Stay Active With These 8 Adventures
Staying active while travelling can be a tricky task.
Some hotels have no fitness centres, others have one so high tech they intimidate the average vacationer. So, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a gym guru, or someone looking for a mind-body connection—we’ve got the perfect place for you.
From Barbados to New York City, Turks and Caicos to Paris, herein is Siren Communications‘ guide to stay fit and workout in style while on your holiday.
Enter the Barbados Open Water Festival
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Carlisle Bay, in Barbados, is hosting the Barbados Open Water Festival (again!) from November 4th to November 8th, 2015. It is an open water swimming competition with races from 1.5k to 5k. This vast area is surrounded by crystal clear waters with perfect swimming conditions—and is not just open to competitive swimmers, there are novice swims too. This amazing hotspot is bordered by one mile of pure dusty white sand and abundant marine life. In addition, there will be Stand Up Paddle Races, Kayak Races and optional guided leisure swims for the less active participant. Prizes range from complimentary accommodation at luxury hotels, to fine dining certificates, airline tickets, electronics, tickets to island attractions and tours, along with other prizes. Alex Meyer, the elite world-class open water swimmer with major victories at the 2010 World Championship and the 2015 US Nationals, will attend the 2015 festival. On the festival’s last day, Copa Cabana Beach Bar will host an all-day beach party with a surprise DJ.
Siren’s suggestion: Stay at the nearby Hilton Barbados Resort where you can indulge in all the spectacular amenities and be spoiled by the gorgeous ocean views.
Hike the Dolomites with Silversea
Elite cruise line Silversea’s new Hike the Dolomites land program takes guests adventuring through the rugged Italian mountain range—yes, you heard us correctly. Perfect for novice and skilled hikers looking for a unique experience, the hike is part of a three-night pre- or post-cruise land extension. Hikers can set their own pace and may hike for as long as they want. Participants can spend their evenings relaxing at the Rosapetra Spa Resort, where guests have complimentary access to the resort’s heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, and Mediterranean and Turkish baths.
Go windsurfing at Cabarete near Gansevoort Dominican Republic, Playa Imbert
This is the perfect place for anyone who is looking to physically reboot after a harsh winter. Voted as the best spot in the Caribbean for water sports, by Private Fly, Cabarete has ideal wind conditions and reef-protected waters. Winds are the most reliable from May to August and the Cabarete area is located close to the newest member of the Gansevoort family: Gansevoort Dominican Republic, Playa Imbert. Featured activities at the hotel include kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding, and much more. There is also a complimentary fitness center with state-of-the-art machines and transformative classes for meditation and yoga. Thrill seekers can also hike through exotic terrain and visit natural phenomenon, with more than twenty waterfalls within driving distance of the hotel.
Boost your fitness at One&Only Palmilla
Newly renovated Los Cabos hideaway, One&Only Palmilla, has a stunning beachfront setting and mountainous desert terrain perfect for the outdoor enthusiast and adventure seeker. The luxury resort boasts an assortment of activities to boost your fitness—from their beautiful 27-hole golf course to the five flood-lit tennis courts available day and night. Guests can get their feet wet kayaking, snorkelling, surfing, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins or sailing. For extreme sports experiences we suggest trying zip lining, parasailing or ATV riding—all of which are available.
Siren’s suggestion: Travelling with kids and want to keep them busy? Take advantage of the complimentary KidsOnly program, available for children ages four to eleven years old. It’s a full program of entertainment and activities, including yoga classes, beach volleyball, soccer and football, along with more activities and lessons.
Swim laps at the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal
The luxurious, five-star Ritz-Carlton Montreal is the perfect blend of contemporary design and European flair. Guests can easily maintain their shape and continue their fitness routine during their stay as the rooftop saltwater pool makes it easy for a revitalizing swim, while enjoying the stunning views of Montreal’s skyline. The pool is unique as it is heated with reclaimed energy from the hotel’s kitchen, an energy-saving initiative. The fitness centre is decked out with all the top-of-the-line equipment one could ever need (personal trainers are available upon request!). Take a stroll to Rue Saint Denis, or hop on a bike and cruise around the locale, filled with stunning architecture and sophisticated art galleries. For your best workout, head to Mount Royal Park for a jog that is sure to give you a spectacular view of the city—and a killer burn.
Go for a run at Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC and Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC
Find a new running routine and pound the pavement in New York City with Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC and Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC’s “Get Laced” package. Complete with custom running maps, GU energy gels, water bottles and cold-pressed Juice Press juices; this package has everything runners need to go the distance. Guests can relax post-run with their very own recovery kit, including bath salts and a 20 per cent discount at exhale spa to put towards some well-earned pampering. For those go-getters looking for something extra, there are plenty of triathlons happening all summer. Panasonic NYC Triathlon is an annual event where athletes take to the waters of the Hudson River before biking along Manhattan’s West Side highway. Participants finish the race by running through New York’s iconic Central Park.
Go on a stroll in Paris, France
Paris offers a variety of activities for travellers who want to keep moving during their holiday. Begin with a scenic stroll through Tuilleries Garden, an attraction that offers the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Tuilleries Garden separates the Louvre from the Place de la Concorde and has two ponds with areas that are perfect for a peaceful picnic. Once you’ve fuelled up, head down the Seine River on a picturesque journey. The Seine River flows from Dijon in the Alps through Paris and is one of Europe’s great historic rivers. After a long day of exploring, it’s always nice to retreat back to your own private abode. Exclusive Resorts knows that the best way to explore the romance and glamour of the city is on foot—so a stay at one of their Parisian residences is an absolute must. With properties peppered throughout the city—perfect for the busy traveller—these apartment-style suites and condos make it easy to experience this magical city in style.
Free your mind and body at The Ranch
The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu is the ideal holiday for the active traveller. In its one-week luxury boot camp, guests have the opportunity to gain physical endurance, shed weight and detox in a healthy and sustainable way. Get out of the city and back to nature at this lush resort that combines consistent, rewarding physical activity with relaxation, rest and personal transformation. At the Ranch, a short stay produces long-term benefits. Daily group fitness routines are led by skilled staff members and include activities such as group hiking, ab-workout, weights and yoga. This hard work is balanced with private afternoon massages and daily naps (yes, you heard correctly). Visitors are sure to leave with a lasting sense of wellness, happiness and serenity.
See the sights in Los Angeles, California
Canada’s leading tour operator gives travellers access to thousands of fun activities and excursions while on holiday. Active breaks come in all shapes and sizes with Air Canada Vacations, which offers options for water sports, fitness and wellness enthusiasts alike. Planning on visiting Los Angeles this summer? No trip to LA is complete without a stop at the infamous Hollywood sign. Skip the drive and hike into the Hollywood Hills on a guided morning, afternoon or sunset tour. Marvel at the panoramic views of the city and learn about the sign’s incredible history before heading to your last stop—the iconic Griffith Park Observatory. Track your steps between each sightseeing attraction with the FitBit and Apple Watch so you can clock your walk in all the best urban centres.