Best Hotel Gym Views
1. QASR AL SARAB, UAE
In Rub’ al Khali, the largest sand desert in the world, the views from the resort are unrivalled. You can take in the vistas atop a camel, on a desert drive, or lazing on a sunbed by the pool. Luckily for the gym junkies, the fitness centre is fitted out with a vast array of cardio and strength machines and there’s a tennis court, too. Supreme views out to the vast desert are included in the package. Rooms from $A487. See qasralsarab.anantara.com
2. THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH, US
This is no ordinary gym. No, this is a colossal 557 square metres combining inside studio space and an outdoor terrace. Opened just over one year ago, the $3.5 million spend transforms the meaning of hotel fitness. And of course the views of the Atlantic Ocean further add to the appeal. Fitness nuts can admire the panoramas while using the top-grade equipment and class enthusiasts have a choice of more than 60 group workouts a week. Rooms from $US369. See thebreakers.com
3. EARTH LODGE, SABI SABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
The gym at Earth Lodge embodies that I’m-in-Africa feel. The lodge is unfenced, so animals can walk freely through the grounds. The glass-fronted design gives guests an uninhibited field of view, so it’s no wonder wildlife sightings are commonplace. Each suite includes a private plunge pool . . . because all gym sessions should end in a plunge pool. Rooms from 9000 rand a person. See sabisabi.com/lodges/earthlodge
4. NECKER ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Richard Branson’s Necker Island normally comes as a whole-island package, but during celebration weeks normal punters (super rich punters that is) can rent a ‘‘room’’. The vibe is chilled – long lazy strolls, swims among darting fish, laid-back sailing escapades ... but Energizer bunnies have two gyms to choose from. The indoor gym is cardio central, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors overlooking Virgin Gorda and Mosquito Island. The outdoor fitness area contains free weights and non-electric machines. Starting price for exclusive use of the island is $US2294 a person daily. During the celebration weeks when you can book a room (September and October), twin rooms cost from $US2000 a person. See virginlimitededition.com/en/necker-island
5. SOFITEL BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
Sweat it out while taking in the stunning Brisbane cityscape at Sofitel Brisbane, where the So Fit centre on the 30th floor features floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’re in need of motivation, the Virtual Gym Instructor (interactive touch screen system) can help you find that inner Olympic athlete. Or you could pick the machine with the best view over the Anzac Memorial and watch the city go about its business. Rooms from $A238. See accorhotels.com
6. PARKHOTEL IGLS, AUSTRIA
Most guests stay specifically to work on their wellbeing at Parkhotel Igls, with Mayr cuisine, health lectures and even sleep diagnostics all part of the deal. It’s no surprise that the fitness centre is top notch. Staff hang about waiting to help. Gym circuits? Strength training? Pulse- controlled cardio? The views of the Tyrolean Alps might even make you forget how hard you’re training. . . until an instructor reminds you it’s time for your kybun-run drills. Singles from €151; doubles from €146 a person. Guests must sign up to a multi-night Mayar program. See parkhotel-igls.com
7. CORDIS, HONG KONG
Overlooking chaotic Mong Kok, Pulse Fitness Studio is on the 41st level of the swanky Cordis hotel. The running machines, stationary bikes and cross trainers have prime position, but if you’re not that way inclined the weights area is not too far from the action. Fitness classes are timetabled throughout the week as well. Rooms from $HK2550 (plus taxes). See cordishotels.com/en/hong-kong
8. CELEBRITY SOLSTICE
Why not run to a different view each day? The Celebrity Solstice gym, managed by Canyon Ranch SpaClub, features all the mod cons – stationary bikes, treadmills, stair- climbers, rowers, strength- training equipment and a kinesis wall. Guests can train on their own, join a group fitness class or work out with an instructor. The treadmills right in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows offer prime position to admire the shifting scenes. The 14-night New Zealand Cruise, departing on December 9, 2016; ocean-view rooms from $A2299 a person. The 12-night South Pacific/Fiji cruise, departing on March 1, 2017; interior rooms from $A1899 a person. See celebritycruises.com/ships/celebrity-solstice
9. PER AQUUM HUVAFEN FUSHI, MALDIVES
Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi attracts the beautiful people. They eat at RAW (the menu includes organic vegies and unprocessed wholegrains), they visit the spa, and then, of course, they work out. The gym is in its own private overwater villa at the end of a jetty with stunning panoramas of vast azure nothingness. Rooms from $A2335. See minorhotels.com/en/peraquum
10. THE LUDLOW, NEW YORK CITY, US
New York doesn’t sleep and the rooftop gym at The Ludlow is open 24/7 to cater to guests who want to train any time while looking out over the East River and the Williamsburg Bridge. There’s cardio equipment and free weights – and even a ballet bar if you prefer plies to bench presses. The sun deck is perfect for yoga and stretching sessions. Rooms from $US295. See ludlowhotel.com
