Wellness Retreat

ONE BUILDING, COUNTLESS USES

Posted on August 3, 2026

How Palmako Connect is helping holiday parks create flexible, revenue-generating spaces that evolve with their business...

A bar, outdoor kitchen, kiosk, guest lounge, wellness retreat, gym, reception point or covered social hub. Traditionally, each would require a different building. Palmako Connect takes a smarter approach. Built around a modular 3m x 3m format, Connect enables holiday park operators to create spaces tailored to their site and business needs.

Individual modules can be used independently or combined into larger configurations, making it easy to start small and expand as requirements evolve. To simplify the planning process even further, Palmako is introducing a new 3D configurator, allowing customers to design their own Connect building online.

Users can experiment with layouts, dimensions, roof styles, glazing options and module combinations to create a structure that meets their exact requirements before speaking with the Palmako team. Connect can be configured in countless ways, with options including open or enclosed layouts, bar corners, kiosk serving hatches, louvre privacy screens, full wall panels and three-panel sliding doors.

Available with either 28mm or 44mm wall construction, double glazing and a choice of flat or pyramid roof designs, the range can be adapted to suit everything from outdoor bars and kitchens to wellness facilities and guest lounges.

The flexibility of the concept has already inspired a wide variety of projects. Holiday park operators have used Connect buildings as bars, kiosks, outdoor kitchens, wellness facilities and guest lounges, while others have created compact gyms and fitness studios. The beauty of the system lies in its ability to adapt to changing needs and maximise the use of available space.

The appeal extends beyond the holiday park sector. Professional rally driver Elfyn Evans selected a flat-roof Connect building as part of his own outdoor leisure space. Set against a stunning backdrop, the project demonstrates how Connect can create attractive, functional environments that blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

For holiday parks, flexibility has never been more important. Guest expectations continue to evolve, new revenue opportunities emerge and facilities are increasingly expected to serve multiple purposes throughout the season. Rather than investing in a building with a single function, operators can create adaptable spaces that evolve alongside their business.

Palmako Connect offers a simple proposition: one modular building system with almost limitless possibilities. Palmako is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of timber structures, supplying holiday parks with accommodation, wellness and outdoor living solutions designed to enhance guest experiences and deliver long-term commercial value.

PALMAKO
01698 426444
www.palmako.co.uk

SELF-CARE IS THE NEW HEALTH CARE

Posted on May 5, 2021

SELF-CARE IS THE NEW HEALTH CARE

CAPTION: Self-care is the new Health care

The UK wellness retreat industry is predicted to boom following the relaxation of Lockdown restrictions, according to experts. Demand for wellness retreats has steadily been on the rise over the past decade, with a 1605% increase in online searches for the term since 2015, including an 81% increase from 2019 to 2020. The Health Retreat growth has been seriously on the rise for the last 20 years and these are now taking over from classic holiday destinations. Almost all countries which usually invite the family holiday groups will offer a health and wellness retreat.

“Self-care is the new health care,” says Yvonne Wake, a wellbeing and lifestyle consultant who hosts her own retreats. “I don’t see how the industry cannot continue to grow. There’s absolutely no reason to stop an industry where the earning capacity is getting higher by the year.” “Healthwise it’s important to just stop, which is what wellness retreats provide.” Activity retreats are among the fastest-growing in the industry after having experienced a 928% increase in online searches from 2019 to 2020.

Camptoo’s Head of Wanderlust, Ed Bassett, is expecting a similar uptake in interest this year as the UK gradually begins to ease out of lockdown. “Activity-based holidays are among the fastest-growing in the industry, and there’s never been a more exciting time to be involved. “The benefits of a wellness retreat are endless, but we really believe that adding something activity-based in the UK - whether it be kayaking, hiking, surfing, wild swimming, climbing, mountain biking - will take that experience to the next level.” He added: “The industry was booming prior to lockdown last year and despite being locked away, we can see that enthusiasm has not dropped and with everyone desperate to get out of their homes, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the great British outdoors.”