Jamaica Travel News

Island Outpost Offering Fitness Options

Jamaica's resorts aren't waiting until January to start thinking about fitness resolutions, and Island Outpost, always an innovator, is promoting a healthier lifestyle with several fitness offerings.

"Instead of that spinning class, trade it for mountain biking in Jamaica. Skip the laps in the pool for a swim in the Caribbean Sea. Running on the treadmill? Forget it. Get up and get out and into the countryside...staying in shape has never felt or looked so good," says Andria Mitsakos, president and CEO of AMPR. "Island Outpost's collection of hotels in Jamaica helps release the stress and elevates the spirit with adrenaline-packed programs to stay fit and motivated throughout the year!"

Island Outpost offers two types of fitness retreat getaways - the adventure and the holistic (meditative or spa). Whichever fits the mood or personality, guests who are active on an Island Outpost vacation recharge their body, mind and soul and even receive a sense of motivation to continue back at home, stronger, healthier and ready to take on the world! Shaping up comes easy at the following hotels:

Strawberry Hill (Blue Mountains)

For the overworked, rest assured, yoga is king here and private yoga retreats are offered seasonally at Strawberry Hill. Pure fitness amidst the cleansing mists of Jamaica's Blue Mountains boost morale and holiday spirits, especially with fall retreats such as the Healthy Living program offering Yardi Fitness, H20 Cardio and Resistance Training and guided by
professional instructors and Jamaican vibes. Healthy Living is offered in September and November.

A-listers and Zen-seekers seek tranquility throughout the year here with mountain trails for bicycling, walking and jogging. Trekking through the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park or swimming at the nearby Upper Reach Falls rejuvenates muscles while snorkeling and fishing at nearby Lyme Cay island add to the fun.

Rates: Rates for Strawberry Hill start at $395 based on double occupancy now through December 19, 2007 and then $595 December 20, 2007 through April 19, 2008.

Jake's (Treasure Beach)

The funky bohemian hideaway Jake's lures the adventurously fit minded with the off road Jamaican terrain right at its doorstep. Guests can opt to go hiking, biking and kayaking solo (and rent their own equipment) or team up with local Andy Nembhard who operates a guided service out of Jake's.

Whether it's off-roading or taking a leisurely ride through this sleepy fishing village, professional mountain bikes will help make the journey a comfortable one. Jake's is also a great place to go on a walking/hiking tour -- guests can choose from several different suggested routes listed in their in-room guides that will have them meandering along the coastline all the way to the nature reserve at the Great Pedro Bluff. Early morning kayak trips along the coasts of Frenchman's Bay, Calabash Bay and Great Bay can also be organized. And new this season guests can enjoy weekly yoga sessions at the Calabash Gazebo.

Now in its 13th year the Jake's Jamaican Off-Road Triathlon takes place every spring, featuring a 500-meter ocean swim, a 13.7-mile mountain bike course and a 4.3-mile cross-country run and can be done as a team or individually. The race is the main fundraiser for Breds Treasure Beach Foundation, a local non-profit that helps raise funds for sports, education,
environmental initiatives and health programs in the small fishing village of Treasure Beach.

Rates: Rates for Jake's start at $95 based on double occupancy now through December 14, 2007, and $115 between December 17, 2007 through April 19, 2008.

Goldeneye (Oracabessa)

The island escape that inspired Ian Fleming's James Bond novels remains a hotbed of action and thrills. To hone 007-sharp reflexes and channel the Bond spirit, risk-takers mix daring explorations into their workouts with Jet Ski safaris, snorkeling, kayaking and deep-sea fishing.

A mini-triathlon challenges guests to 20 miles each of walking/jogging, kayaking and swimming. Guests with a competitive itch opt to defy the laws of physics with Jamaica's Fat Tyre Festival on February 10, 2008.

Rates: Rates for Goldeneye start at $660 based on double occupancy through December 18, 2007 and $840 December 19, 2007 through April 18, 2008.

The Caves (Negril)

On the westernmost tip of Jamaica atop volcanic cliffs, The Caves provides aquatics with guided snorkeling tours through the caves and grottoes exploring the exciting life that lies beneath. Most leap right off the tropical cliffs with tightened abs and glutes for that extra work-out. Guests kick-off their day with morning yoga, free of charge, with Rosa, the hotel's certified yoga instructor.

Rates: Rates for The Caves start at $495 per room, double occupancy, now through December 19, 2007. The Caves is all-inclusive which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, house wines and spirits. In addition to snorkeling equipment, water rafts, bicycles and kayaks are available.

For More Information:
• call 1-800-OUTPOST or 44 (0) 1895 450 731 in the UK
• visit www.islandoutpost.com

Labels: Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios, South Coast

posted by Paris & John @ 5:10 PM