Can all-inclusive resorts & fitness vacations coexist? Amstar dmc‘s very own fitness guru Dorte Nielsen believes so.
You know how it is. You take care of your body through healthy eating and exercise almost all year round. Then comes vacation time to some all-inclusive resort in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. The gauntlet has been thrown. It’s now a battle between you and your buffet-induced appetite. Who will win?
Photo Credit: Selvatica
With the growing popularity of all-inclusive resorts, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain that delicate balance between indulging that urge to try everything in sight—it’s already included in the price after all—and making sure that those extra calories are met with a decent amount of exercise.
But don’t sweat. Or do. But not because out of fear of your all-inclusive appetite. Amstar dmc’s Marketing & Communication Executive Dorte Nielsen has a solution that allows you to combine the best of both worlds.
Fitness Vacations: 10 Tips on How to Stay Fit at an All-Inclusive Resort
Photo credit: Xenotes
For many people exercise routines are as basic in life as sleeping and eating. For the same reason, going on vacation is not an excuse or reason to stop exercising if you don’t want to. I myself am among those who swear to their routines and always investigate ahead of time if the hotel has a gym and/or which other options of exercise exist to get some physical activity during my vacation.
Here are some useful summer vacation tips for your next all-inclusive trip to Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Follow these suggestions so that you don’t have to leave your routines and well-being at home.
#1 Work out at the hotel gym
Photo credit: Running on a treadmill, CC image by E’Lisa Campbell
Almost all resorts and hotels have a gym, although some are more equipped than others. At least they always have the basics of cardiovascular equipment (treadmills, elliptical trainers, etc.), weights and other fitness machines. Check in advance with the hotel how well the gym is equipped.
#2 Get in a match of tennis
Some hotels, such as the fantastic Secrets Aura Resort & Spa on Cozumel Island, have tennis courts. Check in advance to see if they have rackets or if you must bring your own. Also ask your Amstar representative or hotel concierge what you need to do to organize a nice match during your stay.
#3 Go on a snorkel adventure
Snorkeling is not only a great and fun activity for the entire family, it’s also a good way to get in some exercise. For instance, on the Riviera Maya Snorkeling Adventure you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel three amazing spots hidden in the jungle in one day.
#4 Cool off in a cenote
Cenotes are not only one of the most refreshing ways in the Mexican Caribbean to beat the heat, the cold water also works like a quasi fountain of youth, tightening up that skin and helping to get your blood flowing. On the Xenotes excursion you can visit four different types of cenotes on one tour!
#5 Practice yoga or aerobics
Photo credit: Yoga on the Beach of Riviera Maya by Grand Velas Riviera Maya, CC image by Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Many hotels offer daily yoga classes and water-aerobics. Check schedules upon your arrival and enjoy a pleasant yoga class to start the day and later an aerobic session in the pool. Also, check the activities schedule at your hotel. Most resorts organize things such as beach volleyball and zumba as well as other physical activities throughout the day.
#6 Go for a jog on the beach
Photo credit: Run for the Gold, CC image by Two Wrongs
One of the best options being so close to the Caribbean Sea is the possibility to be able to go jogging on the beach. Nothing is nicer than beginning the day running or walking in the sand by the sea. Get up early and enjoy the freshness of the morning or choose to do it in the afternoon when low heat as you marvel at the wonderful display of tropical colors of a Caribbean sunset.
#7 Take a walk around some Mayan ruins
One of the most amazing cultural activities in the Mexican Caribbean is a visit to one of the diverse archaeological sites the region has to offer. Visit Tulum, the walled city on the sea, take an excursion to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, ride a bicycle around the jungle-covered Mayan ruins of Cobá, or climb the pyramids and discover Ek Balam, one of the most important yet least visited of the Mayan sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. Whichever site you choose, know this: you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking. Tip: Make sure you take along a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
#8 Take a swim in the Caribbean Sea
Photo credit: Cris, CC image by Felipe Skroski
Swimming is another good option. Some hotels have a semi-Olympic pool apart from the relaxing pools. Or swim in the sea. If you choose the latter, however, please make sure to follow all safety regulations and remember that some beaches have stronger currents than others.
#9 Tee off in the tropics
Photo credit: Mayakoba
For those who enjoy playing golf for exercise, there are excellent choices throughout Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Talk to your representative from Amstar on-site to get options and make reservations for your very own tropical tee time.
#10 Zip through the jungle canopy
Photo credit: Selvatica
Flying through the air attached to nothing more than a zip line may not seem like a lot of work, but combine that with some serious stair climbing between the towers and a dose of the cool waters of a beautiful cenote, and you’ve worked off some major all-inclusive calories on the Gimme All Selvatica Tour.
Photo credit: Alltournative
And now you know.
So on your next all-inclusive trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, remember that all-inclusive resorts & fitness vacations can indeed coexist. It just takes a little discipline. It’s all up to you.
With plenty of exercise options you’ll feel great on your holiday while still being able to indulge a bit and maintain your normal active lifestyle. And also not feel so bad as you are savoring that extra piece of dessert that you just couldn’t pass up. 🙂
Photo credit: Alltournative
Contact your Amstar representative at the resort. He or she will be happy to assist you with ideas and help you organizing tours and activities. And remember, Amstar dmc is your local guide to the best Riviera Maya excursions and Cancun airport transfers around. We’re online and in destination 365 days a year to ensure that you have an inspiring—and well-balanced—travel experience!
