When most people think of vacationing, fun, rest, and relaxation are the first things that come to mind. Just because it’s vacation time doesn’t mean you can’t get some exercise in, eat some healthy treats, and have fun while doing it all. From boot camp to surf lessons, our itinerary for your health and wellness journey has it all.
DAY 1: CLASSIC BEACH DAY
A beach day can be totally relaxing and laid back but there are also dozens of ways to be active and have some fun in the sand and in the surf. Buy a beach volleyball and play a doubles match at the Bonnet street access volleyball court in Nags Head or make it more challenging and try to keep the ball in volley in the ocean. If you’re in town, make sure you make your way to the village of Waves to enjoy Roxy Beach day hosted by REAL Watersports. Roxy beach day is a free event where you can learn about kiteboarding, beach yoga, surf lessons and more.
DAY 2: THE GYM
Getting motivated to go to the gym is hard enough. Having a class outside in the morning on the beach at sunrise makes it a little easier to get out there because, coming from experience, that view is amazing. The Gym in Kitty Hawk (yes, this gym is literally titled The Gym) offers Outer Banks Bootcamps that meet Monday through Friday from 5:30 AM to 6:45 AM. Don’t let the name boot camp intimidate you. The class caters to all fitness level from beginner to advanced.
Image courtesy of Outer Banks Bootcamps
DAY 3: LOVIE’S
After all that running around and being active, your body and mind are probably going to want a little rest and relaxation. Located in Corolla, Lovie’s Spa is home to experienced and professional hair stylists, massage therapists, and estheticians that will cater to your every need. If you still want to stay active but slow it down a little, Lovie’s has a yoga studio you can take advantage of that is shared with Outer Banks Yoga. If you just want to take a day and relax you can opt in to get a facial or a massage. They even offer a men’s package complete with a facial and shave.
Image courtesy of Lovie’s Spa
DAY 4: DUCK VILLAGE YOGA
If you didn’t take advantage of the yoga studio at Lovie’s spa, take today to slow it down and go with the flow at Village Yoga. Duck Village Yoga is located in the Waterfront Shops in Duck. Starting at $15 for a single class, Village Yoga offers classes for all levels of experience. From a basic yoga class that focuses on one-on-one attention and a slower pace to a warm yoga class for intermediate and advanced yogis, Village Yoga is the place to go. If you get hooked on one class, they also offer a week long pass for you to enjoy!
Image courtesy of Duck Village Yoga
DAY 5: THE SPOT
It’s time to treat yourself. Located in Nags Head beside Secret Spot Surf Shop, The Spot is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a healthy treat. The Spot offers ice cream and milkshakes, but for the ones that want a guilt free treat, acai bowls are the way to go. Acai (pronounced ah-sah-EE) is a super fruit that’s packed with antioxidants and omegas that are great for heart health and glowing skin. The Spot has over 10 different bowl recipes and 3 different sizes so you’ll never get bored and to be honest, you might even make more than one trip to The Spot on your Outer Banks visit!
Image courtesy of @markee.marq via Instagram
DAY 6: SURF LESSONS
Take some time to get in tune with your inner Kelly Slater and take a surf lesson at Banks Surf Supply! Banks Surf Supply is a locally owned surf shop in Nags Head right down the street from Jennette’s Pier. Banks Surf supply also offers privates lessons. Certified instructors will work with you and provide one on one instruction. With a max of 2 students per instructor, you’ll be out shredding waves in no time. The shop also offers mostly locally made and owned products so once you’re done surfing, you can find some unique souvenirs to remember your vacation by.
Image courtesy of Banks Surf Supply Co.
DAY 7: EXPLORE JOCKEY’S RIDGE
Spend the last day of your health and wellness vacation at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head. Jockey’s Ridge is one of the most famous and oldest landmarks on the Outer Banks. The massive sand dunes take up a little over 400 acres of land and the amount of sand could fill about 6 million dump trucks. Learn about the wildlife of the Outer Banks at the park or just take time to climb all the way to the top of the dunes on Jockey’s Ridge. The view of the ocean on one side and the sound on the other is totally worth the hike. Feeling adventurous? Take a hang-gliding lesson from Kitty Hawk Kites, which is located right across the street.
Image Courtesy of Friends of Jockey’s Ridge
