The fast track to fitness

Hike your way to a healthy body and mind at the A-list fitness retreat, The Ranch Italy

-  Mary Comber

‘A cqua, acqua, acqua!’ My walkie-talkie crackles into life, startling me as I tread through the silent, misty forest. Our cheerful hiking guide – speaking to guests via walkie-talkie so we can walk at our own speed – is reminding us to ‘hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!’. I follow his prompt and hastily take a few, thirsty glugs from my hydration pack, then pick up my pace. It’s my second day at luxury fitness retreat, The Ranch Italy, and we’re midway through our early morning, four-hour mountain hike. As we emerge from the ancient beech forest, the track steepens and soon the only sound is my pounding heart as I scramble up the twisting, rocky path. ‘Breathe! Enjoy the nature!’ urges our guide. I take a moment to catch my breath and soak up the glorious mountain views, a veil of early morning mist shrouding the valley below.

A-LIST ESCAPE

The Ranch Italy is the new European outpost of Hollywood’s favourite fitness camp, The Ranch Malibu. For 10 years, this famous retreat has been transforming bodies and minds with its programme of tough daily hikes, body-conditioning classes, yoga and strict 1,400-calorie, vegan diet. Rebel Wilson and Michelle Obama are said to be fans. Now, The Ranch Italy has arrived at Palazzo Fiuggi, a stunning spa hotel in the ancient spa town of Fiuggi, in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains (an hour from Rome). I can’t wait to try it and sign up for The Ranch 4.0, a four-day stay combining the classic plan with state-of-the-art medical testing and spa time.

TRAINING GOALS