Fitness Staycations

Run out of holiday already? You can still get away from it all this weekend and be back in time for bootcamp on Sunday morning

Improve Your Lap Time
The Chedi Muscat
This five-star beachside resort was built for water babes. Not only do you have the Gulf Of Oman to play in, but three separate pools. However, the one that will catch your eye has to be The Long Pool, which is an outstanding 103 metres. And once you’ve practiced for that sprint tri, you can then hit the spa’s purpose-built gym, which is almost as pretty as the pool. Filled with Technogym, Kinesis and Bon Pilates equipment, and run by an ex-Olympian – what’s not to like? Book at www.ghmhotels.com

Kayak Your Cares Away
Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa
If you really want to get away from it all, a kayaking trip through the Abu Dhabi mangroves will do it. The only sound that will disrupt the silence is your paddle cutting through the water or a heron flying overhead. Take a 120-minute guided tour of the mangroves before breakfast from Dhs1,100 (including accommodation).  Visit http://abu-dhabi.anantara.com for more details.

Go Dune Bashing
Qasr Al Sarab
Leave the four-wheel drive behind and hit the road – and the dunes – by mountain bike. The resort offers guided mountain bike adventures, which gives you the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Empty Quarter and go off the beaten track.  On your return you can massage away that lactic acid with a trip to the spa’s decadent hammam. Log onto www.qasralsarab.anantara.com for info.

Enjoy A Day In The Saddle
Banyan Tree Al Wadi
Saddle up and explore this 100 hectare nature reserve on horseback.  Cycle from your villa to the resort’s stables (you can take a buggy, but this is The Sweat Shop, after all), then choose from The Stables’ wide selection of ponies.  After spotting your fair share of Arabian oryx and gazelles, you can book an appointment at the Rainforest – a purpose-built spa that features among its vast array of hydrothermal treats, a rain walk, ice cavern and herbal saunas. Visit www.banyantree.com/en/al_wadi

Power Up Your Pilates
Six Senses Zighy Bay
You don’t need to fly to far off places to get a masterclass in Pilates. Just grab your passport and head across the border to Zighy Bay in Oman. This five-star hideaway, which regularly plays host to fitness experts, will be welcoming celebrity Pilates instructor Lynne Robinson in November 2013. Sign up for the mat work sessions or the famed Moonlight Pilates class. With the private beach in front of you and the Hajjar cliffs as your backdrop – you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven. Visit www.sixsenses.com