Staying healthy on the road requires packing your own gym gear, which in turn undermines the idea of packing light. Some hotels, picking up on the increasing demand to stay fit when travelling, have found a solution to this conundrum: lend guests gym gear for the duration of their stay. Here are four that do just that:
Fairmont:
Last month, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts announced it was expanding its Fairmont Fit programme to include lending fitness gear. The Fairmont Fit programme also includes healthy dining options that can be customised to dietary requirements, such as vegan or gluten-free options, as well as complimentary BMW Cruise bikes that guests can use.
What’s the deal? Only members of the hotel’s complimentary loyalty programme, Fairmont President’s Club, can take advantage of this offer. The new initiative will provide members with Reebok ZigLite running shoes, a track jacket, T-shirts and microfiber socks. Women can also request capris and sports bras while men can request pants or shorts. Additionally, if guests would like to purchase any of the Reebok-branded gear, they will receive a 15 per cent discount.
Furthermore, upon request, guests can receive a pre-loaded mp3 player too, as well as a yoga mat and stretch band.
To order the services, guests can either select the Fairmont Fit preferences on their President’s Club member profile for the kit so that it is delivered upon arrival or they can simply call for it.
For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/fpc/fairmont-fit
Four Seasons
This luxury brand tries to make every aspect of their guest’s stay easy, and in doing so has decided to lend guests gym gear across its portfolio.
What’s the deal? The hotel provides its own customised socks, t-shirts and shorts for guests to use as well as Adidas or Wilson shoes, depending on the guest's size. At the Four Seasons Singapore, which has air-conditioned tennis courts, the hotel also provides tennis racquets and balls if guests have time for a game. Furthermore, at the Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, disposable swimwear can be provided, made out of a special material that only allows for one-time usage, for those keen to use the swimming pool on the 41st floor.
To take advantage of the services, it’s simply a matter of calling for it during the guest’s stay.
For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com
Mandarin Oriental
In its efforts to go the extra mile for its guests, the Mandarin Oriental also provides gym gear. However, since this is not a brand-wide initiative, select properties in key cities offer the service, such as Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and Mandarin Oriental Tokyo.
What’s the deal? Where the option is available, the hotel provides Mandarin Oriental-branded shorts, t-shirts, socks and shoes with disposable insoles. Guests simply have to call up the fitness centre and request for the kit.
For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com
Westin:
Westin Hotels and Resorts has rolled out a gear lending scheme that covers all the requirements one might need for a great workout, staying in tune with the brand’s philosophy that has consistently focused on wellbeing ranging from their SuperFoods healthy dining options to the RunWestin programme.
What’s the deal? For a small fee of US$5, guests will receive a New Balance kit that includes shoes with disposable insoles, fresh new socks for the guest to keep, as well as sporting apparel. For women, clothing includes shorts, Capri pants, shirts and sports bras while men will receive shorts and shirts. Guests simply need to request for a kit and it will be delivered to their room, however it is offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
In addition to lending workout gear, the hotel has also released travel-specific workout videos in partnership with celebrity trainer Holly Perkins, which guests can access either through the dedicated Westin New Balance microsite or in the room.
For more information, visit www.westinnewbalance.com
Alisha Haridasani
