Discover unique wellness, fitness and relaxation options that can help your group power through their next Orlando meeting or convention (Bootcamp Fitness Class at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort pictured).
Are you or your coworkers feeling stressed? If so, you’re in good company. According to findings from The Harris Poll, 78% of American adults say the coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing source of stress in their lives, and 60% are overwhelmed by the number of issues facing the country. But being stressed doesn’t mean we can afford to stop moving forward — and one of the best ways to do that is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the body, mind and spirit.
Orlando can assist business travelers in that regard with wellness programs and fitness centers at our meeting hotels and other locations throughout the destination, all of which are prioritizing visitor safety. Also featuring timely advice from a local expert and a look at a new wellness center from Dr. Deepak Chopra, here is your guide to unwinding, keeping fit and de-stressing the next time you meet in Orlando.
Learn more: No. 1 Destination for Healthy Meetings
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified. Learn more about healthy business travel and safety information in Orlando, and check with your favorite businesses for their current status.
De-Stressing Advice From an Expert
An Orlando-based wellness advocate, activist, yogi and business owner, Kristine Iverson facilitates mindfulness and stress-management sessions. Accordingly, she’s made a close study of the stressors facing today’s business travelers and has some informed advice to share — particularly when it comes to focusing on changing our own behavior rather than trying to change situations that are frequently beyond our control, as well as the benefits of distress’ positive corollary, eustress.
You can learn more about Iverson’s theories and time-tested advice on her website and via her business, CROW Practice LLC, with CROW being an acronym for “coordinated response on wellness.”
Of course, the true key to happiness involves a healthy mind and body, and Orlando has numerous ways to help achieve that balance — starting with an upcoming facility that’s set to take wellness to new heights.
Chopra Mind-Body Zone and Spa in Lake Nona
Scheduled to open in November 2021 close to Orlando International Airport, Lake Nona Wave Hotel will offer stylishly designed, luxury lifestyle experiences powered by innovative technology yet grounded in wellbeing. It will also provide guests with access to the first-of-its-kind Chopra Mind-Body Zone and Spa, headed by Dr. Deepak Chopra.
Focusing on improving spiritual, physical and mental health for corporate groups and individuals, the 5,500-square-foot Chopra Mind-Body Zone and Spa will be nested at the adjacent Lake Nona Performance Club, a leading sports, performance and fitness facility set to open this summer. All sessions will be led by an expert team trained to deliver the signature premium experiences that encompass all of Chopra’s programs and movements.
Factor in Lake Nona’s other forward-thinking attractions and features, including the United States Tennis Association National Campus, Nona Adventure Park, Boxi Park and Drive Shack, and it’s no wonder why this upscale community continues to be a one-stop destination for groups seeking innovation, health and wellness.
Unique Fitness, Wellness & Relaxation Programs at Orlando Meeting Hotels
Expert advice is great, but sometimes the best way to de-stress is to hit a gym, join a fitness class or just relax in a spa. Here are some of your attendees’ top options at meeting hotels throughout Orlando’s convention district.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
Innovative group fitness classes are offered on-site at Four Seasons Resort Orlando for attendees to recharge and restore while promoting optimal performance and fostering connections. Your attendees will have a blast diversifying their standard workout regimen with an “Aqua Aerobics” fitness session at the resort’s 5-acre water park, where an instructor guides the group against the stream of the lazy river while incorporating resistance exercises. The open-air spa lawn also provides a picturesque setting to enjoy outdoor group fitness classes such as Wellness Warrior Bootcamp, Yogalates, Mindfulness Sessions and more. The Resort's full-service salon, as well as select relaxation lounges at The Spa, are also available for full buyouts.
Learn more: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ Lead With Care
Plus, group tennis clinics and round robins are available at Four Seasons’ three Har-Tru courts, led by tennis professional Alain Labrecque in partnership with Peter Burwash International. Group golf tournaments and lessons are offered by Rod Cook, PGA director of golf instruction at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando.
Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando Resort
Hard Rock Hotel’s Body Rock® Fitness Center has the latest in cardio-fitness and circuit-training equipment as well as steam and sauna rooms. Those looking to get a little fresh air during their exercise regimen can take a scenic walk or run through the beautifully landscaped jogging paths that surround the hotel.
Learn more: Universal Orlando Safety FAQs
The hotel’s Soundbody® wellness program features Rock Om, an in-room yoga experience to help guests refresh, rejuvenate and re-energize through the power of music. Rock Om consists of three different in-room yoga videos that will play on the hotel’s television system, as well as online, with the option of calming, high-energy or classic flow yoga. Supplementing these new videos, guests can request a Rock Om yoga kit that includes a Manduka PROlite mat and Go PLAY carrier, delivered to room free of charge.
Hyatt Regency Orlando
The 24-hour StayFit gym at Hyatt Regency Orlando offers guests three separate studios for strength, cardio and core conditioning, as well as additional studios for group exercise and indoor cycling. But unlike other gyms, Hyatt’s facility provides scenic views of the Grotto and Serenity Pools. Additionally, guests can enjoy a friendly game of tennis at the hotel’s courts, all included in the resort fee.
Learn more: Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment
Your group can even partake in exercise classes like the early morning indoor cycling classes and strength camp, as well as yoga when available. This resort’s fitness center also provides easy access to The Spa at Hyatt Regency Orlando for a seamless, speedy transition from workout to wind-down.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
The Ritz-Carlton prides itself in providing guests a gym-like experience with the latest built-in technology to help make working out easy and effective. The 24-hour fitness center, located in the Marriott-operated hotel’s award-winning The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offers group and private fitness classes such as Pilates and yoga. This resort also has amazing outdoor recreational activities, including bicycling and kayaking.
Learn more: Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean
For a unique luxury spa experience, guests can escape on a journey to natural rejuvenation. Spa treatments are created from the herbs grown in the resort’s organic garden, from the honey produced by the resident bees to the citrus fruit plucked from local orchards. Unique treatments — like the “Grand Citrus Escape” using antioxidants from honey and sweet orange for hydration — deliver true tranquility and relaxation.
Rosen Shingle Creek
An extensive array of activities at Rosen Shingle Creek ensures that there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Fitness-conscious guests can swim a few laps in the hotel’s heated outdoor pools or burn some calories while enjoying the resort’s basketball court, Olympic-regulation sand volleyball court, tennis courts, and nature and walking trails. And Shingle Creek Golf Club and the Brad Brewer Golf Academy offer wellness breaks that are fun while they get your group up and moving — whether your attendees are golfers or not.
Learn more: Rosen’s Total Commitment
Plus, The Spa at Shingle Creek offers something everyone can love and that can easily be worked into just about any group event or location: chair massages! In five to 10-minute increments, The Spa can offer as many chair massages as possible for groups.
Waldorf Astoria® Orlando
Guests of Hilton Worldwide’s Waldorf Astoria Orlando can enjoy a 4,000 square-foot, 24-hour fitness center featuring a variety of cardiovascular and weight-training machines with spectacular views of the pool and golf course. Visitors looking to relax during their workout can enjoy a weekend morning yoga class by the natural settings of Bonnet Creek. Classes are held Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m., and a mat is included.
Learn more: Hilton CleanStay With Lysol Protection and Hilton EventReady
Also on site, the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Spa is a haven of tranquility and wellness with customized treatments, a tea lounge, steam room and Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation between treatments. Finally, Waldorf Astoria Golf Club boasts a Rees Jones-designed course, which measures 7,108 yards from the professional tees — perfect for getting some steps in.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Marriott’s Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers an entire series of fitness classes that organizations can book to ensure their attendees are staying active. These classes can vary in size and be customized to your group. Some of the more unique options include the Bootcamp Obstacle Course or team relays with a fitness instructor; Glow Yoga, where participants are encouraged to wear neon flair; and virtual and (when available) in-person 5Ks.
Guests looking to get a little competitive can enjoy a few games of tennis and basketball at the onsite courts, as well as volleyball either on the sand or in the pool. For scenic runs, guests can jog down Disney’s BoardWalk around Crescent Lake and enjoy a close-up view of EPCOT® and the neighboring Walt Disney World Resort hotels. And when it’s time to cool down, multiple pools await your attendees.
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