These Spots Are A Must-Go For A Sporting Holiday
For many people, the word ‘holiday’ means no alarm clock and a beach lounger. For others, it means setting the alarm even earlier than you would for work, and burning a million calories. For those who love an adventure holiday based around some serious activity, choosing the right place is crucial. We’ve devised a list of some of the best places to go for a sporting holiday, from world heritage cycling routes and mountaineering to remote yoga and wellness retreats.
Surfing – Hawaii
Whether you’re a veteran or novice, the best place to surf is where it all began – Hawaii. The collection of islands in the middle of the Pacific provides warm water, big swells and great weather, making it something of a surfing mecca. Plus, it’s great all year round. In the winter, head to the north shore, where the waves get big at surfing hotspots like Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. In the summer, the south shore is the spot to be.
Highlight: If you’re looking for inspiration, watching locals tackle humongous swells at Jaws on Maui is a must-visit. Or, if you’re extremely experienced, take it on yourself.
Kayaking – Lofoten Islands
One of the most remote parts of Europe, Norway’s Lofoten Islands are well worth the northward trek. Stunning vistas and great wildlife make this a bucket-list spot for sea kayaking, whether you just want a day trip or a week-long excursion pushing into even more remote territory.
Common wildlife spotting includes puffins, dolphins and otters, and there’s even a chance of whales or orcas.
In the summer, it’s even more special, as you can kayak in the midnight sun
Highlight: Heading in the summer months means you can take advantage of the never-ending sunlight and paddle right through into the midnight sun.
ATV Rides – St. Kitts
St. Kitts might be the best-kept secret of the Caribbean. This small island boasts the lushest mountains around, perfect for an ATV ride through the hills. Book an ATV trip at a fraction of the price of more crowded Caribbean islands, whilst enjoying St. Kitts for its (almost) private island experience.
Book an ATV trip at a fraction of the price of more crowded Caribbean islands, whilst enjoying St. Kitts for it’s (almost) private island experience.
Highlight: Enjoy the thrill of a high-speed joy ride while taking in views of mountains and hills within just seconds of sky-blue waters.
Mountaineering – Chamonix
I’ve read Into Thin Air and have since become put off mountaineering for life, but there are many adrenaline junkies for whom climbing up seemingly impossible peaks makes life worth living. Climbing around Chamonix is perfect for those looking for a more affordable and friendly(ish) option than the Himalayas. Combining stunning views, challenging peaks, and great mountaineering infrastructure, this is a dream destination for climbing enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Highlight: Climbing to the top of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and in all of Europe outside the Caucasus mountains, is top of the list for mountaineering enthusiasts.
Pickleball – Caribbean
Vacations aren’t meant to add stress to your life, but oftentimes planning where to spend your time, where to grab some nourishment after a long day of sightseeing, or where to find lodging can turn a blissful escape into a nightmare. Instead, eliminate unnecessary decision fatigue on your vacations by choosing an all-inclusive option. Sandals offers a plethora of land and sea sports right on the property. Go straight from the room to the sea or courts with ease. Choose to bask in the Caribbean sun during morning yoga, paddle into calm waters on a kayak, explore the colourful coral reefs scuba diving or stay on land enjoying pickleball, tennis or even golf at select locations.
Highlight: Run straight from the ocean to the court without missing a beat, and stop by one of the many included restaurants for a bite or a tipple.
Yoga – New Zealand
New Zealand isn’t the most obvious spot for a yoga retreat, but Aro Ha, a wellness retreat in the Southern Alps of the South Island and 45 minutes outside of Queenstown, is worth checking out.
Situated on 21 acres amid stunning peaks and lakes, there’s a lot more than just yoga to explore – from hiking, hot and cold therapy, and sampling its self-sustaining food.
Highlight: Sunset yoga in full view of mountains and lakes takes some beating.
Cycling – Mallorca
There are lots of elements that make Mallorca a cyclist’s dream: Smooth, winding roads, year-round great weather, and a whole ocean to jump into to detox post-cycle.
Head there yourself, or you can book into one of the dedicated cycling retreats on the island for a full-on experience. Canauli, set in the foothills of Sierra de Tramuntana, has a retreat that offers the chance to choose between relaxed routes on rural roads or the challenging climb up Sa Calobra, a serpentine winding that leads to iconic lighthouses, historic castles and secret coves.
Highlight: The Cap de Formentor is one of the most famous cycling routes on Mallorca, a winding 20km road offering spectacular views all the way down to the lighthouse on Cap de Formentor.
Scuba – Belize
Scuba diving in Belize is an underrated spot for an underwater experience. Located between Mexico and Guatemala, there are more than 400 islands here, with white sandy beaches, and also the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Highlight: The Blue Hole is Belize’s best-known dive site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is home to plenty of Caribbean marine life, including blacktip, reef and hammerhead sharks. This one is definitely not a beginner’s dive, and it takes you down to 40 metres. You can’t actually dive to the very bottom of the blue hole as it’s about 122 metres deep – way beyond recreational diving limits.
Hiking – Dolomites
The Dolomites might be one of the most underrated spots in all of Europe, and are perfect for any type of traveller. Whether you want to take advantage of the stunning scenery, with its iconic jugged limestone cliffs, excellent hiking, lakeside lounging or one of the great spa offerings, this mountain range is a must-visit.
Highlight: There’s plenty of reason to visit the Dolomites beyond hiking, but it would be a shame not to experience one of its stunning vistas. The Cadini di Misurina trek is one of its best short hikes, perfect whether you want a more leisurely walk or to warm up before a bigger pursuit later in your stay. You’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in the region.
Sailing – Greece
The Greek Islands are the setting of the most famous maritime story of all time, and not a bad spot to rent a yacht for a week. Channel your inner Odysseus and island-hop through the Cyclades or the Sporades. Much better than hopping on crowded ferries.
Highlight: The best thing about piloting your own vessel is being able to open up access to hidden coves and more remote islands and villages.
The best thing about piloting your own vessel is being able to open up access to hidden coves and more remote islands and villages
