Adriatic Fitness Adventure Retreat with Josh Bridges on Pag Island, Croatia

The retreat is based in Šimuni Village on Pag, about an hour from Zadar Airport. It's a quiet harbour village on the Adriatic, away from the crowded party spots, with sandy beaches and clear water within walking distance of where you sleep. The rhythm of the week alternates between training and exploring: gym or beach workouts five or six mornings, then an organised adventure or free time after lunch.

Expect a real mix of training. Grown Strong's sessions are typically HIIT and strength work, and when the group is in a CrossFit gym you'll have barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and pull-up racks. Outdoor sessions lean on bodyweight movements — hikes, beach workouts, obstacle courses. Everything gets scaled to your level, and with multiple coaches on the trip there's usually someone free to adjust a movement for you on the spot.

Beyond the gym, the week is stacked with things to do on and around the water. There's a full day on a private boat with lunch included, swimming and relaxing in the Adriatic. You'll raft the Zrmanja River, run a rope obstacle course and a water obstacle course, snorkel, and ride quad bikes on the island. A day trip to Krka National Park covers the waterfalls, a scenic boat ride and a Croatian wine and food dinner. Another day goes to Rab — old town exploring, coffee and the local Rab cake, lunch, quad biking and sunset drinks on the boat back.

The shared experience is a big part of it. Around 20 people per trip, mixing solo travellers, couples and friends, with a typical age range of 30–60 (though past groups have included a 14-year-old and a 74-year-old). A WhatsApp group opens about a month before departure so people can introduce themselves before they fly.

Food is covered three times a day, largely local Croatian cooking with Mediterranean and seafood influences, plus a spread of other options so nobody eats the same thing for a week. Dietary restrictions and allergies are collected via a questionnaire after booking. Alcohol isn't included, but you can buy drinks whenever you like. The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and logistics, and you're free to skip any activity and do your own thing.

What's included

- 7 nights' stay at Šimuni Village - Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) - Snacks and water - All workouts - All activities and excursions - All local transportation during the retreat - Airport transfers (pickup and drop-off at Zadar Airport) - Exclusive Grown Strong retreat T-shirt

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Alcohol and drinks - Personal expenses and souvenirs - Any extra nights before or after the retreat (arrangeable, but non-refundable and not included)