Many of us charge into the New Year resolving to shift the extra Christmas pounds, take up fly-fishing, finally learn Cantonese, or to help the less fortunate. Now, an increasing number of us are specifically choosing to do so on holiday. One U.K. resort owner has even coined the phrase "transforcation," for a holiday in which you change or transform yourself in some way.

Former management consultant Victoria Wills, who runs boutique weight-loss center NuBeginnings on the picturesque north Devon coast in the U.K., has noticed a real shift in people using their holiday as a life-changing experience. "Over the past six months we've seen a trend toward people looking for a chance to start afresh and to transform not only their bodies but also their approach to life," the 34-year-old says. "2009 was all about the 'staycation' but now people are looking to turn over a new leaf and to really make a difference to their well-being on holiday. Hence, the transforcation."