Fitcation: What It Is And Where to Go

by Alexandra Mansilla

Fitcation: What It Is And Where to Go

20 Apr 2024

A fitcation is basically a blend of "fitness" and "vacation." It is all about taking a trip where you can focus on staying active and healthy while still enjoying the fun and relaxation of a typical vacation. So, instead of just lounging around all day (but, honestly, sometimes we need that too, though), you might go hiking, cycling, do some yoga or engage in other physical activities.

Salma Ismail, a fitness trainer and co-founder of OSSALMA, a ladies’ fitness boutique and retreats, is well-versed in fitcation trips as she is the one who organises them. The goal is to encourage people to stay physically active without relying on a gym, making the most of the natural environment around us.

Salma: “When choosing the best locations for our fitcations, we look for places with plenty of outdoor physical activities available. This could include hiking trails, obstacle courses, outdoor bodyweight training areas, or water activities like canoeing.”

Locations to experience fitcation

Ras al Khaimah

In Ras Al Khaimah, we stumbled upon an intriguing space, Bear Grylls, that caught our attention. It was kind of small trailers, all parked together, but with a touch of luxury — typical for Dubai. Collaborating with them, we curated an environment where guests could stay in these trailers and immerse themselves in various activities. Situated amidst the mountains, the location offered abundant hiking trails, outdoor spaces for bodyweight training, and evening bonfires, creating a laid-back ambience. This two-day retreat provided a refreshing break from the usual gym routine, attracting members of our community seeking a different kind of getaway.

I usually promote such activities in our community because they feel like vacations, but everyone is still active and training.

Instagram: @beargryllscamp

Hatta

In Hatta, we discovered a beautiful home available for rent. It is a large, private residence surrounded by mountains and scenic landscapes. There are plenty of nearby attractions, including bike rental shops and obstacle courses. During our stay, we enjoyed activities such as hiking, cycling, and taking on obstacle courses. We also utilised the villa for training sessions and workouts.

Photo: Mahmoud Sherif, Navarag Vaidya, Hadeer Al-shibli

Bonus: a place for retreat (+fitness) in Cappadocia

We are currently in Cappadocia, a destination I fell in love with two years ago when my husband and I visited. It is truly an incredible place, almost like something out of a bucket list. First of all, because of the beautiful air balloons that go up in the middle of the caves. Cappadocia is renowned for its cave dwellings, including the hotels where we are staying. Cappadocia offers plenty of activities. We have access to a terrace where we can conduct our training sessions, making use of the open space for bodyweight exercises and sprints. The area is perfect for hiking, with stunning trails to explore. Since we couldn't find a suitable villa, we opted for a boutique cave hotel, Luvi Cave, where the rooms are close to each other, and everything is within walking distance. The hotel offers various activities like horseback riding, ATV rides, and, of course, hot air balloon rides — a must-try experience for many. As for dining, it posed a challenge due to the lack of a villa setup. So, we decided to make it a learning experience, teaching participants how to eat consciously while dining out. All our meals, except for breakfast, will be at different restaurants throughout Cappadocia, allowing us to explore the local cuisine while maintaining our dietary preferences.

Instagram: @luvicavehotel

We organise one international retreat each year (OSSALMA Retreats). Past destinations have included Bali, Zanzibar, and Jordan. When selecting international retreat locations, we consider similar factors as with our local fitcations. We look for spacious accommodations, often through Airbnb, to accommodate our group of around 12 to 16 participants. Staying together in a large villa fosters a sense of community and ensures everyone feels included. We aim to provide a safe and judgment-free space for women to step out of their comfort zones, meet new people, and prioritise self-care. These retreats are not solely focused on fitness but also on overall well-being, offering activities like hiking, yoga, and bodyweight exercises. Meals are curated with health in mind, often prepared by a chef according to dietary guidelines. The emphasis is on enjoying the experience rather than strict fitness goals like weight loss.

Photo: Roxanne Desgagnés

by Alexandra Mansilla