Remember when a fitness retreat meant a bit of yoga on the beach and a green smoothie by the pool? Those days are firmly behind us. While cold water immersion and its devoted tribe of ice-plunging enthusiasts continue to dominate wellness headlines, the landscape of fitness holidays has evolved into something far more intriguing. Today’s transformative programmes are pushing boundaries that many didn’t even know existed.
For those willing to venture beyond the standard spa-and-HIIT format, a new world of physical challenges awaits. From ancient Japanese mountain training to cutting-edge movement science, forward-thinking operators are redefining what a fitness holiday can be. These aren’t just exercises in a different location – they’re complete reimaginings of how we can challenge our bodies and minds.
Here are 6 remarkable and verified programmes that go beyond the ordinary. Each offers a unique approach to physical development, and none involves posting shivering selfies from an ice bath.
Yamabushi Training – Mount Haguro, Japan
The Yamabushi monks of Mount Haguro have opened their ancient tradition to international participants through Megurun, a local tour operator. This austere three-day programme involves waterfall meditation, mountain climbing, and traditional ascetic practices. Participants wear white pilgrimage robes, eat traditional mountain vegetarian cuisine (Shojin Ryori), and learn meditation techniques passed down through generations of mountain priests.
Ideal for: Meditation practitioners, spiritual seekers, and those interested in traditional Japanese culture. Suits individuals looking to combine physical challenge with deep spiritual practice.
Fitness level required: Moderate to good. Must be capable of hiking mountain trails and withstanding cold water exposure. Mental resilience more crucial than physical prowess.
What you’ll gain: A mental reset like no other. You’ll develop monk-like clarity (literally), laugh in the face of cold showers forever more, and master meditation techniques that actually work in real life. Plus, you’ll experience an authentic slice of Japanese spiritual culture that most tourists never see.
Read: The best wellness retreats in England
MovNat Wilderness Retreat – New Mexico, USA
Founded by Erwan Le Corre, MovNat’s wilderness retreats in Mexico’s Tulum offer a radical departure from conventional fitness. Participants spend five days learning natural movement skills including climbing, jumping, lifting, and carrying in the wilderness. Unlike standard bootcamps, the focus is on developing practical movement skills and environmental adaptability. The programme includes shelter building, food foraging workshops, and natural navigation techniques alongside physical training.
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts, functional fitness devotees, and anyone feeling disconnected from natural movement patterns. Perfect for those seeking practical survival skills alongside fitness.
Fitness level required: Moderate. Must be able to walk for several hours and comfortable with basic bodyweight movements. No specific skills needed, but good general health essential.
What you’ll gain: You’ll move like you did as a kid again, but better. Expect to develop an almost sixth sense for navigating any terrain, plus proper survival skills that’ll make Bear Grylls proud. Your body will thank you with better balance, real-world strength, and the kind of endurance that comes from playing in nature rather than counting reps.
Crete Retreat with Kayla Marie – Crete, Greece
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Crete, renowned fitness coach Kayla Marie offers a week-long holistic fitness retreat. The programme is designed to rejuvenate both body and mind through a combination of high-intensity interval training, strength conditioning sessions, and restorative yoga classes. Sure, this retreat is a little more formulaic and less intense than the other retreats on our list, but participants will also explore the island through guided hikes, include nutritious meals sourced from local organic produce, and engage in workshops focusing on mental wellness, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching.
Ideal for: Fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and anyone looking to combine rigorous physical training with mental wellness practices. Also suits those keen to explore the natural beauty and culture of Crete.
Fitness level required: Moderate to high. Participants should have a good base level of fitness and be prepared for both intense workout sessions and hiking terrain.
What you’ll gain: You’ll come away fitter, stronger, and more balanced. The fusion of intense training sessions and mindfulness practices ensures comprehensive physical and mental gains. Expect to leave with enhanced performance, a refreshed outlook on health, and unforgettable experiences from one of Greece’s most beautiful islands.
Parkour Generations – Lisbon, Portugal
Parkour Generations, one of the world’s leading parkour organisations, runs immersive urban movement retreats in Lisbon’s historic quarters. The city’s unique architecture and terrain serve as a natural gymnasium. Beyond basic parkour techniques, participants learn about urban architecture analysis, risk assessment, and the philosophy of natural movement. The programme includes training with founding members of the parkour discipline.
Ideal for: Adventure sports enthusiasts, movement coaches, physical educators, and anyone fascinated by urban exploration and dynamic movement.
Fitness level required: Good to excellent. Should have decent upper body strength and jumping ability. Previous movement training beneficial but not essential.
What you’ll gain: You’ll never look at a city the same way again. Stairs, walls, and rails become your playground as you develop an almost superhero-like confidence in movement. Plus, you’ll build the kind of functional strength that comes from actually using your body rather than just pumping iron.
Read: A guide to Lisbon’s best beaches
XPT Life – Hawaii, USA
Created by big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton and former professional athlete Gabby Reece, XPT Life offers performance breathing and extreme conditioning retreats on Kauai. The programme combines underwater weight training, heat and ice exposure protocols, and high-intensity pool training. Participants learn breathing techniques derived from free-diving and stress management practices used by elite athletes.
Ideal for: Athletes looking to enhance performance, stress management practitioners, and those interested in pushing their physical and mental boundaries through breath work.
Fitness level required: High. Must be a strong swimmer and comfortable in water. Good cardiovascular fitness essential.
What you’ll gain: Prepare to develop lungs like a dolphin and the stress response of a zen master. You’ll learn to use your breath as a superpower, recover from workouts like an elite athlete, and handle temperature extremes like it’s no big deal. Perfect for impressing friends at the next spa day.
Fighting Monkey Practice – Across Europe
Created by movement researchers Jozef Frucek and Linda Kapetanea, the Fighting Monkey retreats in Switzerland, Slovakia, Greece, Finland and Belgium aim to challenge conventional fitness paradigms. The programme combines complex movement patterns, partner work, and cognitive challenges to develop adaptability and resilience. Sessions take place in both indoor spaces and natural environments, with participants learning unique movement practices that bridge artistic expression and physical preparation.
Ideal for: Dancers, martial artists, movement therapists, and anyone interested in the intersection of cognitive development and physical practice.
Fitness level required: Moderate. More important is an open mind and willingness to explore unconventional movement patterns.
What you’ll gain: Your body and brain will start working together in ways you never imagined. You’ll develop movement creativity that makes dancers jealous, problem-solving skills that transfer well beyond exercise, and the kind of physical adaptability that makes you ready for anything life throws your way.
The Bottom Line
What sets these retreats apart is their established methodologies and proven track records. Each programme is led by recognised experts in their fields, many of whom pioneered their respective movement disciplines.
These aren’t trend-chasing wellness experiences but deeply researched approaches to human movement and adaptation, offering genuine opportunities to learn from world-class practitioners in their respective fields, often in locations specifically chosen for their training potential. What could be better than that?
Note: All programmes require different levels of fitness and preparation. Some involve exposure to extreme conditions or challenging physical activities. Medical clearance may be required. Booking information and current prices are available directly through the organisations’ websites.