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6 of the world’s most unique hotel gyms

When it comes to staying in shape on a luxury getaway it can be difficult to muster up the motivation to keep the pounds off, what with the room service lobster, champagne by the bottle and the body-hugging king size bed that seductively whispers “never leave.” In fact, we’ve been conditioned to roll our eyes and cast doubt over a so-called fitness centre at luxury hotels and resorts. All too often, it means little more than an ageing cardio machine tucked away in a beige coloured airing cupboard, in a room the architect planned never to see the light of day. Thankfully, there are hotels around the world that have bucked the trend to entice guests with gyms weÂ’d be proud to be seen working out in. Gyms with weights to challenge the mightiest, swimming pools worthy of an Olympian, rooftop terraces designed for yoga and tai chi, and with views to be drooled over. Combining state-of-the-art equipment, A-list trainers and more than a touch of the extravagant, these are the worldÂ’s most unique hotel gyms to stay shredded in on holiday. Turtle Bay, Oahu, Hawaii Turtle Bay, which features in Hollywood rom-com Forgetting Sarah Marshall, is situated between Kuilima Point and Protection Point on the North Shore of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. This Hawaiian resort recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and provides a stunning location for whatÂ’s considered one of the best yoga-music festivals in the world, Wanderlust. Turtle Bay Gym Alongside all the usual suspects, this luxe hotel gym provides its guests with Hot Hula classes – to really fire up the core in the Hawaiian heat – next-generation functional fitness equipment and beautifully energetic views over North ShoreÂ’s legendary surf breaks from the treadmills. Cal-a-Vie, California, USA Okay, so Cal-a-Vie is technically defined as a Health Spa but it gets special mention among its counterparts for its beautiful Pavilion fitness centre; modelled on a Provencal villa where antique chandeliers and sconces illuminate the workout spaces. Voted the number-one ‘Destination Health Spa in North AmericaÂ’ by Travel + Leisure, this celeb-favoured retreat offers comprehensive fitness programmes, designed around each guestsÂ’ specific needs, with incredibly well-trained fitness experts. Cal-a-Vie Gym The gym itself includes weight training facilities, Zumba Latin dance classes, a full PilateÂ’s studio and spinning room. Most magnificent of all is the yoga studio; a French chapel brought over from Europe and reconstructed on Cal-a-VieÂ’s grounds. And did I mention all guests receive the latest in workout clothing for their sweat sessions? A service unrivalled. Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand Matakauri Lodge is located in Queenstown, New Zealand. The uber-exclusive hotel has just 11 rooms, and a fitness centre thatÂ’s small in comparison to most on this list. However, luxurious doesnÂ’t always have to mean unnecessarily expensive in equipment or design. Sometimes location rules all, and set among a South Island mountain range known as The Remarkables – for good reason – Matakauri LodgeÂ’s fitness centre is awe-inspiring on biblical proportions. Matakauri Lodge Gym Located on the edge of a pine forest, with uninterrupted views to Lake Wakatipu and towering Cecil Peak, the fitness centre and adjoining spa offers a private and peaceful experience in an unrivalled natural environment. Staring out of the floor-to-ceiling windows into the wilderness, even the most earnest of athletes will find it tempting to stop mid-workout and slink legs first into the tranquillity of the outdoor hot tub and heated swimming pool on the private deck. La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco Since 1923, MarrakechÂ’s flawless, Arab-Moorish-inspired La Mamounia has attracted some of the worldÂ’s best-known historical figures and celebrities, from Winston Churchill to Princess Caroline of Monaco. Majestic and serene arenÂ’t words typically assigned to gyms, but La MamouniaÂ’s philosophy towards a sweat session is what sets it apart. One of the worldÂ’s most stylish gyms, it has something psychedelic about it. With striking cobalt blue walls that evoke Yves St. LaurentÂ’s famous Majorelle Gardens and beautiful views over the propertyÂ’s 20-acre, tree-laden gardens, itÂ’s easy to see straight through the state-of-the-art equipment. La Mamounia Gym MoroccoÂ’s most lavish hotel extends its gymsÂ’ opulence out onto the fitness pavilion, where guests can enjoy yoga, Pilates and other fitness classes in the legendary garden, among fruit trees, fragrant flowers and 100-year-old olive trees. Nearby, guests can enjoy a dip in the glittering turquoise waters of the ozone-treated La Ménara pool. The hotel also offers a second gym for guests who want a more ‘privateÂ’ workout experience; celebrities often frequent this discreet spot. The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand BangkokÂ’s newest urban luxury resort has a distinctly unique and special fitness centre; it the worldÂ’s first and most luxe Muay Thai boxing gym. ‘MuayÂ’ is a traditional Thai sport that is often referred to as the Art of 8 Limbs because of its use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes. Muay Thai is not simply a fighting sport, it also helps to increase fitness levels and emotional condition. The Siam Gym The gyms full-size professional boxing ring, complete with ceiling-to-floor leather punching bags, offers beginners daily personal training sessions. For those more advanced in Muay Thai, The Siam runs one-week training programmes, which includes a personalised chefÂ’s diet plan. On top of this, the 1,300 square-foot space has a fully-equipped workout area with Life Fitness and Octane equipment, floor-to-ceiling mirrors overlooking a monastery and a stylish adjoining rooftop terrace for relaxing yoga and tai chi classes. Terranea, Los Angeles, USA Terranea is a land unto itself. With one foot in the city and another on the beach, the 102-acre private peninsular paradise is a world away from the bustling LA scene. Surrounded on three sides by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, the coastal setting of TerraneaÂ’s 5,000-square-foot Fitness and Wellness Centre is beautiful enough to warrant its place on this list. Terranea Gym Big emphasis is placed on fitness and wellness at the hotelÂ’s sprawling Mediterranean-inspired spa and high-tech gym. Outdoor, ocean-view cycling on the shaded terrace, water aerobics and circuit training provide a more energetic and active offering than the average hotel gym. Although, I have to reveal the real reason behind my childlike giddiness toward Terranea. One of the personal trainers was an original American Gladiator who often runs the resorts signature boot camp fitness class; NatureÂ’s Gym. Are you ready to feel the power of the Gladiators? Jack Huang is CEO of Truly Experiences. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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4 Comments

  1. I’m disappointed by hotel gyms all the time. It’s frustrating to see a gym advertised and then only see an old treadmill and a bike. But then again, hotel gyms are so often empty, I get why hotels don’t invest more in them. These gyms sound great though, I especially like the idea of the Muay Thai gym!

    1. I know that you wrote this 4 years ago but I feel that I’ve got to speak up for many hotels – in recent years things have improved a lot.

      Recently, I was staying in a fairly ordinary 4 star hotel and my back was playing up after a long flight. When I walked into a very small gym I didn’t have a feeling of optimism but when I looked around, I saw that they had all the equipment that I needed – mats, Pilates balls, machines and weights that my personal trainer had recommended for my programme.

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