‘Unwinding…’

Jimena Rico, publisher of *Amsterdam XXXL*, and columnist Claudia Schoemacher spent a week detoxing at Health Holidays in Portugal. This gave them firsthand experience of what it’s like to live on nothing but fruit and vegetable juice for a week—albeit in the sunny Algarve, but still. Mention that you’re going on a detox, and people immediately frown. Not eating for a week? How is that even possible? That’s why we put a few questions to Nicole van der Sligte, Sales & Marketing Manager at Health Holidays.

A GIFT FOR YOURSELF

Detoxing: living on nothing but fruit and vegetable juice for a week. How do you stick with it? Jimena Rico and Claudia Schoemacher got to give it a try—in Portugal, no less. In the sunny Algarve, they spoke with Nicole van der Sligte, manager of Health Holidays.

Rob Ligthart ran his own travel company for years and ended up in the hospital due to intestinal problems. He decided to improve not only his own health but also that of his travelers. After extensive research, he developed a juice cleanse program combined with exercise and founded Health Holidays in 1984. Ten years ago, Nicole van der Sligte was looking for a new challenge and was appointed manager shortly after Ligthart passed away.

Detoxing is trendy these days, but back in the eighties, it was considered unusual, and the target audience was different, too. It mainly consisted of people looking to lose a lot of weight quickly. Nowadays, far more guests want to unwind from their hectic lives. In that respect, the target audience has shifted, although there are still guests who come wanting to shed a few kilos and view detoxification as a way to slim down.

For you, on the other hand, the detoxification process is what it’s all about.

‘Indeed, we view detoxification as a process of cleansing the body of waste products, allowing all organs to function better again. A side effect of this is that people lose weight. Most importantly, however, the body functions more effectively, enabling people to come off certain medications and gain more energy. After a detox holiday with us, they often make a fresh start in their daily lives, incorporating healthy solid foods and physical activity.’

I found my first time detoxing quite scary!

We receive many calls asking: “Will I really be able to stick with it?” or “Do many people drop out after the first day?” In reality, this almost never happens. You follow the program as part of a group; everyone joins for a specific reason and wants to complete the program as successfully as possible. Because the juices contain all the necessary nutrients but no fiber, digestion is effectively put on hold, making the cleanse easy to stick to. As a result, you don’t experience hunger pangs, and you can even exercise three times a day.’

What’s great is that the workouts with you aren’t overly strenuous.

‘That’s right; everyone can make it as challenging as they wish. Naturally, our instructors encourage participants to give their all and step out of their comfort zone. Our motto is: everything is optional, nothing is mandatory! People with a lower level of fitness can perform all the exercises at their own pace, with plenty of guidance along the way. When planning the types of exercises and the intensity, we take into account the tougher days—such as the third day, which most guests find the most demanding. This ensures that all guests can successfully complete the exercise program. For those who wish to work out more than the three scheduled daily sessions, we recommend consuming extra juice to ensure they get sufficient nutrition.’

The stark contrast between how the guests arrive and how they leave is striking.

‘Indeed, you see guests arrive and think: they’re on their last legs. By the time they go home, they are almost completely different people. They’re cheerful, look good, and feel—literally and figuratively—kilograms lighter. As if they’ve taken off a heavy suit.’

It must be very satisfying to see everyone leave so intensely satisfied?

‘That’s what we do it for. People have to want it for themselves, though. It’s not as if you don’t have to put in any effort once you’re with us. You only see results if you truly stick to the program. Because you’re surrounded by people doing the same thing—and sometimes finding it tough, too—you can manage just fine with a bit of discipline and willpower.’

I notice that lifelong friendships are being formed, too.

‘Many people come alone, and in the process, they share certain problems and pent-up emotions. Some say: “I’ve never discussed this with anyone before—not even with my best friend or my husband!” I also find it truly special to see how people forge such bonds of trust. Lifelong friendships really do develop.’

Another great thing is that you don’t have to think. Everything is done for you, allowing you to unwind.

‘Guests stay in a sunny location at a lovely hotel, with enjoyable excursions on offer. This gives you the feeling that you aren’t confined to a health retreat, but are free to go out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. At home, you have to cook for your family and juggle all sorts of social obligations. Here, everything is truly taken care of for the guests—juices are prepared, you’re driven wherever you need to go—and that is something some people really need in these hectic times. They can completely unwind and focus on themselves.’

Slowing down like that is incredibly healing.

‘Our resorts are designed so that guests can always retreat to a small balcony or terrace to read a book or simply do their own thing. There is plenty of time for rest and relaxation—whether in the comfort of your own luxury room or outdoors in a beautiful natural setting. While there are scheduled sessions for exercise and fresh juices, the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to spend as you please. The first three days are challenging, but after that, you’ll find your energy levels rising and feel eager to take part in fun activities.’

You are a small family business with incredibly committed people.

‘Yes, we have a great many regular guests who view us as family as well. In the ten years I’ve been working here, I’ve spoken to so many people on the phone, and you really form a bond with them. That’s why guests enjoy seeing the same hostesses and sports instructors again; some of the ladies are even specifically asked for by name. That bond of trust is essential, because processing emotions is a crucial part of a stay here. If guests are troubled by something but don’t feel comfortable bringing it up at first, they often open up about it later in the week. We try to create a sense of family so that our guests feel truly welcomed and cared for.’

In my opinion, you’ve really succeeded in creating that welcoming, warm atmosphere!

‘It is also reassuring for new guests to hear that regular visitors return here so often. That immediately instills confidence. Some newcomers find the experience a bit daunting at first—not knowing quite what to expect—but then they see so many people coming back. They hear about the experiences of these regulars and realize they are in good hands.’

It is quite evident just how drained some people are when they arrive.

‘Our society demands a huge amount of energy; you are bombarded with so many stimuli in a single day, and nowadays, it never stops. Various studies have shown that burnout is occurring more frequently and at an increasingly young age. That is because everything has to move faster and faster. You hardly ever take a moment to rest during the day—but things are different with us. It involves working out and having juices three times a day, but there is also plenty of laughter. Many people have never been on holiday alone before. When I explain that almost all the guests are traveling solo, they find that reassuring. People accept one another. In our experience, the oldest participants get along best with the youngest, and age really doesn’t matter. It is wonderful to see. Despite their differing ages, cultures, and backgrounds, people form a bond with one another.’

You offer juice cleanse retreats in Turkey, Portugal, and on the Canary Island of Fuerteventura. Why is that?

‘We do this deliberately. Each destination offers variety. Guests who visit different destinations notice that, while the surroundings differ, the program remains consistent. Fuerteventura, for instance, boasts beautiful beaches and a shopping center close to the hotel. Turkey offers an authentic cultural experience, and our hotel there is situated right by the sea; there is no sandy beach, but you need only descend a few steps from your room to jump straight into the water. The Turkish village of Kaş has a fairytale-like quality. Portugal is a popular choice thanks to its stunning scenery, delightful coastal walks, and the beautiful beaches that are so characteristic of the Algarve. Some guests have a specific preference, while others like to alternate destinations. This ensures we offer an appealing destination for everyone.’

There are juice cleanses you can do at home or at the gym. What do you think of them?

The essence of a juice cleanse is detoxifying the body. Yet, people sometimes think they are juice fasting simply because they are drinking a smoothie. That is obviously not the case, as your digestion continues to function, and that process consumes the most energy in the body. Some people find juice cleanse plans online that lack a sound theoretical basis, which means you might not be going about it in a responsible way. You need specific nutrients, and the juices must actually contain them. My advice is to always follow a juice cleanse through a professional organization that offers proper guidance.

All those returning visitors: it is the best publicity a company can have.
‘We are very pleased about that, because it is indeed true. That is also precisely why we occasionally send journalists on trips, so they can experience it firsthand and share their experiences. I could talk about how great our company is in various advertisements, but that doesn’t really mean much, of course. Word-of-mouth recommendations and positive reviews are therefore incredibly important to us. And the only way to achieve that is by ensuring that the price-quality ratio remains excellent and that our guests’ experience exceeds expectations.’

You also stress the importance of healthy eating. A tremendous amount of information is provided.

‘Providing information on healthy nutrition is essential for guests to maintain the results they have achieved. I am often asked whether a juice cleanse leads to a yo-yo effect. My answer is always that this is precisely why it is so wise to actually make changes to your diet and keep exercising after the cleanse. I regularly hear from guests who have continued to lose significant weight after the cleanse and have managed to sustain their energy levels for a long time. We guide our guests with a plan both before and after the cleanse to ensure they adjust their eating habits correctly. I always say: don’t try to change your entire lifestyle all at once, because in our society that isn’t very realistic, nor is it easy to sustain. My advice is to make a few adjustments—such as quitting smoking, giving up caffeine, and starting your day with fruit instead of bread. If you then tackle something new each year, the changes remain manageable, and you eventually arrive at a very healthy lifestyle.’