Tovin Lapan
In Hawaii, hotels are taking note that guests are less willing these days to forsake their fitness routine while on vacation and are putting more thought and resources into fitness centers and programming.
Additionally, speciality gyms, focused on a certain style or technique, including CrossFit, TRX suspension, high-intensity interval training, cardio-boxing, spin classes, and a host of others, are booming. According to a 2016 report from International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, attendance at these specialty gyms, like SoulCycle and Equinox, grew 70% from 2012 to 2015, and high-end boutique fitness studios are grabbing an increasing share of the total fitness market.
A Hotels.com 2017 survey of 8,400 adults across 28 countries found millennials in particular are taking their exercise habits on the road with them. While 80% of 18-to-35-year-olds said keeping fit is one of the most important parts of a vacation, just two-thirds of baby boomers said the same. Also, a higher proportion of travelers ages 18 to 35 (34%) said hotel fitness facilities were the most important consideration when selecting a hotel than those who chose proximity to good restaurants (27%) and nightlife (9%).
The hotel industry has taken notice, with 85% of hotels offering an exercise room or fitness facility in 2016, up from 63% in 2004, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Lodging Survey.
In Hawaii, new properties as well as resorts completing upgrades are looking toward their fitness offerings, and several have given their gyms more prominent play than ever before. Here are three resorts doing something special with their fitness programs.
Hapuna Beach Resort: Scheduled to be reflagged as the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort at the end of June, the property is wrapping up a $46 million renovation. Previously, guests used an adequate but unspectacular fitness center in the golf club across the street from the resort. The refit has added a Westin Workout facility with ocean views. The fitness center includes a CrossFit studio, a stand-out offering considering that the majority of hotels do not offer the equipment needed for the Olympic-style lifting required in CrossFit. The property will also be installing the signature RunWestin running program, which includes a run concierge who offers maps, local advice and organized group runs.
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach: The latest addition to Waikiki's bustling oceanfront corridor, the Alohilani held its official grand opening May 8. The property features the Island Club and Spa, which included a fitness center. In addition to personal training, the Island Club also offers numerous classes, including a handful of different yoga and Pilates workouts, TRX training, Zumba and full body conditioning. What gives the Alohilani's fitness offerings a special twist, though, are the two rooftop clay tennis courts that are complimentary for guests and a set of outdoor batting cages (there is a fee to use these).
Turtle Bay Resort: This property on Oahu's North Shore has traditionally offered robust fitness programming. In recent years Turtle Bay has introduced a surf training package, bundling accommodations with meal planning, massages and stretching sessions. The resort also offers an oceanfront fitness center with panoramic views and packs the weekly schedule with a variety of classes. No matter how much of a fitness buff a guest is, they are bound to find something new to try. The roster includes a Tahitian dance class called Hiva Fitness, a cardio drumming workout dubbed Pound and a Hatha yoga session set to deep house music as well as barre, fitness boxing, TRX, Pilates and spin classes.