Fighting CrossFit: 4 Fitness Retreats That Pack A Punch

When CrossFit was catapulted into the limelight almost overnight, many were quick to assume that it was nothing more than the latest fitness fad. However, years on, we can confirm that this simply isn’t the case: it’s here to stay.

CrossFit provides a well-rounded fitness regime that transforms not only your body but your outlook toward health and wellness, too. Sound good to you? We’ve scoured the best retreats in Asia for the CrossFit converts who are ready to take it to the next level.

Unit-27: Premium Package

The only fully certified CrossFit gym in Thailand’s Phuket Island, Unit-27’s fitness classes pack some serious punch. Founded and run by former military personnel, the programmes here take a regimental approach to health and fitness with a discipline you’ll be able to implement in other aspects of your life.

There are numerous packages on offer here, but if you’re going to commit, don’t do it by halves: the Premium Package includes 48 fitness sessions, where you can take your pick from daunting class names like the Ab Scene and Bullet Proof. They’ve also recently acquired Primal Fitness, an equipment studio for bodybuilders and your everyday gym-goers, alike to elevate your CrossFit retreat experience. The Premium package starts around US$490.

Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat

See also: Mac McCulloch on Unit-27’s Fitness Revolution

Chosen Experiences: The Bali Experience

Carefully curated fitness programmes may seem like a dime a dozen now, but the retreats operated by Chosen Experiences are far from run of the mill. Set up in four separate locations, each programme is run by different coaches with unique skill sets that each brings a different outlook and approach to transforming your health, fitness and wellbeing on these seven-day retreats.

Lookout for the next Bali Experience CrossFit retreat: the last one was run by Andrew Lauterstein, an Olympic medalist and CrossFit athlete. Learning from an international professional and wiling away your free time in a luxury villa sound too good to be true? Well, it gets better: there are several speaking sessions available as well as a range of yoga classes and training sessions. Prices on request.

Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat

Bliss Sanctuary for Women: Crossfit Bliss Package

Gruelling workouts, heavy lifting and some seriously hard graft; sound like a man’s world? You couldn’t be further from the truth. Bliss Sanctuary for Women challenges these notions with their women’s only CrossFit retreat. Running between five and seven days in length, these fitness holidays are not for the faint of heart, and it is highly recommended that you only sign up if you’ve had experience CrossFit training before.

Your stay here includes unlimited CrossFit classes, yoga and conditioning sessions and up to three personal training sessions, too. But, this is also a bliss sanctuary, so you’ll be able to wind down with a daily spa treatment or massage, and tuck into specially prepared, nutritionally balanced meals. There is even a healing session included in the package, as well as a range of quiet meditative spaces around the retreat. Prices start around US$2,675.

Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat

Cruise Fit: Beyond Bali

If you’re looking for a CrossFit retreat with a difference, then look no further: this is probably as unique a fitness retreat as they come. For seven days, you can board a schooner vessel around one of two archipelagos, in Bali, or Fiji. The Bali retreat takes you cruising around Lombok and Gili islands, with the opportunity to partake in yoga and meditation classes, as well as a daily cross fit that will quite literally have you hitting the deck.

A range of outdoor activities awaits you each afternoon, with the ocean as your very own personal playground, including kayaking, paddle boarding and even a leisurely snorkel. Each retreat is inclusive of meals, accommodation on board, exercises run by professional CrossFit coaches, additional activities, and even a cocktail night (because it can’t all be hard work). Prices start around US$2,200.

Contact bookings@compareretreats.com to book your luxury wellness retreat

Amanda Sheppard

The former Art & Culture editor at Time Out Hong Kong magazine, Amanda is a freelance lifestyle writer based in Asia's world city. Amanda grew up in Asia, loves hiking, stand up paddle boarding, and a day well spent outdoors. Her last holiday sunrise trekking along Indonesian volcanic landscapes gave her a taste of the healthy holiday bug, and she’s been on the lookout for her next great adventure ever since.