Following a fitness regimen while traveling certainly poses its own set of challenges, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the endorphin rush altogether. Rather, unique, once-in-a-lifetime gyms are nestled all over the world waiting to be used by health and fitness enthusiasts. Ranging from top-of-the-line equipment to the bare bone necessities, these international gyms are reason enough to book an upcoming vacation.
Tulum Jungle Gym – Mexico
Considered the real-life Fred Flintstone gym, this destination is one-of-a-kind in its amenities. Located in trendy Tulum, Mexico, the equipment at Tulum Jungle Gym is entirely hand carved by local carpenters using natural resources such as wood, stone and bamboo.
Despite the aged appearance of the equipment, the gym opened in 2017 and has the traditional weightlifting necessities including dumbbells, squat racks, benches and kettlebells. A yoga area and beach-themed obstacle course are also available for guests. To top it all off, the gym is located right on the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea which proves to be the perfect backdrop for an intense lift, light yoga session or anything in between.
Muscle Beach Venice – California
A deeply revered and classic destination, the “Home of Bodybuilding” is an outdoor gym located in Los Angeles, California. In conjunction with the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean beyond, Muscle Beach Venice has made a name for itself with its long-standing history and famous athletes including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu and Lou Ferrigno. The first weight pen was installed at Venice Beach in 1951, but it wasn’t until 1987 that the City of Los Angeles officially opened the outdoor gym with proper equipment.
Today, Muscle Beach Venice holds an array of assorted sections including weightlifting platforms, calisthenic zones and even some gymnastics equipment. The gym is open to the public with daily passes and memberships available. For those who may just want to visit the iconic destination and bask in its muscular history, visitors are welcome to watch bodybuilding and other fitness competitions year-round.
Be warned ahead of time — Muscle Beach Venice is not to be confused with Muscle Beach Santa Monica. The latter has been dubbed the “original” athletic beachfront with a primary focus on gymnastics and acrobatics whereas the former is known for its weightlifting elements.
Adare Manor – Ireland
A state-of-the-art gym and a castle? An unlikely pairing but a jaw-dropping one, nonetheless. The neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 1830s in Limerick and was originally used as the family home for the Earls of Dunraven. It wasn’t until 2015 that this 842-acre estate was renovated and turned into the five-star luxury hotel that it is today.
As part of the upgrade, the current gym is nothing short of lavish. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the space which showcases the unbeatable view of Ireland’s classic forests and parklands. The gym itself has plenty of equipment ranging from free weights, machines and Peloton bikes but the Padel Club may be the estate’s best health-oriented feature. Here, guests will find a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, in-house spa and even padel courts for a change of pace. Whether it’s a day of relaxation or an intense cycling class, the fitness center at Adare Manor is limitless in its offerings.
Illoiha Omotesando – Japan
Likely not what one would expect of a gym, Illoiha Omotesando’s main feature is a rock-climbing wall comprised of interior design decorations. In line with the brand’s theme “becoming beautiful through movement” and drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s nearby fashion district, designers used objects like picture frames, antlers, mirrors, bird cages and flower vases in place of traditional climbing holds.
The Illoiha fitness club opened in the early 2000s and spans over two below-ground floors. The modernized wall was added to unify the floors and is a great opportunity for a change in routine. Illoiha does have typical gym equipment in the center, although the rock-climbing wall remains a steady focal point.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana – Dominican Republic
Taking the word “expansive” to a whole new level, the fitness center at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana located in Punta Cana is a shocking 14,000 square feet and knows no bounds in its offerings. The gym consists of two cardio areas, Zumba and Pilates sections, TRX training, a yoga studio and traditional weightlifting equipment as well as personal trainers.
It is Punta Cana after all, and the gym knows how to make the most of the destination’s beautiful weather with aquatic fitness classes. Aquacycle is an especially noteworthy feature as underwater spin bikes allow guests to push their cardiovascular limits with minimal joint impact in the water. The spa and sauna make for a great way to finish off a satisfying workout and guests are encouraged to fuel up with clean eats at the resort’s beachside restaurant.
Makeshift Gym – Brazil
Another gym celebrated for its minimalistic equipment, the space offers no more than stone weights, barbells and concrete benches. However, what it lacks in luxury is made up for with its location right on Copacabana Beach. The gym may not be decadent in any way, but visitors often appreciate the simplicity of the equipment, especially coupled with the gentle sound of waves teasing the shoreline. This location is often recommended to those looking for strength training, calisthenic workouts or bootcamps.
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