BETHESDA, MD—Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Resorts, which represents Marriott International’s luxury resorts in the region, has partnered with Sarah Fit, one of YouTube’s most-viewed fitness gurus. With more than 200,000 subscribers, Fit plans to show viewers how to stay healthy and active while visiting any of the collection’s eight resorts.
As part of the Fit in Paradise initiative, the fitness expert filmed a series of workout and lifestyle videos at each of the collection’s resorts. These online videos, which feature Fit engaging in a specific workout set amidst the backdrop of each resort, have been rolled out across her social media channels as well as those of Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Resorts.
“While visiting all eight properties, I discovered that each resort is really unique, from the menus to the outdoor activities,” said Fit. “While it would be easy to relax and do nothing but eat and drink, it was equally as easy to be active and make healthy decisions.”
The eight resorts on The Fit in Paradise program include Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino; CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort; CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa; Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino; Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort; Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort; JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa; and St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino.
“All the resorts had great gyms and offered a variety of classes,” said Fit. “The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa has one of the nicest hotel gyms I’ve ever seen and offers challenging spin classes, which guests of both the JW and the neighboring CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort can take advantage of.”
She added, “Grand Cayman Marriot Beach Resort was meant for people who love to run on the beach, as the destination’s Seven Mile Beach has perfectly packed sand for a good workout. I also loved using the stand-up paddleboards there because the ocean was so clear and calm. St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Curacao Marriott Beach Resort both had wonderful yoga classes that took place outdoors in the morning and evening.”
Fit, whose YouTube videos have been viewed more than 120 million times, was initially drawn to Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Resorts for her strong following. “Her audience is largely Millennial women interested in travel and a healthy lifestyle, so the partnership also allows us to better target this important demographic, which was a primary goal of the initiative,” said Kimberly Lewin, marketing manager of Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Resorts. “Most importantly, Fit brings an enthusiastic approach to a healthy lifestyle while offering advice and tips that are both valuable and attainable.”
Fit has also developed property-specific fitness and wellness tip sheets, highlighting activities and nutrition. Examples include experiencing the juice and kombucha bar at Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort or taking a yoga class at Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. The tip sheets are available in guestrooms.
“Sarah’s workouts and tips make it easy for guests to stay healthy on vacation, giving them more energy to enjoy the experience without having to give up the things they enjoy,” said Lewin. “With the wellness travel trend on the rise, travelers look toward resorts that make wellness a priority, and Marriott Caribbean & Latin America Resorts does just that with the Fit in Paradise initiative.”
To help guests enjoy both healthy and flavorful meals while traveling, Fit created menu recommendations highlighted at a designated restaurant in each resort, in addition to crafting a signature Sarah Fit cocktail alongside property mixologists. The signature drinks, specialized to each region, use natural fruit juices as sweeteners instead of heavy syrups.
“The inspiration behind the menu recommendations came from my own nutrition preferences,” said Fit. “I am not into dieting, especially on vacation, but I do try to eat foods that are minimally processed and as close to their original source as possible. Many of the options are already gluten and dairy free, or we advise guests how to make them gluten- or dairy-free with just a slight request to their waiter. We also highlight vegan and vegetarian options.”
—Matthew Marin