Traveling shouldn’t be an excuse to let your fitness routine go to shambles, but it can be a great opportunity to experience a new twist on the usual gym-centric activities. Stretch, breathe deeply and point your toes, these workouts will sharpen your mind, body and even skills on the dance floor.
Yoga Among the Dolphins, The Spa at The Mirage Las Vegas
Yoga is traditionally a terrestrial activity but this Las Vegas staple invites its guests to stretch and find one’s center with the help of a few underwater friends. With The Spa at The Mirage Las Vegas’ “Yoga Among the Dolphins,” guests will be escorted to a private room within the Dolphin Habitat featuring multiple windows with views into the underwater area where the animals frolic. The cool, blue hue of the water and the passing bottlenose dolphins will accompany your session as you go from pose to pose. After yoga class, enjoy strawberry and banana smoothies on your way back to the spa proper. The 60-minute class is available Friday through Sunday at 8:30 a.m. (for $50), and can be tweaked to fit to any skill level.
Tai Chi, Fairmont Beijing
For a dose of seriously old-school fitness, the Fairmont Beijing offers classes teaching the ancient art of Tai Chi, which dates back to the 1600s. Using breathing control techniques and flowing, synchronized movements, guests can exercise both mind and body, achieving a soothing calm. Private lessons with the hotel’s Tai Chi master begin with deep breathing exercises then segue into the background of the practice and meditation. By the time your session is complete, you’ll walk away with knowledge of three (out of 14) basic movements of the art. Hour-long, private sessions are available by appointment only and cost RMB$500 (around $80 USD).
Be A Ballerina, Hotel deLuxe
For any travelers to Portland looking for a graceful and rhythmic way to workout, the “Be A Ballerina” package at the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel deLuxe is a great way to get limber during your West Coast journey. The $249 hotel package includes a $50 gift certificate to The Leotard, The Portland Ballet’s go-to dancewear shop. After you’ve put on your performance dress and tutu, you’ll hit the dance floor for a 90-minute class for two taught by professionals from The Portland Ballet. Guests who want to pirouette and plié can do so at 10 a.m. on Friday and Sunday and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Paddleboard Yoga, The Tides Inn
Combining the serenity found in the art of yoga and the calm of the ocean, paddleboard yoga at The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia, allows experienced yogis and amateurs to enjoy the best of both worlds. Each hour-long class is taught by Rebecca Riley, the resort’s yoga instructor and features a range of techniques such as breathing meditation, using the paddle as a body bar and positions such as Upward Facing Bow and Downward Dog. But even if you achieve oneness out on the water, be sure to keep your eyes open for wildlife such as nesting osprey, blue heron and otters. The class is offered several times each week (as listed on weekly activities sheets for guests) and is included in the resort fee. Guests can also take the paddleboards (which are new at the location) out for an ocean adventure.
Photos Courtesy of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
