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Have a healthy holiday at these fitness retreats

Holidays are great, but too often you return home with a sunburn, a few extra kilos and a perpetual hangover.

How to enjoy a summer holiday on a budget

Travellers – it doesn’t have to be this way. Give your body some quality time out with actual exercise, time outdoors and adventure.

These local destinations are right on your doorstep, each offering a unique way to get in shape whilst having fun. Just do it.

Belle Helena, Byron Bay, NSW

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If you can convince a bunch of health-conscious buddies to join you, you can rent out this private 200-acre resort ten minutes from the heart of hippy town Byron Bay.

The property, which has a main house and a smaller secondary residence, can sleep up to 22 people and prices start at around $2000 a night.

For that, you’ll get a private rugby field, lap pool, tennis courts, gym, yoga studio, driving range and three-hole golf course.

Just try getting bored.

Lawson Lodge, Macedon, VIC

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If you’re craving a cosy country getaway without the sloth-like lounging by the fire, Lawson Lodge offers just that.

Sleeping up to 20 people, the lodge offers both traditional and nontraditional activities. On the one hand, you have access to a nine-hole golf course, a tennis court and several buswalking trails around the property.

For those who want something slightly more unconventional, there’s extensive trout fishing and a basketball court.

After all of your physical exertions, you can chill out with a drink and game of billiards in the sports lounge and bar, watch a movie in the cinema or grab a massage at the spa.

The best part? The lodge is only 25 minutes drive from Melbourne Airport.

Valley of the Mists, Charlotte Valley, NSW

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This serene cottage is an eco-friendly rural retreat set on 3.5 acres near both beaches and national parks.

True to its name, the property overlooks a sweeping valley often shrouded in mist and the airy house is designed to take advantage of striking country views.

A massive deck and a 13-metre infinity lap pool provide plenty of inspiration to get outside.

The tranquil house, which can be rented from $525 a night, also features a yoga and the surrounding parkland offers ample opportunities for bushwalking and bird watching.

The Tennis Club, Portsea, VIC

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The beach house of your dreams, The Tennis Club is located near some of Victoria’s best beaches, with endless opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, swimming and hiking.

True to its name, the key feature is the tennis court steps from the back door.

If you’re in need of an active summer holiday, put the Australian Open on the television and head outside for your own family grand slam tournament – including proper grandstand seating for spectators.

With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, it’s perfect for families and, if you have kids, a Wii console will keep them entertained after the sun goes down. Prices start at $325 a night.

Inspiration on Wedgetail, Eagle Bay, WA

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Don’t let the super glamorous appearance of this guest house deceive you – it’s the perfect place to get sweaty thanks to a private squash court and fully equipped gym.

After that, you can jump in the weather-friendly indoor pool or play an intense game of table tennis. Next, hit the spa or have dinner in the massive outdoor barbeque pavilion, which also features a pizza oven.

To top it all off, you can then finish your night with a movie screening in the 12-seat private cinema.

Prices start at $2000 a night and the property sleeps 12 people – book it and your friends will thank you later.

Bay of Fires Walk, Bay of Fires, TAS

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If you’re a stickler for the great outdoors, it doesn’t get any more back to nature than the Bay of Fires walk along the aquamarine beaches of Tasmania.

The four-day walk is manageable for beginner hikers and the accommodation is the ultimate in glamping (glam-camping).

Wander through the stunning Mount William National Park by day and, at night, get cozy in comfortable tents followed by the architecturally striking, eco-friendly lodge.

If camp food isn’t your thing, fear not; the experience is fully catered. And we mean fully. Food consists of the best gourmet fresh produce Tasmania can offer, paired with fine local wine and beer.

Along with scenic hikes, you can choose to partake in kayaking, swimming or spa treatments. Prices start at $2,250 per person for three nights.

Eden Health Retreat, Currumbin Valley, QLD

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For those who struggle with self-discipline and motivation, there’s Eden health Retreat. The resort is specifically designed to help you get fit without even knowing it. The layout of the resort requires you to do a lot of walking, some of it up steep hills.

What’s more, Friday mornings involve a tropical breakfast on the beach, but you’ll have to get up at 6am and do stretching exercises to get it.

All the food is delicious, but with hidden health benefits thanks to a consulting naturopath. Spend your leisure time unwinding in the spa, sauna and pool or adventuring around the fitness centre, tennis courts, walking and mountain biking tracks, rock-climbing centre and flying fox.

Five-night packages start at $2690 per person.

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