Fitness: not-so-basic bootcamps

1 Ultra-trail running camp, French Alps

This action-packed week will help prepare you for off-road events, adventure racing, fell running and ultras (anything over 26.2 miles) against a backdrop of snow-peaked mountains, lush green valleys and sparkling lakes. You’ll learn about navigation, ascending and descending, making the right equipment and nutrition choices, running at night and running at altitude (the village itself, Les Contamines, is 1,100m above sea level). Participants receive practical advice, one-to-one coaching and seminars from some of the world’s best, including Lizzy Hawker, two-time winner of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc footrace.

£795 for one week, not including transfers; www.alpine-oasis.com

Best for: weekend warriors

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2 Yoga and surfing adventure, Costa Rica

A few sun salutations on the outdoor yoga deck before breakfast, then a (wetsuit-free) surf session in the Pacific swell. That’s a typical morning’s work on Pura Vida’s women-only surf and yoga camp in Costa Rica. Afternoons focus on hiking, snorkelling, horse riding and cultural tours – or sneak off for a hammock siesta before a sunset surf and dinner. Instructors are on hand to help you perfect your yoga and surfing skills, even if you’re starting from scratch. All equipment is provided.

From $2,295 excluding transfers; www.puravidaadventures.com

Best for: nature lovers

For a mixed-gender yoga/surf retreat, try www.samudra.com.au

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3 Camp Biche, France

Camp Biche, which describes itself as the “original luxury fitness bootcamp”, is a good option for those who fear mud, sweat and crucifying workouts. Here, you’re treated to daily massages, with opulent accommodation in an 11th-century hilltop mansion. The five-guest limit also enables close personal attention from the trainers. You are expected to work, however, in the form of early-morning abs classes, yoga, Pilates, weight training, trail running and daily three- to four-hour hikes. Expect meals to be gourmet but small – according to camp founder, Libby Pratt, the French remain slim because they sit down to proper meals and exercise portion control.

From €2,856 per week, not including flights but including transfers; www.campbiche.com

Best for: sybarites

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4 Wild Fitness, Kenya

If you spend most of your time in front of a computer or television screen, you are what Wild Fitness calls a “zoo human”, held captive by the modern world, and no longer in touch with your natural self. By re-evaluating how we approach basic movements such as running and jumping, Wild Fitness aims to eliminate musculoskeletal imbalances. The fitness itinerary is formidable (barefoot running, boxing, kettlebells), but Wild Fitness also stresses the need for rest and recuperation. At the camp’s luxurious beachside base near Watamu, north Kenya, you can bond with fellow zoo humans over meals from the Primate (vegetarian) or Hunter-Gatherer menus.

From £1,850 for a nine-day kickstart programme, not including flights; www.wildfitness.com

Best for: frazzled city dwellers

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5 Jumpstart Fitness Bootcamp, Utah

The goal at Red Mountain Spa’s Jumpstart programme is to help you rediscover your exercise mojo. A range of fitness classes is coupled with daily hikes in the surrounding mountains, and alongside the physical activities there is motivational coaching, “healthy life” classes and “eat well, feel well” cooking demonstrations.

From $2,653 for seven nights,not including travel; www.redmountainspa.com

Best for: softies

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6 Open water improvers camp, Gozo

The focus of this week-long swimming camp on the island of Gozo, north of Malta, is to improve your stroke in open water. With an average 3km a day in the sea, you’ll probably improve your fitness, too. Coaches are on hand for individual tuition, while underwater filming is used for video analysis. On the last day, you will get the chance to put your newfound skills into practice on a challenging 5.5km swim from Gozo to Malta. All swim coaches are experienced open-water swimmers and ASA qualified. Suitable for those who can comfortably swim 2km in open water.

£625 for one week not including transfers; www.swimtrek.com

Best for: budding triathletes/water babies

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7 The Camp, Dumfries & Galloway

The Camp was the pioneer of weight loss-focused bootcamps for women. Based at a Scottish estate in a “secret” location, it is run by ex-Special Forces physical training instructors. Expect to be woken up at 5.45am each day to begin the onslaught of physical activity that The Camp promises will help you drop a dress size in a week. Anything from Gyrokinesis (energetic Pilates) to mountain biking, self-defence classes to open-air circuit training could crop up before you “stand down” to digest your low-carb dinner in front of an open fire. And if this all sounds too easy, try the new advanced course.

From £1,450 per week; www.thecamp.co.uk

Best for: dieters

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8 Ultimate Boot Camp, Devon/Herefordshire

This course pitches itself not as a “quick fix” but as the start of your metamorphosis into a new man (or woman). Former Royal Marine personal training instructors tackle the fitness side of things, while a nutritionist sorts out your diet and a life coach helps you build a better attitude. Camps (three or seven days) take place at Dartmoor in Devon and the Leadon Valley in Herefordshire – both offer five-star accommodation. Activities range from yoga and meditation to raft building and orienteering.

From £495 for three days; www.ultimatebootcamp.co.uk

Best for: couch potatoes

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9 Alladale Fitness Retreat, Scottish Highlands

Billed as a “holistic healing” holiday rather than a boot camp, Alladale Fitness Retreat this year offers courses in the “deep-stretching” technique devised by trainer Marja Putkisto. During the seven-day sojourn, Putkisto focuses on stretching and breathing techniques that release tension from the spine. End the day with a sauna or massage, and refuel with healthy home-cooked food in the plush but cosy surroundings of the lodge. The Fitness Retreat runs twice a year, in July and August.

From £1,249 per person; www.alladale.com

Best for: couples

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10 Touching Rock climbing course, Derbyshire

This two-day course is designed to give you as much experience on the crags as possible – you could be scaling a 100ft cliff after lunch on the first day under the guidance of instructors. As well as enjoying the bird’s eye views, you’ll learn about rope work, gear placements and how to get the best out of your equipment. The aim is to empower you to become an independent climber, not just a route ticker.

From £130 a day, not including food or accommodation; www.rockandice.net

Best for: thrillseekers