Once upon a time, “fitness centers” were afterthoughts for hotels and resorts. A treadmill, a stationary bike, maybe a couple of dumbbells, all perhaps in a basement room were all that were needed to call it a day.
Thankfully, we’re well past that era of bare minimal hotel gyms, as fitness and wellness have become ever-increasing focuses for both leisure and business travelers. In fact, at some properties, on-site gyms have become focal points and key attractions! With state-of-the-art equipment, name-brand connectedness like with TRX and Peloton, and even in-house programs and classes by certified instructors, many vacation getaways can also double as wellness retreats these days.
For those looking to work on their bodies, play on the beach, and also live well and eat lavishly, these are the properties with great gyms that should be at the top of any travel advisor suggestion list.
Top Picks
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
One of the grandest and most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Grand Velas has long been a pinnacle of excellence in their upscale offerings. AAA Five- and Four-Diamond Award-winning restaurants are part of their inclusive guest packages, and are in such demand that vacationers staying locally will even make a point to visit them at their own expense.
But Grand Velas guests get to work off their unforgettable meals in equally unforgettable settings.
This resort offers two enormous gyms that are serviced and open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, one in the Zen area of the resort, surrounded by beautiful natural mangroves, and the other in the Ambassador section, near the pool and beach. Both are furnished thoroughly with cardio, strength training, functional training, and flexibility and mobility equipment to rival any commercial gym, plus plenty of room to spread out and stretch.
For those who want a more guided experience or might feel overwhelmed by the vast number of exercise options, certified personal trainers are available for hire. Plus, instructor-led yoga classes, aerobic GAP (glutes, abs, legs) workouts, viral Insanity workouts, ball classes, Pilates, boot camps, HIIT classes, and more are scheduled regularly. Add to that outdoor classes like bike tours and Aqua Fit and there’s no doubt that a stay here definitely doubles as a fitness retreat should guests so choose to make it. However, if they want something more structured, they might want to (plyo-)jump into the next Wellness Getaway, which takes place June 6 – 9, 2024.
Secrets® The Vine Cancun
Hikers are often motivated by spectacular panoramic views. Now, gym-goers can be inspired by the same. At this Unlimited-Luxury® high-rise resort set atop a flawlessly white stretch of sand on Cancun’s glamorous Hotel Zone, the enormous fitness center eschews mirrors for endless sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.
Cardio lovers often find themselves clocking in more miles than their usual, hypnotized by views of waves rolling in, ships passing by, and pelicans gracefully diving into the water for their own fresh catch. The ellipticals, stationary bikes, stair climbers, step machines, and treadmills all line up facing floor-to-ceiling windows for some of the best vistas in Cancun. A separate room with spin bikes offers yet another perspective.
Yoga mats, exercise balls, free weights, and more are also readily available along the non-windowed wall. And in between it all, a full circuit of modern circuit training machines. But of course, for those who prefer more of an individually tailored workout journey, trainers are available upon request to help visitors make the most of their time here, which can be any time between 6 AM to 9 PM daily.
Honorable Mentions
Our top two picks are in their respective spots for good reason, but they’re not the only brands who have invested heavily in fitness facilities. Here are a few other notable resorts and hotels for those who want to stick to or even improve their exercise regimens while away, in hotel gyms that raise the bar(bell) for what their workout routine can look like on vacay.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
There are three fitness centers at this impressive resort, and each of them are fully – and differently! – equipped, all with state-of-the-art facilities. For all adults staying at this family-friendly resort, a sprawling main gym offers not one but two power towers with all peripherals, from battle ropes to ball slam panels, and a commercial gym’s level of new weight machines. The second one offers the same but with elevated views and even a small yoga patio for private practice. And guests of the Fuego category, their version of a preferred club level, get use of a more intimate but no less thoughtfully equipped facility reserved for that Casa’s use.
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica and Planet Hollywood Adult Scene Cancun
Stay in superstar shape at any of the Planet Hollywood resorts. The first, the one in Costa Rica, impresses with an outdoor rooftop boxing ring over the brightly hued, inviting Pumped Fitness Center, which boasts full squat and deadlift racks as well as the usual suspects for circuit training. At the newer and grander Planet Hollywood Adult Scene in Cancun, it’s even more impressive. Try the Spartan-inspired obstacle course, and assure your CrossFit folks that they won’t miss a WOD with the heavy gear – including the dreaded Airdyne bikes – at this resort’s decked-out gym.
El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas Royale
The two adjacent properties in Riviera Maya share many facilities and offer exchange privileges, which means double the fun and double the gym. A freestanding modern building surrounded by glass walls off the beach houses one such facility while a smaller, less public one can be found by the Casitas Royale side. Both offer circuit training machines and cardio.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
One of the newest hotels on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawai’i, this resort spared no expense for its fitness center, usage for which is covered under the property’s resort fee (a standard practice for hotels and resorts across that island state). A spa-like ambiance is the overall vibe across this wide open gym, which features Pelotons, a multi-function tower, and an oversized rack with room for three to work side by side.
Want to learn more ways to stay active on resort? Read Six Simple Ways to Stay Active and In Shape While Away, According to a World-Class Certified Fitness Coach & Trainer, part of our Ask a Pro series.
