Keep Fit: 4 Fitness Retreats with Hamptons Instructors

Though the temperature may still be hovering around freezing, I decided to stand up paddleboard on a recent morning. The experience of carving through a paper-thin sheet of ice was like invigorating. With the sun bouncing off of the surface, I was mesmerized by the patterns the partially frozen water created. I wore a wetsuit and thick booties—more than prepared to fall in—but the water was so glassy that I didn’t need to worry.

If you have the right equipment, the East End can be an adventurer’s paradise year-round. But sometimes, you just need an escape from the cold and the long nights. Luckily, a number of Hamptons-based fitness instructors are offering retreats this winter. Try your hand at something different this offseason, while keeping the flavor of the Hamptons close-by:

Antigua
Picture this: White sand Caribbean beaches, and a week’s worth of yoga, restorative reflections and relaxation. If you’re itching to leave the northeast winter behind and travel abroad with some familiar Hamptons faces, check out the new Antigua Adventure retreat, held from January 31–February 7. The weeklong getaway will feature classes with three Hamptons-based yoga instructors: Erica Velasquez of Wölffer Estate Vineyard’s yoga in the vines, Jenna Raynell of Well Within studio in East Hampton and Lois Nesbitt of both KamaDeva Yoga in East Hampton and Mandala Yoga in Amagansett. Certified Hamptons-based nutritionist Kiley DeMarco will prepare healthy meals. The week of events also includes tours of the island, beach walks and a Wölffer wine tasting class. Visit evolveeast.com for additional information.

Montauk
Montauk in the winter? Absolutely. Stay fit this offseason by heading to Gurney’s Montauk. The resort offers complimentary fitness classes on the weekends from New York’s top trainers. Classes vary, but include yoga, barre and Pilates. You don’t have to be a guest at Gurney’s to enjoy the seaside sessions, but for those who want to extend the weekend, Gurney’s Montauk is offering a number of winter getaway packages, including one that gives guests credits to the Seawater Spa. After sweating it out in the morning, head outside for a beach walk or to enjoy Gurney’s new oceanside ice-skating rink. Gurney’s Montauk is located at 290 Old Montauk Highway. For more information, a complete fitness schedule or to book a room, visit gurneysmontauk.com or call 631-668-2345.

Puerto Rico
Is being on the water more your speed? East Hampton-based stand up paddleboard, yoga and surf instructor Evelyn O’Doherty will be leading two retreats in Rincon, Puerto Rico this March. The first, a stand up paddle and yoga retreat, will be held from March 3–8. The retreat includes SUP excursions, as well as sunset or evening yoga. If you prefer to ride the waves, O’Doherty will also lead a surf and yoga retreat in Rincon from March 9–15. Yoga will follow professional surf instruction each day. Visit evelynodoherty.com for additional information on both retreats.

Vermont
If you prefer snow to sand, head to Stratton, Vermont this winter via the Hampton Jitney. The Jitney—more specifically, the roomy Hampton Ambassador—will depart for the highest peak in southern Vermont on Fridays and return on Sundays this winter. Stratton Mountain has 97 trails, terrain parks and kid-friendly zones, as well as a bustling village with shops, restaurants and entertainment. Visit strattonjitney.com for additional information, including schedule and cost.

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