Sweat It Out Or Skip The Gym? The Best And Worst Holiday Destinations For Fitness Fans. Where to travel if you can’t skip the gym – and where to avoid.
For many fitness enthusiasts, maintaining their workout routine while on holiday is just as important as relaxation and sightseeing. “If you’re someone who likes to stay active even when travelling, choosing hotels that offer well-equipped fitness facilities is a must,” says Lynne Murphy from Nutri Lean, a meal delivery service specialising in fresh, healthy, low-calorie, and high-protein meals.
Nutri Lean has analysed the number of hotels offering gym facilities across various popular holiday spots worldwide, using the percentage of hotels with gyms in each destination to reveal the best and worst destinations for gym lovers. Here’s what they found!
The Top 3 Best Holiday Destinations For Gym Lovers
1. Dubai, UAE – The Gym Lover’s Paradise
Dubai dominates as the ultimate holiday hotspot for gym lovers. A staggering 75.10% of hotels in the city offer gym facilities, 35% more than the destination in second place. This makes it incredibly easy for fitness enthusiasts to stay active.
Given Dubai’s luxurious reputation, it’s no surprise that many hotel gyms in the city are fully equipped with high-end machines, personal training services, and even stunning rooftop workout spaces. Whether you prefer lifting weights, hitting the treadmill, or joining a yoga class with a skyline view, any one of Dubai’s 567 gym-equipped hotels will make staying fit as glamorous as the rest of your trip.
2. Cyprus – A Mediterranean Fitness Haven
Cyprus takes second place, with 40.93% of its hotels featuring gym facilities. While it may not have the sheer volume of high-tech fitness centres that Dubai does—only 194 hotels have gyms—Cyprus offers an excellent balance of relaxation and workout opportunities.
Many resorts in Cyprus cater to wellness tourism, providing not only gyms but also outdoor fitness areas, beachside yoga, and personal training sessions. If you love pairing your workouts with breathtaking ocean views, Cyprus is a fantastic option.
3. Malta – Small but Mighty for Gym-Goers
Despite being a relatively small destination, Malta impresses gym lovers with 28.15% of its hotels offering fitness facilities – that’s 76 gym-equipped hotels packed onto one small island!
Malta’s focus on wellness tourism means that many hotels provide well-maintained gyms along with additional fitness perks like swimming pools, cycling routes, and hiking trails. Malta is a great choice if you’re looking for a mix of gym workouts and outdoor adventures.
The Top 3 Worst Holiday Destinations For Gym Lovers
1. France – The Least Gym-Friendly Destination
Despite being a dream holiday spot for many, France ranks the worst for gym lovers, with only 9.90% of hotels offering gym facilities. French culture embraces a more leisurely approach to fitness (think scenic walks and cycling), but the lack of hotel gyms could be a deal-breaker for those who rely on structured workouts.
If you’re set on visiting France but need a gym, your best bet is to stay in a luxury hotel or find a local fitness centre, as only 1,776 hotels in the whole country offer fitness facilities.
2. Greece – Beautiful Views, Limited Gym Access
Greece may be known for its stunning islands and historic cities, but gym facilities are surprisingly scarce. Only 11.24% of hotels in Greece provide gym access (just 1,304 in total).
That said, Greece does offer plenty of natural workout opportunities, from hiking to and around ancient ruins to swimming in crystal-clear waters. However, if your ideal holiday includes hitting the weights, you might need to look harder for the right accommodation.
3. The Maldives – Luxury With A Fitness Caveat
The Maldives is synonymous with luxury, but gym lovers might find it lacking in fitness options. Only 11.68% of hotels feature gym facilities, and many resorts here focus on relaxation rather than rigorous exercise. While some high-end resorts do have state-of-the-art fitness centres, they’re not the norm.
If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives and need a gym, be sure to check your hotel’s amenities in advance. Only 25 hotels in this island paradise offer gym facilities!
Lynne Murphy from Nutri Lean commented: “For gym lovers, finding a destination that can cater to their fitness routine is crucial. Before booking, always check hotel reviews to confirm that the gym facilities are well-maintained and equipped with the gear you need. Hotel websites will also often provide detailed information about their fitness centres, so don’t rely solely on booking platforms.
“If access to high-quality equipment is a priority, look for wellness-focused resorts that offer more than just a treadmill—think personal training, yoga classes, and full-scale weight rooms. And if your hotel lacks a gym, research local fitness centres that offer day passes.”