25 Dream Fitness Vacations
Sure, a lounge chair on a warm, tranquil beach has its allure, but fit people don’t often enjoy sitting still for an entire vacation. With that in mind, here's a list from around the globe of some of the best active vacation destinations.
Overview
Sure, a lounge chair on a warm, tranquil beach has its allure, but fit people don't often enjoy sitting still for an entire vacation. With that in mind, here's a list from around the globe of some of the best active vacation destinations. Whether you're into running, cycling, skiing, snowboarding, CrossFit, horseback riding, golf, yoga or something that calls for a bit more adrenaline pumping through your veins, you'll find dream vacation ideas on the following slides.
1. For a Sporty Vacation to Up Your Game
If you're an avid tennis or beach volleyball player or golfer (or want to be), why not take a vacation that unleashes your inner competitor? Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida hosts Body and Mind Weeks, where you'll get lessons from the pros to help you build on the basics or take your game to the next level. Golfers can get one-on-one time to perfect their swing and master their short game. Tennis lovers can brush up on their backhand or engage in a friendly doubles game. Beach volleyball enthusiasts can bump, set, spike with the best of them. And general fitness fanatics will find plenty of workout classes and a full fitness center to stay fit on vacation.
Related: Learn more about Club Med Sandpiper Bay and book your trip.
2. For an All-Around Healthy Vacation
If you're trying to rejuvenate and revitalize your health, look no further than Restart Health Escapes. Based in Australia, this company specializes in fitness vacations. Choose from trips to Bali/Lombok, Indonesia; Phuket, Thailand; or escapes around its hometown of Melbourne, Australia. For those companies craving a deeper bonding experience, Restart Health Escapes even organizes corporate retreats. Retreats include full room and board, featuring healthy and fresh meals, a comprehensive health and fitness assessment, beachside yoga, language lessons, cooking classes, day spa treatments, one-on-one lifestyle counseling and day trips to nearby points of interest such as kayaking through caves or taking local Muay Thai fighting lessons.
Related: Learn more about Restart Health Escapes and book your trip.
3. For Wanderlusting Cyclists
Billed as the "World's #1 Active Travel Company," Backroads organizes active vacations all around the globe. From biking in Bordeaux to a multi-sport adventure tour down the Dalmatian Coast to exploring the magic of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains via foot, Backroads has destinations and vacations for all wanderlusters. By splitting their vacations into traveler types such as family, solo and private, you can rest assured that you will be surrounded by like-minded travelers with similar vacation goals. Backroads is not just an active vacation, it's a luxurious holiday as well. With gourmet food and five-star service, Backroads caters to your every vacation desire.
Related: Learn more about Backroads and book your trip.
4. For the Crew That Loves Skiing or Snowboarding
From the makers of The Yacht Week comes The Ski Week, the ultimate ski bunny destination happening around the world. From morning yoga to skiing and snowboarding all day, The Ski Week has you covered. This epic social skiing event organizes groups of friends from all around the world and brings them all to one mountain for a week (or weekend) of socializing on the slopes. At The Ski Week, you'll enjoy a strenuous skiing workout during the day with apres-ski socializing at the bottom of the slopes. With destinations such as Obertauern, Australia; Aspen, Colorado; Chamonix, France and Hakuba, Japan; The Ski Week has a wide variety of destinations to choose from.
Related: Learn more about The Ski Week and book your trip.
5. For Those Who Want to Escape to an Exotic Locale
Specializing in energetic escapes for people of all ages, Active Escapes pulls out all the stops. With locations in Bali and the Maldives, Active Escapes focuses on exotic locales. Stay in a five-star hotel or a private villa as you enjoy the surf and sun while making friends and having fun. A typical day on Active Escapes includes a walk/run on the beach, a morning training session, delicious and healthy meals, activities with fellow escapees, a massage or spa session and nighttime socializing. Active Escapes is skewed toward the under-40 crowd, but all are welcome. If you're looking to get involved with Active Escapes, they even have an ambassador program of fitness lovers from around the globe.
Related: Learn more about Active Escapes and book your trip.
6. For the Avid Mountain Biker
Voted the "#1 Mountain Bike Tour Company on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure, Sacred Rides takes adventure to a whole new height. Enjoy a wild mountain biking adventure and choose from single-track, beginner, women's trips or couples' trips. With 15 epic countries to choose from, you can mountain bike in Slovenia, cruise through Chile, ride through perilous Patagonia or enjoy the action and adventure of Newfoundland. In business since 1996, more than 10,000 people around the world have ridden with them and experienced mountain biking voyages like none other. Not only do they organize ambitious adventures, but Sacred Rides is also dedicated to the communities in which they ride through by hiring local guides and sourcing local suppliers.
Related: Learn more about Sacred Rides and book your trip.
7. For Cruise Lovers Who Want to Stay Active
What could be better than hiking and biking through the mountains of Italy and being rewarded with delightful olive oil tastings along the way then sailing along the coast? The hiking and biking specialists at VBT have teamed up with the cruise specialists at Windstar to bring you the ultimate Italian adventure. Enjoy trips up the Amalfi Coast and out to Capri or cycle through the undisturbed Italian coast of Puglia. All the while you'll enjoy home-hosted meals, breathtaking scenery and cozy seaside towns. Don't worry; you'll burn off the delectable bread and cheese as you scale the Italian mountains. When you're finished, enjoy your Windstar Cruise through the Mediterranean Sea.
Related: Learn more about VBT and Windstar Cruises and book your trip.
8. For Those Who Love to Travel by Foot
There's no better way to see a country than to take a walk through it, and that's what Country Walkers organizes just for you. Whether you like to travel in a group, prefer solo or private travel or an entire customized trip, Country Walkers can plan your dream vacation for you. With destinations spread all over the globe, from Botswana and Uganda in Africa to Laos and Bhutan in Asia to Croatia and the Czech Republic in Europe, Country Walkers has a destination for anyone and everyone. With more than 35 years of experience, Country Walkers is the way to go for "hyper-local, virtuoso guides," that invent creative experiences to fully immerse you in your destination.
Related: Learn more about Country Walkers and book your trip.
9. For the Adventurous Surfer
If you want to kick back, relax and enjoy some of the best surf the world has to offer, head down to Nosara, Costa Rica, to the Harbor Reef Surf Hotel. National Geographic has named this spot one of the top 20 surfing spots in the world. This specialty surf hotel specializes in providing a surf retreat on the west coast of Costa Rica. Tucked away from the touristy Tamarindo, Nosara offers peace and refuge and the true essence of Costa Rica. Venture into the nearby jungle for zip lining, or relax on the pristine beachside to take in the sounds of the waves. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced surfer, these waves are welcoming to everyone.
Related: Learn more about Harbor Reef Surf Hotel and book your trip.
10. For the Runner and Wine Lover
This tour combines the great outdoors with Napa Valley wine country. You will burn tons of calories running through the scenic orchards, redwood trees, valleys and cliffs overlooking the Pacific. And you'll end your days watching the sunset and enjoying Sonoma and Napa Valley's famous wines.
Related: Learn more about Napa Valley Running and Wine Tasting and book your trip.
11. For the Diehard CrossFitter
Are you CrossFitter who doesn't want to be away from your workout of the day (WOD) for a whole week? No problem. The Trip Tribe and Destino have crafted a "WOD-cation and Paleo Retreat" on Maui for you with all of the burpees, skill sessions and Paleo-friendly foods you could want. You'll stay in four-star lodging, compete in a local CrossFit gym, paddleboard in the Hawaiian waves and crush non-Paleo-friendly margaritas after a hard day's work. The best part is, you get to mingle with other CrossFitters the entire time.
Related: Learn more about WOD-Cation and Paleo Retreat and book your trip.
12. For the Skiing or Snowboarding Couple
Long for fresh powder, ski-in-ski-out lodging and apres ski meals? At The Sebastian-Vail — a Timbers Resort in Vail, Colorado, you can burn calories on the slopes then pamper those muscles when you return to their luxury spa. The Sebastian offers ski packages featuring on-mountain ski valet, dinner for two and two 50-minute signature spa treatments.
Related: Learn more about The Sebastian-Vail and book your trip.
13. For the Cyclist, Hiker and Canyoneer
Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah, has a location that allows a customized adventure to Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park or Snow Canyon State Park. You can enjoy world-class mountain and touring biking with a variety of scenic trails at all levels of experience. In addition to cycling, Red Mountain Resort guests participate in canyoneering, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and rock climbing. The resort also offers team-building initiatives and workshops, stress-management classes and spa services.
Related: Learn more about Red Mountain Resort and book your trip.
14. For the Unconventional Yogi
Roll up your yoga mat and make your way to Clyde Park, Montana, where the women of Big Sky Yoga Retreats host a variety of styles of yoga retreats. Try the yoga and hiking retreat, which combines daily yoga and hiking with deep discussions, reflection, intention setting and meditation. Or there's Winter Wonderland — "top-notch, tough-love yoga" — which is a three-night stay that includes daily yoga lessons, meditation, Nordic ski lessons and daily snowshoeing.
Related: Learn more about Big Sky Yoga Retreats and book your trip.
15. For the Active Family
If you have a fitness-focused family, head down to Costa Rica with Lucero Surf Retreats. This getaway package includes six nights in a villa with breakfast, three family surfing lessons, morning yoga, a zip-line tour through the jungle, a massage for the adults and all of your surf pictures from the trip so you can relive the memories even after you've left (or to make all your friends jealous).
Related: Learn more about Lucero Surf Retreats and book your trip.
16. For the Serious Mountain Climber
If you want to take your vacations to new heights, look no further than Tanzania for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro over several days of hiking and climbing. Ascend to the mountain's summit at 19,340 feet for dazzling views and reward your climbing success with wildlife viewing on an African safari.
Related: Learn more about REI Africa Tours and book your trip.
17. For the Guy or Gal Who Wants to Get into Shape
Those who want to get inspired to get in shape should consider Vita Vie Retreat's Bella Boot Camp in Delray Beach, Florida. You'll work your booty for five hours a day doing local hikes, beach boot camps, strength training, Zumba, hip-hop dance and more. The Bella is for advanced beginners and those who exercise regularly (Vita Vie Retreat also offers a Half/Beginner Package for novices). Rates include a daily spa or nutrition session, five classes a day, three meals each day and standard accommodations.
Related: Learn more about Vita Vie Retreat and book your trip.
18. For the Snow Daredevil
To get a gnarly vertical-drop adrenaline fix, contact Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing. With Wiegele, you can heli-ski down Canada's craziest verticals. You'll have log chalet accommodations, three gourmet meals a day and professional guides to help you explore the mountains.
Related: Learn more about Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and book your trip.
19. For the Pilates and Yoga Devotee
Harness your core strength at the Sagrada Pilates Retreat in San Luis Obispo, California. Just a few hours north of Los Angeles, guests nourish themselves with vegetarian cuisine and take daily classes in Vinyasa yoga, Pilates, restorative yoga and Bollywood dance.
Related: Learn more about Sagrada Pilates Retreat and book your trip.
20. For the White Water Rafter
Ever dreamed of riding class-five rapids? Crave a wilderness adventure? Then head down to Patagonia to raft the Rio Futaleufu in Chile with Earth River Expeditions. They offer a unique multi-camp journey complete with riverside stone hot tubs, hot showers, cliffside dining, tree houses and cliff dwellings with beds. When you're not on the water, the adrenaline rush continues from other activities, like horseback riding, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, zip-lining and fly fishing.
Related: Learn more about Earth River Expeditions and book your trip.
21. For the Beach Babe
Let out your inner beach babe in Bali with Surf Goddess Retreats. You'll surf Balinese beaches, participate in revitalizing yoga and fitness sessions and enjoy hours of relaxing spa treatments. You can also customize your itinerary to include jungle hiking and other outdoor fitness activities.
Related: Learn more about Surf Goddess Retreats and book your trip.
22. For People Who Want to Combine Workouts and Wellness
In the "Spa Fit" program at the five-star Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, your morning group fitness program is followed by daily spa treatments and meditation or yoga classes at The Chopra Center, the worldwide headquarters for renowned author and wellness expert Deepak Chopra. Morning fitness varies: One day might be a beach boot camp and the next an amazing hike with panoramic ocean views.
Related: Learn more about "Spa Fit" Wellness Retreat and book your trip.
23. For Those Who Like It Hot
Experience the outdoors underneath the beautiful dessert sun at Miraval in Tucson, Arizona. The resort offers 90 different complimentary activities and classes to choose from every week. Guests enjoy a luxurious casita stay and healthy flavorful meals. Experience horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining and tightroping. They also offer yoga, Pilates, art classes, meditation, integrative wellness classes and more.
Related: Learn more about Miraval Resorts and book your trip.
24. For the Ultimate Luxury Traveler
One of the best destination spas in the world is found in the Berkshire Mountains in Lenox, Massachusetts. In business for more than 35 years, Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort takes fitness and nutrition seriously. The spa offers more than 40 complimentary classes daily, sports and outdoor activities and cooking demos and classes. The nationally renowned dining venues serve creative and award-winning American Classic cuisine supporting neighboring family farms which deliver in-season ingredients. Cranwell is also the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Related: Learn more about Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort and book your trip.
25. For the Scuba Diver or Snorkeler
Dive into Southern Belize's tropical waters with The Inn at Roberts Grove in Placencia. Swim through the ocean exploring the second largest Barrier Reef in the world as well other amazing diving locations. There is also a whale shark dive trip where you can experience the gentle giants up close.
Related: Learn more about The Inn at Roberts Grove and book your trip.
What Do YOU Think?
Do you like to be active or lazy on your vacations? What's the best vacation you have ever taken? Any places to recommend? Who's planning an upcoming vacation this year? Where are you going? Did any of the vacations mentioned in the previous slides sound good to you? Which was your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Related: 7 Reasons to Go on a Yoga Retreat