The Best Luxury Wellness And Fitness Retreats to Visit by Superyacht

Even if you're on one of the best luxury yachts for fitness fans, indulgent on-board cuisine from superyacht chefs can leave you feeling out of shape. If you're in need of a detox, why not head to one of the world’s most luxurious wellness and fitness retreats to snap back into peak condition?

1. Amanera, Dominican Republic

Golfers already flock to the dramatic cliffside championship course but the contemporary Aman resort, suspended above the Playa Grande beach, now has an invigorating programme to zip you into shape. It includes 2.5 hours of private tuition in beachside yoga targeting the lower back muscles and guided meditation. Inspired by the shamanic healing traditions of the Taíno Indians, spa treatments here feature oils and creams infused with local Caribbean plants and herbs, meaning guests can truly experience the healing environment of Dominican Republic.

Berth and Surf: West along the coast from the resort, Cabarete Bay is one of the world’s best watersport and kitesurfing spots. Guests can enjoy private kitesurfing from local professionals, arranged by the resort.

Best by boat: Marina Puerto Bahía, which has moorings for yachts up to 45 metres, is located a couple of hours south of the resort. Alternatively, drop anchor opposite Playa Grande and tender to shore.

Located in a private bay at the island’s northern end, with its own 135 metre stretch of beach, this luxurious fitness retreat has a work-hard, play-hard attitude that extends to its wellness centre, with daily treatments included. Hunky “bodyguards” push you to your limit during beach bootcamp sessions and the yoga teacher is akin to a contortionist, but it’s never far from cocktail o’clock at this fitness hideaway. Olympians, Strictly Come Dancing judges and Victoria’s Secret models have all bought into the ideology that mixes exercise, sunshine and fun in equal measure.

Sail away: Sailing buffs should make sure they check in during its annual Spring Sail programme, where Olympians including Saskia Clark are on hand to hone skills.

Best by boat: BodyHoliday is located less than three nautical miles from Rodney Bay Marina, which can accommodate yachts up to 70 metres. From there it’s either a short drive or less than a four kilometre jog (if you want to start your workout early) to the resort.

Hone your beach body at this Andalusian haven, where wealthy millennials check in to shift the stubborn kilos. Activities include Nordic walking, aqua gym, yoga and Pilates, with medical professionals on hand to provide expert consultations and emotional support. Famed as a one-stop shop for total rejuvenation, its terracotta patios and postcard-worthy whitewashed villas are a welcome reminder you’re on holiday (even if the Barry’s Bootcamp is going to have you doing so many press-ups that your muscles spasm).

Tough love: Those brave enough (or desperate enough to beat cellulite) can try its manual aquatic massage. It starts off gently in a cushioned bath, where jets of warm water are applied in rhythmic movements, easing tight muscles and aiding lymphatic drainage. The tide quickly turns, however, as you stand to be pummelled with short blasts of ice cold water in a wet room.

Best by boat: The NaturHouse group have set up a residence in Malaga, next door to Mediterranean superyacht hotspot Marbella. Drop your yacht in Puerto Banús, which can accommodate yachts up to 63 metres and is a 15-minute spin from the hotel.

Wrapped around Soldier’s Bay in the north east corner of Antigua, Blue Waters is the perfect place to relax, with three beaches and a selection of pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea. However, thanks to a new partnership with Living Retreats, you can now also kick start your wellbeing journey.

Practitioners will be on hand to give you a full body evaluation, considering everything from nutritional balance to lung and heart functionality in order to tailor your personal programme. In the morning expect yoga, a high intensity class and Pilates before an afternoon spa treatment followed by aqua aerobics.

With a strong emphasis on nutrition, guests are also invited to attend food presentations and seminars. Sticking to the regime is pretty easy thanks to the “guilt free” menu options which are available at all of the resort’s restaurants, such as zucchini linguine with fresh crab.

Sweet tooth: The Living Retreats menu still has plenty of desert options, indulge in the frozen coconut soufflé or warm caramelised banana.

Best by boat: Anchor out and tender into the resort. Afterwards, visit Nelson’s Dockyard in the south of the island which was recently made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located in a quiet corner of Casares, the Finca Cortesin covers every base for those looking to keep fit and unwind. Two gargantuan outdoor swimming pools, one 35 metre and on Olympic-sized, will keep keen swimmers totting up their laps. Alternatively, guests can paddle in the 25 metre salt water indoor pool, which lies alongside the opulent and extensive spa, one of the best in the Mediterranean.

Before you indulge in the spa's many offerings, head to the gymnasium. The expansive windows, ludicrously high ceilings and interior design, which is less mechanical and more stately in spite of the huge array of equipment, give the space a warm and welcoming feel. For the more adventurous, activities such as horse riding, mountain biking, trekking and a myriad of water sports such as kitesurfing, sailing and fishing.

Fresh start: Enjoy a revitalising morning in the spa, alternating between the toasty sauna and steam rooms, the icy plunge pool and the snow cave, the first of its kind in Spain.

Best by boat: Superyachts can drop anchor in the waters off the Finca Cortesin's beach club, tender to shore and take a private car up to the hotel – but not before enjoying one of the club's incredible strawberry mojitos.

While its Notting Hill base is a favourite haunt for London A-listers, the achingly trendy Bodyism philosophy takes on a more tropical backdrop on the exclusive island of Amilla Fushi. Book yourself into the private Wellness Tree House, which is perched in the palm trees 12 metres above the ground, with an infinity pool stretching into the canopy, and get to work on your New Year’s resolutions.

Bodyism works on the basis that “movement is medicine” so be prepared to discover muscles you didn’t know existed. Upon arrival, a wellness consultant will help to devise a personal schedule that will include elements of ballet yoga and Pilates – to help you concentrate on posture and subtlety of movement – intertwined with intense interval training and weightlifting to complete your emergency bikini plan. Your new best friend will be an exercise band, which you will use for intense stretches, including “disco lunges”, to get your legs bikini ready.

Meals are prepared using the “clean and lean” mantra. Fortunately, this means nutritionally packed delicacies rather than calorie counting – with dishes such as sautéed scallops and spinach jalfrezi.

Secret ingredient: Add a shot of Berry Burn, a formula that harnesses the power of the açai berry, to your water before exercising to help burn more calories during your workout.

Best by plane: The resort is a scenic 30 minute journey by sea plane from Malé or easily accessible by tender.

With its whitewashed Spanish style buildings and manicured gardens, the setting for Marbella Club’s Optimal Fitness and Energy Programme is the antithesis of workouts at your local gym. Starting with a comprehensive lifestyle, fitness and nutritional consultation, their uplifting programme aims to shake up routine, boosting stamina and confidence throughout your stay and leaving you feeling invigorated. The club offers 2, 4 or 7 day packages, and activities include daily personal training sessions as well as tailored wellness treatments from massages and thalassotherapy to body wraps and facials.

For an ultra-intense workout, hike up La Concha – rising 1,200 metres above the crowded Costa Del Sol, it is breathtaking exercise in more ways than one. Guests are encouraged to eat from a calorie-controlled menu, which has been created by wellbeing expert Amanda Hamilton, but with dishes such as citrus turbot baked in herb bouillon and the option to include organic wine, you won’t feel too hard done by.

Fighting fit: Opt for the multi-jet bath with magnesium treatment – the hydromassage helps strengthen your immune system so you can fend off any of those lurking winter bugs.

Best by boat: If you want to keep your superyacht close by (in case you feel the need to escape), then simply anchor out in the bay and tender in. Alternatively, Puerto José Banús, which can accommodate yachts up to 50 metres, is less than a 15 minute drive away.

Mornings start with a run to Foki Bay and a quick swim in the sea, or a punishing bike ride in the hills among the herb-scented cypress forests. The afternoons are equally high tempo with circuit training held on the tennis court – expect sprints, squats, lunging and even sets of burpees.

Afterwards, relax in the lovely Elemis spa (two massage sessions are included). The fusion food from talented spa chef Alan Wichert is exceptional with dishes ranging from slow roasted fresh seabass to tom yum laksa with gluten-free soba noodles.

Heavy weight: Book in for a deep-tissue massage with strong-fingered ex boxer Sotiris.

Best by boat: For a scenic anchorage, moor in the beautiful bay at nearby Foki beach and then tender to the hotel’s private jetty.

Your children may not be the next Williams sisters or Brownlee brothers, but you can still improve your whole family’s health with Cheval Blanc’s new wellness journey. Hop on a speedboat to the island of Maakurandhoo, which is dotted with guttiferae and pandanus flowers, and be put through your paces with the jungle boot camp. Working on strength and cardiovascular fitness, the workout includes elements such as kettlebell lifts and tyre throw exercises on your own private beach.

Relax afterwards with the hands-on Randheli traditional scrub, where members of the family can practise Maldivian rituals. Then enjoy an evening BBQ on one of the resort’s pearly white sand beaches where chefs can arrange for a father-son stand-off to establish the finest wielder of the tongs.

Charter and chill: Charter the hotel’s 30 metre Azimut 98 Leonardo and discover deserted islands and pristine waters.

Best by boat: Alert the resort in advance and you can anchor in the lagoon or just outside and tender in. Alternatively, charter a sea plane and enjoy the spectacular 40 minute flight from Malé – the resort even has its own plane and private arrivals lounge.

Turn off from the modern world in a contemporary Spa Lagoon Villa on this serene private peninsula on the Vietnam coastline. Drawing on elements of Chinese medicine, the retreat concentrates on your overall wellbeing with a combination of ancient techniques and spa treatments interspersed with yoga and meditation. Discover your predominant element (wood, fire, earth, metal or water) in a private workshop where experts will use Harnn essential oils to release energy and tension. Then lie on a marble bed for a hammam body cleanse using local black rice and charcoal soap, before an evening meditation session overlooking the monkey-filled forest. The relaxing detox is combined with a menu that is designed to refresh and enhance the body using all local ingredients – including fresh oysters from Nha Trang and red crab with Kailand leaves.

The tree of love: Make the four kilometre trek to the roots of the 1,000-year-old banyan tree, which locals say grants wishes to lovers.

Best by plane: Guests can also make use of the private airport arrival and departure lounge in Danang.