Toronto,
16
January
2018
|
22:20
Europe/Amsterdam

Find your #FitLyfe in 2018 with 8 Adventurous Fitness Getaways

Each January, thousands of people lace up their running shoes and renew their vows with the treadmill in an attempt to start the New Year with a healthier lifestyle. While some people stick with their new routines, the monotony of gym life is far too boring for most to make it a regular habit, which is why Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has uncovered a few ways to shake up your fitness routine with something more exhilarating.

Booking.com offers access to some of the greatest destinations in the world, including the perfect places for hiking or walking trips—something 56 per cent of Canadian travellers say they want to do in 2018. From hiking through volcanoes to including a mimosa in your post-workout cool down, these fitness getaways are sure to bring more excitement to your brand-new #fitlyfe.

ICELAND:

Seasoned hikers, it’s time to set a new goal—in 2018, why not challenge yourself to hiking across a volcano? From Thorsmork Valley through the Fimmvorduhals Pass—which last erupted in the Eyhafhallahokull in 2010—you’ll be taken away by the scenery that Iceland has to offer. Get up close and personal with glaciers, mountains, lava, waterfalls, lush birch forests and volcanoes!

Where to stay:

At the foot of the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, Hotel Skogar is the perfect home base for a challenging trek through the mountains. With 12 cozy rooms and an outdoor hot tub and sauna, guests can unwind after traversing the cliffs while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Eyjafjall glacier and Skogarfoss Waterfall (just a 5 minute walk away!). The hotel also offers ice climbing, horseback riding, and snowmobile tours for its adventurous guests, and the nearby Dyrholaey Ocean cliffs are a haven for birdwatchers.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND:

While some travellers prefer to spend their time in New Zealand’s stunning rugged landscape hobbit-spotting, the Kiwi’s capital, Wellington, offers an incredible amount of semi-wild green hills within the city for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. The “Town Belt” was set aside in 1840, and is the perfect spot for a city hike as the paths connect to Mount Victoria’s summit, through the city hills and down to the sea.

Where to Stay:

The QT Museum Wellington is a cultural gem situated along the waterfront in one of the best-rated locations in Wellington. The design hotel boasts a large collection of contemporary New Zealand art, spacious and elegant suites, an indoor pool, spa and multiple restaurants—all just across the street from Te Papa, the bold and innovative national art museum.

MALDIVES:

Yoga and Tai Chi are both phenomenal ways to take care of your mental and physical health at once, but why not kick the meditation up a notch by matching your body’s flow with the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives? The ultra-luxe One&Only Reethi Rah lets its guests elevate mind and body with yoga, meditation, Tai Chi and Pilates on the over-water Chi Pavilion and in its tranquil, garden-shrouded Fitness Centre.

Where to stay:

Offering world-class service on the Maldive’s North Male Atoll, One&Only Reethi Rah is the epitome of luxury, reachable only by boat. The award-winning resort’s elegant over-water or beachside villas frame stunning views of the Indian Ocean, while guests can enjoy premium amenities, including tennis courts, an ESPA spa, multiple 5-star restaurants, dedicated kids and teens clubs, and much more.

CHICAGO, USA:

While the windy city has tons of running spots along the Lakefront Trail and through multiple parks, guests at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago can make use of one of the hottest fitness spots in town. The 2,700 square-foot fitness centre offers some of the best classes—from rooftop sunrise yoga overlooking the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, to WERQ, an exhilarating cardio dance workout to the top pop and hip hop hits, followed by a 30-minute mimosa social.

Where to stay:

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago offers stunning accommodations atop the famous Water Tower Place in Chicago’s Gold Coast District. A guest favourite due to its location close to the Navy Pier entertainment district, each room in the luxury hotel is artfully decorated and features both city and lake views from massive picture windows.

SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND:

The Swiss Alps are not only breathtaking—they’re the perfect location for mountain climbing, hiking, and disconnecting from the world, and are often a bucket-list destination for many travellers. With 82% of travellers planning to tick off a dream trip in 2018, it’s the perfect time to lace up your boots and take a scenic run through woodlands and hiking trails towards one of the many peaks.

Where to stay:

Maison la Sittelle is a cosy bed and breakfast based in one of the top-rated locations in Grimisuat. With warmly decorated suites, a shared kitchen, barbeque, tranquil garden, hot tub and lounge, the property is a home away from home for guests seeking fresh clean air in the Swiss Alps. Adventurous travellers will delight in the many skiing, cycling and hiking trails in the area around the property.

LOS ANGELES, USA:

The West Coast of California is world-renowned for its dedication to healthy living, where the latest and greatest fitness trends are tried by everyone—from surfing on Venice Beach, to running through Downtown Los Angeles, to the now royal-approved Platinum Pilates, where newly-engaged Meghan Markle has trained with friend and owner Heather Dorak.

Where to stay:

The Huntley Santa Monica Beach hotel is located in a guest-favoured part of Los Angeles, conveniently just down the street from Platinum Pilates’ Santa Monica studio. The beach-side luxury hotel offers exceptional ocean and coastline views with 204 elegant, modern rooms styled in while linens, a rooftop restaurant and a lavish setting perfect for celebrating your new fitness wins.

GREECE:

Lefka Ori—the White Mountains—are a spectacular geological formation in the northern hemisphere, and home to gorges, caves (some of the deepest in Greece), precipices, canyons, sinkholes, underground rivers, waterfalls and a variety of wildlife. This challenging hike requires a good sense of direction, but is every bit rewarding in terms of fitness and the amazing things you’ll see.

Where to stay:

With 33% of travellers preferring to stay in a home or apartment rental when on holiday, the Idomeneas Apartments at the base of the White Mountains are ideal for a homey getaway on the largest island in Greece. The spacious, air-conditioned studios and apartments are complete with large furnished balconies, where guests can take in relaxing views of the garden, countryside and the sea in the quiet village of Sougia.

PEYTO LAKE, CANADA:

Only slightly less frequented than the beloved Lake Louise, Peyto Lake is another treasure of Banff National Park along the Icefields Parkway. Glacier rock flour flows into the lake in the summer, turning the water a vibrant icy-blue colour for hikers and trail runners to enjoy. Grab your boots and take in the view—the clean air and climb (suitable for most levels of fitness) will have travellers on their way to a healthier lifestyle in no time.

Where to stay:

No trip to Banff is complete without a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where panoramic views of the Victoria Glacier and Lake Louise await from every single room. Hikers can unwind at the resort’s full-service spa, or continue their workout at the heated indoor pool or state-of-the-art fitness centre. Guided hiking tours are available from the Fairmont Chateau, as well as horseback riding, canoeing and much more for adventurous guests.