10 reasons why fitness fans choose certain hotels on holiday

Cover picture: JAGDHOF wellness & sport, Michael Huber

A hotel fitness area should not be a cellar hole with two cross trainers, but a training room that reaches the standard of a good studio. Free weights areas, functional zones, platforms for barbell training, modern cardio equipment with connectivity and sufficient space for mobility exercises are minimum requirements.

The European wellness tourism market was worth around 245 billion euros in 2024 - and the trend is rising. A large proportion of this is accounted for by active travellers who not only want to relax, but also take serious care of their health. hotelsINshape partner hotels consistently meet this demand - with fitness rooms that have substance and meet sporty guests at their level.

Equipment alone does not make a workout. Many fitness fans are specifically looking for course plans with substance: Crossfit, HYROX, yoga, mobility, kettlebell workshops, strength classes. Above all, however, coaching counts: personal trainers who check technique, individualise programmes or safely introduce beginners to complex exercises.

More and more hotels are focussing on coaching concepts that combine classic fitness offers with longevity approaches: Body analyses, individual training plans, blood value screenings or metabolic checks. hotelsINshape selects partner hotels that take such steps - moving away from "self-service on the machine" towards professional guidance for real progress.

Training only works if the recovery is right. Hotels with well thought-out spa concepts - from sauna and cold impulses to hydrotherapy and innovative longevity methods such as cryo chambers or infrared therapies - have a clear advantage. In Europe, the range of spa and health zones that combine performance and prevention is growing rapidly. Guests expect more than just wellness: they want regeneration as a targeted building block for health and longevity.

Sleep is the foundation of regeneration and cell health. Many travellers specifically book hotels because they offer better sleep quality - thanks to soundproofed rooms, optimal mattresses, light and temperature management. Some hotelsINshape partner hotels go even further: they offer sleep coaching, melatonin-friendly lighting concepts or digital tools that support the sleep rhythm.

Wearables have long been standard - and according to the ACSM Fitness Trend Report 2025, they are once again at the top of the list. But it's not just about training data: Hotels now offer longevity-orientated health tracking systems that record body fat, HRV (heart rate variability) or metabolic values. Those who want to understand their lifestyle holistically will find an environment in many hotelsINshape partner hotels where technology provides real health data instead of flashing gadgets.

*Wearables - portable mini-computers that are worn on the body and collect data on health, fitness or everyday life. Typical examples include smartwatches such as the Apple Watch or Garmin watches, fitness trackers such as Fitbit or Oura rings and even smart clothing with in-built sensors.

Breakfast decides whether the training day will be a success. Instead of a croissant coma, it's all about protein-emphasised, nutrient-rich meals that include both plant-based and high-quality animal options. Light food in the evening, flexible at lunchtime. Longevity cuisine goes even further: anti-inflammatory ingredients, fermented foods, nutrient optimisation according to the latest findings. HotelsINshape ensures that partner hotels not only make their cuisine "fit", but also health-promoting and future-orientated.

For many, nature is the most beautiful gym - and a health factor at the same time. Studies show: Outdoor training strengthens the immune system and mental resilience. Hotels that have trails, altitude metres, cross-country ski trails or lakes right on their doorstep offer two things: a sporting challenge and the healing effects of nature. hotelsINshape positions partner hotels that professionally accompany outdoor experiences - from guided runs to recovery hikes and yoga in nature.

Not everyone trains to the same rhythm: some start the day with an early workout, others want to move weights in the evening after dinner. Hotels that offer flexible solutions - such as generous opening hours, small in-room fitness set-ups or on-demand programmes - have a clear advantage.

Some hotelsINshape partner hotels are leading the way here: guests can call up training videos directly in their room, borrow yoga mats or small equipment or train easily at off-peak times. This means that exercise can be integrated into everyday life even when travelling - without pressure, but with maximum freedom.

Sporting holidays are more than just training - they are social experiences. Retreats, small groups, joint sunrise yoga sessions or trail runs create a sense of belonging. Coaching elements reinforce this: those who receive technical tips from experts on holiday or train in small groups with a coach experience a quality that goes far beyond self-training. hotelsINshape partner hotelsspecifically promote this culture of community and professional support.

Many hotels adorn themselves with fitness and wellness terms - but what is really behind them? A serious hotel communicates clearly: What space? What equipment? What qualifications do the trainers have? Are there medically sound health offers such as screenings, longevity programmes or prevention packages? hotelsINshape consistently checks these facts. For guests, this means that when they choose a partner hotel, they don't get marketing platitudes, but proven quality for fitness and health.

The fitness holidays of the present and the future are not a feel-good programme with a random effect. They are holistically planned holidays that combine training, nutrition, coaching, regeneration and longevity. The market is growing, demands are rising - and this is precisely where hotelsINshape partner hotels are positioning themselves.

They offer athletes the security of knowing that their training will not be interrupted, but will be given new impetus. And they provide answers to the big question that many people are asking today: How can I stay fit, healthy and productive for as long as possible?