Your Best Travel Destinations for Fitness and Health: The Top 5

What are some of the best places to visit for fitness and health? When someone travels or takes a vacation it is usually for sightseeing or recreation or both. There are those who take the recreation aspect of traveling to greater heights by incorporating fitness and health as the main goal. If you want to continue staying in shape in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the daily grind of home, or get into shape by eating healthier meals, and working out in a beautiful setting, you need a fitness and health vacation. There are cost effective packages and programs that cover everything, except airfare, geared for your special interest. Fret no more as here are five of the very best travel destinations for fitness and health. Once you get there you may never want to leave.

1.) The Golden Door - Escondido, California

SpaFinder named this original spa with having the best fitness program by its Reader's Choice in 2009. There are other Golden Door resorts and spas in Arizona, Utah, Florida and Puerto Rico. They feature other flagship activities such as golfing, skiing, etc. When they say this is the original spa, they mean it. For the past 52 years the Escondido, California location features a "unique philosophy of personal health and fitness." Located in San Diego County the Golden Door was inspired by the Japanese Honjin inns.

Its extraordinary fitness program includes a premiere fitness facility, 20 miles of hiking trails, cardiovascular classes, tennis, water classes, yoga, tai chi, the list goes on. Costs are dependent on programs and length of stay. A prime example is their Gold Saver Weeks designated for certain months and weeks of the year. This includes the cost of the program and accommodation. In 2010 SpaFinder awarded the original Golden Door its coveted Crystal Award for Best Spa in the U.S.

2.) Copperhood Retreat & Spa - Shandaken, New York

From the west coast of the U.S. to the east coast we take you to a stunning boutique retreat nestled in the Catskill Mountains of New York, a two-hour drive from New York City. Its main focus is on health and wellness with programs specifically for weight loss and detoxification. In addition to these programs, there are plenty of fitness activities to take advantage of: hiking, biking, skiing, or just strolling through nature to name a few. Sometimes you can spot a deer while dining at the facility.

While you're there relax at Copperhood's coveted spa that's been selected by SpaFinder's Reader's Choice. According to the length of stay and what program you are selecting will be dependent on cost. For example the 3-Night Detox Plan includes accommodations, meals and other activities. The rate for this wellness program is $1,200. If you are serious in breaking old habits with cigarettes, sugar, caffeine, alcohol or any other substance this is the place.

3.) Coastal Trek Resort - Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada and all of North America. If you're looking for adventure just outside the U.S. and within the continent here's the perfect health and fitness travel destination for you. Coastal Trek is a luxury health resort that specializes in health, fitness, weight management and wellness. Their fitness activities include: hiking, yoga, other exercises and a spa. You will be surrounded by its beautiful natural surroundings and luxurious accommodations.

The two programs offered are the 2 Days/3 Nights Health, Hiking and Fitness Program (Taste of Trek) at $1595 per person and $2495 for couples. Their grand program of 7 Nights/6 Days Health, Hiking and Fitness Program is at $2995 per person and for couples at $5095. These are in Canadian dollars and do not include tax. Opened in 2005 this facility is family owned and operated. Come and connect with nature in a place that is heavenly and also healthy.

4.) Rancho La Puerta - Tecate, Baja California, Mexico

Opened in 1940 this is the world's first destination fitness resort and spa that's only an hour away from San Diego across the border into Tecate. Decades later Rancho La Puerta "The Door" in Spanish" has become the paradigm for today's destination spas that incorporate health and wellness. They feature an abundance of fitness activities, healthy cuisine and a luxury spa on their 3,000-acre property. If you think the weather in San Diego is perfect it's even better at this fitness and health resort, because it is up in the mountains between the sea and desert with no coastal fog.

Their classic one week program from Saturday to Saturday features an array of fitness activities and hikes with a precise schedule from sunrise to the time you go to bed. Talk about being busy. Rates are subject to seasons and lodgings. The winter rates package with the cheapest accommodation is $2,985 double occupancy and $3,615 single. See why Travel and Leisure named Rancho La Puerta the World's Best Destination Spa for 2010.

5.) Chiva-Som - Hua Hin, Thailand

For the world traveler who wants more out of their vacation than dealing with tourist trap attractions or casual recreation here is a luxury health resort unlike any other. Instead of the westernized regiment of strict schedules, diets and activities Chiva-Som believes in a holistic approach to one's health that includes mind, body and spirit. You'll receive the warm Thai hospitality as well as health and wellness treatments. There are a variety of Fitness Retreat programs to choose from.

They all include an individual consultation, physical analysis, daily fitness and leisure activities with 8 classes a day and unlimited use of their Jacuzzi, Suana and Steam rooms. You can choose from 5-Night Fitness, 7-Night, 10-Night and 14 Night packages. All prices are in Thai Baht due to the international clientele from Europe, Australia, and North America. Chiva-Som is located on the Bay of Thailand. The one thing you will get out of their program is enjoying and appreciating every moment of life, which is the basis for health and well-being.

At first these five fitness and health travel destinations may sound too expensive, but when you add up hotel costs, food, and other expenses on a regular vacation it may be equivalent. Here these packages include food, lodging and activities. The only thing out of pocket is airfare. Not only that you, will come home from them refreshed, energized and anew while coming back from a standard vacations one is more tired than before, stressed and experiencing the blues. What would you rather have?

SOURCES:

Fitness Vacations - Guide to the best Fitness Vacations, Diet & Fitness Today

The Golden Door - Escondido, California, Golden Door

Copperhood Retreat & Spa, Copperhood

Coastal Trek Resort Health and Fitness Resort, Coastal Trek Resort

Rancho La Puerta Destination Spa, Rancho La Puerta

Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Chiva Som