Are you relaxed enough? Then it’s time to work out! These days, the general fitness craze has largely given way to a wellness trend. But, unfortunately, wellness doesn’t keep us fit! If you want to stay active on vacation—or finally make time for it—this article is for you. It features hotels and vacation rentals with fitness centers, personal trainers, exercise classes, and nutrition programs.
Exercise on Vacation: Why Many People Are More Active While Traveling
For many people, exercising on vacation is easier than at home—whether it’s swimming before breakfast, working out with a mountain view, a yoga session in between, or an outdoor fitness class. And the benefits of exercise? Well, we probably don’t need to list them for you here. Feeling better, staying healthy, and so on. But combining vacation and fitness? It’s really easier than you think. For one thing, because you’re already out of your daily routine and you’ve (hopefully!) left your to-do list at home. So it’s easier to integrate a new “item on the agenda”—in the form of exercise—into your day. Second, many accommodations offer fitness programs where you can get active alongside like-minded people. That also means: no extra hassle (“I have to go out again and head to the gym”), usually no additional costs, top-of-the-line gyms and studios, and certified trainers who focus on your overall well-being (and know that you’re on vacation 😉 ).
Hotels with fitness offerings and a conscious approach to resources
The destination you’re visiting should remain healthy, too. The following hotels therefore offer not only a comprehensive sports and fitness program, but also prioritize measures that conserve resources, promote regional economic growth, and protect the natural environment — incorporating these measures into their offerings.
Casa León Royal Retreat in Gran Canaria
Casa León Royal Retreat is a small boutique hotel with just 25 rooms on the island of Gran Canaria.
The hotel has a large pool where it holds aqua fitness classes. If that’s not your thing, you can swim laps in the pool before or after your workout in the gym. One thing that makes the fitness center special is that it is practically completely open on one side—the large doors to the garden open fully. This provides the gym with natural light and eliminates the need for fans or air conditioning.
ADLER Sicilia on the Mediterranean
In the stunning vacation setting of the Italian island of Sicily, ADLER Sicilia also offers wonderful sports opportunities. In addition to direct access to a WWF nature reserve beach, there is an indoor and an outdoor pool, as well as a fitness room with high-quality Technogym equipment. From the cardio machines, you can enjoy views of the natural surroundings and the Mediterranean Sea. The weekly schedule includes current classes such as HIIT, bodyweight workouts, and Pilates.
Work Out and Lose Weight at the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel, Tenerife
If you want to combine a fitness vacation with healthy eating and a specific focus on wellness, the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on the Canary Island of Tenerife is perfect! The “Slim by the Atlantic” program includes a “mindful eating” plan featuring healthy, delicious, and light dishes. The (organic) ingredients—such as papayas, avocados, and goat cheese—come directly from the island.
“We focus on personal training, where you receive individualized support. Our experienced trainers tailor each session to your personal goals and guide you with great empathy throughout your entire workout.” – Katrin Scheele from the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel
In addition, the “Center of Healthy Motion” offers a light-filled fitness area with ocean views. The gym is equipped with cardio machines and ergometers from TechnoGym, as well as a variety of dumbbells, cable machines, and back extension machines—ideal for targeted strength and endurance training.
Bonus: To reduce plastic waste, you can refill your OCÉANO water bottle at the water stations.
Fitness Vacations in Germany, Austria, and South Tyrol
If you’d prefer to take a vacation in a region that is reachable by train, we can recommend wonderful hotels with fitness facilities in Germany, Austria, and South Tyrol.
Sports, Wellness, and TCM at the LIFESTYLE Resort zum Kurfürsten
The fitness center at the LIFESTYLE Resort Zum Kurfürsten on the Moselle features high-quality cardio machines from Life Fitness. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional gym equipment. Here, you can also combine your personal fitness program with wellness activities. This eco-friendly hotel has a 4,000-square-meter wellness area with a heated outdoor pool, a natural swimming pond, and a sauna. The hotel also has a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice where you can receive various treatments and consultations.
YOUNIQUE Activity Room at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Tyrol
In Austria, you’ll also find a connection to tradition. For example, the YOUNIQUE Activity Room at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld is located in the former monks’ choir. The hotel itself was built on top of 500-year-old monastery walls. A church stands right behind the stone wall. In addition to cardio and strength training equipment, you can try innovative training methods here, such as EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) training.
By the way, instead of paper towels, the Hotel Klosterbräu provides athletes with towels that the hotel washes and reuses. The fitness area also offers water bottles made of bioplastic and reusable hard plastic cups. The tap water in Tyrol is of excellent quality for drinking.
Please note: The hotel is currently closed for renovations. It is expected to reopen in December 2026.
Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort in Going am Wilden Kaiser
If you’re looking for more than just a little time on the treadmill during your vacation and want a wide range of sports activities, check out the Stanglwirt at the Wilder Kaiser. Its approximately 500-square-meter fitness area is just one part of the “Stanglwirt Bioharmonie” wellness concept.
The class schedule offers something new every day—from back fitness to abs, legs, and glutes, to aqua aerobics. If you prefer to train on your own, you can book a session with one of the professional personal trainers. And if traditional fitness training isn’t enough for you, you can also try other sports, such as tennis or boxing training with professional coach Björn Schulz.
24-Hour Fitness at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA
„Our Fitness Suite isn’t about peak performance or strict workout plans—it’s about doing something good for yourself. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore, but rather like a treat for your body and mind.“ – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA
The “Fitness Suite” at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb is open 24 hours a day. It features two weight benches, a multi-gym and a bike, both by Unica, and two rowing machines. This means you can work out early in the morning or late in the evening—whenever you feel like it! If you prefer to exercise outdoors, there is a jogging trail right outside the hotel.
Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain
For health-conscious guests and those looking to improve their health, the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa is an excellent choice. The fitness room is equipped with a treadmill, stepper, StairMaster, rowing machine, Peloton bikes, Multitower, Queenax with TRX bands and pull-up bars, and a variety of dumbbells and weights..
The 1,500-square-meter spa area, which features a heated outdoor pool and an indoor pool, provides the perfect setting for some well-deserved relaxation. The hotel is also home to the Artemacur Health Center, which is run by the host, Dr. Andreas Färber. The center takes a holistic approach, and the staff is happy to advise you on improving your health.
Yoga and Calisthenics at STURM
Located in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, the STURM offers guests a personalized yoga program. The yoga room is available 24 hours a day and is equipped with mats, pillows, blankets, and yoga blocks for your personal practice. In addition to yoga, the hosts say the room has become popular for calisthenics as well. Calisthenics is a full-body workout that uses your own body weight. If you have any questions, you can book a personal training session at STURM to develop a personalized workout plan. The best part about calisthenics? Since no equipment is required, you can easily continue your workout at home after your vacation and reap even more lasting benefits from your stay.
Bike Fitness on the Rooftop Terrace at SANDnature on the Baltic Sea
SANDnature in Timmendorfer Strand, located on the Baltic Sea, came up with an original idea. There are now two stationary myBoo bikes on the rooftop terrace. The hotel has been lending myBoo bamboo bikes to guests for some time, but if you prefer to stay at the hotel, you can hop on a stationary bike and enjoy the view!
This German startup’s bamboo bikes are made from bamboo, a fast-growing and durable material. Additionally, the sale of every bike supports the community in Ghana where the bikes are produced. Thanks to this, myBoo has funded 300 school scholarships.
Fitness with a North Sea breeze at SANDglow in Husum
At SANDglow in Husum, you won’t have to skip your workout while on vacation. The fitness room, which is particularly popular with business travelers who want to start or end their workday with a workout, is equipped with a cross-trainer, treadmill, exercise bike with cardio function, and dumbbells. Formerly known as a business hotel, the property is now part of the SANDcollection and is increasingly transforming into a unique boutique lifestyle hotel where business and leisure travelers alike can unwind. So don’t worry about being surrounded only by “suit-wearers.” 😉 )
The hotel doesn’t offer scheduled classes; instead, it provides personalized workouts at your own pace. Due to its location on the North Sea, the hotel also provides ideal conditions for exercising outdoors.
Weight training at My Arbor in South Tyrol
At My Arbor near Brixen, you’ll be working out practically in the treetops. The modern fitness area has cardio and strength training equipment, making it suitable for traditional endurance training and functional workouts. Large windows and views of the surrounding nature create a pleasant atmosphere for working out. Those seeking personalized support can book personal training sessions. A varied weekly program featuring guided hikes, forest bathing, yoga, Pilates, and other activities in the South Tyrolean mountains complements the offering.
OLM Nature Escape: Exercise at the Urban Alp
At OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, exercise is part of the vacation experience. The fitness room is equipped with TechnoGym machines. As you work out, you can enjoy views of the naturally landscaped garden. Afterwards, you can relax in the pool or, depending on the suite you’ve booked, in your private sauna. The OLM is an aparthotel where each suite has its own kitchen, though a restaurant is also available. Services such as housekeeping and linen changes can be booked as needed.
Fitness in Hotels Without a Gym: When Nature Is Your Workout Equipment
Not every hotel needs a fitness room full of high-tech equipment. Some hotels prefer to encourage their guests to be active outdoors. Rather than treadmills, elliptical trainers, and weight benches, guests can enjoy forest trails, elevation gains, and fresh air.
At the APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten, for example, guests receive recommendations for running routes in the area, says Karin Rinner. She also recommends a short hike to the new Kneipp trail in Klobenstein.
The Hotel Weihrerhof on Lake Wolfsgruben is another example of a hotel that does not have a traditional fitness room.
“We say: nature instead of neon lights. Our fitness room starts right outside the front door. Forest trails, inclines, lakeside paths, and nature all around the lake make exercise here a natural part of daily life.” – Klaus Pichler, Hotel Weihrerhof
A similar concept can be found at the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance. The hotel borders a forest that provides guests with numerous opportunities for walking, running, and power walking. “Nature provides plenty of fitness,” explains host Ursula Wagner.
Conclusion
It’s great to come home from vacation not only relaxed, but also slightly fitter. The conditions for this are rarely as ideal as they are on vacation. You have time, the gym is just steps away, and after your workout, you can enjoy the pool, sauna, or a good dinner.
The hotels featured here make it easy to incorporate exercise into your vacation. Thanks to their personalized approach and support, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll continue your new fitness routine after you return home.
And for those wondering whether a fitness vacation and a mindful approach to resources go hand in hand: The featured Green Pearls® hotels showcase various approaches. These include, for example, durable furnishings, the use of natural materials, regional ingredients in the kitchen, energy-saving measures, and a respectful approach to employees. If you’d like to learn more, it’s worth taking a look at the linked hotel websites and their individual concepts.
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