The Best Airports For Traveler Wellness

Travel and wellness don’t always go hand in hand. The airport is a stressful and chaotic place and for a long time that is just something frequent travelers had to put up with. However as we become more and more aware of the negative effects frequent travel has on us and the benefits of wellness activities, a shift in attitude is starting to occur. Airports are starting to recognize the wellness needs and wants of their traveling customers and are looking to build a new mindset around time spent at the airport, whether that is through fitness facilities, meditation rooms or other more innovative methods (check out what Frankfurt has to offer below!) At Sanctifly we recognize that airport downtime does not have to wasted and it certainly does not have to mean spending time at the bar. It’s great to see airports joining us in this new approach to travel downtime. Check out the best wellness options available at airports below.

Fitness

Incorporating fitness into your travel routine can be difficult. Although we always encourage travelers to fit in a workout whenever you can, even if you only have ten minutes at the gate, having the motivation to get up and stretch or do some squats is easier said than done. That’s why we love it when an airport gives it traveling passengers fitness options that can be accessed right from the terminal. These are our favourite fitness options at airports:

The TWA Hotel gym at JFK

The TWA Hotel is an amazing location by itself and the gym is something to behold. The facility is over 10,000 sq ft and is the largest hotel gym in the entire world! It boasts a full yoga studio, Peloton bikes, treadmills, weight equipment and so much more. The fitness center is within walking distance of the airport and can be accessed directly from Terminal 5 at JFK.

Sanctifly members get access to the TWA Fitness center and we send Sara, our travel wellness expert to check it out. Take a look at here video here. Find out more about the amazing benefits you get when you become a Sanctifly member here.

ROAM fitness at BWI

One of the few in airport gyms, ROAM Fitness at Baltimore Airport is an amazing facility. The gym is located after security next to gate D1. The perfect spot for a workout before or even after your flight to help you stay energized. The gym has lost of cardio and weights equipment for you to use and they even lend you workout clothes for free should you need it! That is some customer service! Of course you will need to rinse off the sweat you just worked up and ROAM fitness has you covered. You can reserve a shower for after your workout and continue on your journey feeling clean and refreshed. Day passes start at $25 and they have lots of other membership options available too. ROAM fitness at BWI are also part of the Sanctifly partner network and Sanctifly members can get access passes through the Sanctifly app.

CLE Health Walk

You don’t always have to hit the gym in order to add fitness to your travel routine. It is great when airports take an active interest in their traveling passengers physical health and provide easily accessible fitness options right in the airport. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport have done just that with their Start! Walking routes. The routes are available in all terminals and give passengers that are waiting for a flight or may be delayed a chance to get moving and get some exercise. CLE also has Health Tips related to diet and exercise posted throughout the terminals.

Stress relief

Airports and air travel are some of the most stressful experiences we go through. Even when traveling for pleasure the airport is a tiresome experience, with its large crowds and noisy atmosphere. Add to that the potential of your flight being delayed and it’s a recipe for stress. Airports are waking up to the fact that they need to take better care of their passengers’ wellbeing and are incorporating stress relief into the passenger experience. Here are some unique ways airports are helps travelers deal with stress.

The WAG brigade - Airport therapy animals at SFO

This almost sounds too good to be true… Your flight is delayed, you’re are getting more and more stressed and along comes a happy, cuddly dog to help melt your stress away. Well that’s exactly what could happen at San Francisco Airport thanks to the Wag Brigade. Trained by SF SPCA's Animal Assisted Interactions training program, these airport therapy dogs and pig (yes, you read that right, the Wag Brigade actually features a therapy pig named LiLou!) are used to the hustle and bustle of the airport and do wonders for stressed out passengers as they wait for their flight. Even just seeing them trotting along in the terminal is enough to put a smile on your face and relieve some of that inevitable airport stress.

Silent chairs at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt is one of the most progressive airports when it comes to passenger wellness, topping most lists as the best in the world for providing wellness amenities. It is not totally surprising that Frankfurt Airport has some unique facilities to help its stressed out passengers, one of which are the Silent Chairs. An airport can be a chaotic and noisy place and sometimes the thing you need most to destress is some peace and quiet. The Silent Chairs are dotted throughout the airport in both terminals are great spots for meditation. The chairs have soundproof glass panels on either side, with integrated speakers and earphone jack so you can enjoy your own music. The also come equipped with small tables, USB ports and power sockets if you need to get some work done.

Watch the fish at the indoor aquarium in Vancouver Airport

Vancouver airport is packed full of wildlife and one of the most peaceful ways to spend your airport downtime is to visit the 114,000-litre aquarium located in the International Terminal. Watching fish and other sea creatures is soothing and almost hypnotic to watch and can have incredible positive benefits for your mental health. The large aquarium at YVR is home to over 5,000 sea creatures and the small 1,800-litre aquarium is home to Pacific Sea Nettle Jellyfish. Except for the throngs of people, airports can often be lifeless places with very little space for nature, so it is great to see an airport incorporating local wildlife in such a unique way. Even if you don’t find fish particularly soothing, the bright and natural colours are at least a welcome change from the relative blandness and artificial light you often find in airports.

Many airports now feature yoga and meditation rooms for their passengers to use. Check out this blog post I wrote on the top 5 free yoga/meditation rooms at the airport.

Get outside

Airport Park in Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has the perfect place to get some fresh air and get close to nature thanks to its Airport Park. The ‘park’ is located after security and is open 24/7. The space has lots of comfortable seating, plant life and a terrace so you can get outside and breath in some fresh air. Relax and enjoy the space while listening to the pre-recorded birdsong and you will feel like you are a million miles away from the airport. The space also has energy generating stationary bikes so you can work up a sweat and charge your phone at the same time! You can also get outside at Schiphol by going to the Panorama Terrace where you can do a bit of plane spotting with an expansive view over the airport runways.

Sun terrace at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Get some fresh air and soak up some Texas rays at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The airport has an outdoor patio in the South Terminal that is accessible to passengers once they go past security. The area has lots of tables and chairs for you to sit and relax before your flight and you can even grab bite to eat at one of the food trucks stationed in the outdoor patio. There is also WI-Fi access and charging stations available, but I recommend taking a moment to put down your electronics and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Cultural gardens at Honolulu airport

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii is one of the best airports for outdoor space. The airport has several cultural gardens for passengers to enjoy. The gardens surround Terminal 2 and offer a peaceful oasis for travelers with various plant life, water features and sculptures throughout. There are three distinct areas, the Chinese Garden with a bright red pavilion for travelers to sit and rest, the Japanese Garden with its zigzag bridge and colorful carp swimming in the ponds and the Hawaiian Garden with its quiet lagoons and Luau torches linking the paths. An amazing resource for anyone traveling through Honolulu and a great way to experience different cultural influence through natural design.

Runs/walks in the Sanctifly app

There are some airport specific outdoor areas listed above but there are so many more options if you are willing to leave the airport and go a little further afield. At Sanctifly we have gathered information on walking and running routes within 5 miles of all major international airports, and we are adding more and more every week! You can find all this information by downloading the Sanctifly app, creating a free account and exploring the run/walk section.

And if you would like to become a member and get access to all of our locations, including airport lounges, gyms, pools and spas all over the world you can get your Sanctifly membership here.

What to do on your Philadelphia Layover

Smart choices for the healthy traveler

Suggestions for a PHL layover

1       HOUR

We are creating a series of “things to do” at each airport.  This is to help you use your layover as wisely as possible.  We can’t always help that we are held up at an airport but if we can take advantage of the time we have there, then we hope you find the following suggestions useful:

Don’t forget how flexible your membership to the Sanctifly gym, swimming or spa is.  You can use it for an hour or more to suit the time you have available.  You can get single use membership or come onboard for full corporate membership for your business.

1.       ART MUSEUM

The Airport’s Exhibition Program is a nationally-recognized, award-winning visual arts initiative. Since its inception in 1998, there have been more than 300 exhibits featuring work by artists and arts/cultural institutions from throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. It is ranked number three in airport art installations for the US.

2.    EATING

At the D/E Connector there is a virtual library where travellers can relax in comfortable chairs and download books to read. Much of the Free Library’s digital content, including classic titles and podcasts, is available to anyone, but a Free Library card is necessary to download non-classic titles and some digital content.

3.    EATING

Have some of the Northeast’s most recognized seafood and visit Legal Sea Foods. They are known for their lobster dishes and the company even ships across the US.

 2-3 HOURS

4.       MUSEUMS

Fort Mifflin is one of the country's only completely intact Revolutionary War battlefields. The fort has been used throughout US history in various capacities like the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution. It was reconstructed beginning in the late 18th century and in use until decommissioned 1954. They have a river walk and picnic area as well as interactive activities and battle demonstrations.

5.    HISTORY

If you have access to a car or money for a taxi (you'll need about $28 each way for the taxi) then you can head North on Interstate 95 and see some of the most exciting sights in the city, such as Penn's Landing, Independence Hall and South Street.

Independence Hall

6.    GARDENS

Bartram’s Garden is a 45-acre National Historic Landmark. The grounds are free and open to the public year-round, dawn to dusk, except on observed holidays. From the gardens you can access the Lower Schuylkill River, the eight-mile stretch of river from the Fairmount Dam at the Art Museum to the Delaware River confluence and enjoy free kayaking and row boating every Saturday from the Community Boathouse.

4+ HOURS

7.    MUSEUMS

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is one of the world's greatest collections of racing sports cars. Assembled over 50 years by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Frederick Simeone, the Museum contains over 65 historically significant cars including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford and more. They are open Tuesday through Sunday for General Admission.

Thanks so much for reading and feel free to send any suggestions you may have to be added to this list.

Sanctifly is our number one recommendation at every airport

Become a full member now and enjoy the benefits today

What to do on your Phoenix Layover

Smart choices for the healthy traveler

Suggestions for a PHX layover

1 HOUR

We are creating a series of “things to do” at each airport.  This is to help you use your layover as wisely as possible.  We can’t always help that we are held up at an airport but if we can take advantage of the time we have there, then we hope you find the following suggestions useful:

Don’t forget how flexible your membership to the Sanctifly gym, swimming or spa is.  You can use it for an hour or more to suit the time you have available.  You can get single use membership or come onboard for full corporate membership for your business.

1.       ART MUSEUM

Take a break from the surroundings and visit the art museums located within Terminals 2, 3 and 4. They contain art, photos, artefacts and some historical stories of the area. The exhibits change regularly and the art must come from Arizona, and somehow reflect that, or aviation in some way. There are also wall posters telling you where to find the art, a brochures, and a map.

2.       WALKING

Squeeze in some more exercise and follow the the Sky Harbor Fitness Trail located in Terminal 4. It is a two-mile trek throughout the gates and displays images of some of the best sights around the city such as the downtown Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and the sandstone buttes at Papago Park.

 2-3 HOURS

3.       MUSEUMS

The Pueblo Grande Museum, is located just off the 44th St/Washington stop on the PHX Sky Train, on the southeast corner. The museum is a pre-Columbian archaeological site operated by the City of Phoenix and is important in the history of Hohokam Native Americans.  There is hikes, classes, tours and a lot more going on.  Check the link for opening times and prices for entry.

4+ HOURS

4.       VIEWS AND ZOOS

Papago Park offers some of the most beautiful views in the Phoenix area. Take a break and experience some of the desert atmosphere with easily accessible hiking trails only a light rail ride away from the airport. It features the famous Hole in the Rock, which is an easy climb that allows you to look down across the valley and over the Phoenix Zoo. Only 15 minutes away by taxi.

If you have an extremely long layover, why not escape entirely and visit the Phoenix Zoo? Only 15 minutes away by taxi, and you could be experiencing some of the 3,000 animals and 30 endangered species who call the zoo home.

Thanks so much for reading and feel free to send any suggestions you may have to be added to this list.

Sanctifly is our number one recommendation at every airport

Become a full member now and enjoy the benefits today

The Importance of Small Wins for Start Ups

The Importance of Small Wins for Start Ups

Big news and we are absolutely delighted to share it with you all! Last week we won the prestigious ‘Travel Company Of The Year’ from Think Global Awards. We were in great company (quick shoutout to GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor) and it was such an honour to be recognised on such a global platform alongside such global companies.

But as much as we love receiving awards (and we do!), it got us thinking about the importance of small wins. Three quick thoughts that we would love to share with you all

Why Winning Matters to Startups

In the corporate world you have ladders and titles and promotions and certification and many wonderful ways to recognise you are growing and learning. In the startup world on the other hand, validation can be hard to receive as the journey can be quite lonely and products/services can always be so many times better. Which is why we are so grateful for Think Global Awards who could see our potential and loved what we had to offer.

The last few months we have been very privileged to be shortlisted along the way too:

1. SXSW Start Up Pitch
2. Game of Thornes
3. Mega Event (Lions Den)
4. World Start Up

The Non-Award Wins That Are Crucial to Startups

Awards are lovely milestones for publicly recognised accomplishments. BUT for any founder reading this, you will resonate with the fact that most of what is done goes unnoticed but is absolutely crucial. We remember the day we launched our website. Small win. We remember the day we launched our social media channels. Small wins. We remember dealing with the many bugs in our mobile app. Small wins. We remember writing our first partnership document with a major global brand. Small win. We remember the first person who commented on a blog. Small win. We remember .... For every founder, every thinker, and every dreamer reading this – remember the importance of the everyday small wins because that’s how you make the big wins.

The Reason We Need to Shout About it (and why you should do too!)

This isn't just about us, it's about you too. We wouldn't have achieved this milestone without your support along the way. You see that we are determined to grow and we absolutely are going to build upon this to go to the next level.

This is also a win for the whole team and it's a moment to celebrate and acknowledge each of them too. Successful businesses are a result of successful teams!

We so appreciate the acknowledgement from Think Global Awards and we are excited to honor the award with our service. 

3 Steps to Better Health

3 Steps to Better Health

Picture this, there is the usual congestion into the airport, huge queues through security and even massive queues to the toilets and you as always allow for the normal things that will slow you down. Ultimately your mindset for your trip is not one of relaxation! It is all about overcoming obstacles along the way.

We get it here at Sanctifly, we are all getting extremely busy. This is why we created this app for your convenience whilst dealing with meetings, appointments and families. What we need to do however is watch our health.

How much time do you actually spend minding your health?

One of very well known ambassadors states “Fitness leads to Greatness!” Daniel Ramamoorthy is a massive advocate of a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Once you can work away the stress and strains of your responsibilities it puts you on a much better footing overall. Watch his experience of our newest location out of Dublin Airport.

Making time for yourself is what we want to make possible for you. You can rely on us to make the transition as smooth and as simple as possible.

Every business involves travel – it is just a necessity! We can provide you either aerobic or gym facilities at your location. We can send you the best runs/jogs close to your location.

We have some amazing swimming facilities and Spa’s to visit as well so we are listening to your needs and building on them!

The Three Steps to Better Health!

We have an app for that…

1. We have an app that you can add simply to your phone and get started. With clear directions and even gives you detail of how long it will take to get to these facilities, you’re not left guessing!

2. You can buy as many passes as you want for the day and time window you need and you’re set to go.

3. Read our “Top Tips” blog posts to take advantage of the local places to go at the airport your grabbing your workout from. Get a massage!

This is your time to get fit and travel simply, Sanctifly is really committed to a better travel experience and we on the team are always looking for ways to bring that right at your fingertips.

Learn more at our website www.sanctifly.club and sign up today.

What to do on your Dallas (Fort Worth) Layover

Smart choices for the healthy traveler

Suggestions for a DFW layover

1 HOUR

1. ART WALK

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is made up of five semicircular terminals built around an arterial road known as “International Parkway”. And it is big. Larger in fact than the island of Manhattan and the 3rd busiest airport in the world. So if you have some time to spare there are plenty of corridors to stroll, and if you are in terminal D you have an ideal walking path. Endorsed by the American Heart Association, this path measures seven-tenths of a mile and leads right through the Airport’s Art Program. Featuring more than 30 sculptures, paintings and mosaics by local, national and international artists this collection of work breathes life and culture into the terminal. Underfoot you will see a series of colourful medallion terrazzo floors. Hanging from the ceiling and on the walls will be eye-catching paintings and sculptures, many on a very impressive scale. And if you make it all the way to the end and you want to work the legs even further, climb the 55-foot high staircase up to the Skylink. Not a bad workout. Not a bad walk.

2. PEACE & QUIET

As is often the case, the two quietest spots in the airport are the Yoga room and the Chapel. In DFW there are five interfaith Chapels (at A24, B25, C15, D21 & E4) and two Yoga rooms (one at gates B1/D40 & one at E31). It’s never too late to roll out your first mat and to introduce this ancient tradition to your lifestyle. The benefits of yoga are numerous: it improves your posture, muscle strength, flexibility, blood flow, breathing, self-esteem, immunity, and heart-rate, as well as releasing tension and making you feel happy, healthy and focused. When it comes to prayer the benefits are, or course, infinite. 

 3. EAT

Texas is known for BBQ and TexMex. You will find several examples of this cuisine across the donut-shaped terminals of DFW. You know what they say, when in Rome eat like the Romans, and when in Dallas eat like the Cowboys! Sticky ribs, smokehouse specials, tasty burritos: yummy. If you are arriving back from a Sanctifly workout at 24 Hour Fitness then maybe you deserve some protein. Having said that, if you are determined to track down a healthier alternative there are options. For smoothies and yogurts head to Red Mango (B10, C22) or Freshens at gate E26, while Banh Shop near gate D10 make good fresh baguettes and salads inspired by Southeast Asian street food. If you have no dietary restrictions I recommend indulging in the chopped brisket sandwich at Cousin’s Bar-B-Q! Cousins are low-and-slow specialists with a reputation as one of the best smokehouses in the state. All their meat is prepared, packaged and shipped daily from their pits in Fort Worth. The ultimate Lone Star meal. When in Rome.

 2-3 HOURS

4. OBSERVATORY

DFW Airport has a fantastic outdoor area from which to watch the aircraft takeoff and land on the runways. Founders Plaza Observatory has become a favourite spot for locals, airport staff and aviation enthusiasts. Post-mounted binoculars are provided to allow people to get a closer look at the planes on approach or as they accelerate towards take-off. To enhance the experience radio broadcasts can be heard of the air-traffic control conversations. This 6-acre area is popular with families and is known as a great picnic destination. So grab a sandwich or a salad in the airport then take it outside to ‘experience the exhilaration and awe of planes landing and taking off right in front of your eyes'. Best seat in the house.  

5. BEAR CREEK GOLF

You can’t get a golf course closer to an airport than Bear Creek is to Dallas Fort Worth. Adjacent to the DFW grounds Bear Creek Golf Course is a 36-hole championship-calibre course with an excellent reputation. The two courses - west and east - were both designed by renowned golf course architect Ted Robinson. Golf Digest listed it as one of the “Top 50 Resort Courses in America” and The Wall Street Journal called it one of the “10 Great Places To Play Golf”. If you don’t have the time for a full round there are chipping areas, putting greens and driving ranges on which to hone your skills or pass the time. 35 balls will cost you just $5 and you can get 125 for $12. Five minute cab ride. Good restaurant too.

6. BIG KID

We all grow up, but not all of us grow out of our childhood obsessions. If you were once a child with a love for Lego or a kid fascinated by wildlife then the city of Grapevine, Texas may have a couple of treats for you. Legoland and Sea Life are both located on the same site not far from Grapevine Lake. If you take a 10-minute taxi to this twin attraction there is every chance you will be the only grownup paying for one ticket. Yes, its a place for kids. But hey, what do you care! There’s no shame in reliving your youth. Besides, you’re never too old to enjoy toys and animals. Legoland has several exciting features for you to wander around. If those colorful little interlocking bricks still thrill you then you will have a great time seeing all the environments and sculptures on display. Sea Life contains thousands of creatures, as well as interactive touch pools and a 360° ocean tunnel. Spread across 16 zones you will encounter starfish, jellyfish, turtles and reef sharks all swimming and floating in the tanks of this popular aquarium for your interest and amusement. You can pay into one or the other, or pick up a combined ticket for both. Both attractions start from around $16 if you book online. A feast for the eyes. And a treat for the big kid.

7. SALAD BAR

If you have had enough of eating airport food and you need something fresher and healthier take a 10 minute cab to Southlake. There you will find Salata on the East State Highway. They have been in business for 12 years and today they have around 50 locations across several states. Calling themselves the Next Generation Salad Bar, they believe that if you eat good, you will look good and feel good. Step up to the counter, choose some leaves, select from 50 toppings chopped daily in-house, and top it off with one of their 10 signature dressings and the fresh, lean protein of your choice. Soups and iced teas are also available. Salad prices start from $8 but once you have added meat and all your favourite ingredients you can expect to pay closer to $15. You can get it all in a bowl or in a wrap. Then, we suggest taking it outside. Walk back to the highway and take a right onto State street. That will lead you down to McPherson Park and Southlake Town Square. Find a bench and enjoy your fresh crunchy lunch while you watch the people of Southlake go about their day. Better than a chimichanga in the terminal. Arrive back looking and feeling fresh and healthy.

4 HOURS

8. GRAPEVINE LAKE 

Grapevine Lake is actually a reservoir with the primary purpose of acting as a municipal water source. However most locals know it as a place of recreation. A pleasant place to visit for a stroll or even for watersports; fishing, swimming, and various forms of boating all take place regularly on the reservoir. Discover Kayak offer classes from April to October with a popular instructor. He is located to the southwest of the lake about 20 minutes in a taxi from the airport. If you have the time to spare and his schedule fits with yours why not give it a shot. Paddling out across still water for a few hours can be very relaxing for the mind and invigorating for the body. Rockledge Park is even closer to the airport and is a good spot to hike by the waterfront or take a quick swim. Nearby there is a large hotel called the Gaylord Texan Resort where you might like to grab a bite in one of their several bars and restaurants. And if you want to dine right on the lake look no further than Big Daddy’s Ship Store. Looks like a dive but the burgers and seafood snacks are good and the view and atmosphere is great. Best enjoyed with live blues.

9. DALLAS

DFW Airport is located halfway between two cities; hence the name. Fort Worth is to the west and Dallas is to the east. If you have the required hours available before your flight take your pick and you can be there by taxi inside half an hour. Dallas is the cultural hub of north Texas. There are art museums, a botanical gardens, a zoo and Reunion Tower - an iconic observation deck with city views. But if you do make the journey to downtown Dallas you have to make your way to Dealey Plaza, the site of John F Kennedy’s assassination. Stand on the concrete pedestal where the most famous home video in US history was filmed by Abraham Zapruder. Look for the large X on Elm Street which marks the place where the second fatal shot hit. Visit the Sixth Floor Museum of the Texas School Book Depository, the spot from which, according to four government investigations, LHO shot JFK. See the view from the window as Oswald would have seen it. Wander the area, feel the history, or even choose to engage with one of the many street peddlers selling books and newspapers about the first, the original conspiracy theory. Fascinating and moving.   

10. FORT WORTH

If you decide instead to visit Fort Worth for your layover, go straight to Sundance Square. The Square spans 35 blocks and has dozens of options for shopping and dining. It is a popular area with modern and historic buildings along its red-bricked streets where you can browse the gift shops, clothing stores, and jewellers before sitting down to steaming Prince Edward Island mussels at the Bird Cafe or a rooftop cocktail at Reata. The Square is also the center of entertainment in the city. Comedy venues, live music bars, and the theatres surrounding the square offer plenty to see and do. Being on a layover it is likely that you won’t be in town at the right times to catch the acts but you never know, you might get lucky. 

Sanctifly is our number one recommendation at every airport

Become a full member now and enjoy the benefits today