7 of the best bootcamps around the world
Quick summary
If you don't feel like joining the hordes of people at the local gym or if you're completely new to exercise and have no idea where to start, one way to avoid the crowds and not feel out of place is to book a healthy fitness bootcamp break. More and more people are booking these types of trips to get beach-ready -- plus it's a perfect vacation for both singles and couples who want to kickstart a health plan.
Searching on Google for boot camps yields more than four million results, so it's hard to know what the best bootcamp to choose is. You may want a high intensity with no alcohol affair, or something more suited to the mind as well as body. We have a selection of the best places around the world for active vacation from high-intensity interval training to yoga retreats to surfing breaks and more.
1. Klafenfurt, Austria
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VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth is not just a fitness destination but also a medical spa, so you can get fit and get well at the same time. You can opt for immune-boosting therapies, detox while doing a spot of golf, waterskiing, cycling or rowing. Make sure you take a dip in the crystal clear lake as cold water is proven to help your fitness recovery and weight loss goals.
Pricing: Pricing found on Healing Holidays starts at $2,600 per person based on two people sharing or $3,000 for single use. Prices include transfers, full board, daily activities, accommodation, basic medical program and personalized diet.
2. Malaga, Spain
Fitness and weight management retreats are a specialism of Shanti-Som. Included in the program are pilates and yoga classes, personal training and group training, group hikes, meditation and access to the spa and massage menu. At the end of the retreat, you also receive nutrition advice to make sure you keep up the good work you did during the week.
Pricing: Prices on Healing Holidays start at $2,800 each per person based on two people sharing for seven nights, or $3,300 for singles. Prices include transfers, full board, accommodation and a seven-night program.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
If you aren't sold on a full-body bootcamp and hate the gym, then perhaps head out of your comfort zone and try the experience of surf and spa at the award-winning Palacio Banyan Tree Spa. Included in the program are private surf lessons, surf equipment and also access to the spa and gym as well as two massages.
Pricing: Low season includes three nights from $1,000 per person sharing or $1,400 for an individual. Prices include accommodation, breakfast, transfers and a three-night spa and surf program.
4. Hua Hin, Thailand
The objective at Chiva Som Fitness is to create sustainable fitness suitable for both absolute beginners and the more experienced bootcamper. A personalized program is designed by professional trainers based on your goals and lifestyle. Fitness programs include core work, muscle toning, endurance, joint mobilization and stretching. You end a hard day of working out with a recovery massage and ultra-healthy but delicious nutritional cuisine.
Price: From $5,000 per person for double occupancy or $6,900 for single occupancy for five nights. Transfers, accommodation and full board are included as well as consultations, activities, daily massage, personal training and oxygen power fitness/metabolic breathing exercise.
Read more: Sky Family: Thai Airways' A350 in Business Class From Bangkok to Frankfurt
5. Ubud, Bali
The perfect balance of holistic living at COMO Shambhala involves both the body and mind. You receive daily personal training, massages, wellness consultations, fitness assessments and access to the best yoga instructors, Oriental medicine practitioners and advice from dieticians. The aim is to leave with a toned body and mind and a personalized program is given to you to maintain your goals when you are at home.
Price: Sharing from $2,200 per person or singles from $3,200 for three nights. The three-night program includes transfers, accommodation, full board, daily activities, use of wet facilities, a personal assistant, two wellness consultations and personal training.
6. Kaplankaya, Turkey
The Six Senses Trim & Fit program is for those for have a specific goal or want to improve their stamina, tone the body or address specific movement concerns. It's a mix of high- and low-intensity training with muscle imbalance corrections and soothing aftercare treatments.
Price: $3,600 per person based on two people sharing or $4,700 for single use. Prices are for five nights and include transfers, full board, accommodation, hydrothermal facilities, fitness classes, health screens, massage and private training.
7. The Himalayas, India
In partnership with Sumaya, India's leading personal training company, the approach at Ananda Active Fitness is on functional training, customized fitness regimes and a complete focus on lifestyle management. Included are fitness consultation and assessment, body composition analysis, personal training as well as being able to dip into Ayurvedic medicine, yoga and meditation.
Price: $1,650 per person based on two people sharing or $2,000 for single use. Prices are for three nights and include regional flights, transfers, accommodation and full board. The three-night program includes signature tea, fresh fruit, wellness consultations, ongoing checks, hydrotherapy facilities, personal training, outdoor fitness and an international therapy session.
Bottom line
Various fitness bootcamp experiences vary both in price and what is on offer. The key thing is to consider what your goals are, but also if you will fully participate in the program offering. If you are someone wanting a lie-in rather than 7 a.m. yoga class, then book a retreat that will allow this. When inquiring about your fitness escape, make sure you price up the extras that aren't included in your stay. As a general rule, all group classes should be included in your package as well as access to wet facilities such as a swimming pool and jacuzzi.