New year resolutions are annoying. We make statements like “I’ll exercise more” or “be less stressed” or “sleep better” or “eat more cleanly”. All with the best intentions, only to crumble at the effort of putting on trainers or the sight of a bursting inbox.

But there is a method to cheat your way into a healthier year: By picking the right destinations and booking the right accommodation on your travels. Think of it as a more pleasurable way to get yourself fitter, healthier and more zen while experiencing the sights and joys of another country.

We tell you how:

EXPLORE ROME ON FOOT

Yes, the ancient capital is where to get your steps on. According to data from American electronics firm Jawbone, which manufactures the UP fitness trackers, travellers get an average of more than 15,000 steps when in Rome.

However, if you really like to walk while taking in the sights, consider heading for Spain’s Santiago de Compostela, the famed end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Jawbone’s data showed travellers managed to clock 17,658 steps here. For those who need additional motivation, a device such as the Jawbone UP3 can also help nudge you to get off your butt if you have been idling for too long.

HEAD TO THAILAND’S THANYAPURA SPORTS RESORT

Travel website Kayak has crunched the numbers and Thailand, which ranked sixth in its Top 10 list in terms of the country with the most spa and health facilities, is the nearest and most convenient stop for us. Check into Thanyapura Sports Resort in Phuket, which is already on the radar for sportsmen and women in the know from Singapore. This resort has been named as Asia’s Leading Sports Resort at the World Travel Awards last October and has impressive credentials: Its executive chairman is two-time Ironman champion Chris McCormack and it is located at an enviable location amid the rolling hills of Phuket National Park.

TAKE A HIKE IN HONG KONG

Leave the food and shopping destinations out of your to-do list. Tick off trails instead. The city’s compact size makes it highly accessible and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong has listed 42 hiking routes that span from the scenic to the family-friendly on its website. You can choose from varying levels of difficulty. For instance, a visit to the grave of Sun Yat Sen’s mother in Sai Kung is an easy walk of about 4km while the much more scenic Dragon’s Back is a slightly tougher hike of 8.5km. More athletic types can take on longer journeys such as the MacLehose Trail and the Wilson Trail.

ZEN OUT IN AN AIRBNB IN JAPAN

Do you want to truly experience and understand the zen way of life? There is a zen meditation retreat available through Airbnb. Located near Oita on Kyushu island, Shoganji Zen Retreat claims it opened its doors to the public “to allow foreigners to experience authentic Zen temple life in Japan”. At Shoganji, guests are encouraged to wake up early and try zazen (zen meditation), partake in gardening and temple maintenance, go for walks in the surrounding bamboo forests, make noodles, do calligraphy and simply slow down. Host and zen master Jiho Kongo is also on hand to share zen philosophy and organise outings to make your stay an extra meaningful one.

SLEEP OVER AT THE BENJAMIN IN NEW YORK

You don’t simply sleep at boutique hotel The Benjamin in New York. You’ll be getting the “best rest of your life”. Insomniacs and stressed bodies can sleep easy here: The hotel worked with sleep consultant Rebecca Robbins for an extensive sleep programme that includes a pillow menu featuring 12 different pillows, night bites aimed at relaxing your digestive system and your mind, a lullaby library and customised consultations with Robbins if required. The hotel even has its own sleep concierge (yes, you read right) who helps educates guests on better sleeping techniques and tips. To top it off, guests are guaranteed a refund if they don’t get a good’s night rest. The hotel’s sleep programme has proven to be such a hit that guests have carted off with their choice of pillows, available for sale on the hotel’s website.

GO ORGANIC IN GENTING HIGHLANDS

Nestled in the highlands of Genting is the Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort, modelled after a 12th century castle in France with three organic farms on site as well as wellness features such as an aquaveda bed, a sauna infused with natural herbs and an aroma pool with organic essential oils. The resort offers weight loss and detox programmes and has new Chateau Fusion Fitness packages that ranges from four nights to 10. They include full-board organic meals, nutritional consultation as well as cardio, yoga, strengthening and treatment sessions. To complete your makeover, the resort is equipped with a hair salon so you can debut a fresh new look worthy of your now cleaner and leaner self.