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fabulous fitness getaways
Ready to rev up your healthy habits? These restorative retreats will invite you to not only exercise but also reflect, recharge, and renew. ISABELLE GULLÖ
ONE COLORADO Take time out in the wilderness with Mind over Mountains’ A Fine Balance: Perspectives on a Busy Life. Set at the Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa in Ridgway, this fitness retreat will encourage you to re-evaluate the personal patterns that create your hectic lifestyle through hiking, rock climbing, and yoga. One-on-one life coaching with trained counselors is an integral part of the five-day workshop, and so are healthy meals, massage, and sunset dips in nearby hot springs. (September 7–11, $1,950, 970/626-4424, mindovermountains.com)
Deepen your yoga practice at Mexico’s Maroma Resort & Spa.
TWO BHUTAN Organized by Global Fitness Adventures, this Spafari beckons you to discover the fascinating culture of the Himalayas. Daily morning stretches are followed by walks and hikes past ancient temples, remote villages, and vibrant markets. At day’s end, you’ll retreat to a comfortable cottage or guesthouse to savor organic Bhutanese fare, meditate, and receive a therapeutic massage. (September 20–October 3, $6,175, 800/488-8747, globalfitnessadventures.com)
FOUR MEXICO Maroma Resort & Spa in the Riviera Maya is hosting daily progressive yoga classes (a combination of vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Iyengar) and meditation. Sessions take place at the rooftop yoga pavilion, where you can enjoy tropical breezes and ocean vistas. Enjoy a daily spa treatment along with delicious meals, a healthy gourmet cooking class, snorkeling trips, and an excursion to the Cobá ruins. Also not to be missed: the property’s temazcal and mud bar. (October 19–24, from $3,100 single occupancy, 866/454-9351, maromahotel.com.) FIVE BALI Fitness guru Judy Krupp leads the Shambhala Yoga Retreat in the magical setting of Como Shambhala Uma Ubud. Working closely with Krupp, you’ll be gently encouraged to move beyond your perceived limitations to find the balance between strength and flexibility. Time off may be spent exploring the peaceful surroundings, rejuvenating with spa treatments at the resort’s Como Shambhala Retreat, or indulging in tantalizing Balinese cuisine. (October 24–29, from $1,695, 62/361-972-448, comoshambhala.bz.)
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THREE CALIFORNIA Learn about Eastern philosophies of health, longevity, and living in harmony with nature at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, in a workshop called Taoist Chi Kung: Enhancing Vitality. Master Lew, a Taoist priest from southern China, will be teaching the ancient art of Shen, a set of twelve chi kung exercises that promote self-healing as well as enhanced sensitivity, focus, and acuity. He will also share stories from his Taoist practice and life in the monastery. And in between lectures, don’t forget to soak up the stunning Big Sur coastline from the cliffside hot springs and sample Esalen’s famous signature massage. (September 24–29, from $630, 831/667-3000, esalen.org.)