Sweat in style: The rise of luxe sports retreats
Stay healthy whilst on holiday with these wellbeing-focused destinations
Text: Livvie B
As we continue to remain hopeful about the future of travel, the daily stresses of the covid-19 era, coupled with an increased focus on overall health and wellbeing, have resulted in a surge in interest in wellness and fitness getaways. With lifestyles having become more sedentary over the past year, many are looking to shed the lockdown pounds, and are thus more likely to combine travel and fitness once borders reopen.
Earlier this year, Philippe Zuber (CEO of the parent company of One&Only Resorts) announced the upcoming launch of Siro. With the first destination opening in Montenegro in 2023, Siro — standing for Strength, Inclusive, Reflection and Original — will offer challenging sports programmes, top-of-class sports and training equipment, and a spa dedicated to recovery, and will aim to fill a gap in the luxury market which caters to fitness, as opposed to more traditional wellbeing and relaxation-focused retreats.
Until then, there are a number of high-end options if you’re looking to combine getting fit with getting away. These Soothe-approved luxury sports retreats combine state-of-the-art facilities, world-leading nutrition programmes, and incredible settings to keep your motivation high and help you reach your fitness goals:
Amanpuri | The Laguna Phuket Triathlon Retreat (Thailand)
Aman offers a range of transformative sports retreats, which combine physical challenges with meditation and nutritional support in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
The Laguna Phuket Triathlon Retreat is a five-night retreat designed for athletes competing in Asia’s longest running triathlon. Beginning three days prior to the event, the itinerary aims to prepare individuals for the fitness challenge, offering a 3D scan and consultation with a physiotherapist on arrival.
In the lead up to the event, guests can make use of the resort’s hydrotherapy facilities, as well as relax in the Aman Wellness Centre and take part in guided practice bike rides along the course. Post triathlon, guests will be offered an IV energy-boosting drip to restore the body to optimal health.
Aman Hotels’ globally regularly update their sports retreat offerings, with the likes of an Extreme Water Sports Retreat taking place in December at Amanpulo, and the Extreme Desert & Mountain Sports Retreat at Amanjena in October.
COMO Shambhala Estate | Be Active (Indonesia)
COMO Shambhala Estate is a residential ‘retreat for change,’ offering healthy, energising food, and a dynamic itinerary of activities and treatments in the midst of the Ubud jungle.
The ‘Be Active’ programme is suitable for those looking to kickstart a new or challenge an established fitness routine, lose weight, or rehabilitate an injury. The team of wellness experts at the Estate will create a tailored activity schedule comprising various fitness sessions — including HIIT, Foam Roller Fitness and Circuit Training — and challenges to help guests achieve their wellness goals.
Each day, guests can also select either a 60-minute massage — the Deep Tissue Massage helps to increase blood and lymph flow to enable muscles to operate at full capacity — personal training session, or one guided challenge — such as volcano hikes and bike rides through surrounding rice paddies.
Equinox | Tier X (New York)
Coined ‘the fittest hotel in the world,’ Equinox Hotel is an NYC oasis, which prioritises High Performance Living. Sleek interiors, views of the Hudson River, and a 25-yeard indoor saltwater lap pool are just a few of the pulling points.
The Tier X Package includes an in-depth medical and fitness questionnaire, body composition index, movement screen, postural analysis, and metabolic rate measurement, which enable your Tier X trainer the data to personalise a plan to meet your individual needs.
Post-stay, guests have access to a one-on-one virtual assessment to ensure results continue following your time at Equinox.
Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort | Running IAM Getaway Package (Thailand)
Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort is the ultimate destination for an active getaway, with a range of programmes focusing on sports, fitness, nutrition and lifestyle medicine. With an 8 land 50m Olympic Pool, 4 indoor & 2 outdoor Plexicushion tennis courts, 2 900sqm indoor gyms, outdoor gym, and full size football pitch, it’s easy to understand why Thanyapura is the go-to training destination for Olympian athletes.
The Running IAM Getaway Package is designed for those hoping to complete their first race, as well as intermediate and advanced runners hoping to achieve stronger tomes and extended distances.
The package includes private running sessions, running specific stability and core training classes, and a signature sports massage, as well as access to the resort’s facilities, including a 500m track.
Kamalaya Wellness Resort | Comprehensive Optimal Fitness (Thailand)
Set on the tropical coastline of Koh Samui, Kamalaya wellness resort offers detox, yoga, health and wellness retreats.
The Comprehensive Optimal Fitness experience offers expert 1:1 support, catered to each individual guest’s health condition and goals. Personal training sessions help guests to build strength, whilst Pilates, yoga, and stretching improve flexibility.
The menu at Kamalaya is based on principles derived from the ancient healing traditions of China and India, following the understanding that food is most healing when it is close to its original state; gentle cooking methods help to preserve vitamins and nutrients that provide pure sources of natural medicine.
