Come Out & Play: Hotel Wellness Gets Some Fresh Air

By Greg Freitas and Natalie Compagno

The days of mismatched dumbbells and a stationary bike are officially over. The latest trend in hotel wellness combines state-of-the-art, enhanced spa and fitness centers with heart-pumping, adrenaline-filled, off-property excursions. The latest offerings emphasize getting out, getting fit, and exploring the local scenery.

How about learning to surf perfect waves while attending a conference miles from the beach? Or taking a break from the pool to bike spectacular trails with the whole family? Or turning your daily yoga practice into a once-in-a-lifetime experience–a helicopter ride to a remote mountaintop for sun salutations at sunrise? The sky’s the limit.

Surf’s Up at Sawgrass

TCP Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida is synonymous with golf, but for those who’d like to try something different: Surf’s up! Enter the SurfStream Wave Machine, the world’s first stand up wave generator–the resort was the first to install the system in North America. The machine produces seven different types of waves of various heights for everyone in the group, from grommet to Big Kahuna. North Florida’s perpetually warm weather makes this an ideal year-round location for business groups and families alike. The hotel has recently offered the SurfStream Wave Machine Package to get guests and groups up on the waves multiple times per visit. Cowabunga!

Two-Wheeled Adventures

In the Palm Springs region, Miramonte Indian Wells Resort and Spa knows that there is more to the Coachella Valley than golf and tennis. The vast desert landscape beckons, so the Miramonte Extreme package delivers active explorations of the local terrain. Their partner Big Wheel Tours whisks guests away in Jeeps to hike, bike, and explore with knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides. The desert heat can wilt even the hardiest adventurer, so having a support vehicle with water and snacks is invaluable. One highlight is a 20-mile descent along the infamous San Andreas Fault, with very little pedaling required. Guides remark that it is one of the safest places to be during a massive earthquake; most riders are not eager to find out.

Amira Resort opened in Saint George, UT in late 2017, with a magical proximity to abundant outdoor activity. During winter, skiing is available at Eagle Point or Brian Head, north on I-15. Refreshing lakes tempt travelers during hot summer months, as does legendary Zion National Park. The hotel maximizes these advantages with access to two local treasures, the best mountain biking in southern Utah at their door, and shamanic practitioner Gwen Moon.

Moon has practiced in the region for decades, working with sound baths, massage, and energy centers. At Amira she also leads guided nature hikes into the red rock canyons, educating visitors on the folklore, flora, and fauna. The canyons are also home to the Bearclaw Poppy network of mountain bike trails. The 11-mile namesake trail provides adrenaline thrills for all levels, with enough jumps and gnarly descents to challenge the hardcore. The hotel will soon partner with the city of Saint George to bring bikes on property for guests to rent. For those who crave relaxation there are two heated pools and a full-service spa.

A high-end wellness retreat that also combines off-property exploration, the Ritz-Carlton in Waikiki Beach introduces its new Luxury Wellness Package. The immersive, three-day experience combines spa treatments which emphasize traditional Hawaiian healing methods, and local oils and plants. The hotel then takes guests on a cultural excursion (huaka’i) to the Manoa Valley to visit the source of the fresh ingredients and commune with Papahanaumoku (Mother Nature). Private yoga sessions and a private in-room chef deliver more deluxe delights.

For urban explorers, Westin Hotels RunWestin provides three or five-mile route maps along city streets or peaceful rural trails. If running shoes are too bulky to pack, no problem–partner New Balance obliges with the perfect fit delivered directly to your room. In select locations, a Run Concierge keeps up the pace for groups or motivated individuals.

Let’s Get Physical

For those who haven’t tried it, Muay Thai (“Thai boxing”) is one of the most hardcore workouts on the planet. Its popularity is exploding among Western travelers, and no longer just in sweaty gyms—the sport appears on the menu of some of the most luxurious resorts in Thailand. The Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa installed a state-of-the-art Muay Thai ring, with seasoned instructors providing advanced guidance for new or experienced boxers. The focus on learning new techniques keeps it fresh for all levels.

Standup Paddleboard (SUP) is fun for everyone and provides an intense core workout. The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu kicks it up a notch with an entire menu of SUP options, where floating in Hawaii’s pristine waters add that extra touch of balance and magic. Is SUP Yoga already a passing fad? Try SUP Tai Chi, or even SUP Barre.

Yoga New & Improved

Mandapa is a lush jungle resort in the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection. Located in Bali’s spiritual heart of Ubud, Mandapa offers guests access to an indigenous Balinese village, providing a sensory journey to wellness and nature. Designed as a sanctuary for mind, body, and soul, Mandapa offers specially tailored spiritual, wellness, and health programs. Resident yogi and Ubud native Nanda works wonders with circulation and flexibility using his refined hatha technique.

At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, guests can live the dream by partying all night and working out all day—or at least trying. The Reliquary Spa makes breaking a sweat and getting a relaxing massage a breeze, and the adjacent Juice Bar serves concoctions of all kinds—from healthy juices to caffeinated and alcoholic refreshers. Channel your inner Ringo and ask for the Drum Sticks massage, because traditional massage is just that much better when your expert masseuse can beat those tissues into relaxation with the help of percussion instruments.

For a truly magical wellness excursion check in with the Hard Rock concierge and ask them to book a heli-yoga session. Maverick Helicopters partnered with renowned local yogi Dray Gardener and Silent Savasana to create HeliYoga Limitless, a two-and-a-half-hour adventure that is thrilling and peaceful. Helicopters whisk guests to the breathtaking Valley of Fire State Park, landing on the iconic red sandstone cliffs used in movies like Viva Las Vegas and Total Recall. The site can only be visited by air, making peaceful immersion complete. Once situated atop the peaceful plateau, a certified instructor leads guests through a 75-minute yoga session. Wearing wireless headphones, the class focuses on balance and focus. The $3499 price tag covers up to six guests—a small price to pay for the wellness experience of a lifetime.