Staying fit while traveling is important to me, so I make sure to stay on top of new fitness initiatives at hotels, airports, and cities I frequent often. A lot of hotels and airlines are beginning to hop on the wellness bandwagon, inspired by the emerging trends of travelers who put a premium on staying healthy and fit on the road.
Enjoying a free yoga class at exhale spa in South Beach when the Hyatt Centric fitness center wasn’t open.
Though there’s definitely an upward trend in hotels catering to programs to promote wellness to guests, I was really excited when British Airways partnered with ClassPass earlier this year, and it was a pleasant surprise to see an airline actively involved in the wellness component while traveling.Here are 5 hotel programs that have designed fun and unique ways to keep guests fit during their stay:
Kimpton
I love the Kimpton brand because the properties do such an incredible job at providing personal service. Not only can you request a gold fish in your room at check-in if you’re in need of a buddy, an in-room yoga mat, or borrow a bicycle, you can also ask for a running buddy too! Though I haven’t tried it myself, a Kimpton staff member will join and motivate you on your run – how fun!
YOTEL
YOTEL guests now have access to Mindfresh– a fun, quick and instructional meditation series showcasing how one can easily relax and unwind while away from home. The videos will allow guests to ‘wake-up,’ ‘motivate’ and ‘unwind’ through a morning, afternoon and evening routine, respectively.
Through a morning stretch sequence, guests can gently wake the body from sleep, preparing for the day ahead. By the time afternoon rolls around, many of us have been sitting for an extended period of time – the afternoon pick-me-up series of movements will help guests boost blood flow and tune up posture for increased productivity. After a demanding day, the evening routine will help guests to wind down before bed, releasing tension and freeing the cluttered mind.
These videos are free to watch in-cabin on a dedicated YOTEL television channel, the videos are also available online and through YOTEL’s mobile app. I have yet to stay at a YOTEL, but I’m intrigued by the fact that the rooms, aka “cabins” are inspired by first class travel to truly maximize space without compromising function and comfort – it’s no surprise that there are some new YOTEL properties popping up at airports, including LHR, AMS, and CDG (SIN is in the works).
IHG
IHG recently introduced a new brand into their portfolio – EVEN hotels, which was built with wellness in mind, after digging deep to understand travelers who put a premium on well-being while traveling. Aside from the fact that there are no odd room numbers at the hotel, guests can enjoy healthy meals, mediation, aromatherapy and more. As of now, there are two EVEN hotels in NYC, and they’re on my list to check out.
Marriott
Last year, Residence Inn announced a new partnership with Map My Run during a campaign called “RI Run Like a Local“, creating mapped runs for guests to enjoy during their next stay. Though my running times would be too embarrassing to post, Kathy from Will Run For Miles has the full scoop!
Final Thoughts
It’s always cool to see that hotels and travel providers are mindful of travelers who put a premium on their well-being when they’re away, especially because being away from your normal routine is hard enough! What are your thoughts? How do you stay fit and healthy while traveling?
I love the Unbound Collection from Hyatt, specifically The Confidante, South Beach had outdoor daily fitness class at 10am with core, yoga, etc.. for free in addition to the gym.
Yes! I was going to include the Confidante! Despite paying a resort fee, having access to the daily fitness classes is a great perk.
I have been a reader for a few years. I typically enjoy your posts. But I’m very disappointed.
I believe your abandonment of yesterday’s Uber post shows immaturity, cowardice, and incompetence. You seem quite accessible today, although not yesterday.
Share with us what your purpose in blogging is. Is it just about clicks and credit card referrals? It’s totally disgusting that you would post an incendiary column and never “pop back in” for an answer.
Think of your colleagues. Would Gary, Lucky or others have wimped out like you did? Are you playing a “female card”?
Angelina, what was your intent in yesterdays’s Uber post? Did you achieve it?
Hi Colleen, thank you for your comment. I do know you have been a long time reader and I appreciate all of your comments on my posts. As you can see, the uber post took off more than I expected it to. The comments section is filled with a lot of heated discussion between riders and drivers and for me to respond to each and every one would only stir more animosity. As you can see I have not censored any of the comments that came in- even the ones calling me horrible names or ones containing generalizations about who I am. My purpose in blogging has always been to share my experiences and opinions openly and honestly, even if it isn’t what people want to hear. Apparently I am being attacked for my voice on my stance on my observations of aggressive attempts to get a tip from uber drivers. I tried to end the post by saying a fair solution would be for uber to allow a way for riders to add a tip within the app to avoid these awkward driver/rider situations all together. I am sorry you think I am a coward in not wanting to engage in a heated discussion in the comments section when I have already shared my feelings and experiences in my post. It probably wouldn’t have gotten anywhere- just like on blog posts containing politics. I avoid those all together. Or maybe I am wrong? What can I do differently? I do want you to know that I do value you as a reader and I truly appreciate your feedback.
Thanks for sharing these healthy options. I knew about most of these, but didn’t realize Kimpton offers a running buddy. How cool is that? Especially if you’re a bit timid about running alone in strange city.
Not sure your list is inclusive of all brands that offer things like this. You forgot the Westin brand from Starwood.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/about/move-well.html?language=en_US
Yes! Westin definitely belongs here! Especially since they offer rooms with treadmills in them too. I love the Westin brand.
Westin has been a fitness leader for years – even before sorry old Marriott.
I remember back in the 90’s staying at West’s – they had running maps, the front door man would give out cold bottles of water when runners returned to the hotels. They also started the fitness equipment in the rooms, and now they rent out fitness attire to guests.