Four alternative travel workouts to try now

By Ianthe Butt

October 1, 2022

Working out when you travel doesn’t have to be all about the gym, instead, try one of these quirky ways to get in shape.

Every year, fresh ways to keep fit go straight to the top of our personal to-do lists. Rather than sticking to your regular gym regime, there are plenty of quirky and creative ways to work out during a stay at Mandarin Oriental.

From running routes around Boston, to Muay Thai boxing in Bangkok, here are four of the best alternative workouts to try.

Run along Boston's Charles River

Taking a jog through the local area not only gives a great cardio workout, but there’s no better way to get your bearings in a city. Minutes from the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, set out on a scenic 3.5 mile riverside run along the Charles River Esplanade.

En route are picture-perfect views of the Museum of Science and Boston University, and locals taking to the water on kayaks and sailboats. In summer there are flowers, and in autumn, amazing foliage, but year-round the Boston skyline views from the Cambridge side of the river are stunning.

Go mad for Muay Thai

While Muay Thai boxing has been practised for thousands of years, it’s hit the big time with Hollywood stars such as Ryan Gosling and Millie Bobby Brown declaring themselves firm fans.

A traditional form of boxing known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ (fighters can use hands, elbows, knees and legs in combat), it’s a great cardio workout, improving core strength, flexibility and balance. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok offers private training sessions in the hotel’s bespoke Muay Thai studio.

For something extra special, the hotel offers Muay Thai massages, a deep oil massage that uses elbows and knees to promote circulation and the removal of toxins in the body.

Take a wild hike

A brisk walk is a great way to get your heart pumping, burn calories and build up stamina, and, if it takes place in beautiful surroundings – so much the better. With its fringed beaches, swaying palms and cerulean seas, Canouan looks pretty good from all angles, but the best view is from the peak of Mount Royal (877 foot above sea level, the highest point on the island).

The team at Mandarin Oriental, Canouan can arrange guided scrambles up through the woodland which carpets the mountain slopes. It only takes about half an hour to reach the top but it’s steep going, with uneven ground, tree branches to duck under and stumps to clamber over to ramp up the exertion factor.

On the way, keep your eye peeled for tortoises, hummingbirds and sneaky hermit crabs who (unlike you) get to cheat on their descent by curling into their shells and rolling all the way downhill.

Take a scientific approach

Whether it’s an elegant, tailored suit or a travel guide made for you, bespoke is always better. When it comes to fitness, the trend for personalised workouts has gone one further than having your own personal trainer; enter DNAFit, where your genetic makeup is assessed to create a unique diet and exercise plan. The Mandarin Spa Team at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is always there to help you.

About the Author

Ianthe Butt

Ianthe is an award-winning journalist, who has written for the Times, The Independent and Condé Nast Traveller.