A holiday should be relaxing, rejuvenating, and inclusive for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or mobility. And yet, one of the biggest barriers to staying active on holiday is the fear that activities won’t be accessible or enjoyable for all members of a group. Whether you’re traveling with small children, older relatives, or a partner with different energy levels, finding ways to move together can feel like a challenge. But with thoughtful planning and the right setting, active holidays can be completely adaptable—offering fun, movement, and connection for every body.
Movement doesn’t have to mean intensity. One of the most powerful shifts in modern wellness is the understanding that fitness can happen at any pace, and in many forms. A brisk walk, a gentle stretch session, or a friendly game of bowls all qualify as meaningful physical activity. In fact, studies increasingly show that consistent, low-impact movement over time has equal—if not greater—long-term benefits compared to sporadic high-intensity workouts. This is especially true for people who are recovering from injury, dealing with joint sensitivity, or simply prefer a slower pace.
The challenge is often finding activities that feel inclusive without feeling patronising. No adult wants to feel like they’re stuck in the “beginner” category while others have all the fun. That’s why flexibility is key. Resorts and destinations that offer a range of options—both in intensity and format—allow every guest to feel like they can participate in a way that suits their needs without missing out. A pool-based activity like aqua aerobics, for instance, provides low-impact resistance training for those with joint issues, while still offering a good cardiovascular workout for fitter participants. The water levels the playing field.
Walking trails are another excellent example of an adaptable fitness option. Scenic, self-paced, and often graded for difficulty, they allow families or mixed-ability groups to walk together, with natural pauses to enjoy the views. For those with more energy, detours and extensions can offer added challenge, while others stick to gentler loops. The beauty of this format is that everyone moves at their own rhythm while still sharing the same experience.
Children, meanwhile, benefit most when movement is embedded in play. Structured exercise rarely engages younger children for long—but a game of frisbee on the lawn, an afternoon at the putting green, or exploring a nature trail with interactive elements will keep them moving for hours without complaint. These kinds of activities also help form early positive associations with movement that often carry into adulthood.
Older guests often thrive in spaces where movement is social. For them, a fitness class may be more appealing if it’s framed as a social gathering with light activity built in. Chair-based yoga, tai chi, and guided stretching sessions offer balance and coordination training while feeling accessible and low-pressure. These sessions support mobility and confidence, helping to reduce the risk of falls and increase independence. What makes the difference is not just the exercise itself, but how it’s delivered—with empathy, encouragement, and room for modification.
At Manor & Ashbury Resorts, this inclusive philosophy is built into the fabric of the holiday experience. The activity schedule is not designed for elite athletes—it’s designed for real people. Grandparents can take a leisurely walk while the children play table tennis, teenagers can try archery while parents enjoy an indoor cycling session, and everyone can meet up afterward for a shared round of mini golf. No one is excluded from the movement experience because everyone can participate in their own way.
This is particularly important for multi-generational holidays. Too often, families compromise on activities to accommodate the least able member, leaving others bored or unchallenged. But with a layered approach to movement—where different levels of intensity run parallel—each person finds something that works for them. And because the activities are fun and varied, there’s no stigma or sense of being “slowed down.”
Another factor that supports inclusion is the availability of adaptive equipment. For example, having bikes with step-through frames, walking poles, or pool lifts ensures that guests with limited mobility still feel empowered to join in. Clear signage, wide paths, and thoughtful programming allow guests of varying abilities to explore the resort without needing assistance or feeling lost. These design choices aren’t always obvious, but they make a profound difference in accessibility and comfort.
It’s not just physical ability that needs to be considered. Fitness also intersects with energy levels, confidence, and mood. Someone recovering from an illness or surgery may not want to engage in group activities but might be willing to try a solo stretching routine or take a quiet walk around a garden path. Others may be keen to try something new but feel intimidated by unfamiliar sports. A supportive environment with optional, drop-in sessions lets people explore at their own pace, build confidence, and find joy in movement without performance pressure.
Flexibility with timing also matters. Not everyone wants to be up at dawn for a group hike, and not everyone wants to move in the heat of the afternoon. When active opportunities are available throughout the day—and without strict scheduling—it becomes easier to find a moment that suits your energy and preference. A gentle morning yoga class might appeal to some, while others come alive in the early evening with a group sport or a scenic walk.
The social side of holiday fitness can’t be overstated. Activities that bring people together—whether competitive or collaborative—boost emotional wellbeing just as much as physical health. A family table tennis tournament, a sunset stroll with a friend, or an evening of dancing to live music all count as physical activity, but more importantly, they build memories. Movement becomes less about exercise and more about shared experience.
When holidays are structured around inclusivity and enjoyment, they offer more than just rest—they offer rejuvenation. Guests leave not only refreshed but physically recharged, having moved their bodies in ways that felt right for them. The result is a sense of accomplishment without strain, and motivation that often carries forward into everyday life.
In this way, holiday fitness becomes a powerful reminder that movement doesn’t have to be hard to be worthwhile. It doesn’t need to be fast, or sweaty, or scheduled. It just needs to be accessible, engaging, and gently encouraged. With the right setting and a flexible approach, every guest—no matter their background or ability—can find their own way to move, to participate, and to feel better in their body.