Sure, you want to tone up and slim down, but who wants to use those precious vacation days working out?
Luckily, you can combine your desire to get into shape with your love of travel for a fantastic fitness vacation, with these trip ideas where getting svelte and seeing the sights go hand-in-hand.
Whatever your idea of a great escape — deserted Caribbean beaches, viewing wildlife in Africa, or even a cruise — chances are we’ve covered it on our list.
Let your next trip be to one of these places to get into shape, and you’ll come home with the best souvenir of all: a hot new bod.
Alsace, France
Looking for your inner Lance but not quite ready for the Tour de France? No sweat (just yet): Pack up your bicyclette (or rent one there) and head to France’s Alsace region, near the Swiss and German borders, for a fitness vacation to remember.
With designated bike routes throughout the area, it’s a pure delight to pedal beside the beautiful Vosges Mountains, through charming villages, and past the fantastic vineyards that lie along the 106-mile long Route des Vins (Wine Route) where crisp Rieslings and Gewurztraminers are born — after all, you can’t go all the way to France and not indulge at least a little.
At sea
Though most people plan to pack on a few pounds on their cruise vacation — after all, it’s easy to overindulge at those all-you-can-eat-buffets! — Crystal Cruises aims to buck the trend with its wellness-themed cruises.
In addition to the usual onboard diversions, the line’s 2010 Mind, Body, and Spirit sailings to the Mexican Riviera (as well as Asian itineraries and transatlantic crossings) encourage you to get buff onboard, whether in the state-of-the-art gym, a yoga or Pilates class, or on the quarter-mile track along the open-air Promenade Deck, where you can enjoy stunning ocean views while running your laps.
With a full menu of healthy meals to keep you refueled, you’ll have no problem saying “no thank you” to seconds at the buffet.
Dominica
When you tire of the mega-resorts, all-you-can-eat buffets, and sugary drinks that dominate so many Caribbean islands, head to Dominica, where healthy pursuits constitute the majority of things to do.
Indeed, the main attractions on this unspoiled, lush island involve rainforest hikes, swimming in natural thermal pools, and overall personal wellness.
To jump-start your new healthy lifestyle, book the Jungle Spa Adventure Package at the Jungle Bay Resort & Spa and get your room, organic gourmet meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a daily half-hour spa treatment, morning yoga class, and several active excursions like hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking included.
Hawaii
Paddling against the surf is one way to tone and tighten, and if you can actually learn to stand up on the surfboard — well that’s a huge bonus.
Hawaii is synonymous with surfing, and now you can learn this exhilarating sport and get in shape on your next vacation.
SwellWomen, a surf and yoga outfitter on Maui’s Kaanapali Beach, provides healthy, action-packed vacations geared toward women (though they do host co-ed retreats, too), complete with surf lessons, yoga classes, nutritious meals, and accommodations.
Only want surfing lessons? We recommend Surf Hawaii Surf School on Oahu’s North Shore, home to the epic waves of Waimea Bay and the Banzai Pipeline.
Hua Hin, Thailand
There’s a lot more to feeling good than just looking good, and Thailand’s Chiva Som fitness vacation retreat in Hua Hin treats your whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
Options range from a weeklong weight management program to an intense four-week detoxification complete with a juice fast and colonics, but all programs feature one-on-one fitness and nutritional counseling, a diet of Asian spa cuisine, and daily activities like Thai boxing, weight training, aqua aerobics, biking, and yoga.
This East-meets-West approach to wellness also boasts a beautiful beach setting on the Gulf of Thailand and a location near several cultural attractions (temples, caves, and a royal palace), so guests can get out and explore as well. Home Security Systems.
Tags: caribbean beaches, fitness vacation, surfboard, Thailand, tour de france, vacation
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