Vacations are often synonymous with laziness and overindulgence, and even though you’re taking time off to relax and de-stress, that is no reason to put your healthy summer bodies off track. Don’t let vacation become an excuse to shy away from exercising and eating right! We get it, it can be hard not to go for that awesome dessert on the menu or fall asleep in the sun instead of going for a run. But don’t worry — we’ve found some amazing travel destinations that make staying healthy easy. Whether you’re looking for a getaway overseas or somewhere closer to your own backyard, we have spots that offer amazing spa packages, fitness regimes and more.
NEW YORK
Hyatt Union Square in New York City has partnered with ALOHA, a superfood company that is known for its organic whole-food powders, vitamins and bars, as well as PRIV, an app for beauty and wellness needs to bring guests their exclusive Stay Fit with Hyatt package. The hotel worked with ALOHA to create an in-room superfood smoothie kit, which includes one Original Daily Good Pouch, one Berry Daily Good Pouch, one Chocolate Daily Good Pouch and one mini Superfood Chocolate Bar. In addition to the healthy kit, the package includes a Stay Fit yoga mat, bottled spring water and a $20 discount on any fitness session or package when you download the PRIV app. That’s not all — guests will also have the opportunity to purchase two fitness classes using PRIV and receive the third one free! The package components change seasonally and may include access to bikes in the spring and summer, winter spa treatments or additional treats from ALOHA.
MIAMI
Turnberry Isle Miami is a lavish vacation destination and is now offering a special Optimal Wellness Program. The program, which was designed by leading South Florida physicians Dr. Ellen Lebow and Dr. Michael Braun, offers four different customizable packages that are designed to address various health concerns, including Weight Management, Heart Health, Stress Management and Hormone Restoration. These customizable packages allow guests flexibility in tailoring their stay from 5-8 days. Each guest will have the opportunity to meet with a physician for a one on one evaluation and lab analysis to explore their health, as well as two private personal training sessions and a meeting with a nutritionist. Additionally, guests can enjoy a healthy spa menu, relaxing spa treatments and all of the other wonderful amenities available at Turnberry Isle.
CALIFORNIA
For those of you who really want to jump start your health and fitness, The Ranch at Live Oak/Malibu is the place to be. The week-long retreat is a small, 16 person per week getaway, that combines a highly structured nutritional diet with four to five hours of group mountain biking and exercise classes each day, along with private afternoon massages each day. The Ranch also includes an organic garden, exercise pavilion and an outdoor pool. However, if this sounds too intense for you, try out The Ranch 4.0 at Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. The Ranch 4.0 is an abbreviated version of the week-long retreat, lasting only four days.
PUERTO RICO
Famous yoga instructor Tara Stiles has partnered up with W Retreat & Spa Vieques Island to create the FIT Retreat. The program, which is designed to kickstart a healthier lifestyle, runs five days long and includes two daily Stala Yoga sessions, five outdoor morning activities, two afternoon excursion activities, as well as two personalized Away Spa treatments. Guests will also have daily free time to relax or partake in activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, snorkeling and more. Additionally, the retreat utilizes the resort’s executive chef, who has created a health-conscious menu using fresh, local ingredients and recipes from Tara Stiles’ cookbook.
ITALY
Get out of your comfort zone and into the culture of your surroundings with Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ Gladiator Training program. Head to the hotel’s private park, which overlooks the beautiful city of Rome, where instructors from Rome’s Gladiatorial School will instructs participating guests in ancient combat techniques. The training sessions can last up to two hours and also include an educational component, where guests will learn about the life and times of the gladiators. All students in the class will receive a gladiator kit, which includes a traditional tunic, Roman sandals, belt, protective gloves, and a wooden training sword. Additionally, upon completion, you will receive a medal! Skip the traditional way to work out and get your sweat on gladiator style.
TURKS & CAICOS
Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 15-17, where West Bay Club will be hosting the ultimate fitness retreat with Barry’s Bootcamp master trainer Courtney Paul. The fitness guru has helped develop advanced fitness curriculums for high end gyms including David Barton Gym and Boot Camp Republic, as well as shape famous bodies such as Dylan McDermott, Katie Holmes, Tara Lipinski and more. During this weekend retreat, guests will enjoy the benefits of four training sessions on the beach and an all-inclusive healthy menu featuring local seafood and fresh fruit. Additionally, guests will enjoy a three night stay, a welcome beach barbecue on the night of their arrival, complimentary transfers to and from the airport, a gift bag and welcome amenities and a $50 credit to Anani Spa.
THAILAND
Who knew your blood type can say a lot about your overall well-being? Sri panwa, a luxury villa resort in Phuket, Thailand does! The resort’s Blood Type Therapy includes a special menu for guests categorized by blood type. Surprisingly, each blood type has specific digestive system tendencies, personality traits, skin type, and high and low risk illnesses. The resort’s spa has designed spa treatments that are specific to each blood type, including scrubs, body masks and massages. Utilizing botanical extracts, vitamins and essential oils, each blood type’s blend is formulated to match each personality trait. Spa specialists and trained therapists are on hand to discuss blood type and treatment options throughout your stay.
FIJI
Private island resort Laucala Island offers tailored, sustainable cooking classes, which use ingredients that are farmed, fished or foraged from the island itself. The island’s poultry is raised on the farm and kept on a specific diet, which is designed to assist in a healthy upbringing and all products on island are 100% hormone and chemical free. The resort operates on 85% self-sustainability and their cooking guarantees healthy, flavorful food. Additionally, the cooking classes and demonstrations can all be modified to accommodate each and every guest’s tastes and skills. In addition to the amazing and healthy meals, Laucala Island offers not only a gorgeous setting, but a wide array of activities to keep you in shape, as well. From their fully equipped Fitness Centre, with access to personal trainers and yoga instructors, to golf and water sports, there is no shortage of activities to keep you moving.
Twisted Talk: Which of these vacations appeals to you most? What’s the best health and wellness getaway you’ve been on? Discuss below!
