The sun might be shining in Devon but when I looked at the Flavours Holidays website, I really wished I was somewhere hot! Flavours Holidays specialies in solo travel holidays where people can enjoy cooking, painting, Pilates, language and photography while away in Italy, Spain and Morocco. Lorne Blyth is the founder and has bought together idyllic venues so guests can really have an amazing time, whatever kind of break they are looking for.

Over to Lorne to talk about her journey, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.

What inspired you to start a company in the health and wellness sector and what do you offer?
Flavours Holidays was inspired by a passion for travel, health and personal well-being. We recognised a growing need for holidays that combine relaxation with physical activity and engaging experiences, allowing people to return home feeling revitalised and healthy. Our offerings include Pilates and Nordic Walking holidays in beautiful destinations, providing our guests with expert-led sessions, nutritious meals and a supportive community, all set against stunning backdrops.

What influenced your services or product design?
Our services are influenced by the desire to create enriching experiences that go beyond conventional holidays. We listened to feedback from our guests and observed growing wellness trends to develop programmes that combine physical activities with cultural immersion. The design of our holidays ensures that each element, from the exercises to the local cuisine, contributes to the overall well-being of our guests.

How does your company uniquely address the health and wellness needs of its customers?
We do this by offering specialised, small-group holidays focused on Pilates and Nordic Walking. We provide expert instruction tailored to individual fitness levels, ensuring personalised attention and individual progress. Additionally, our locations are chosen for their natural beauty and tranquility, enhancing the overall wellness experience through a connection with nature.

What major health and wellness trends have impacted your business strategy?
Trends such as the rise of wellness tourism, the increasing popularity of mindfulness and fitness activities and the growing awareness of the importance of mental health have significantly impacted our strategy. We have adapted by expanding our range of activities, incorporating mindfulness practices into our classes and ensuring our holidays promote both physical and mental well-being.

Could you describe a pivotal moment or decision in your company's development? How did it influence your path forward?
A pivotal moment for Flavours Holidays was the decision to specialise in Pilates and Nordic Walking. This focus allowed us to develop a strong expertise and reputation in these areas, attracting a dedicated customer base who seek specialised wellness experiences. It influenced our path forward by encouraging us to continuously refine our holidays and expand to new destinations, always with an emphasis on quality and personalisation. We have just launched several new dates for our 2025 Nordic Walking trips due to increased demand!

How do you measure success in terms of health and wellness outcomes for your clients or customers?
We measure success through client feedback, repeat bookings and observable improvements in our guests' physical and mental well-being. Many guests tell us they feel more relaxed, fitter and motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle after their holiday. We also track progress through pre and post-holiday health and feedback assessments, ensuring our holidays continue to deliver trackable benefits.

What role does technology play in your business, especially in relation to enhancing health and wellness?
Technology plays a role in our business by enhancing the guest experience and supporting their wellness journey. We use online booking systems for convenience and virtual sessions to prepare guests before they travel. Additionally, we use social media to share wellness tips, connect with our community and keep guests engaged. Throughout Covid we even taught virtual Pilates sessions which were a great hit with our audience!

What are the biggest challenges you face in maintaining the integrity and efficacy of your wellness products/services in a rapidly growing industry?
The biggest challenges include keeping pace with evolving wellness trends and ensuring we continue to provide the same level of personalised attention to each holidaymaker as we grow. We tackle these by staying updated with the latest research, continuously refining our offerings and maintaining small group sizes to offer individual care and support to each guest. This approach ensures we consistently deliver high-quality, effective wellness holidays.

How do you stay informed and continue to innovate within the health and wellness field?
We stay informed by actively engaging with industry experts, keeping up to date with the latest health and wellness research and conducting annual teacher training events, to ensure our instructors are also fully informed. Innovation is also driven by guest feedback and continuous learning, these approaches allow us to introduce new activities, refine existing holidays and consistently offer reputable experiences.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the health and wellness industry?
Our advice would be to stay passionate about wellness and be genuinely committed to improving your customers lives. Understand your market, listen to your clients and be willing to adapt whilst always maintaining a level of individuality for your clients. Building a successful business requires a balance of expertise, empathy, and a deep understanding of the importance of health and well-being. Always prioritise quality and authenticity in your offerings!

for more information do check out Flavours Holidays and let me know what you think.