TRAVELLING can mean late nights, missed gym sessions and high-calorie meals. But a new wave of hotels are taking their guests’ health, fitness and diet seriously.
LONDON
Mondrian Sea Containers
The new kid on the block (specifically the Thames), the Mondrian’s stylish interior design is matched only by its stunning river views.
Fit: Along with the white muslin-draped Agua Bathhouse and Spa, the gym offers the latest in equipment and facilities to plug in your own workout devices. If the gym isn’t your favourite workout, don’t miss the Sunrise Yoga classes (held every Monday). Nothing can beat doing your downward dog while overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral.
Food: Along with a sumptuous gourmet menu, raw foodies are also catered for. There are also cold-pressed juices to start your day right.
Flop: Request a riverside room to watch the never-ending activity on the Thames from your queen bed.
K-West Hotel and Spa
For something a little more rock ’n’ roll, head west and be within walking distance of Portobello markets and Notting Hill.
Fit: Once you’ve shopped ’til you’ve dropped, head downstairs to the in-house spa. You’ll find a luxurious area, complete with seated jacuzzi, ice room, steam, sauna and hamman to relax and rejuvenate your weary body. Make sure you book an appointment in the adjoining therapy rooms – the boab treatment is ideal for jet lag and tired bones. If you’re feeling energetic, book a session with a personal trainer or a spot in a kickboxing or yoga class.
Food: Don’t miss the Glam Rock afternoon tea – just make sure you order yourself a virgin cocktail, so you don’t undo all your hard work.
Flop: Spacious, comfortable rooms. You’ll feel a million miles away from the bustle of London.
See k-west.co.uk
NEW YORK
The Benjamin
Stylish boutique hotel with serious interest in your health and fitness.
Fit: There’s no chance of missing a workout here. Enrol in a SIN (safety in numbers) workout, and a trainer will greet you at your hotel door (with gym clothes and morning juice if requested) and ferry you to your choice of class (you can also opt to have your trainer work out alongside you). Choose between Barry’s Bootcamp (Sandra Bullock and Katie Holmes are fans), The Fhitting Room (high intensity workouts), yoga, or SLT (billed as the love-child of cardio, strength training and pilates).
Food: Tempted to raid the mini bar? You’ll find gluten-free or vegan snacks inside.
Flop: Sleep is serious business here; there are tips from a Cornell University sleep professor on getting the right amount of zeds for your needs, 10 different pillows to choose from, plus a special “sleep bites” menu to help you drop off.
See thebenjamin.com
SYDNEY
Shangri-La
Breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour from this hotel in the historic Rocks precinct provide the perfect place for your workout.
Fit: If you can tear yourself away from the award-winning Chi Spa, try a workout in the fully-equipped gymnasium or indoor swimming pool, before relaxing in the jacuzzi or on the sundeck. Personal trainers are on hand to provide guests with fitness assessments, training sessions and program outlines.
Food: Reward your hard work with a gluten and dairy-free Pure Pop ice block.
Flop: All rooms have views of Sydney Harbour. It’s the perfect way to start your day.
See shangri-la.com or ph 9250 6000
BRISBANE
Capri by Fraser
A stylish boutique hotel, close to shops and with a paleo menu to boot.
Fit: Swim in the indoor pool before your yoga or spinning class, followed by a steam and sauna. If that’s not for you, just chill out in the Spin and Play room (complete with Foosball and Xbox).
Food: If you’re a paleo fan, you’re in for a real treat at the Asana by Pete Evans restaurant. The breakfast menu of chia puddings is delicious, and you’ll have trouble choosing from the sumptuous lunch and dinner menus.
Flop: Bedrooms are stylish and compact and overlook the city.
See capribyfraser.com or ph 1800 110 800
MELBOURNE
The Westin
Luxurious hotel that caters for every health and fitness need.
Fit: If you’ve forgotten to pack your gym gear for the trip, the Westin will provide you with a workout outfit (for $5) so that you won’t miss out on experiencing any of their fitness classes or personal training sessions. Or you could head outdoors and follow one of the running map guides provided. There’s also a swimming pool, sauna and steam room to enjoy. Miranda Kerr’s yoga instructor, Charlotte Dodson, has designed a yoga tool kit to help travellers stretch and unwind.
Food: The SuperFoodRx menu offers delights such as spinach and kale superfood salad.
Flop: Each room boasts a Heavenly Bed – they’re so popular guests can purchase them for their own bedrooms. There is also a sleep-well menu, if you’re partial to a snack before snoozing.
See westinmelbourne.com or ph (03) 9635 2222
SINGAPORE
Marina Bay Sands
Health and wellbeing to help you feel on top of the world (literally).
Fit: Swim in the world’s highest and longest infinity pool (150m), choose from luxurious spa treatments or flex your muscles on the Kinetic machines in the Banyan Tree fitness centre. If you’re an early bird, or just suffering from jet lag, greet the morning sun with sunrise yoga.
Food: The hotel sits adjacent to numerous restaurants, so you’ll find something healthy to suit your needs.
Flop: Rooms are luxurious with views over the city.
