Fit-tastic fun
Get the most from a healthy holiday
Fitness on holiday?! Granted, it sounds utterly unenjoyable – why would you want to spend your break away doing one of the least relaxing things you can think of? But the reality is much more blissful.
We spend our hectic work weeks trying to fit in some wellness – a gym session here, a bliss ball there, a glass of ‘‘antioxidant-filled’’ red instead of sav.
So instead of jetting away to some beautiful location and spending most of the trip dozing on a deckchair, why not skip the guilt and actually fit in some healthy stuff while you have the time?
Get active
On the Gold Coast it’s hard to go past the water when it comes to getting active.
Surfing, kayaking, ocean swimming – they’re all on offer, but you can’t go wrong with a leisurely stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
Head to Tallebudgera Creek for Caribbean-blue water and lush jungle-esque surroundings – you might even spot a kookaburra or two fluttering around the shoreline if you’re lucky.
For those wanting something a little more calming, why not start your day with a yoga class? The Gold Coast plays host to dozens of studios, but for a more intimate feel, spend an hour finding your breath and getting bendy in a Hatha or Yin class with resident yogi Candice Gock at Peppers Soul hotel.
Fuel your body
The Gold Coast is a positive mecca for healthy options. You’ll struggle to limit yourself to one plate at Seaduction Restaurant’s breakfast buffet – think tailor-made omelettes, DIY granola and a mountain of seasonal, fresh fruit.
For a taste of local seafood, Seascape Restaurant & Bar is the ideal spot for a evening bite. The breathtaking ocean views are second-to-none.
Nestled in a funky industrial estate, Miami Marketta is a hidden gem. Think steamed Vietnamese bao buns, virtuous vegan nachos, spicy paella, gluten-free doughnuts and more.
Grab something to nibble on, sample the boutique wine and wander through the art and fashion studios before taking a seat to enjoy some live music.
Indulge
As well as working out and eating healthily, a fitcation should include a generous dollop of pampering.A soak in some steamy hot pools after a day of activity is the perfect way to loosen your
muscles. Greenhouse The Bathhouse in Burleigh Heads has a 90-minute luxe soak session, which includes full access to twin hydrotherapy spas, a custom-built wet steam room, red cedar sauna and outdoor magnesium plunge pool and a mouthwatering vegan spread.
For a unique spa experience complete with crushed pearl body scrubs and sea moss mineral wraps, visit the Q1 Day Spa in Surfers Paradise. Yes, normal massages are on the menu (and the hot stone is highly recommended) but this spa specialises in melding traditional techniques with modern technology. Either way, it’s impossible to leave feeling anything other than relaxed.
Relax & restore
If time is on your side, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is for you. This wellness destination boasts unrivalled facilities, including a yoga pavilion with ocean views, a fully-equipped gym, two freshwater pools and a spa sanctuary. Your stay can be anywhere from two to seven days, and can range from a simple ‘‘time out’’ to a detox.
Want more?
Why not enter an organised event to really finish your holiday on a high?
The Gold Coast hosts dozens of triathlons, marathons and shorter distance endurance challenges each year, and although the thought of any race might be intimidating, it’s more about getting out of your comfort zone than anything else.
The camaraderie with other athletes, the support from the sidelines, the endorphine rush as you cross the finish line – they’re all things you don’t experience while exercising solo. Who knows, signing up could be the motivational kickstart you’ve been looking for.
The writer travelled to the Gold Coast courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.