Camp Biche, France

Camp Biche sounds too good to be true, says Ian Belcher in the Sunday Times. This luxury fitness resort – located in an 11th century hilltop mansion north of Toulouse – promises to help guests lose up to half a stone in a week. But there are no meals of steamed veg and water. Instead, guests feast on fine wines and "Gallic cuisine worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant".

The key is exercise – but that's a pleasure too, since at the centre of the programme is a daily hike through "heartbreakingly scenic" countryside. Rooms are gorgeous, and with just five guests at a time, the atmosphere is more "intimate house party" than boot camp.

Camp Biche: 0207 617 7253. Seven nights cost from £2,660. ·