Talking wellness with Davina McCall

Everyone’s on a mission to discover what wellness means to them. The tricky part is that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach. This is where the TUI BLUE Wellness Menu comes in. You can design your perfect holiday based on what you want to be doing – from sunrise yoga to mountain biking, cooking classes to taking a dip in the pool – all at our premium TUI BLUE hotels. TV presenter and fitness guru, Davina McCall, took a trip to the TUI BLUE Grand Azur in Marmaris, Turkey, to give the Wellness Menu a whirl. Here’s what she had to say…

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Why did you want to work with TUI BLUE on the launch of their wellness menu?

D: When TUI BLUE asked me to be involved and explained what their new hotel Wellness Menu is all about, I couldn’t believe how in sync it is with my take on wellness.

It’s so important to find what works best for you and trust your own instincts when it comes to your personal wellbeing. For example, I know that I need a balance of challenging myself and trying new things, and taking time to relax and reflect, as well as keeping on top of my fitness. This is something TUI BLUE hotels have mastered with the launch of their new Wellness Menu - as it means guests can curate personal itineraries based on what makes them feel happy and well.

Find out more about the TUI BLUE Wellness Menu

Tell us about your trip to Turkey

D: TUI BLUE told me all about its new hotel Wellness Menu and asked me if I wanted to test-drive it at a TUI BLUE resort in Marmaris, Turkey. Well, of course, I said yes! I spent a week at the TUI BLUE Grand Azur and honestly loved every second. On my first day, I met Ruthe, my TUI BLUE Guide and personal Wellness Concierge, who introduced me to the menu and all the different activities. What I loved about it is the way it lets guests design their perfect personalised holiday, blending fun, together time, exploration, relaxation, indulgence, and adventure. I got to try out new and exciting activities like FlowTheBeat, which is a unique high-energy yoga class with music, paddle boarding and an amazing cookery class where we created local dishes with the hotel chef - and then got to eat them. It was honestly the most fun I’ve had in a long time, and I came away feeling relaxed, refreshed and enriched.

How do you switch off?

D: Exercise is a great way for me to unwind and I find running really helps me free up my mind. I also love spending time with my loved ones - watching movies or TV and just hanging out. And as my day-to-day life can get hectic, when I go on holiday I love to have a total break, turn off the phone and take time to reflect. That’s what I loved about the TUI BLUE Wellness Menu, I got to switch off totally on my terms. I exercised, I ate delicious food, I sunbathed on the beach, and I tried Sunset Yoga and had an authentic Turkish Hammam - pure relaxation and very special experiences that will stay with me for a long time.

Why do you think people fall into wellness fads?

D: I think it’s probably about quick fixes, which sadly don’t really work. Fads are short lived, and we can often be fooled into thinking they’re easy by what we see on social media, but TUI BLUE’s research revealed 32% of us find it hard to stick to a super strict regime, which I can understand. You need to find a routine that works for you, fits your lifestyle, and aligns with what makes you tick. It’s really personal. The new Wellness Menu encourages people to challenge stereotypical attitudes towards wellness in favour of an individual approach.

Do you have any advice for people who are trying to find their own wellness routine while steering away from fads?

D: I’d encourage people to look at their wellness holistically and embrace all aspects - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. But the most important thing is to find a routine that suits your lifestyle, your interests and your individual needs. I do think an element of challenge is important, a sense of personal achievement cannot be underestimated, but keep it real and attainable. If your plan is unrealistic and not designed around what makes you tick, it’s probably not going to last. And It’s important to keep checking in on yourself and reassessing what’s working well, or not working well, TUI BLUE have also created a Wellness Style quiz so you can find out what kind of approach to wellbeing works best for you. I’m an Active Adventurer!

How did exercise and wellness become such a big part of your life?

D: Fitness became a part of my routine after having my children. They had so much energy and I just wanted to keep up with them. Exercise and wellness go hand in hand for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s the same for everyone. I want to help inspire people to get up and do something. The smallest thing like going out for a walk on your lunch break can make you feel better about yourself.