Fitness in Bahamas

Fitness

New Providence Island

Nassau has a number of health clubs and gyms for those in the mood for an indoor workout or some spa pampering -- an energizing alternative to shopping on an overcast day. Most clubs are stocked with the latest high-tech machinery, including stair climbers, treadmills, and exercise bikes, and offer aerobics and other fitness classes. If you plan to stay in the area for a stretch, check to see if package rates are available.

Azure Spa (British Colonial Hilton, Bay St. 242/325-8497) offers quality à la carte services including facials (50-minute steam, massage, and mask is $70), body scrubs and wraps, hydrotherapy ($45 for 25 minutes), and numerous types of massages (hour-long aromatherapy is $80).

Palace Spa (242/327-6200), in the Wyndham Crystal Palace complex and adjoining the Radisson Cable Beach, is a full-service gym with all the amenities and aerobics classes. Exercise bikes face the water, and the spa has stair machines and excellent showers. Pamper yourself at the relaxing hot tub and sauna. Fees are $10 daily and $35 weekly (Nassau Wyndham Resort and Nassau Beach Hotel guests receive a discount rate).

Planet Fitness (Bridge Plaza, just over eastern Paradise Island bridge. 242/394-4653) has aerobics, step, and cardio-funk classes, as well as top-of-the-line fitness equipment, a juice bar, and a nursery. A full-access day pass is $8.

Windermere Day Spa at Harbour Bay (E. Bay St. 242/393-8788) offers a variety of ultramodern spa treatments -- such as hydrotherapy and salt glows -- as well as top-quality facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures. There's also a small, exclusive training center.

Grand Bahama Island

Grand Bahama Fitness Centre (E. Atlantic Dr. off E. Sunrise Hwy., Freeport. 242/352-7867) offers weight and cardio machines, aerobic and yoga classes, and a free nursery. Fees are $8 per day, $20 per week.

Olympic Fitness Center (Coral Beach Hotel, Lucaya. 242/373-8181) has Universal machines, weights, and aerobics classes overlooking the hotel's pool. Costs are $7 per day, $20 per week.

Senses Spa (Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Resort, Lucaya. 242/350-5281) has state-of-the-art cardio and exercise equipment, including free weights, a spinning studio, and fitness classes. The fee is $25 for nonguests per day, which includes use of the sauna facilities.