Holiday mode is a must for your mental wellbeing, but it rarely does much for your fitness routine. Want a luxury escape with gains guaranteed? Leave your dumbbells at home and book a trip to one of the world’s best fitness retreats.
From beach bootcamps to jungle gyms, these active getaways pair workouts with wanderlust. Expect bespoke coaching, daily classes and nourishing cuisine – plus a healthy dose of motivating group vibes.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast looking to train somewhere tropical, or a gym rat in need of a break from the daily grind, these destination facilities offer the ultimate in flyaway fitness.
Not sure where to start your search? To help you with a fast pass to your perfect destination, we’ve put together this list of the best fitness retreats in the world right now. Mykonos or Menorca, Bali or Sri Lanka: active rest has never seemed so appealing.
What is a fitness retreat?
Every fitness retreat offers something unique. Some are luxury escapes with facilities to match. Others are barebones bootcamps that major in intensive drills. But the best fitness retreats all share a common aim: giving you a platform to train hard, boost your performance and smash your goals. All while staying somewhere sunny and stunning.
Schedules vary from retreat to retreat, but most are centred around a few core components. You can expect a diverse programme of daily activities, from strength and conditioning to hardcore cardio, paired with personalised coaching from expert trainers.
Fuelling your getaway gains means eating right. Luckily, nutrition is a key element of the best fitness retreats. You’ll usually find a curated menu of balanced dishes available, carefully designed to power you towards your targets.
Most of the best fitness retreats also provide a comprehensive selection of treatments to aid your rest and recovery. Think everything from ice baths to sports massages. Depending on your package, these services may be optional or included.
Formats range from weekend breaks to week-long immersive experiences. Many cater to a spectrum of fitness levels, age groups and interests. Some venues have a specific focus, while others run retreats throughout the year to suit different disciplines. The most flexible allow you to build your own, based on your specific timescales and requirements.
Whatever the setup, the best fitness retreats offer a break from the demands of daily life, giving you all that you need to reset and step up somewhere new.
Our pick of the best fitness retreats in 2023
PhuketFit
Phuket, Thailand
Situated on the scenic Thai island of Phuket, this training centre offers comprehensive programmes for total holiday fitness. With workout classes covering strength, cardio and mobility, there’s something for everyone – whatever your level and goal. Nutrition is high on the agenda too, with Thai dishes incorporated into a balanced menu. Rooms range from straightforward to deluxe, while facilities include a yoga studio, steam room and boxing area, in case you’re keen to try Muay Thai before hitting the nearby beach.
The Body Camp
Mallorca, Spain
Set in a 25-acre private estate in stunning rural Mallorca, The Body Camp runs immersive group retreats incorporating high-intensity classes, mindfulness coaching and plant-based cuisine. Every participant takes part at their own level, an approach designed to help you break down personal barriers while building new connections. Focused as much on mental health as physical, retreats are open to all ages and abilities. Besides boutique accommodation, guests have access to a swimming pool, tennis court and running track, as well as a workout area and weights room.
Body Factory
Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s long been a hub for wellness getaways, and if you’re in the market for a total overhaul, Body Factory could be just the fix. While its gym facilities and training spaces are up there with the best, its approach is built around more than just fitness performance. From recovery to nourishment, a stay in Body Factory’s modern accommodation is intended to enhance your lifestyle – whether through personal training, spa treatments or poolside protein shakes.
Makahiya Fitness
Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Excuse the self-promotion, but if you’re looking for the ultimate fitness retreat in South Asia, Makahiya is a winning choice. Perched between palm trees and paddy fields on Sri Lanka’s sunny south coast, our jungle gym sets the bar for workout holidays the world over. With boutique rooms, top-spec facilities and a tropical location like no other, it’s the perfect place to push yourself in paradise. And don’t just take our word for it: check our Google listing and you’ll find hundreds of five-star reviews from members of a like-minded crew we call the Makahiya Massive.
Workout Away
Mykonos, Greece
The Aegean Sea needs no introduction. If its azure waters sound like the ideal backdrop for five nights of fitness, Workout Away’s Mykonos retreat will stimulate your wanderlust. With luxury accommodation, a private beach and five-star food, this is exercise elevated. Daily workouts include 30-minute HIIT classes, yoga-inspired stretching and team-based sessions – all surrounded by Grecian scenery. Down-time includes trips to local eateries, plus sightseeing cycle tours around the island.
Iron Nomads
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Nestled among the misty mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a bucket list visit for countless travellers. If your wish list also includes a fitness retreat, Iron Nomads is the perfect combo. Besides strength and HIIT classes, guests take part in everything from jungle treks to sunrise yoga sessions. Muay Thai is also on the schedule, led by a world champion practitioner. If the scenery isn’t enough to soothe your sore muscles, herbal saunas and sound healings should be.
Active Escapes
Noosa, Australia
From Bali to Byron Bay, Active Escapes runs fitness retreats around the world. If a blend of golden sands and forest trails takes your fancy, try its next Noosa getaway. Hosted in contemporary accommodation near the popular Aussie beach spot, its six-night escapes bring travellers together for a schedule of workouts, surfing and surefire sunny weather. Things are just as bright on the social side: think rooftop pool parties with views of the Pacific.
Wildfitness
Menorca, Spain
Hiking ancient paths, mastering the slingshot, swimming in the Med: retreats with Wildfitness aren’t your ordinary workout holiday. Housed in an 18th-century farmhouse on the south coast of Menorca, the philosophy here is fitness set free. Groups engage in three or four movement sessions per day, which might mean yoga, beach games or lifting boulders. A private chef helps you refuel by rustling up organic meals, while daily workshops introduce you to the concepts key to a wilder mindset.
BodyHoliday
Cariblue Beach, St Lucia
Variety is the spice of life – and if you like to mix up your daily regime, BodyHoliday has the answer. A luxury Caribbean resort with fitness as its focus, you’ll need a return trip to sample even half of the activities on offer. Gym facilities are just the start: from sailing to salsa dancing, touch rugby to TRX, its class list is the definition of diverse. Whichever discipline you pick, experienced pros are on hand to coach you. Plus a pristine beach is right on your doorstep, assuming you can find a free five minutes to kick back on it.
Titan Fitness Camp
Algarve, Portugal
Titan Fitness cut its teeth in Thailand, before bringing its proven approach to the sandy shores of Portugal. Arrive at its camp in the Algarve and you’ll be greeted by a shaded outdoor training facility that’s fully equipped for big group bootcamps. Certified coaches lead attendees of every level through a range of classes, spurring you on in the company of fellow sweaters. The on-site restaurant dishes up meals designed by nutritionists, while nearby room options include modern dorms and a traditional hilltop property.