Easter is a time when all of our culinary inhibitions seem to fly out of the window. Lindt bunny for breakfast? Absolutely fine. Four hot cross buns with your tea? Totally acceptable. If, like us, you’re in need of a little refresh after the long weekend’s antics, we’ve rounded up the best escapes that will have you feeling fit as a fiddle in no time.
Sri Lanka
Perfect for those wanting to embrace their inner yogi, Tri gives each guest insight into the traditional principles of Ayurveda. Co-founded by the owner of the Quantum Yoga Method, Lara Baumann, guests will be put through their paces in Lara’s classes up in the hotel’s treetop yogashala, with experiences tailored to each individual’s dosha.
If you’re hoping to try your hand at surfing, take a short journey across to the South Coast, where the team at Cape Weligama will have you riding waves like a pro in no time. Aching after all that exertion? Head to the hotel’s new spa for a soothing post-surf massage.
Image: Nick Hopper
Colombia
With its hidden beaches, lost cities and untamed jungles, Colombia is an undiscovered mecca for intrepid travellers. Adrenaline junkies should chat to tour operator Amakuna and head to San Gil, the extreme sports capital of the country, hidden away in the heart of the Santander region, where you’ll spend days white-water rafting down the raging torrent of the Rio Suarez, mountain-biking verdant peaks and paragliding over the rugged Chicamocha Valley.
Over in Santa Marta, the hardiest of hikers can test their mettle on a multi-day trek through the jungle to the Ciudad Perdida, a crumbling lost city six centuries older than Machu Picchu.
Image: Surf on a Leaf
Zurich
Those wanting to take in the cityscape while burning off the Easter indulgence should look no further than Zurich. After tucking into a feel-good brunch at Delish, the Marktgasse Hotel’s healthy all-day eatery, grab a bike and head out to explore the hidden gems of the Old Town on two wheels. If you’re willing to brave the early-season temperatures, dive into one of the city’s many outdoor lidos and lake pools — you do burn more calories when you’re cold, after all! Looking to warm up again? Try the city’s ‘Thermalbad’, where you’ll be able to unwind in fresh thermal bubbling water straight from Zurich’s ‘Aqui’ source, amid the century-old stone vaults of a former brewery.
Peru
While Peru has long been considered the cultural and culinary hub of Latin America, its aquatic adventure opportunities have somewhat flown under the radar. Those looking for a surfing adventure with a difference should head to Chicama with specialist tour operator Aracari, where the fittest amongst us will be able to ride the world’s longest surfable wave: two and a half minutes of uninterrupted surfing over a two kilometre break. Not up for the challenge? You’ll also be able to try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding and kite-surfing amongst the turtles that roam the Peruvian waters.
