Contents:
- 1. Outdoor bootcamp in Menorca, Spain
- 2. Holistic heaven in Baja California, Mexico
- 3. Try something new in Lanzarote, Spain
- 4. Bend and flex in Ko Samui, Thailand
- 5. All inclusive fun in Castries, St Lucia
- 6. Take to the trails in Girona, Spain
- 7. DNA-based fitness in Ibiza, Spain
- 8. Improve your gut health in Tuscany, Italy
- 9. Get juiced up in Sertã, Portugal
- 10. Get fit out at sea in the Mediterranean
Are you seeking a robust way to commence the upcoming decade? Rather than indulging in holiday extravagance, consider a fitness retreat that focuses on both mind and body. From Mexico to Menorca, Thailand to Tuscany, we present a curated selection of premier locations where you can engage in running, jumping, swimming, flexibility training, weight lifting, nutritious eating, and meditation, thereby enhancing your overall fitness and well-being in 2020.
Outdoor bootcamp in Menorca, Spain
The name itself provides a clear indication of the concept. Wildfitness is a company dedicated to transitioning beloved gym activities outdoors, utilizing more “natural” equipment. The program incorporates throwing, lifting, running, and combat drills, complemented by sunrise yoga, stargazing, and journaling to nourish the spirit. Participants can expect noticeable wellness benefits and a reconnection to the natural world that is often overlooked.
Accessing the location: You can reach Menorca by flying, with packages starting at £1155 for six nights, which include accommodation, meals, daily group sessions, workshops, and a massage. Dates for 2020 are yet to be confirmed.
Holistic heaven in Baja California, Mexico
Rancho La Puerta presents a premier luxury wellness experience (a renowned destination for celebrities like Oprah) in Baja California designed to leave you more relaxed than an animal in hibernation. You can admire the picturesque Kuchumaa mountains from your window while contemplating a variety of options: explore the expansive 4000 acres of gardens, participate in a personal yoga session, organize a sunrise trail run, explore sound therapy, or join a drumming dance class. The culinary offerings are predominantly plant-based, with alcohol allowed but not encouraged. Mobile devices are set to silent, and Wi-Fi availability is limited.
Accessing the location: Fly into San Diego, where transfers to Tecate, Mexico, will be arranged. Rates are available upon request.
Try something new in Lanzarote, Spain
Established in 1983, Club La Santa is one of the pioneering fitness resorts. The facility boasts 400 rooms, four on-site restaurants, and a plethora of activities that one could scarcely complete in a week. Amenities include 10 tennis courts, a water sports center, a golf putting green, 11 badminton courts, a professional-grade 400m running track, a bike center featuring 600 bicycles for rent, and three outdoor Olympic swimming pools, which only scratch the surface of the offerings available.
Accessing the location: Fly into Arrecife on the island of Lanzarote, located in the Canaries. Packages start at £645 for seven nights. Options include self-catering, half-board, or full-board arrangements.
Bend and flex in Ko Samui, Thailand
Absolute Sanctuary is a highly regarded health spa in Ko Samui, recognized for attracting committed yogis. The venue offers 22 distinct wellness programs ranging from three to 60 days, focusing on various aspects such as detoxification, relaxation, improvement of sleep quality, stress relief, and lifestyle transformation. Furthermore, patrons can find ample opportunities for yoga training retreats, providing extensive options for developing their practice.
Accessing the location: Fly into Samui. Packages are available from £1000 for seven nights of accommodation plus access to spa facilities. Additional wellness programs incur extra charges.
All inclusive fun in Castries, St Lucia
“Entrust your body to us for a week, and we shall restore your mind,” is the assurance provided by the BodyHoliday resort. Visitors have varying interpretations of this promise: some prefer to indulge in sunbathing and fine dining, while others engage in intense training sessions, and the majority find a balance between the two. The resort offers an array of fitness classes and facilities, alongside engaging activities such as rappelling, kayaking, archery, and dance classes. A daily schedule is posted on a blackboard, often sparking curiosity such as, “Fencing? That’s always been on my bucket list.”
Accessing the location: Fly to Hewanorra, St Lucia. Rates start at £2000 for a luxury room for seven nights, available year-round.
Take to the trails in Girona, Spain
If your running routine has become monotonous, invigorate it with a getaway to the Costa Brava on a specialist runner’s retreat. This retreat offers a unique experience devoid of monotonous track laps; past itineraries have included mid-run refreshments at a centuries-old farmhouse featuring local delicacies alongside wine; running through fragrant forest paths and along scenic cliffs; enjoying picnics in secluded caves; and engaging in sea kayaking, mountain biking, and a visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant to restore energy.
Accessing the location: Fly into Girona. Packages begin at £760 for six nights.
DNA-based fitness in Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza, often earmarked solely as a party destination, is now home to 38°N, a place that redefines the notion of wellness retreats on this island. Utilizing one of their partner five-star hotels as your base, activities encompass workouts on the beach and indoors, including circuit training, kickboxing, Pilates, and mountain runs. For enthusiastic amateur athletes seeking an edge, an analysis of your DNA is available to tailor your training and nutrition for optimal results. It’s a blend of sun, sand, and personal science.
Accessing the location: Fly into Ibiza. Rates start at £2500 for six nights, including accommodation, meals, and activities.
Improve your gut health in Tuscany, Italy
Nestled in the serene rolling hills of Tuscany, pause, reflect, and explore inwardness at the historic Medici palace of Fonteverde. The spa hotel features a dedicated gut-health and anti-stress program named Equilibrium. This comprehensive program includes medical consultations, various tests, a personalized diet, an array of spa and wellness treatments, mild daily exercise, culinary lessons, adequate rest, and a tailored plan for sustaining the remarkable advancements made during your week-long retreat.
Accessing the location: Fly into Perugia. Prices begin at £2680 for seven nights, inclusive of the Equilibrium program.
Get juiced up in Sertã, Portugal
Juicy Oasis, situated in a quaint village two hours north of Lisbon, represents a high-end retreat where traditional meals are not served. Although this might seem unconventional, many find the experience revitalizing. Adhering to a program of four pints of diverse juices and smoothies daily allows for participation in spin classes, sunrise hikes, beach volleyball, and other activities. More leisurely pursuits include swimming in the natural river, relaxing by the poolside, attending nutrition seminars, or enjoying spa treatments.
Accessing the location: Fly into Lisbon. Packages start at £795 for seven nights, fully inclusive, available year-round.
Get fit out at sea in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sun Fun You cruises navigate the picturesque Greek Islands, including Kos, Rhodes, and Samos, as well as ports on the Turkish coast such as Marmaris and Fethiye. Each cruise features a blend of fitness, cultural experiences, and relaxation options. Daily on-deck fitness classes (including HIIT and yoga), snorkeling, and swimming are standard, with excursions to mountainous trails and coastal runs when docking at ports. Cultural experiences encompass visits to hammams, belly dancing courses, and museum tours, all complemented by abundant fresh local produce, including fish caught directly from the sea.
Accessing the location: Fly into Kos or Dalaman. Trips range from seven to nine days, scheduled between June and October.