Marriott Hotels is partnering with Leisure Sports Inc. (a northern California health club operator and development firm) in the roll-out of a new hotel concept branded Renaissance Clubsport.

The first Renaissance ClubSport opened in Walnut Creek, CA, and the second just recently rolled out the welcome mat in an Aliso Viejo corporate park. We have yet to visit either, but will soon and are excited by what awaits.

Beyond typical, high-end, Renaissance features such as premium bedding, WiFi internet access, and upscale decor, the real draw (obviously) is the attached workout facilities.

Because the hotel's fitness facility doubles as a full-fledged health club for locals, hotel guests benefit from complimentary access to a gaggle of cardio and strength machines, literally a ton of free weights, a multitude of classes (e.g., yoga, cycling, aerobics, dance, pilates, etc.), and a competition-quality outdoor 25-meter lap pool.

Post-workout rewards include a wide range of massage and relaxation treatments in the property's R Spa.

The long term plan is to roll out 20+ of these athletic-minded resorts--hopefully a Renaissance ClubSport will soon appear in one of your frequent travel destinations. You may end up spending an extra night or two for some additional "work".