One of the top items on everyone’s New Year’s Resolutions list is always about getting one’s fitness back on track, particularly after a season of festive indulgence, and many will be looking into health club memberships now more than ever.
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One all-inclusive destination in Abu Dhabi we had the pleasure of checking out in our search is The Beach Club at the wellness-centric Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.
This hotel places strong emphasis on quality healthy living and an active lifestyle. Not only is it a dry hotel, but there are very few smoking areas across its expansive indoor and outdoor sport and relaxation facilities, and the restaurants are even slowly introducing calorie-measured meals among their generally health-conscious, scrumptious treats and eats.
It is the hotel of choice for the thousands of triathletes flying in each year for the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, and just generally a great, safe place a stone’s throw away in which to wisely spend your days off with the family.
To be a member here means to be spoiled for choice – from spa deals and steals to inventive food, stunning secluded spots for a splash and a lounge…and plenty of opportunity to keep the kids engaged and busy too while you get down to business exercising or exercising your right to be a little bit lazy.
Rotana’s chain of spas tend to be very popular locally, and here is no different. A small but quality menu offers every opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, from reflexology and de-stress sports massages to rose facials. And yet they are expanding its facilities for Spring. Expect great things from the new and improved offerings.
They’ve also got a healthy rotation of fitness classes we’re incredibly keen to take advantage of this year, from active as well as meditative yoga and popular Mat and Reformer Pilates, to a revival of classic hits like Tae Bo – the famous full-body-training, choreographed punch-and-kick routine; and Aqua Aerobics, popular with the less mobile, the elderly and those recovering from injury.
These join iCycling – using special stationary bikes with a weighted flywheel; Cardio Boxing and Boxing Circuit; and Power Toning, if in want of a leaner, meaner physique, incorporating the use of bars and various sized weights.
Those keeping up with exercise trends or looking to up the ante will be pleased to note that they also recently introduced Beach CrossFit – a principal strength and conditioning programme focused on constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement. And with all this great winter weather we’re having and it taking place in their serene outdoors, instead of the usual uninspiring CrossFit box, it’s the must-try workout of the season.
Prices for these for non-members range from as little as Dh45-60, making them some of the cheapest in town, and it’s much cheaper for club members too of course. Packages are also offered.
On top of that, one-on-one and group personal training are a great way to help you see your goals through in 2015, and they’ve got a number of private well-equipped studios, as well as all the bells and whistles in the main gym space, to aid you.
Squash is a highlight attraction at this club too. An exhaustive, explosive adrenaline rush in close quarters and a chance to both develop speed and hand-eye coordination, squash is a great choice to just blow off steam and burn serious calories too.
Their two tennis courts outdoors also offer programmes for young and old, ages three and up; whether you’re looking for a social knock or to take your or your child’s game to the next level, Lead Right Tennis Academy, who operate at Khalidiya Palace, will sort you out.
Most of all, this is the ideal spot for fans of hitting the water, pool or beach. Their temperature controlled outdoor pool is one of the biggest in the region, and calming even just to look at.
This is where children and adults can score swimming lessons, from beginner to improver – they’ve got a great coach! And even if there are kids splashing about, this large pool has so many secluded pockets and areas to escape the noise so that you don’t notice.
Boasting 200 metres of sandy beach sweeping around a peaceful lagoon, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan does well to stay central and yet make guests feel like they’re far removed from the hustle and bustle.
You can rent jet skis at one far end but they’re not allowed along their main beachfront, which is thoughtful. Other motorised and non-motorised marine activities, including kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, are available for hire too.
Our visit revealed that Khalidiya Palace shows no signs of slowing down with their services in 2015, and we’re excited to see everything unfold; if you want to be healthy and still have fun, this is the place to do it.
Contact: 02 657 0000 or via [email protected]
