Some people try to whip themselves into shape in the weeks leading up to a beach vacation. Others live a healthy lifestyle year-round and look for vacation destinations that offer a chance to work out and put their athleticism to good use. Whether you’re the last-minute crammer, the dedicated athlete or somewhere in between, an exercise-focused holiday may be an interesting change of pace from your typical lazy vacation. Fitness boot camps are popping up around the globe in exotic destinations. They blend fitness and fun, with a chance to explore and immerse yourself in a different culture. Here are some of our favorites.

Yoga for Bad People, Worldwide

Katelin Sisson and Heather Lilleston started Yoga for Bad People. “Bad” meaning “good,” in that the instructors, their approach and the clientele they serve are unconventional and eccentric. They take pride in helping yogis remove one of the most common obstacles to yoga success – adhering too strictly to the rules – by injecting fun into the practice. The retreat locations they select blend opportunities for quiet time and reflection, as well as physical activities, athleticism, and nightlife. Upcoming retreats will have you jetting off to far-flung destinations such as Uruguay, Brazil, Jamaica, Cuba, Ireland, Portugal and Sicily.

Mountain Trek, British Columbia, Canada

The Mountain Trek program in British Columbia, Canada is designed to help you feel like an athlete again. They’ve been helping guests regain functional fitness and health over the past 16 years through a program that blends fitness activities with healthy eating and lifestyle advice. A typical day will have you waking up with a sunrise yoga session, hitting the trails for a full-day hike including a lunchtime picnic, and ending your day with a fitness class and educational lecture about diet and exercise. Mountain Trek also hosts twice-yearly retreats in Baja, Mexico if you prefer to get in shape in the hot Mexican sun.

Camp Biche, Southern France

Get fit while surrounded by the luxury of an 800-year-old medieval mansion in the picturesque village of Lauzerte in southern France. At Camp Biche, you’ll enjoy indulgent-but-healthy locally sourced vegan meals and wine (in moderation, of course) while taking part in a fitness routine designed to melt away the excess pounds. Your program will be customized for you, ensuring that you’ll successfully take the next step in your fitness journey, whether you’re a marathon runner or a couch potato.

Sonki Fitness Vacation, Oahu and Maui, Hawaii

Most people come back from vacation a few pounds heavier. This won’t be the case if you take a Sonki Fitness vacation with West Point graduate and international fitness champ Sonki Hong. These fitness boot camps take place in Hawaii on the islands of Oahu and Maui. Hong will have you running on the beach, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming and surfing your way to fitness, all while enjoying healthy foods and some of the freshest sashimi in the world.

This year, you might want to skip sipping tropical drinks on the beach and take a vacation to a fitness boot camp. Instead of feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation, you’ll return home feeling refreshed, fit and ready to take on the rest of the year.