Never Use A Treadmill Again: Get Fit With These Original Fitness Features
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The Fitness Feature: Kayaking and Canoeing
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The Hotel: The Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa Miami Beach
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The Fitness Feature: Free Yoga Classes
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The Fitness Feature: Biking
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The Fitness Feature: In-room DIY Fitness Amenities
Getting fit doesn't have to be on your to-do list after you travel. While many hotels offer state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment, we know that treadmills can get downright boring after a while. So we've found the hotels that have one-of-a-kind fitness amenities that will add a little spice to your workouts while you travel and below we'll tell you where to find them.
Kayaks at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes
The Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes
Plenty of beach and lakeside hotels offer kayak and canoe rentals, but few offer as many options for your paddling session. For those who prefer a trained professional to accompany them, guided tours at this Ritz include two-hour eco-tours along Shingle Creek ($60 for adults; $30 for children) and excursions on Grande Lake where paddlers can watch the sun rise and set ($20/hour for adults; $10/hour for children).
Other hotels with similar offerings: Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
The upscale Terranea Resort offers myriad activities, including two-hour ocean kayaking tours along the Catalina Channel, where paddlers can spot bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, leopard sharks, and bat rays ($89 per person). Or guests can opt for "kayorkle" -- a two-hour excursion where guests snorkel and kayak, also for $89 per person.
This Canyon Ranch includes a 70,000 square-foot spa and fitness center with a special treat: rock climbing. Complimentary orientation classes are provided at the two-story rock wall, and after that it costs $50 for 25 minutes or $95 for 50 minutes. If you are looking for a true wellness experience, Canyon Ranch is your hotel.
*Other hotels with similar offerings:* The Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas and the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas
The Palazzo and the Venetian share the Canyon Ranch fitness facility, which includes a 40-foot indoor rock climbing wall. A one-day Passport for the spa facilities is $40, though climbing the rock wall requires an additional fee.
Grounds at the Hidden Pond
The Hotel: Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport, ME
Hidden Pond offers tons of free on-site amenities, one of our faves being morning yoga classes at the hotel's organic farm, where guests can also pick fresh fruits and vegetables. Other fitness features include nature walks and bike excursions.
*Other hotels with similar offerings:* C/O The Maidstone, East Hampton
The quaint C/O is a favorite among Hamptonites; guests can enjoy free yoga classes in the hotel's intimate -- and tranquil -- Buddha garden.
Bicycles at the Good Hotel
Good Hotel, San Francisco
Feeling like you want to get some exercise and help the environment? At Good Hotel you can do both. Borrow one of the hotel's free bikes and take in the sights of San Francisco, sans car.
Other hotels with similar offerings: The Bowery Hotel, New York City and The Ambrose, Santa Monica
The Bowery Hotel, located in the East Village, has free bikes to borrow so you can explore the city streets -- but be careful! On the West Coast, The Ambrose has free bike rentals to match its eco-conscious attitude.
One-Bedroom Suite at the Affinia Dumont
The hotel: Affinia Dumont, New York City
All Affinia hotels (located in New York City and Washington D.C.) offer in-room kits -- of Walking Tour, Stay Fit, and BYOB varieties -- delivered to your door. While the Walking Tour kits come with city maps, pedometers, city guides, and iPods with walking tour and workout playlists, the Stay Fit kits come equipped with yoga mats, workout DVDs, stretching blocks, workout bands, and wrist/ankle weights.
*Other hotels with similar offerings: The Onyx Hotel, Boston*
The Kimpton chain offers a similar service by providing guests with free yoga mats and On-Demand fitness workout TV programs.
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