I Went on Jason Vale’s Juice Retreat to Turkey for a Week – Here’s What Happened.

“Omg how can you go with no food for a week?!”

That was the first reaction I had — and the most common one I got when I told people I was heading off to Jason Vale’s Juicy Mountain retreat in Turkey.

But here’s the thing: the juices are jam-packed with goodness, delivering around 1,200 calories a day, and to my surprise… we weren’t hungry at all. In fact, by the end of the week, we felt energised, light, reset — and glowing from the inside out.

A Healthy Celebration of 50

I signed up with one of my best friends — we both turned 50 this year. Our celebrations had been (rightly!) full of indulgence, fizz, and fun. But after the parties, we craved something that would feed our bodies and souls. A proper reset, and a bit of R&R. So we booked ourselves onto Jason Vale’s original retreat in Turkey, the one he set up years ago, nestled in the mountains above Göcek.

Jason also has a retreat in Portugal and is set to open a brand-new wellness and fitness retreat playground there in September 2025, but we chose to go back to where it all started: Juicy Mountain.

What’s Included?

You sign up for a minimum one-week stay, and everything is taken care of. The price includes:

• All of your freshly made juices and shots,

• A full daily programme of movement, fitness, and mindfulness,

• Yoga, rebounding for lymphatic health, circuits, tabata, aqua aerobics, volley ball, morning mountain hikes and more.

• Optional extras like massages (highly recommend!) and a magical boat trip to nearby Göcek, where your first solid food — the freshest, most delicious salad — awaits if you’ve stuck to plan!

What to Expect

Day 2 or 3 can be a bit of a hurdle — especially if you’re withdrawing from caffeine, sugar, or processed foods. Some people (me included!) might feel a little headachey or foggy, but it passes quickly.

There’s something deeply grounding about being in the mountains, away from the noise, and focusing solely on your wellbeing. This is not a bootcamp — it’s a retreat. You can join the activities or opt to nap in the afternoon, journal under a tree, read a book, or simply sunbathe.

There’s a lovely rustic kitchen on site, with a constant supply of lemons and herbal teas. On Fridays, the wonderful kitchen duo Ramazan and Nezera bring a small but beautiful selection of local organic produce — figs, almonds, tahini, walnuts, honey, and olive oil and more - A true taste of Turkey.

Extra Soul Food

Evenings were just as special — a mix of volleyball games, late-night swims, movie nights, and deep, grounding talks:

• Juicing for Beginners

• How to Make Your Own Juice

• The Welcome Talk

• The Going Home Talk — always emotional

There’s also a sauna on site, and I treated myself to two incredible massages: one at the start of the week to unwind and one at the end to soak it all in.

The Magic of Juicy Mountain

It’s hard to put into words, but Juicy Mountain really does have a magical, spiritual energy. Something about the setting, the simplicity, the intention behind every detail — it stays with you. So many of the guests were returning guests, which speaks volumes.

It wasn’t just a detox — it was a deep recharge, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The retreat means different things to different people — for some, it’s about weight loss or kickstarting a healthier lifestyle. And while I definitely felt lighter by the end of the week, for me that was just a bonus. I went for the health benefits, the clarity, and the chance to properly reset — to give my body a break and reconnect with myself in the most peaceful, nourishing way.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.

✨ 3 Idyllic Places to Stay in North Wales ✨

[Gifted stays]

Whether you’re after a romantic retreat, a glamping getaway with friends, or a dog-friendly hotel surrounded by epic walks — North Wales has it all. Here are three very different stays, but equally magical places we’ve stayed recently and would recommend in a heartbeat.

1. A Much-Needed Reset on our Favourite Island

Glampio Bedo Glamping, Anglesey

📍 Location: Anglesey

🐾 Dog-friendly: No

💆‍♀️ Perfect for: Couples, solo resets, peace seekers

We were lucky enough to enjoy a gifted overnight stay at the gorgeous Glampio Bedo Glamping – a beautifully styled glamping pod tucked away in peaceful surroundings. It’s perfect for switching off from distractions, reconnecting with nature and taking a proper breather. We stayed at Moel Haul.

🛁 The outdoor hot tub under the stars was a total highlight — especially after a long week.

🍷 We picked up a few goodies from Bonta Deli (including a bottle of red!) and had a relaxed night in. In the morning, we eased into the day with a private sauna session, stuck on our favourite tunes via their integrated bluetooth speaker and left feeling recharged.

📍Places we want to try nearby:

Catch 22 Brasserie | Ocean’s Edge Restaraunt | Sea Shanty Cafe | The White Eagle | Oyster Catcher | Sandy Mount House

2. Coastal Glamping Meets Pizza & Pods

Glampio Coed Glamping, Rhoshirwaun

📍 Location: Llyn Peninsula

🐾 Dog-friendly: Yes

🔥 Perfect for: Couples, friends, solo escapes with dogs

Friday afternoon check-in at Glampio Coed Glamping, a log-stove pod, and nearby wood-fired pizza from Crasu Coed? Yes please. This glampsite blends tranquillity and a little buzz, thanks to its amazing on-site pizza & bar setup and thoughtful, immaculate facilities.

Each pod is unique — ours had a wood stove, kitchenette and comfy double bed. Some even include private toilets and underfloor heating.

🚿 Communal showers and toilets are spotless, and the whole setup is ideal whether you’re escaping it all or adding a little social into your stay.

🌊 Coastal Walks & Foodie Finds

Saturday was all about the Llyn coastal path — from Glampio to Porthor (Whistling Sands) — followed by lunch at the incredible Caffi Siop Plas.

💫 Don’t skip their new Summer Menu! It’s an exciting selection of sweet and savoury Galettes & Crèpes.

Other must-visits:

🍺 Tŷ Newydd Hotel, Aberdaron

🛍️ Cwt Tatws, Tudweiliog

🍰 Caffi’r Felin, Rhoshirwaun

🍕Crasu, Rhoshirwaun

3. Comfort, Food & Walks

Plas Weunydd Hotel, Blaenau Ffestiniog

📍 Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog

🐾 Dog-friendly: Yes – and dogs stay free at the hotel.

🔥 Perfect for: Families, walkers, relaxed hotel stays

We stayed in the hotel at Plas Weunydd Hotel and loved the balance of comfort and location. After a day of exploring, we were more than happy to sink into an armchair by the fire and order from their fab on-site menu both evenings.

For something different, they also offer:

• Glamping tents with private decks

• Shepherd’s huts on the moorland, with exclusive wilderness sauna access (and yes, you’re driven there by golf buggy – it’s brilliant).

🍴 Food & Day Trip Tips:

• Numerous weatherproof activities at Zip World

• Betws-y-Coed for local shopping,

• Olif & The Royal Oak

• Maentwrog for pub classics at The Grapes

• Local trails and scenic walks all within reach

So, which one would you pick first?

• Hot tub under the stars on Anglesey?

• Pizza and pods with coastal walks on the Llyn?

• Dog-friendly hotel comfort in Snowdonia?

I can vouch that they are all fantastic in their own unique ways, depending on what you want but I will definitely be visiting again.

Girls’ Weekend in Porto: Food, Laughter & City Charm

If you’re craving sunshine, flavour, and a good dose of fun, Porto is calling. This small, friendly, and walkable city in northern Portugal makes the perfect destination for a girls’ getaway. I recently spent a long weekend here with three of my besties — and I honestly can’t recommend it enough.

We stayed at the gorgeous Vandoma Living Suites — a clean, modern, centrally located gem complete with a plunge pool, shared garden space, and thoughtful extras like tea, coffee, lemon water, and snacks in reception. Add 5-star service and you’re already winning.

Day One: River Strolls & First Bites

After checking in, we wandered down through the cobbled streets and past the grand town hall, soaking up the atmosphere. On the way to the riverfront, we discovered the Time Out food market — an airy, vibrant space filled with pop-up kitchens and local delicacies.

We sipped on local beer and shared small plates that delivered big on flavour — a perfect intro to Porto’s foodie scene.

Dinner that evening was a highlight: Flow Restaurant. It’s now firmly on our “must-do” list. The food was divine, the service seamless, and the vibe was effortlessly chic. After dinner, we stumbled into a nearby bar for cocktails and were treated to an impromptu drag queen performance — yes, complete with opera!

Day Two: Tuk-Tuks, Tiles & Rooftop Cocktails

We kicked off our first full day with a relaxed brunch at Combi, known for its fresh coffee and great menu. Garden Café was also high on our list but we didn’t quite get to it — Porto is one of those cities where time just runs away from you (in the best way).

We strolled across the iconic bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia, planning to hop on the cable car that runs from the lower port area up the hill — but ended up walking down instead, taking in the views as we made our way through the charming lanes.

After mooching around the local street Market and soaking up the sun with a drink and nibbles at Porto Cruz’s rooftop terrace, the cable car plans were officially swapped for a spontaneous tuk-tuk city tour — and we loved every second. The ride took us through medieval lanes, past colourful murals, JK Rowling trivia, and lively squares.

We wrapped up our day with sundowners at Bosco Garden — a hidden lush gem tucked away in the city that served up great cocktails in a dreamy setting.

Day Three: Foodie Heaven & Beachside Farewells

We made an early start to explore Bolhão Market, and it was foodie heaven. Smoothies, fruit bowls, and — of course — a glass of crisp, lightly fizzy Vinho Verde, which had become our go-to drink of the trip. (Hot tip: you can pick up a bottle in local supermarkets for under €4.)

We wandered with a glass in hand, grazing on oysters, sea urchins, bruschetta, ravioli, and the most incredible medjool dates stuffed with walnuts & creamy cheese. And no Porto trip would be complete without a few pastéis de nata to round things off.

That afternoon, we headed back over to Gaia’s beaches to catch the last of the sun. Our final dinner was in the fishing village of Afurada, where we enjoyed the freshest catch of the day grilled over open flames. Simple, local, and delicious — it was the perfect ending.

Final Thoughts & Travel Tips

It’s safe to say: you can’t do it all on a city break — and that’s okay. We toyed with the idea of a Douro Valley wine tour or a mosaic tile painting workshop, but decided to keep things flexible and relaxed. There’s always next time!

I can’t take much credit for the planning either — that goes to my lovely friend Laura, who was the organisational queen behind it all. Her top tip? Check flights and accommodation in tandem, maybe even look at flights first, then see what fits accommodation-wise. And yes — we booked well in advance, which definitely helped us secure the best places.

Bonus? Our apartment had three bathrooms between four of us. Game-changer. We’ve well and truly set the bar high now!

Porto, you gave us memories we’ll never forget — and a strong urge to return.