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.
The Fitness Feature: Kayaking and Canoeing
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.
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Boston,
Las Vegas,
Los Angeles,
Maine,
Miami,
New York City,
Orlando,
San Francisco,
Santa Monica,
The Hamptons
It's a pink explosion in the Barbie Suite at the Palms!
Hotels often incorporate themes into their rooms, but these so-called themes are usually “classic elegance,” “boho chic,” or “understated luxury.” In the case of the rooms in this slideshow, however, the themes are a bit more specific — and over-the-top. From a suite that Barbie would approve of, to a room dedicated to David Beckham (and, in particular, his abs), we’ve found some amazing themed rooms and suites that are worth a visit (or at least a look).
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Amsterdam,
Berlin,
Boutique Hotels,
Canada,
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Catskills,
Dallas,
Hong Kong,
Kid-Friendly Hotels,
Las Vegas,
London,
Luxury Hotels,
Miami,
Montreal,
New York,
Paris,
Romantic Hotels,
San Francisco,
St. Louis,
Value Hotels,
Vermont
The beach, the pools, the view – these are major reasons why we travel to the Caribbean. And when we can get all in one, that’s ideal. So we scoured the islands to find the best infinity pools in the Caribbean. These spots – with gorgeous views overlooking the ocean – are perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and soaking up that sun.
Four Seasons Resort, Nevis
This Four Seasons sits on a large, attractive beach on the small island of Nevis. The gorgeous rooms here may be the highlight, with up-to-date technology, massive bathrooms, and pretty yellow-and-blue decor. But the reflection pool, an adults-only pool overlooking the ocean, is a major perk as well. Poolside guests can enjoy free snacks, as well as poolside lunch and drink service, throughout the day. The hotel also features two other slightly larger pools as well.
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Cancun,
Caribbean,
Dominican Republic,
Jamaica,
Nevis,
Punta Cana,
St. Barts,
St. Lucia,
St. Thomas,
Turks and Caicos
Lobby at the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
Gansevoort Meatpacking opened in 2004, so it may be hard to believe that it’s still selling out rooms and people continue to line up at the door to be a part of the hotel’s nightlife most weekends. And yet it’s true, especially thanks to a huge 2012 renovation that has helped the hotel stay on the cutting edge with a fresh makeover (good-bye passé neon, hello sophistication). Sure, the hotel is most popular with the party set, so it may not be best for those who want a low-key, quiet getaway. But amazing rooftop views, an outdoor heated pool, an Exhale Spa offering tons of fitness classes, and delicious sushi at Toy restaurant all help solidify Gansevoort Meatpacking as one of downtown New York’s most luxurious, energetic, and vibrant hotel options. Read more about this hip spot — and see more fab photos — after the jump.
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In the Spotlight,
Luxury Hotels,
New York City,
party hotels
Watersports -- and plenty of other fun! -- await you in the Florida Keys!
The Keys have a little something for everyone — and fortunately, everything can be done under the Florida sun! Whether you want to hit the beach, set sail on the waters, or make some non-human friends, you can find fun in the Keys, from Key Largo to Key West. Take a look at just a few of our favorite Florida activities!
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Florida Keys
It happens every year — suddenly it’s May and you have no idea what to do for Mother’s Day. Again. Brunch is handy and easy, and you know she will appreciate you spending some time with her. But how about you surprise her with something different this year? Whether she’s outdoorsy, artsy or just downright stressed out, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks for Mother’s Day and make her feel special! You’re welcome in advance.
If Mom is outdoorsy…
PLAN: Play a round of golf (and let her win)
STAY: The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma County
Fore! Tiger's got nothing on mom this Sunday.
Housed in a Spanish mission-style building, the upscale Fairmont Sonoma is perfect for some pampering and golf days. It boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, a top-notch spa complete with its own thermal mineral spring, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Round up the day with the free daily wine tastings, and then head to one of the hotel’s homey rooms for some rest.
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Art and Travel,
Chicago,
Golf Courses,
Miami,
New York,
Sonoma,
Spa,
Tucson
The Relais & Chateaux Santa Teresa is a historic mansion turned luxurious boutique in Buenos Aires.
South America is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Whether you want to sit beachside in Rio De Janeiro or soak in views of the Andes in Lima, the top hotels in the region are prepared to cater to your every whim. With both the grande dames of Buenos Aires and the luxe boutiques of Santiago offering guests the ultimate in service and amenities, it’s hard to turn down a trip to this diverse and exciting continent. Check out our favorites (so far!) in this slideshow.
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Argentina,
Brazil,
Buenos Aires,
Chile,
Lima,
Luxury Hotels,
Peru,
Rio de Janeiro,
Santiago,
Sao Paulo,
South America
There are a lot of things that make a spa great — the range of services, the quality of the masseuses, the number of features. That’s all well and good, and you can find the lists of our favorite spas in cities across the states on our Hotel Spas page. But what makes a spa great isn’t necessarily what makes a spa sexy. The spas that make our sexy list, however, are, in a nutshell, stunning. These spas beckon you; just looking at the photos makes you calmer. So sit back, relax, and enjoy these super sexy spas that’ll make you say ahhhh.
Spa at Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
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Hotel Spas,
Romantic Hotels
The Canyon Ranch in Miami has a gorgeous rooftop pool with stunning ocean views.
Deciding on a destination for an upcoming trip is never easy. While the beach and mountains may beckon, cities are a great option year-round, offering an array of activities for every type of getaway. After a long day of sight-seeing, however, some may long for those quiet, relaxing moments by the pool that are often easier to come by in non-urban destinations. So we’ve rounded up our favorite urban rooftop pools, so you can find relaxation even in a bustling metropolis. Click through the slideshow and discover some of our favorite hotel rooftop pools.
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Albuquerque,
Atlanta,
Austin,
Dallas,
Denver,
Los Angeles,
New York City,
San Antonio,
San Diego,
Seattle,
Washington
Grounds at the eco-friendly Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort in Costa Rica.
Happy Earth Day! Today more than ever calls for some tree-hugging and eco-friendly practices, so we’ve picked ten of our favorite green hotels around the globe where you can celebrate by being kind to Mother Nature. From solar panels to vertical gardens, these unique spaces make it a point to be respectful of the environment. Need official proof? Most of them are LEED-certified. But if you don’t have a chance to get away to celebrate, pretend by clicking through our slideshow — just remember to power down afterwards and enjoy the great outdoors for a change!
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Aspen,
Barcelona,
Botswana,
Buenos Aires,
Costa Rica,
Dominican Republic,
Jamaica,
Las Vegas,
New York City,
Sonoma County
