All you really need in a gym are a few key pieces of equipment—free weights, a medicine ball, a cable machine (and a hex bar if you’re lucky). And, sure, that simple list will get the job done. But minimal equipment in an ordinary space sure as hell won’t inspire you to have an extraordinary workout (or come back for more). We expect more from gyms.
From indoor ice climbing gyms to Olympic-sized outdoor heated pools, in-house nutritionists to on-demand massages, these 16 luxurious gyms are ready to service your every fitness desire no matter where you are in the world.
Get ready to have some serious gym envy.
While boxing is the core discipline studied and offered at BXR in London, the gym offers guests way more than a primer on jabs. The 12,000-square-foot, two-floor gym helps members hone in on different combat disciplines, strength and conditioning, and more via one-on-one or group classes.
Moreover, guests and members can take part in clinic treatments and gain valuable nutrition advice from their on-site dietitians. And BXR certainly doesn’t skimp on luxury. The boxing ring itself is surrounded by custom-made braided leather ropes, and members can get made-to-measure Di Nardo boxing gloves for their time in the ring.
And hey, while you’re there you may even run into World champion boxer Anthony Joshua or the plethora of Victoria Secret models who call BXR their home gym.
If you ever find yourself in Sun Valley, Idaho, make sure to devote a little time to work out at Zenergy. There are more than 85 group classes a week including cycling, pilates, and sports conditioning.
Swim some laps in the 25-meter indoor or outdoor heated salt-water pools, then melt away stress and tense muscles in their massive hot tub overlooking the serene Idaho landscape.
Those hoping to get more one-on-one attention can also take part in Zenergy’s Pivot training, which includes personalized functional movement classes.
The Fairmont Banff Springs is worth a visit for two reasons: It’s nestled in the heart of one of the world’s best ski towns and has a gym with incomparable views. Seriously—with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Banff’s mighty mountain range, this’ll be the most enjoyable treadmill run of your life.
The gym has a variety of fitness and yoga classes, along with one-on-one training with certified trainers. And don’t worry if you forgot to pack your workout gear. Fairmont Fit can provide guests with Reebok workout apparel, shoes, and a yoga mat on request.
Sitaras Fitness, founded by John Sitaras, is a state-of-the-art private gym that’s insanely results-driven. It has the world’s first digital fitness tracking room, lead in partnership with Samsung. Members are assessed on their strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and more.
The gym, located in Midtown Manhattan, comes with a 3,000-square-foot landscaped terrace, perfect for spring and summer outdoor workouts. And because this club only allows a maximum of 200 members at a time, it’ll never be too busy. Though you’ll likely become friendly with each and every one of your fellow members as those who join must commit to hitting the gym at least twice a week. (Just know: You have to pass a rigorous background check to even get in the door.)
As a member of Virgin Active’s Tanjong Pagar location, guests receive full access and use of the club’s cutting-edge gym equipment and more than 200 group classes a week.
Inside the facility, guests can train in the hypoxic training room, which is able to simulate conditions of up to 9,800 feet above sea level. For something less intense, you can head to the adjoining Sofitel Singapore City Centre hotel’s outdoor infinity pool.
As a member, you also gain unlimited access to almost all other Virgin Active clubs located around the globe including South Africa, England, Italy, Australia, Namibia, Botswana, and Thailand.
The Sporting Club at the Bellevue in Philadelphia will make you want to put down the cheesesteaks and pick up the weights. The club has a 10,000-square-foot fitness floor, spacious studio, NBA-sized basketball court, and a junior Olympic pool. Guests can also partake in more than 120 classes including spin, TRX, barre, and bootcamp, meaning there’s something for literally everyone.
Post-workout, guests and members can also take advantage of the gym’s spa services, which include massage therapy, body treatments, facials, and waxing. Or, you can treat yourself to a little time in the gym’s sauna, steam room, and whirlpool before heading down to the café for a healthy treat.
Located in Dubai’s Lamborghini Headquarters, Embody Fitness is a luxury private gym that gives each and every guest the VIP treatment.
Aside from a nutritious café, an assortment of equipment and classes, and showers stocked with toiletries, Embody offers functional movement screenings, fascial stretch therapy, as well as sports and therapeutic massages. Oh, and the gym overlooks the glittering city of Dubai.
Barry’s Bootcamp may have locations around the world, but its Venice location—just blocks from the famed Venice boardwalk—stands out above the rest because of its sweeping list of amenities. There are fully equipped changing rooms with plenty of toiletries. A first-of-its-kind Stretch Lounge offers even more space to work through tight muscles before or after a workout. The Venice studio also has Barry’s second “coffee bar” and hangout lounge (their Fuel Bar). Classes are offered throughout the day and night so there’s really no excuse to miss a workout—as if you would with a studio like this.
Houston’s newest hotel, The Preserve, takes its name quite literally. The space is inspired by Mother Nature, as evidenced by the wall-to-wall plant life inside the gym’s atrium.
The gym only allows a limited number of members, meaning guests will always have access to personal trainers, equipment, and a variety of classes (also: no fighting over showers or lockers). You’ll have full access to the short-course pool, outdoor yoga classes, functional strength training, sanctuary-like changing rooms, and more.
Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu has panoramic views of the gorgeous Hawaiian waters, and it’s Fitness Center takes full advantage. Guests of the hotel can access the facility with their stay, while residents of the island can join for a monthly fee. You can take part in group fitness classes including spin, yoga, pilates, and bootcamp HIIT classes—or, get out of your comfort zone and try Hiva: Tahitian dancing.
Ice Factor, otherwise known as The National Ice Climbing Centre, in Northern England, is every climber’s nirvana. The gym offers climbing lessons for beginners, has a classic aerial adventure course, and is also home to the world’s largest indoor ice-climbing facility.
The gym’s ice wall comprises 500 tons of snow and ice that’s nearly 49 feet tall. The ice wall also comes with grades, from beginner to expert, making the indoor ice-climbing experience great for everyone. Climbers can decide to do the wall with an instructor or on their own based on their previous experience. Following the climb, guests are also invited to grab a beer at the gym’s bar and grill.
If you’re in Paris for business, pleasure, or simply because you call the city home, La Belle Equipe gym is the perfect respite from all things metropolitan. The gym is small, but intimate. Guests come through an inviting living room before entering the lesson ring. You can take part in private or semi-private Thai boxing classes. The founders hope guests will use their boxing techniques as a “tool for personal development,” they explain on their site. Classes are offered on a daily basis and you can enjoy a freshly pressed juice in the living room before heading out.
If you’re no stranger to fit travel, head to the tiny beach town of Tulum, Mexico. There, you’ll not only have a world-class vacation experience, you’ll also have the chance to work out in a Flintstones-inspired outdoor gym known as the Tulum Jungle Gym.
Located right on the sand, the jungle gym offers daily passes for people looking to work out alone or in a group setting. Work your body through dips, bench presses, and squats. This unconventional outdoor gym has all the equipment you need—and the most spectacular view—to try your hand at calisthenics, gymnastics, and bodyweight moves.
The Los Angeles Athletic Club, located in downtown L.A., may be a members-only facility, but its jaw-dropping amenities make it worth the monthly fees.
Here, members can take part in daily group classes including kickboxing, cycling, yoga, pilates, squash, tai chi, and more. Of course you have the option to train solo in the workout rooms. A membership also comes with a ton of other perks, such as reciprocity with other clubs around the globe, special discounts on the club’s hotel, invitations to private events, and entry to its award-winning bar and restaurant.
MV Fitness in Baltimore, Maryland, has all the accoutrement you’d expect in a gym. A membership comes with access to all group fitness classes, including cycling and yoga, as well as its weight room and cardio equipment. But what makes this gym so unique is the building itself, which is actually a converted mansion.
The gym still has the mansion’s original marble and hardwood floors, along with a giant chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The bottom floor of the gym, which once was a wine cellar, is now used for weight training, while the home’s former living room—that still has a working fireplace in it—is used for cardio classes. You’ll feel right at home working out in this, well, home.
Third Space has three gyms sprinkled throughout London, but its SoHo location is by far the coolest. The space boasts a climbing wall, a glass-bottom training area, and a wide range of cardio machines, free weights, and functional training equipment. Third Space Soho also has its own dojo, boxing ring, four-lane swimming pool, cycle studio, medical center, and a daily menu of organic juices, smoothies, and food available pre- or post-workout.
Moreover, there are locker room valets who are always on hand to take care of your every need, including getting your gym gear washed and returned to your permanent locker whenever you need it. Talk about service…
