Lisa Marie Owens Rotating Header Image

Fitness Travel Dominican Republic

Experiences describing what it’s like to teach fitness @ resorts by traveling there as a guest instructor. My boyfriend comes along and we both stay in exchange for the classes I teach.

Wait no longer to book January, February or March 2011. Dates are going fast!

Wow!  We’re about to swing into full effect of busy season!  If you have not yet secured 2012 Jan., Feb., March and April teaching vacations, now is the time.  Do not wait until the snow falls- we still have great selections available now. Below I’ve provided my professional insight into searching for great teaching vacations for early 2012.  Login to your fitnessprotravel.com account to check real time booking availability based on the fitness and sports specialties you offer.

On to discuss January, February, March and April 2012 vacation spots.  Many of the well know popular resorts have been booked for some time by well planned and often seasoned Fit Bodies pros.  Don’t fret, I have some inside insight on the most luxurious destination spots still available.
Number 1-check out lesser-known destinations.  Some of our most fabulous resorts, newer to the lineup are yet to be publicly discovered by our pros.  For example, Puerto Vallarta has three resorts currently booking. The PVR Dreams Resorts, Villamagna and Puerto Vallarta, respectively, are among the most luxurious of the Dreams brand. Our newest resort on board, Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa, is also a PVRresort catering to families and couples alike.  Opening in April and booking now is Now Amber Vallarta Bay and Secrets Vallarta Bay (adult only).  Fit Bodies looks forward to preparing you for wonderful teaching vacas at five Puerto Vallarta Resorts!!

In addition the action is happening in Huatulco!  We’ve had Dreams Huatulco on the family resort menu for over a year and the up and coming adult resort is Secrets Huatulco, booking now and opening December 1, 2011.  Secrets Huatulco official site has all the juicy details.  One hint-Every room is an ocean view suite! There are many flight options available to HUX for Canadians and also through Houston and Mexico City. Read more about HUX flight options.

Number 2 advice- Adults, you may need to consider family resorts.  Many family resorts do a wonderful job of catering to couples, singles and even provide adult only areas and dining options.   Family resorts are social and fun plus today they do not lack luxury at all.  I was very impressed with Now Jade.  With their huge beach, great service, large rooms I had a great time plus I think every dinner was childfree.

So check out the Dreams and Now Resorts for prime Cancun weeks in early 2012.

Number 3 advice-Families book your spring break and President’s holiday now! March availability still exists but it won’t for long.

So we do have wonderful travel openings still.  Once the northern U.S. sees snow fall the opportunities go fast.  The staff at Fit Bodies, Inc. and Fitnessprotravel.com are available to assist you with your teaching vacation anytime.

Now Larimar is a new resort to our lineup and has a spectacular beach!

Now Larimar is a new resort to our lineup and has a spectacular beach!

 

 

Last Minute Bookings for May-June!! Here is what’s available

What’s left? Current availability for May-June 2011

Fit Bodies, Inc. Rundown of current April-May 2011 booking availability

As of 06May2011

 

Group Fitness Family Resorts

Dreams Huatulco (airport HUX)   8May-15May, 15May-22May, 22May-29May, June weeks of 5, 12, 19, 26

Dreams Villamagna (airport PVR)   15May-22May, 22May-29May, June weeks of 5, 12, 19

Breezes Panama (airport PTY) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, June weeks of 5,12,19

Breezes Trelawny (airport MBJ)  15May-22May, 22May -29May, June weeks of 5, 12, 19 26

Dreams Palm Beach (airport PUJ)  15May-22May, 22May-29May, June 5-12

Dreams Punta Cana (airport PUJ)   15May-22May, 22May-29May, June 5-12, June 12-19, June 26-July 3

Dreams LaRomana (airport LRM), 15May-22May, 22May-29May, May 29 – June 5, weeks of June 5, 12, 19, 26

Dreams Puerto Aventuras (airport CUN)  22May-29May, May 29-June 5, June 12-19

Dreams Tulum (airport CUN) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, May29-June5, weeks of June 5-26

Crown Paradise (airport CUN)  22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – June 26

Grand Palladium Riviera (airport CUN) ,15May-22May,22May-29May, weeks of 29 May-26June

Breezes Curacao (airport CUR)  15May-22May,22May-29May, May 29-June 5, June 12-19

The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort* (airport MBJ)  APRIL IS SOLD OUT, 1May-8May,8May-15May, 29May-5June, weeks June 5-26

Now Sapphire (airport CUN) 15May-22May, 29May-5 June

 

 

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach* 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of May 29-June 26

 

Group Fitness Adult Resorts

Jewel Dunn’s River (airport MBJ)  June 5-12, 12-19, 19-26

Secrets Montego Bay (airport MBJ)   15May-22May, May 29 -June 5, June 5-12, June 12-19

Couples San Souci (airport MBJ)   15May-22May, May29-June5, weeks June 5-26

Breezes Grand (airport MBJ) May 29-June 5, weeks June 5-26

Breezes Runaway Bay (ages 14+ airport MBJ) 22May-29May, May 29-June 5, June 26 – July 3

Temptation (airport CUN) 22May-29May, weeks of May 29-June 26

Hedonism (airport MBJ) 22May-29May, weeks of June 5-26

 

 

Pilates Resorts

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach* (airport MBJ)  15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – June 26

 

 

Zumba Resorts

Dreams Cancun (family, airport CUN), 15May-22May, 22May-29May, June 5-June 12, weeks June 12-26

Dreams Puerto Aventuras (family, airport CUN) 22May-29May, May 29-June 5, June 12-19

Dreams Tulum (family, airport CUN) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, May29-June5, weeks of June 5-26

Now Sapphire (family, airport CUN) 15May-22May, 29May-5 June

Temptation (adult, airport CUN) 22May-29May, weeks of May 29-June 26

Breezes Bahamas (ages 14+ airport NAS)  15May-22May, 22May-29May, 29May-5June,  5June-12June, June 12-19, June 19-26

Now Larimar (airport PUJ) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, May29-June5, weeks of June 5-26

 

 

 

Indoor Cycle Resorts

Dreams Huatulco (family, airport HUX) 15May-22May, 22May-29May weeks of May29-June 26

Couples Tower Isle (airport MBJ) June 12-26, June 26-July 3

 

 

Golf Fitness Resorts

Breezes Runaway Bay (14+ airport MBJ) ,22May-29May, 29May-5June, June 26 – July 3

 

Yoga Positions Family Resorts

Dreams Cancun (airport CUN) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, June 5-June 12, weeks June 12-26

Now Sapphire (airport CUN) 15May-22May, 29May-5 June

The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort* (airport MBJ) 15May-22May,  22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – June 26

Breezes Trelawny (airport MBJ) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – June 26

Dreams Huatulco (family, airport HUX) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks May 29-June 26

Dreams Villamagna (airport PVR) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, June weeks of 5, 12, 19, 26

Breezes Panama (airport PTY) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, June weeks of 5,12,19, 26

Dreams Puerto Aventuras (airport CUN) 22May-29May, May 29-June 5, June 12-19

Breezes Curacao (airport CUR) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of 29May-19June

Dreams LaRomana (airport LRM) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, May 29 – June 5, weeks of June 5, 12, 19, 26

Dreams Palm Beach (airport PUJ) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, June 5-12

 

 

 

Yoga Positions Adult Resorts

Couples Swept Away (airport MBJ) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of May 29- June 26

Couples Tower Isle (airport MBJ) May 29 -JUne 5, June 5-12, June 12 -19, June 19-26, June 26-July 3

Secrets Silversands (airport CUN) 15May-22May, June 5-12,

Secrets Montego Bay (airport MBJ) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, June 5-12, June 12-19

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana (airport PUJ) 15may-22May, 22May-29May, 29May-5June, June 19-26, June 26-July 3

Breezes Grand Negril (airport MBJ)  22May-29May, weeks june 12-June 26-July 3

 

Breezes Runaway Bay (14+ airport MBJ) 22May-29May, May 29 – June 5, June 26-July 3

Breezes Bahamas (airport NAS) 15May-22May, 22May-29May,weeks May 29 – June 26

Temptation (airport CUN) 22May-29May, weeks of May 29-June 26

Zoetry Casa del Mar (airport SJD)  May 29 – June 5, June 5-June 12, June 12 -19

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita (airport CUN) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – June 26

Desire (airport CUN) No availability until July

 

Tennis Positions All Resorts

Dreams Puerto Vallarta (family, airport PVR) May 29-June 5, June 19 – 26

Couples San Souci (airport MBJ) 15May-22May, 29May-5June, June 12-19, June 19-26, June 26-July 3

Grand Palladium Riviera (family, airport CUN)  May22-May 29, June 19-26

Crown Paradise (airport CUN)  22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – June 19, June 19-26

Couples Tower Isle and Couples Swept Away have special availability, check it out!

 

Personal Trainer Family Resorts

Breezes Curacao (airport CUR) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – June 19, June 19-26

Breezes Panama (airport PTY) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – July 3

 

Personal Trainer Adult Resorts

Breezes Bahamas (14+ airport NAS) 15May-22May, 22May-29May, weeks of May 29 – June 26

Breezes Grand Negril (airport MBJ) May 29 – June 5, weeks of June 5-June 26

 

Breezes Runaway Bay (14+ airport MBJ) 22May-29May, May29- June 5, June 26 – July 3

 

*Kids have additional fee and not included with teaching vacation fee paid to Fit Bodies, Inc.

 

 

Teaching yoga at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana

Cap Cana teaching vacation September 8-17, 2010 at Secrets Sanctuary.  Yoga teaching vacation provided by Fit Bodies, Inc., providing teaching vacations to fitness and tennis instructors.

I love it here!
Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana essence is luxury mixed with casual romance.  It’s playful, expansive and full of personal charm.

I first traveled to this resort in April.  It had been the all-inclusive Secrets brand for about 4 or 5 months at that point.  So here I was, 5 months after my first visit, traveling alone this time, experiencing the moments this beautiful property offers. The best parts of this resort-My Jr. Oceanview Suite view faced over the ocean, experiencing the ocean sounds and sunrise every morning (I loved my room). Some rooms are in the castle, facing out over the ocean with waves rolling onto the rock edge below.  It feels like the scene of a majestic romantic film.  This resort hosts so many little coves and areas to explore within the diverse looking rooms and gardens throughout.  Too many to count!  Exploring the resort could be an all day or all trip activity!   I loved the Ocean bar within the castle, where the pool is always open with this view.  The ocean bar provides quiet, contemporary design on the castle roof with a priceless view of the Caribbean.

The service throughout the resort was top notch this time, just as it was in April and also the food was really good.  My favorite was Dominican night at Blue Marlin.  When I say the food is good I mean the food is ‘EXCELLENTE’!!  There are vegetarian options, seafood, beef and chicken…VERY diverse.

The entertainment team has improved a lot and there are many more activities fun for the solo traveler, friends vacation and romantic couple alike.  A big thumbs up to entertainment for those improvements since April. Richard Reyes took over as entertainment manager and keeps the guests entertained with musicians, magicians or dancers every night.  And of course, there was karaoke night!  My favorite so far has been the magician, so don’t miss out!  And daytime entertainment keeps you busy, or float around on a raft instead in any of the multiple pools.  Watersports offers kayaks, snorkeling, paddle boats and one of those huge trampolines in the ocean.

Enough with the thousand words, HERE ARE SOME PICS!

Beautiful PUJ airport
Even the airport is pretty here, and everyone is friendly.  Be at the resort 30 minutes later, with your ice cold beverage.  SERIOUSLY!!

waiting for luggage at PUJ
My luggage comes by just a few moments later! The Bocce ball set was my carry on luggage and I left it as a gift to the resort.  As the yoga teacher, it was the least I could do. Airport staff  helped me with my luggage and everyone was friendly, making a smooth transition from PUJ to Secrets Sanctuary.

Sanctuary entertainment
Secrets Entertainment is Top Notch, creating fun and creative entertainment for the guests to enjoy.

Marina 5 minutes away (drive)
The Cap Cana marina is close by and pretty cool just to walk around, see the boats and beaches.  In 2 years it will all be finished with construction and then it will be THE luxury destination for affluent boat owners. Great style all around, reminds me of Bermuda kind of.  That’s my boat, BTW!!  haha.

My yoga studio here!My yoga classes are here!  It’s beautiful!  I taught the sunrise class here, and found myself here practicing yoga regularly.  The other class was on the Love Bar Pavillion where there was shade and a stunning morning view.
Below,
Imagine teaching yoga here and cuing, “Look to the ocean horizon, inhaling your arms to the sky above you”  It was AWESOME!
Lisa teaching yoga

Fit Bodies, Inc. supplies many of the Secrets, Dreams, Now and Zoetry Resorts.  Learn more about this company, and how you can easily vacation while sharing YOUR teaching specialties. Fitbodiesinc.com
Fitness instructors sign up for teaching vacation opportunities at www.fitnessprotravel.com.

Travel to the Caribbean and bring some wellness home

Fruit Smoothies: I  have always been in love with fruit. Local fruits like apples, strawberries and melons grown from the garden or orchards are my favorite. In the Caribbean, there are tons of fruit, much of it grown locally and organically, flourishing in the constantly warm island soils of Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Bananas grown at Samasati Nature Retreat

Bananas grown at Samasati Nature Retreat

Recently I enjoyed the smoothies at Secrets Sanctuary, where I vacationed at while teaching yoga as a Fit Bodies Inc. professional. At Sanctuary, they know breakfast is king, and I will come forth and be that queen!! Breakfast proliferates with fresh fruit, juices and smoothies made to order. In Costa Rica, at the yoga sanctuary in Puerto Viejo, very talented sisters prepare breakfast delights in a vegetarian dining environment. There at Samasati, the entire daily menu is delicious. Then again, breakfast is my king and among the treats my favorite sits the fresh juices ranging from papaya, pineapple, watermelon and my most favorite; mango. You can’t buy mangoes so good here in Northern Kentucky and so I cherish each bite and sip.

Mango smoothies are full of vitamin C and taste like the Caribbean!

Mango smoothies are full of vitamin C and taste like the Caribbean!

So I eat my breakfast like being on a Caribbean vacation everyday when I’m at home, too. Especially during the hot and humid summer days, a fresh smoothie fits the bill. It’s all-possible now with my “serious blender” blender.

Here are some of my favorite smoothie combinations. If your blender isn’t so serious, just cut the fruit into pieces that your blender can handle. The ingredient amounts are not very strict, so use what you have around, trying new creations all the time. Fruit smoothies are a wonderful way to supply your body with a proper supply of fruit each day. I suggest the fruit be properly ripe, or slightly over-ripe. (If a fruit looks a little too ripe to eat, then it’s probably perfect smoothie material.) And if each smoothie isn’t the best new creation ever you have every come up with, do not worry- just try again next time!
Rewarding your conscientious eating habit by providing yourself local or organic fruit. Frozen fruit is good in place of ice in smoothies. I suggest organic frozen fruit for best results.
Have fun smoothie-ing your creation and live a strong day!

Summer garden smoothie. Use this combination with whatever is ripe at the moment in place of the watermelon.
1/3 cup ice
Couple mint leaves
Couple stevia sprigs
2 cups watermelon

Morning Go Time. Great breakfast. Light and fluffy yet sustains the body and mind until lunch.
1 banana
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/3 c vanilla almond or vanilla hemp milk
1 Tablespoon ground flax seed
1 Tablespoon wheat germ

Morning Go Time with Extra Protein.
1 banana
1 cup froz. Strawberries
½ c vanilla almond or vanilla hemp milk
2 T peanut butter
1 Tablespoon wheat germ

Orange machine
1 cup cantaloupe
1/3 cup baby carrots, or cut them smaller
1 clementine, mandarin or about ½ of an orange
About ¼ cup water
2 teaspoons of agave nectar
A few mint sprigs

Fruit in the Caribbean

Fruit in the Caribbean

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana Video

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana is a resort I would describe as majestic, soft, warm, and of course, luxurious with splendid and detailed service staff.
Book Secrets Sanctuary as the guest yoga or group fitness instructor and have the option to arrive and depart any day of the week. I taught yoga at Sanctuary in April, and this video to share is the result. Enjoy the video, and I welcome your questions about traveling to this luxury, all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic.

The Punta Cana airport is only 15 minutes from Cap Cana, and hosts at least 300 flights daily. Imagine arriving early in the afternoon, walking into the large, marble, yet soft, Sanctuary lobby and welcomed with an ice-cold fruity drink and cool towel. Be pool or Oceanside by 2 P.M. , or napping in luxury bedding in your suite overlooking the beach and ocean. You decide how your best (yet!) teaching vacation begins.
Contact fitbodiesinc.com to book or inquire into your next teaching vacation!

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana video

Zoetry Agua is world-class wellness resort hosting Fit Bodies Inc. fitness professionals. Fit Bodies Inc. has weekly opportunities for professional fitness instructors looking to vacation while sharing their special teaching talents with resort guests.

Fit Bodies Inc. welcomes open arrival and departure dates for Dominican Republic resorts. With direct flights from so many popular departure cities, the Dominican Republic looks forward to hosting you.

Your questions and concerns regarding travel as a fitness instructor are always welcome. Email Fit Bodies Inc.

In April, I experienced Zoetry Agua and would like to share our video with you.

“Here on the striking northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, you are welcomed to our all-suite oasis of cane-thatched sanctuaries. Limited to just 53 exclusive suites, their hardwood floors and natural stone accents harmonize with the lush, secluded oceanfront setting. Located just an hour away from the Punta Cana International Airport, the spirit here is far, far removed from the hectic tempo of everyday living. ”

Teaching fitness at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

Zoetry Resorts offer guests a safe-haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. The special opportunity of providing wellness classes to their guests have been granted to Fit Bodies Inc. fitness professionals. Traveling through Fit Bodies Inc. as a fitness professional offers the chance to offer resort guests the most important vacation souvenir of all; Improved wellness, be it mental, physical or emotional health.

Fitness professionals choosing to teach and stay at a Zoetry Resort are offered many of the same Endless Privileges® package details offered to the guests. The resort has two casual restaurants and one fine dining option, expansive guest suites, 24-hour room service and is always catering to every need of guests in all 51 suites. Zoetry Agua is known for fresh, organically grown food options and ecologically safe practices throughout the property.

Very recently I took the opportunity to visit Zoetry Agua Punta Cana while teaching yoga for Fit Bodies Inc. at Dreams Punta Cana. This resort and its location is a very special experience for the fitness professional who decide the position is right for them. Zoetry Agua requests one fitness professional at a time that specializes in either yoga and meditation or pilates and aqua aerobics. Fit Bodies Inc. is allowing pros to book non-Sunday to Sunday travel days and also those professionals looking to travel for longer than a week may consider this a good option.

Many of Zoetry’s guests are at special times of their lives. Pre-natal getaway seekers have been known to travel here and catering to those needs may be necessary. Fit Bodies Inc. instructors will offer group, small group and private lessons while staying in guest accommodations at the resort. The aqua fitness is in gorgeous pool so students face the ocean. The spa is a gorgeous place to hold classes either in the open, breezy lounge area outside or next to the indoor pool, listening to the warm, soothing sound of the waterfall. Teachers here will instruct in the most beautiful settings and offer a special experience to their students.

Zoetry Agua is a small, very private resort and should be considered a luxurious and relaxing teaching opportunity for the guest teacher. For the teacher considering a private, personal retreat I think this is perfect. Guest instructors, as always are able to have a guest accompany them. You and your guest will enjoy luxurious indulgences, without the guilt!

If you are interested in viewing the booking details to teach fitness at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana you need to log in to your Fitness Pro Travel account. Creating a Fitness Pro Travel account is free and you may fill out an application to have access to view teaching vacation opportunities.
Fit Bodies Inc. has been sending qualified fitness professionals on vacations since 1995.

Relax by the pool at Zoetry Agua

Relax at the pool- Zoetry Agua

Activities Galore at Dreams Punta Cana

Dreams Punta Cana activities are never-ending!! It’s difficult to know where to begin!
Activities begin at 9 A.M. with the Fit Bodies Inc. guest instructor teaching stretching, then aerobics, both on the stage facing the ocean.The Core Zone for teenagers is outstanding and if you travel here with your teens you may never see them. Not to worry, adults are welcome there, too! The Core Zone includes: billiards, archery, a batting cage, a climbing wall, a mechanical bull, snacks, Wii, Playstation and practically whatever you can name, they provide. General activities oriented for teenagers are stretching, Spanish lessons, soccer games, water polo, water balloon fights, ping-pong and volleyball tournaments. Some nights is also a teen disco.

Explorer’s Club is children only, aged 3-12, and activities are from 9 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. Once a week there is a camp-out for the kids, too. There are no parents allowed and they will give you a cell phone in case you need to be reached. There is a Kid’s Club for children under 3 for part of the day as well. The resort’s staff is CPR and Red Cross first-aid trained. On today’s Explorer’s Club schedule is a bike tour, Earth day celebration (they plant trees) with a picnic, water polo, a giant Connect Four tournament, bottle painting, a face painting competition, dinner, movie and a mini-fashion show. The activities vary everyday.

We spotted flamingos and peacocks-Beautiful birds!

We spotted flamingos and peacocks-Beautiful birds!

For the kids of all ages, the activities are as non-stop as my flight into PUJ. Despite all the activities, your experience can be as simple as the pool, beach, cold drinks (top-shelf liquors, by the way), and naps. For more engagement, there are the fitness activities, Spanish lessons, Bocce ball, beach volleyball, horse shoes, Olympic game competitions and even more activities. The activities change everyday. Right now there is excitement just outside our patio door as the pool volleyball matches continue. Coming this summer is paintball! Tonight is the beach party and I know the limbo competition will be fun and hilarious! I cannot wait!

The spa appears fantastic! There is a huge koi pond and some are very big and fun to watch. The prices for spa services are very fair and a huge variety of services are offered with specials everyday. Above the spa is the fitness center, open daily from 6 A.M.-8 P.M. and it is big and clean. Three treadmills, free weights, brand new nautilus equipment, stair climbers, elliptical; you name it, they have it. This is a well equipped gym. The gym use is included for everyone’s use. There is also a Wellness Center within the spa and this includes sauna, plunge pool, hot tub, steam room, really neat massage shower but this is not included in the all-inclusive package for guests. The cost is $30 for one day or $85 for a weekly pass. Many spa services include an hour of Wellness Center time.

There are additional activities off the resort, from dune buggy tours, Segway tours, horseback riding, and scuba excursions. You can also tour more areas of Dominican Republic from the resort, such as traveling to Santo Domingo (the first city of the new world discovered by Christopher Columbus), The tour staff here are more than happy to help you plan your outward excursion.

Again, this resort has the best entertainment I have ever seen!

To learn more about traveling to teach your fitness specialty of yoga, pilates, group fitness, tennis or personal training visit Fit Bodies Inc.

These fish are always hungry!

Every morning is a beautiful morning for yoga

A day at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is located just minutes from Dreams Punta Cana. It is very small, only 51 rooms, so being a part of the guest’s wellness experience is very personal.

This resort has a gorgeous beach. It is very long and I would approximate at least 250 yards, all lined with palm trees. This beach is kept in pristine condition. For a person that wants to walk or run alongside this white and hot-sanded beach, it’s expansive and smooth. There may be another resort close by, but I did not see it nor any people other than the guests basking under grass-covered umbrellas on Agua’s beach.

A restaurant named Indigo sits oceanfront offering International fare for lunch and dinner in a casual setting. There are cold drinks and comfortable couches to sit back and watch the waves roll by. Next to Indigo is the best pool area for aqua aerobics with a wooden deck perfect for you to stand on while teaching.
There are two additional restaurants. Open all day is Amaya, which is casual Spanish and Dominican cuisine. And finally, Fork is a fusion of International cuisine in a fine dining setting with rare vintage wines included. The combination of fine dining within the open and breezy room is truly unique. If you are too relaxed to leave your room for dinner, then 24-hour room service is included with your Endless Privileges™ package.

Walking through this resort I spot a number of perfect areas for pilates, yoga or meditation classes. Personally, I am a shade-dweller and would choose the spa are. The spa’s terrace is designed with wooden floors and pergola. The breezes drift through the open walls. Or take the class indoor the spa, listening to the pool fountain.

The walkways are full of well-maintained gardens of flowers and exotic Caribbean plants. Stand on a bridge and feed healthy koi fish while their colors and movement captivate your attention.

For extra indulgence you seek, visit the spa and choose a service you are craving. The prices are fair and services diverse. The Zoetry Resorts are renowned for their spa services and ambiance so please indulge in at least one spa service for yourself.

To view availability for you to teach at Zoetry Agua, you may read it’s detailed description, and view more photos at Fitness PRO Travel.

Zoetry Infinity pool-perfect for aqua aerobics classes

Zoetry Infinity pool-perfect for aqua aerobics classes

From Secrets Sanctuary to Dreams Punta Cana

It’s true; I am traveling just like any other fitness professional would be traveling upon teaching for Fit Bodies Inc. Yesterday Secrets Sanctuary went from 30% occupancy to 100% occupancy and my room was needed. Bumped. Bummer? Nah. But I did offer to stay and sleep on my balcony!

I was told we are going to be moved to another resort just before my 9:30am yoga class. As a guest instructor, I understand this can happen anytime, although it is rare, and in the spirit of business we should are glad the resorts have so many guests. In a way, we feel the resort’s max capacity should mean they need more fitness instructors, but alas there are only so many rooms to go around. Chad and I packed up our things, ate a wonderful lunch and said good bye to my new friends. Tony is a member of the Activities staff who is very motivating and fit. He conducts the a.m. power-walks and also the aqua aerobics. If you teach here and offer aqua classes I’m sure your skills will be appreciated and this class is at 11:30 or noon. His class encourages friendship and conversation among the pool people, like myself, and this I appreciate.

Here we are now at Dreams Punta Cana where Mr. Jose Tolentino personally greeted us with big smile. This is someone who I correspond with on a regular basis and so to meet him, put an official face and voice to his email signatures is especially meaningful to me. A cold drink and towel welcome us after the 55-minute ride from Cap Cana to Dreams Punta Cana.

This resort is way big. Over 650 rooms, and all of them are next to the pool, which the rooms basically surround with the ocean at the end. Despite the size, I feel personal attention from the housekeepers to the restaurant service. They are almost always smiling, to resort guests and to one another. I think the staff at Sanctuary is absolutely top notch but here at Dreams Punta Cana they must have written the manual on resort hospitality.

Last night I saw the best resort entertainment I have ever seen. Dreams Punta Cana is an exciting, activity filled resort and their entertainers are absolutely top notch, coming from a dance or gymnast background and work very hard, practicing from 11a.m. to at least 6p.m. everyday. This does not even include the time they spend performing. I have so much respect for them.

The fitness classes here are only 30 minutes long, so prepare to teach more often, but shorter classes. The guest fitness pros teach 4 thirty-minute classes and Mr. Tolentino wants pros to offer multiple formats. Being I only teach yoga, I am an exception to this rule. I sign off for the moment to teach the 10 a.m. class and then Mr. Tolentino is taking us on a tour of Zoetry Agua. This is what I have been waiting for and I am very anxious to see the resort! You can rest assured I will have a detailed report about Zoetry Agua this evening.

More about traveling as a fitness professional can be found at Fit Bodies Inc. and if you are a fitness professional create a complimentary travel account to book trips at Fitness Pro Travel

Expansive beach big enough for everyone.

Expansive beach big enough for everyone.