Fitness Retreats for the Mindful Traveller

In the months leading up to the summer season a sudden change sweeps over the nation. Seemingly overnight the streets fill up with joggers and the gyms become ram packed full of people all striving towards that same goal: a summer-ready beach body. You’ll cut the carbs, double up on gym classes, go on extra long walks, take up running, lift extra weights and generally do whatever it takes to prepare. But as you start packing your suitcase for your holiday, you'll stumble across those trainers and workout gear and spend a few moments seriously deliberating whether or not to pack them. Is it really worth the extra weight in the suitcase? Will you really workout on holiday? After all, isn’t the whole point of a holiday to get away from everyday life, de-stress and enjoy? And how can you possibly enjoy the experience whilst worrying about fitting in a boring workout, right?...

Uttering the word ‘exercise’ is often like blasphemy in a traveller’s vocabulary ; a holiday taboo. Most of us assume that fitness and travel are totally incompatible. We’re all guilty of jetting off on that well-earned holiday fully intending not to lift a finger. Top on the to do list = lounge on an exotic beach all day long without worrying about anything until we return to civilization (where our jeans no longer fit). Perhaps you’ll half heartedly tell yourself that you’ll make use of that hotel gym at least once, but then with all the beautiful surroundings and eagerness to explore them, a mundane indoor gym setting suddenly seems unbearable. So instead you’ll swear to at least opt for those healthier food options, but are then enticed by the irresistible exotic cuisines and delicious treats that you had vowed to avoid. We totally get it! However, these days travelling and health aren’t such an unlikely duo. With fitness and wellbeing being such a huge movement, and with more and more of us becoming increasingly health conscious, the travel industry have responded to the growing demand to fuse the two together. No longer will you have to exchange the beach bod to be a beach bum. In fact, there are a number of effective ways to remain active abroad without even setting foot in a gym and- queue the horrified gasps- that actually can make exercise part of the travel experience.

An increasing number of hotels across the globe are paving the way, breaking the exercise-phobic holiday mentality by promoting healthy holidays that promise to leave you more replenished than if you had spent a week sipping Tequila Sunrises by the pool. Below you'll find some of the Top 10 Fitness Retreats worldwide:

1) The Bodyholiday, St Lucia:

Perhaps the pioneer of the fitness retreat trend, the BodyHoliday is a haven for those looking to remain active while unwinding in paradise. Perhaps my favourite perk from the resort is that it takes spinning to new heights (literally) featuring a glass enclosed, tree house spinning centre for one of the most scenic workouts you will ever have. It also provides an impressive array of outdoor activities which include morning walks, rainforest hikes, adventure tours, jogging tours, walking tours, running club, mountain biking, snorkelling trips, sunset zumba, tennis, golf, water fitness, beach volleyball, tubing, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, wake boarding, and surf skiing. Other activities to give a go include pole fitness, salsa, Tai Chi, archery as well as an array of group fitness classes such as yoga or pilates. Fitness and nutrition seminars are also provided so that you can apply your new healthy outlook to your every day life.

2) Kamalaya, Thailand

Embracing a holistic approach to wellness, Kamalaya not only focuses on exercising the body but also the mind. Their tailor made emotional wellbeing programmes focus on improving inner life and restoring emotional balance. The resort draws upon ancient healing practises to restore the energy of all who stay with them and also offer daily yoga practise. Fitness services are ample and the resort even provides healthy cuisine to ensure the return to optimal health.

3) Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Amid a sandy desert, beneath date palm trees you'll find this spa hotel which fully embraces the local healing traditions. The Arabic style hammams here are an unmissable feature that'll purify the skin and soothe the soul. There's also an indoor and outdoor jungle gym, sunrise yoga, meditation, nutrition advice and services for sleep improvement. What a place to detox!

4) Gaia Tree Centre, Peru

Described as a spiritual adventure for the open-minded traveller, the Gaia Tree is prime location to explore the ancient secrets of the Inca's. Not only will you get the chance to see Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, but you can even embark on a transformational, consciousness altering journey with sacred plant medicines from Peruvian shamanic traditions. It is an 'Odyssey for the Soul'.

5) Jungle's Edge, Costa Rica

Discovering 'Pura Vida' (Pure Life- the country's motto) in the lush jungle landscapes of Costa Rica won't be difficult. There are hundreds of retreats on offer in the jewel of Central America but Jungle's Edge Retreat is unique in that it is geared toward lovers of martial arts, namely BJJ and Kickboxing. The retreat earns extra points by offering guests complimentary Spanish classes, yoga practise, surf lessons and mountain biking. In fact as part of any retreat you are offered a plant based medicine class, 2 daily yoga classes, a detox class, a massage and 3 healthy meals per day.

6) Om Ham Retreat, Bali

Founded by Guru Ji Ketut Arsana (who is renowned for bringing yoga to Ubud even before Bali became the mecca for its practise), the Om Ham Retreat welcomes guests with love and positive energy and vows to help people discover their true selves through yoga and meditation. Guests to the resort are greeted with a beautiful Ganesha statue beneath the tropical palms, setting an instantly peaceful atmosphere. Some of its signature programmes include silent walking experiences, rainforest yoga and sound healing.

7) Escapada, Various

Taking place in the countrysides of Ireland, Germany or Mallorca, the Escapada women's retreat specialises in 'Eastern Wisdom' and is led by women with the sole purpose to empower women. They offer acupuncture, cupping, moxa therapy and massage. As part of their mindful movement ethos, they include yoga, walking, breathing, golf, swims and tennis.

8) Sianji Well Being, Turkey

Set on the cerulean Aegean coastline, Sianji's wellbeing retreat specialises in detoxing! The resort boasts 3 detoxing programmes (Master Detox, Raw Food Detox and the 80-20 Alkaline Diet Detox), a healthy restaurant where guests are given cooking demonstrations and raw food presentations, and lifestyle transformation classes. Sianji also boasts a luxurious Turkish Hamman experience and an action packed fitness timetable.

9) MasQi: Energy House, Spain

Named by Conde Nast as 'Best Holistic Getaway', the MasQi resort is the perfect choice for a quickie! If you don't have the time to fly half way around the world, fear not... just pop over to Spain for one of their weekend wellness courses. Their retreats include an express detox getaway, a yoga wellness long weekend, an anti stress programme and a weight loss programme.

10) FitFarms Weight Loss Retreat, UK

Who says you have to go anywhere? With retreats in Dorset, Norfolk and Derbyshire, you don't even have to leave the UK! Here, farmlands have been converted into quaint and peaceful accommodations in the countryside, but let the tranquil scenery fool you not for the escape itself is full of heart pumping activity. The fitness holiday offers circuits, bootcamps, kettlebells and other high intensity forms of training, paired with life coaching. A great way to kick start your fitness journey, regain motivation and pick up some long lasting tips.

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