Andrew Barnard, CEO of BodyHoliday, has exclusively shared plans with Spa Business to be involved in the development of 10-15 BodyHoliday properties around the world over the next 15 years, with its upcoming Portuguese resort as its proof-of-concept “showroom”.

In the latest edition of Spa Business, Barnard says he has his eye on locations in Europe, the Middle East, Costa Rica and Belize for future BodyHoliday developments.

He and the company’s new leadership team will focus on new-build locations near bodies of water for a blue-green connection to more easily implement the destination spa resort concept.

BodyHoliday Algarve

Barnard said the Portuguese climate, food, culture and landscape all played a part in determining the first resort site outside of the flagship property in St Lucia, the Caribbean.

He said: “It’s also in the EU, so it’s easy to do business and accessible to 350 million people.”

The 26-acre site in the Eastern Algarve, which has 100,000sq m of white sandy coastline, will have 175 guest rooms and 30 residential apartments – a first for the brand. 

Architecture is by Gensler and construction is due to start in early 2027. The site is expected to open in 2029.

Barnard said the experience will be a disruptor in the all-inclusive space, targeting the wellness market in the Mediterranean.

Wellness

The property will offer the signature BodyHoliday sports programmes, fitness facilities and multiple pools.

The property will have a 40,000sq ft wellness centre with more than 40 treatment rooms. 

Each holiday programme will entitle guests to a 50-minute daily treatment, such as a facial, massage, scrub or wrap.

Ayurvedic treatments, which form part of the brand’s core offering, will be available and Barnard confirmed that the property will also provide local wellness experiences.