Tropical Fitness Retreat in Siargao: Island Workouts & Beach Adventures

Days here start early-ish and follow a loose rhythm: breakfast, then a workout, then whatever the island has planned for that day. You might be doing a HIIT session in a local CrossFit gym with barbells and kettlebells, or a bodyweight workout on the beach with the ocean right there. Coaches scale every movement, so if you've never touched a barbell you'll still be fine, and if you train regularly you won't be bored. After the session, lunch is usually at a local carinderia or back at the villas, then afternoons are for excursions — Sugba Lagoon, the Maasin River, Magpupungko Rock Pools, a working farm where you do a cooking class and try traditional Filipino weaving.

One of the bigger days is the island hopping trip: a boat out to a remote island, a hike to the top for the view, a workout on the sand, and a traditional boodle fight lunch served on banana leaves where everyone eats with their hands. Another full-day adventure goes to Sohoton Grande, where you swim through secret caves, cliff jump, float in emerald-green water and swim with non-sting jellyfish. There's also a beginner surf lesson at Cloud 9, the wave that put Siargao on the map — the lesson is at a nearby break suited to first-timers, not the famous reef pass itself.

The accommodation is Kajali Villas, a small minimalist property a three-minute walk from the centre of General Luna. Each villa has its own AC and WiFi, there's a pool in the middle surrounded by loungers, and the staff are a big part of why people like it. Because the whole property is booked for the group, it feels more like staying at a friend's place than a hotel. You're close to cafes, smoothie bars, the beach and the local market, so on the free day you can wander out on your own without needing a ride.

What separates this from a standard fitness retreat is the mix of training and actual travel. You're not doing the same class in the same studio every day. You're working out in a CrossFit box one morning and on a sandbar the next, then spending the afternoon in a lagoon or a cave. The retreat is run by Lauren and Ras, who have a returning group of guests — several people on each trip have been on two or three before, which says something about how it's organised. It's also open to all ages and fitness levels, with a typical group of around 20 people and at least two coaches on hand.

What's included

- 7 nights villa accommodation at Kajali Villas - Full private use of the property for the group - 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Snacks and water - Daily workouts (all levels, all equipment provided) - All scheduled activities and excursions - Full-day boat island hopping adventure - Traditional boodle fight lunch - Private massage treatment - All local transportation during the retreat - Airport pickup and drop-off at Siargao Airport (IAO) - Custom T-shirt and swag bag

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Alcohol and drinks - Personal expenses and souvenirs - Optional activities on the free day - Additional nights before or after the retreat