Croatia Fitness & Adventure Retreat: Train with Navy SEAL Josh Bridges on Pag Island

Fitness is the anchor of the week, but the schedule deliberately alternates hard training with time on the water and in the hills. Mornings typically begin with a gym workout — the retreat uses local CrossFit facilities stocked with barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and pull-up racks — or an outdoor session built around bodyweight movements on the beach or an adventure course. Sessions are a mix of HIIT and strength training, and every one is modified for different levels. There are at least two coaches for a group of roughly 20, so you get hands-on guidance whether you're new to training or experienced.

What separates this from a standard fitness camp is the roster of excursions. On day two the group spends a full day on a private boat, swimming and eating lunch on board. Day four is a kayak rafting trip down the Zrmanja River with lunch outdoors. Day six goes to Krka National Park for its waterfalls and a boat ride through the park, finishing with a local Croatian wine and food dinner. Day seven is a trip to Rab, one of the Adriatic's historic islands, with free time in the Old Town, a quad-bike ride, and sunset drinks on the boat back. A water obstacle course and an outdoor adventure course round out the active days.

The guest coach for 2026 is Josh Bridges — a former Navy SEAL, CrossFit Games athlete, and founder of Pay the Man. He coaches and trains with the group throughout the week rather than appearing for a single session, so his style shapes the training days as well as the social side of the trip.

Accommodation is at Šimuni Village, a resort-style property in a quiet seaside village on Pag's coast, roughly an hour from Zadar Airport. The village is known for clear water and sandy beaches and is well away from Croatia's busier tourist hubs. Rooms are booked as single occupancy, double occupancy, or shared with a same-gender roommate; king beds are standard, and double-occupancy guests can request two separate mattresses instead of sharing one.

Food is included three meals a day. The kitchen leans on local Croatian and Mediterranean cooking — seafood features heavily — with a broader mix of dishes across the week, and dietary requirements are collected via questionnaire after booking. Alcohol isn't included but can be bought at any time. The retreat is open to ages 18 and up, with a typical participant age range of 30–60, though the operators note past guests ranging from 14 to 74.

What's included

- 7 nights' accommodation at Šimuni Village - Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Snacks and water - All workouts (HIIT and strength training) - All activities and excursions - All local transportation during the retreat - Airport transfer to and from Zadar Airport - Exclusive Grown Strong retreat T-shirt

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Alcohol and drinks outside included meals - Personal expenses and souvenirs - Additional nights before or after the retreat - Optional extras not listed in the itinerary