The Gluten-Free Travel Guide { WITH AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR DESTINATIONS OFFERING GLUTEN-FREE FOOD, HEALTH AND FITNESS TRAVEL, THE LEADING EXPERTS IN WELLNESS HOLIDAYS WORLDWIDE, ARE GIVING OUR COELIAC GLOBETROTTERS MORE OPTIONS TO RELAX AND DINE ON A WELLNESS HOLIDAY. } Contributor: Luke Hines Going gluten-free, is it for me? Coeliac disease is a lifelong disorder in which the small intestine reacts to the intake of gluten, leading to difficulty in digesting food. The national non-profit association, Coeliac Australia, holds the Coeliac Awareness Week annually between 13 and 20 March to open the discussion about awareness of the condition and gluten-free living. According to them, Coeliac disease is affecting approximately 1 in 70 Australians with over 80% of this number remain undiagnosed. People living with this condition remain sensitive throughout their life. In this sense, it is incurable, however it can be managed with a strict gluten-free diet. Now you ask, how will I know if I have coeliac disease? Well, the only way to know is by getting tested. Your body will give you warning signs when you eat gluten. If you often feel gassy and bloated after consuming gluten-rich foods and often find yourself getting mouth ulcers, diarrhea or constipation, then those might just be the red flags for you to start consulting your physician. Other associated conditions can be as serious as infertility, pneumonia, and osteoporosis at a young age so it is best to get diagnosed early. There’s also the non-coeliac gluten sensitivity in which patients develop a variety of symptoms upon gluten intake. Many claim to feel better after removing gluten from their diet and further research is still being done to know as to why this is, but it’s always best to talk to your doctor if going gluten-free is the best option for you. Travel solutions The gluten-free market has grown significantly over the past decade. We see the term jump out everywhere, from magazines, health blogs to supermarkets and restaurants. More individuals than ever are taking on gluten-free living, whether it’s a health requirement or something that makes them feel better. With an increasing demand for destinations offering gluten-free food, Health and Fitness Travel, the leading experts in wellness holidays worldwide, are giving our coeliac globetrotters more options to relax and dine on a wellness holiday. And even if you just want to try it out for a week or just a weekend you are sure to reap the full benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle. Thailand: Kamalaya Jumpstart a gluten-free lifestyle on the south coast of Koh Samui and choose from different programs to focus on anything from fitness, stress-relief, sleep enhancement to weight management and detox. With a wide range of gluten-free options in their menu, you may enjoy a gastronomic fare that is delicious as it is striking without going off your new diet requirements. Combine healthy eating with all-encompassing activities and healing treatments with over 70 therapies to choose from, integrating holistic medicine from East and West. Philippines: The Farm at San Benito With a philosophy centred on Hippocrates’ ideology, “Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food”, The Farm at San Benito is the ideal getaway for anyone looking to find healthy solutions through food. Find yourself taking pleasure in a 5-course gluten-free vegan gourmet lunch before pampering yourself at the holistic spa center with a range of treatments to boost your health further. Bring home the right skills and knowledge to support your gluten-free life with healthy cooking classes where you can learn easy coeliac-friendly recipes. Thailand: Absolute Sanctuary If you’re in search of gluten-free options on a wellness holiday, Absolute Sanctuary in Thailand can give you just that. With an easy to follow coded menu, you’ll know what type of food you’re taking in at each meal. Whether vegan, vegetarian, raw, gluten-free or wheat-free, Absolute Sanctuary has a wide variety of selections to make it easy for guests to choose which diet to follow. Also an excellent retreat for a yogis and spa lovers, work on your practice with unlimited yoga classes and group meditation sessions before unwinding with daily spa treatments. Bali: Fivelements Puri Ahimsa As the name implies, Fivelements embraces the five elements of ether, air, fire, earth and water to give you a complete wellness experience. All programs include healthy gourmet cuisine, opt for the detox menu to experience gluten-free dining. Join them in an inspiring gastronomical journey with cooking classes where pros will guide you through key techniques to give you the right skills to prepare your healthy food at home. Conclude your day with natural rejuvenation from traditional Balinese treatments at the spa or a blessing ceremony. Turkey: Sianji Well-being Resort Escape to the stunning south-western Aegean region of Turkey at Sianjji Well-being resort to solve your gluten-free holiday conundrum. Giving you different options to boost gut health, grab the chance to experience the right wellness plan for you. Offering specialist diet programs, be guided with the best nutrition regimen to make sure you do it the right and safe way. In conjunction with your chosen wellness program, this luxurious award-winning hotel offers everything from water sports, spa therapies, tennis and fitness activities. 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