Hotel guests are hankering for more than just a couple of treadmills in a fitness center these days. And hotels have taken note, offering a ton of fitness-geared amenities, packages, and features. From in-room workouts to island marathon challenges, here are the newest ways to get fit on the go.
In-Room Workouts
Too busy to head to the gym? Several hotels have rolled out in-room workouts, where they provide all the equipment you need in a package delivered straight to your room. For instance, at Raffles Praslin Seychelles, guests can request a fitness kit, which comes equipped with dumbbells, jump rope, stability ball, resistance band, and exercise DVDs.
In March, Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills launched the world’s first digital in-room fitness program with top trainers. The customized program, created by Blue Clay Fitness, features world-class fitness trainers via in-room, complimentary iPads, so you don’t have to head out to a gym. The best of both worlds are provided at Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane, where guests have access to a full-body video workout program with fitness guru and celebrity trainer Matt Roberts.
Gym Partnerships
Whether a hotel has a gym or not, they’ve started working exclusively with top, private gyms and instructors that a guest would otherwise pay top dollar for. At the Sanctuary Hotel in NYC, guests get complimentary passes to the Equinox a few blocks away (where Madonna apparently works out), which has a spa, Kiehl’s amenities in locker rooms, WIFI, cold plunge pool, steam room, and daily classes. Also in NYC, guests who stay at Hotel Indigo receive free classes at Revolve studios, including the popular "Real Ride," which takes riders on a 45-minute endurance-packed ride along uneven terrain and long hills. At Thompson Beverly Hills in LA, guests can book private yoga with esteemed associates of celebrity trainer Danny Lucio (Rihanna and Bieber are clients).
Fitness "Challenges"
Many hotels get a heavy rotation of fit travelers looking for something more (and more fun) than just a fitness center. So some are taking note and offering challenging programs. Over at Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands, guests can participate in the Island-Athon challenges, including the Islander Challenge (1/2 mile kayak, 5 mile loop by bike, 2 mile run/walk).
And at the US Grant in San Diego, the Work It Lifestyle program in partnership with On Demand Lifestyles puts guests in touch with San Diego’s most acclaimed fitness gurus. Prior to arrival, guests can select their trainer (which includes Golden Champion Chad Yarvitz or Olympian Luke Walton), determine the work out (like Yoga, Booty Barre, or Boot Camp), and have a one-on-one in their guest room or hotel fitness center.
New Spin on Fitness Camps
It’s not new or unusual for a resort to offer retreats or fitness camps but they’ve been amping up the themes lately. The luxurious Rancho Valencia near San Diego has well-rounded tennis and golf programs but ever popular is their Performance Cycling Camp. A small group of guests have the privilege of riding alongside cycling pro Christian Vande Velde this January for a six-night experience that includes one-on-one sessions, terrific meals and tons of activities. In the South of France, Kathryn Ireland (star of Bravo TV’s "Million Dollar Decorators") has opened up her private chateau, putting a twist on outdoor retreats. Her first retreat in September is holistic driven with celebrity intuitive Aiden Chase and is intended to be a total makeover, both physically and spiritually. The program includes daily yoga, nature walks, hiking, and bike rides to promote health and wellness.
Photo credits: Dumbells via Dreamstime.com; Peter Island Resort courtesy of Peter Island Resort