have the time, the energy or the motivation.

So how did I feel after the retreat? AMAZING! What else can I say. I was buzzing with excitement, but at the same time feeling relaxed and at peace with the world.

I would definitely recommend this retreat to people who want clarity in their life and to refocus, people who want to unwind and relax, people who want to get back on track with their fitness and well-being, and even those people who just want a fantastic few days away in a nice environment by the sea with some amazing people!

Thank you Gavin and GT Fitness for such an amazing and worthwhile experience.

+ Pippa E

This is the first retreat I have attended. At first, I was apprehensive, was this the right thing for me, would I enjoy the workshops, would I have the fitness and stamina to sustain the retreat demands?

Well, Gavin and his team’s professionalism surpasses any fitness related experience I have had to date. They are true champions in all areas of health, well-being and fitness.

The catering throughout the retreat was excellent. From infused flavoured waters to exotic salads all freshly prepared and equitable sourced, they catered to all diet requirements and in reflection of high-quality nutritional foods to please all appetites.

The Oceana resort and their staff catered to the needs for the retreat exceptionally. Access to the on-sight Spa, break out recreational spaces and lounge areas provided comfortable down time during session transitions and social breaks.

The instructors were knowledgeable and skilled, setting a comfortable pace and depth in all areas related to fitness. With a wide range of facilitators with PHD's in...... and specialists with decades of corporate experiences in stress management came together to provide an exceptional learning journey for all. There couldn't have been a more holistic package dedicated to whole body and mind wellbeing to compliment the experienced GT Fitness team The guests attending were enthusiastic and fun, feeling safe to try new things everyone got stuck in, supported each other and enabled participants to feel valued. The fun themes during workouts added a burst of energy to classes and brought in the important dynamic of laughing as a "Fundamental part of health.

Having an opportunity to work alongside "Master Chef" ....... and talk, practice and prepare Sushi was a wonderful compliment to the retreat I wouldn't have expected to be able to learn, train, relax, rebuild and refine my nutritional talents within 1 retreat, completely unexpected and thoroughly enjoyed.

I took away a better understanding of the myths attached to low calorie eating and now think differently about highly nutritious foods, I plan to adapt my eating habits and psychology. I also met new people with shared fitness interests. I am more aware of the interface between mind and body in creating health balance and feel more attuned to what I can do to achieve my health goals.

I can't promote this retreat enough, Gavin and his team really considered every aspect of health fitness and created a package that can reset the body, mind and soul. I can't wait for the next one - Thank you

+ Lucy T

The food was gorgeous with plenty of choice. The Oceana resort was small but this worked well with the group size. It is right on the cliff top with lovely views of boscombe pier.

The instructors were supportive, fun and had a wealth of knowledge. The talks were informative and made me think outside of physical fitness.

The others guests were friendly and it was a great atmosphere. We had so much fun and were laughing throughout the whole day but particularly the superhero fancy dress workout.

I found the sessions / seminars informative and relaxing. I loved the surprise guest from MasterChef and the chance to make my own sushi which is one thing I have never done before. I also liked the meditation session as my mind was clear and I felt relaxed after.

I took away relaxing and taking time out is just as important as the physical fitness from this retreat.

I felt invigorated after this retreat.

I have never participated in a fitness retreat and was a life apprehensive and thought I would be left behind by others. However, on arrival everyone was friendly the GT staff were friendly, kind and informative. There was no pressure to participate if you didn't want to. Thank you for an enjoyable fitness retreat.

+ Steve H

The Oceana resort was superb with all rooms overlooking the magnificent coastline. The instructors were very friendly, approachable and extremely knowledgeable

The other guests were all friendly and because the way the retreat was run we all gelled really quickly. Have arranged to meet up with some of the people again, we had so much fun and were laughing throughout the whole event.

I found the sessions / seminars very thought provoking and informative, well presented with top quality instructors

The food was presented well and offered a nutritious and balanced diet.

I took away new experiences such as Yoga and meditation and loved the sushi making. Just being out of my comfort zone was so challenging and rewarding.

I felt relaxed and invigorated after this retreat and can’t wait to do this again.

+ Kate V

As I have never attended a fitness/wellbeing retreat I was somewhat apprehensive as to what to expect especially considering it meant spending a large amount of time with people I have never met and in turn it meant that that time wasn’t being spent at home in my safe zone, so, I automatically went into the experience on a back foot.

However, I can honestly say it was a wonderful experience. I realised quite quickly that although individual situations were very different within the group, they were also very similar. Everybody in the room was relatable on some level and quite quickly friendships were formed.

The location was perfect, calm and serene. The staff were kind, attentive and supportive.

I left feeling, calm, relaxed, excited and exhilarated which may contradict each other but I can’t quite explain it, I can’t even pick a favourite bit, the boxercise workout, the yoga, the mediation, the food...(which may I add was healthy AND delicious). Would I recommend it? Hell yes I would!

Thanks Gavin and beautiful wife Fiona.

+ Kellie D

The Oceana resort was warm and welcoming. Great facilities and nothing was too much trouble for the staff.

The instructors were full of knowledge, enthusiasm and super welcoming. They taught me so much and with great passion. I could tell that this wasn’t a job for them, the genuinely love what they do.

The others guests on the retreat were friendly and easy to get on with and I feel that I made some new friends that day.

The food was great quality, nutritious and delicious. Quite filling and plenty to go around.

We had so much fun and were laughing throughout as well as learning. I found the sessions/seminars very informative and easy to understand/engage with.

I took away a new idea for working out, a new view on relationships with food and stress from this retreat. I felt oddly refreshed and well worked out after this retreat.

+ Lainey N

The Oceana resort was very welcoming, the staff were very kind and helpful. The food was absolutely amazing. Being Vegan they catered so well and provided exciting and delicious food. Was great they put the extra effort in to provide for all dietary requirements.

I was greeted on arrival, guided where I needed to be and immediately made to feel welcome. The facilities were great. Very well kept together and the rooms were very warm and comfortable. I’d stay there again and will be recommending to friends and family.

The instructors were very informative, really knew their stuff and the delivery was very clear and easy to understand. They were very engaging, friendly and professional. The overall balance was great.

The others guests were all very friendly. They were a great bunch of people and it good to meet new people which similar interests. We shared our stories and it was very interesting to hear why we were on the retreat and what we all wanted to achieve. As the day was so uplifting and enjoyed by all the atmosphere was great. I was sad for the weekend to end but we will all keep in touch. We had so much fun and were laughing throughout.

I found the sessions/seminars very well-spaced out with the right amount of information. I stayed fully engaged and interested in what was seeing talked about. The interaction was just right.

I took away great techniques for meditation and ways to relax more. It helped me with breathing techniques and ways to clear your mind which I very much need. I gained a better understanding of food and the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle.

I felt so relaxed and revitalised after this retreat. I definitely left with a sting in my step looking forward to loving a healthier lifestyle.

What an accomplishment. This was an absolutely amazing retreat.

+ Louise V

If you only do one thing for yourself this year, do this! Having never attended a “retreat” before I had preconceptions about what it would be like. Little (if any) food, pretentious guests and a lot of hanging around and “reflecting” but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The food was outstanding, a massive highlight for a foodie like me, and it seems, everyone else there. The way the food provided reinforced the messages and information given in the days seminars and sessions was ingenious, showing it is possible to eat incredibly healthily but also incredibly well. An amazing selection and more than satisfying both the vegetarians and the meat eaters. Living locally I already knew of the Oceana Resort and it’s excellent reputation. Having been there on a few occasions previously for lunches & meetings I thought I knew what the hotel itself had to offer. I expected great things but didn’t expect everything to exceed my expectations. The customer service and attention from every department was exemplary. The only negative comment in my whole review would have to be the toilets, beautifully clean (and I’m a bathroom connoisseur) but cold! The programme of sessions and seminars was extremely well organised and the team running them were all beyond fantastic. Every single instructor was clearly an expert in their chosen field. The seminars were concise and incredibly informative and I can honestly say I was sorry they didn’t go on for longer. The sessions were also fantastic and catered to all levels of ability and fitness and again I was sorry when each one came to an end. I would definitely book a longer retreat next time to really get the most out of it. I attended the retreat with my sister and a few friends so wasn’t looking to make any new friends but it seems I didn’t have any choice in the matter!! From the minute I arrived to the minute I left I didn’t meet anyone I didn’t like! The other ”Retreaters” were quite possibly the best bunch of people I’ve spend time with in ages. In fact I’m considering organising an “Original Retreaters Reunion” so we all get to meet up again and repeat the whole wonderful experience. We laughed, we learnt, and we loved every single minute of it.

+ Katie B

The Oceana resort was very accommodating, the staff were helpful and friendly. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable, encouraging and just great to be around. The others guests were friendly and we all got along really well. I even felt as though I had made new friends. I found the sessions / seminars just right for timings and I love that the instructors all joined in too. After this retreat I was absolutely buzzing for days after this. It lifted me up to an incredible height and left me just wanting to do it all over again.