I’m not a laze-on-the-beach type. My idea of relaxation is swishing down the slopes or snowshoeing to a yoga yurt. Of course, throwing in a massage doesn’t hurt either. Here are my picks for winter escapes with a healthy spin.
1. Yoga in Park City
Park City has plenty of skiing (duh!), but the uber hip Washington School House has a way cool winter workout. They’ve partnered up with Park City Yoga Adventure so guests can do an amazing yoga snowshoe combo on the Park City trails. It ranges from a 3-hour experience or guests can do the yurt trip which is about a 5 hour trip. If skiing is more your cup of hot cocoa, a ski valet will even come to the hotel to fit you with rentals in the hotel’s chic ski lounge– no lineup or chill.
2. Detox in Vegas
Most people go to Sin City to retox. Well, the MGM is about to change that with its 42 Stay Well rooms and suites, mini sanctuaries away from the smoke-filled casinos and hard-partying ways. The rooms feature more than a dozen wellness amenities, including special lighting to reverse jet lag, air filtration systems that eliminate toxins and pathogens, plus a vitamin C-infused shower to perk up your skin and hair. There are even healthy room-service options and a TV welcome by Dr. Deepak Chopra himself.
3. Ride a bull in Texas
Travaasa Austin is a haven of healthy classes (think yoga, meditation, even juicing), but what really sets it apart is Brutus, its bucking Bronco. The one-of-a-kind “Bull Fitness” class tests the body’s balance and strength and gives you a crunch-free core workout (holy ab burn!). And boy, those inner things will get worked as riders struggle to stay on. The cowboy hat and country music are just the Texas toppers. Afterwards, try the Willie Nelson “On the Road Again” massage to iron out all the kinks. Bonus: There’s also a Challenge Course with climbing wall and 250-foot long zip line to push your limits.
4. Get buff and bronzed on the beach
The eco-chic Amansala Resort in the Riviera Maya offers the famed Bikini Bootcamp, a weight-shedding escape that combines fun fitness with healthy eats. You’ll swim in nearby cenotes, kayak in the pristine waters, sculpt your body on the beach and yoga in paradise. In other words, you’ll be having so much fun you’ll forget you’re burning some serious calories. The menu highlights local ingredients like fresh caught fish, jicama, chaya and mango – yum! Bonus: You can now Bikini Bootcamp it up in Ibiza, Spain.
5. Go gluten-free at Rancho La Puerta
The 3000-acre luxury wellness escape in Baja California (an hour’s drive from San Diego) is offering a Gluten-Sensitive Package. You get a nutritional consultation, hands-on gluten-free cooking class, a complimentary copy of “Cooking with the Seasons at Rancho La Puerta” cookbook, Seaweed Wrap and Therapeutic Massage all for $225 (+room rate). That’s on top of the 20+ daily hikes and fitness classes to choose from. Bonus: Rancho La Puerta also offers specialty “Bar Method” weeks.
6. Start the New Year right in NYC
Start the New Year off refreshed at The Surrey hotel. Book the East Side Revival for a two-night stay in a Deluxe Salon, a one-hour nutritional consultation with celebrity nutritionist Melissa Lippert and two Cornelia Spa Signature massage treatments. Or there’s the Spacation Package which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a one-night stay with two spa treatments, two cocktails at Bar Pleiades and two complimentary VIP passes to a Flywheel spinning class.
7. Get glowing skin in Lake Placid
Lake Placid Lodge is teaming up with Vermont-based, natural skincare guru Tata Harper for the Tata Harper Weekend Getaway January 10-13, a deluxe post-holiday getaway in the idyllic Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. Guests will spend three nights at the intimate, luxury 30-room Relais & Chateau lodge and start the year on a well note with exclusive, one-on-one consultations and treatments by Tata and her team. In addition, guests will have access to informative classes to enhance their wellness IQ including an organic wine tasting, a juicing class and healthy cooking demo. There’s also complimentary daily yoga, snowshoeing, hiking, ice-skating, cross-country and transportation to downhill skiing at nearby Whiteface Mountain (weather permitting).
8. Find the Vortex vibe in Sedona
Hike off those extra holiday pounds while taking in the breathtaking views of L’Auberge de Sedona’s stunning red rock setting. Guests who book the Vortex Hike Package will enjoy a customized two-hour hike led by their very own Hiking Concierge. Or book the “Sedona Snowmance” package and get 2 ski lift tickets good for Flagstaff Snowbowl plus $75 food and beverage or spa credit to be used during your stay. Bonus: The plush resort also offers daily yoga classes.
9. Go on a fit adventure in Vancouver
Located in the heart of trendy Yaletown, OPUS Vancouver is the only hotel in Canada to offer v2 iPads in every room. Loaded with exercise apps and hiking/biking suggestions, the high-tech fit buddy comes complete with GPS to accompany you on your outdoor adventures. Indoor enthusiasts will also love OPUS’ on-site gym with state of the art exercise equipment, flat screen TVs, lemon water, a fruit bar and chilled towels, plus floor to ceiling windows. A private trainer is available per guest request. Bonus: The hotel has mountain bikes available so you can explore the city on two wheels!
10. Ski with celebs in Jackson Hole
Ski bunnies, listen up: Hotel Terra is partnering with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for Terra Women’s Ski Camp January 16-19. Ski shoulder to shoulder with Crystal Wright and Jess McMillan, two of the greatest big-mountain female skiers in the world, then relax with Pilates classes, the hot tub and fabulous meals in the evening. Includes 5 nights stay at Hotel Terra (a LEED certified luxury hotel), lift tickets, early tram access, ski instruction, Pilates and strength classes, breakfast and lunches, and 2 dinners.
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