Get the body beautiful at boot camp

Hamilton and her sidekick, Karen Devine - dreamy figures, creamy skin, bright eyes and endlessly cheerful - are the perfect advertisement for their programme.

They introduce themselves and explain what lies ahead. We all want to do what they tell us so that we can look like them.

The daily routine goes like this: wake up at 7.30am with hot water and lemon; dry skin brushing; juice 1 (each one contains a mix of vegetables and fruit, with an emphasis on pear, melon, beetroot, spinach, orange, cucumber and sweet potato); gentle walk; seminar on nutrition; juice 2; self-administered coffee enema; a trip to Carrick spa (a mile or so away) where juice 3 awaits; spa treatment; juice 4; therapy session with personal development specialist; juice 5; return to hotel for warm broth; another enema; another workshop; another juice; meditation; bed.

It sounds grim but is surprisingly easy. Juices are accompanied by supplements, brown pills for colon support, white detox formula for extra vitamins and minerals and psyllium husks.

The sheer amount of nutrients from all the juices, plus the bulk from the husks, keeps the hunger at bay.

This is their first "lifechanging detox retreat" in Cameron House. It is also the first time they have used a five-star hotel, which has minuses as well as pluses.

The setting on the shores of Loch Lomond with views over the Highlands is stunning but the proximity of - and wafting smells from - the restaurants and bar make a tough week tougher.

But the shared deprivations are also bonding. In between slugging back the juice, and frequent trips to the loo, we notice stomachs flattening, complexions changing and a general aura of wellbeing taking over.

Once we are home, emails are circulated; one person has lost 11lb over two weeks (including the pre-cleanse week in which we were told not to eat meat, wheat or sugar and avoid alcohol).

Most have lost in the region of half a stone and speak of feeling wonderful. I had misbehaved. With deadlines to meet I had, against the rules, worked most days and indeed nights, which may be why my results were not so good.

But I still managed to lose 4lb, return comfortably to my old dress size and have a flatter, if not flat stomach.

The regime: 7:30am starts with daily body brushing, morning and evening colonic irrigation, spa treatments meditation and guidance.

The nourishment: No food, just drink - five fruit juices, one broth - and 10 tablets.

What I lost: 2lb in five days and another 2lb when I got home.

What I gained: Better skin, the glimpse of a waist, valuable knowledge about what to eat and what not to eat.

Cost: £2,295

Where: Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland.

Try it: Next date 11-16 October, 0871 890 1331, www.amanda-hamilton.co.uk

Bikini Boot Camp

A motivational two-night kick-start to your pre-holiday training.

The regime: One full day of exercise starting at 6:45am, including a walk, beach circuit training, core muscle conditioning, a cross-country bike ride, plus a spa detox treatment.

The nourishment: Buffet dinners and balanced breakfasts and lunches. Nutritional talks included.

Poolside potential: Instant motivation to get in shape.

Cost: £390.

Where: The Grove, Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire.

Try it: Any date for groups of
two or more, 01923 807 807, www.thegrove.co.uk

Karuna Detox Retreat

A seven-day intensive juice fasting retreat and mind and body MOT.

The regime: Daily 8am starts with meditation, twice-daily colonic irrigation, yoga classes, walks and healthy lifestyle talks and emotional support.

The nourishment: A liquid diet of organic juices and water, plus supplements to keep you full, aid digestion and cleanse the bowel.

Poolside potential: Lose 6-14lb during the week and up to 3st in the following months.

Cost: From £700 to £1,450.

Where: Ham Farm, Dolton, Devon.

Try it: Next date 18-25 September, 0800 112 3033, www.karunadetox.com

Ultimate Boot Camp

Marine training, military boot camp just for women.

The regime: Hardcore military-style training from 6am-9pm every day for a week, including circuits, hiking, assault courses, boxing and raft-building.

The nourishment: Three healthy and balanced meals a day, plus snacks. Food plans for the future and nutritional guidance are included.

Poolside potential: Expect an improved body shape, weight loss and increased fitness after your stay.

Cost: £495 (three days), £1,275
(seven days).

Where: Devon and New Forest.

Try it: Next date 17-24 July (Devon), 7-14 August (New Forest), 0845 680 1621, www.ultimatebootcamp.co.uk

Raw and Juicy food and fitness retreat

A luxury, seven-day raw food and juice detox.

The regime: Bespoke personal training, plus Pilates, yoga, water workouts and colon cleansing every day, with acupuncture, massage and food intolerance testing.

The nourishment: A raw food tasting menu on arrival followed by five days of juice fasting. Includes lessons on raw food preparation.

Poolside potential: Get a flatter stomach and lose 4-7lb.

Cost: From £1,500.

Where: Rutland, Leicestershire.

Try it: Next date 20-27 August, 0870 360 1112, www.raw-and-juicy.com

BoxYoda

Five days of boxing, yoga and dance.

The regime: Boxing, dance and yoga sessions every day, plus hiking, biking, massage and educational workshops.

The nourishment: A "hunter-gatherer" diet of three low-cholesterol, low-fat, detox meals a day, combined with water and fresh juices.

Poolside potential: Drop a dress size and get a flatter stomach.

Cost: From £800.

Where: Shropshire.

Try it: Next date to be confirmed, 020 7100 9945, www.boxyoda.com

The Camp

A women-only fat-burning week led by ex-Special Forces instructors.

The regime: A strict, daily programme of constant activity from 5.45am-10pm, including mountain biking, self-defence, hill walking and circuit training.

The nourishment: Three nutritious meals and healthy snacks throughout each day.

Poolside potential: Drop a dress size and tone up.

Cost: From £1,450 to £1,750.

Where: Galloway, Scotland.

Try it: Next date 12-19 September, 0870 033 2375, www.thecamp.co.uk