As we embrace a summer filled with iconic and significant sporting events, including the Euros, Paris Olympics, and retreat venue hire, we have rounded up some of the best destinations offering sporting activities across the globe for every type of traveller. Whether they wish to learn a new sport, hone existing skills, get back to fitness, or simply savour the excitement or enjoy an active getaway in 2024, there is something for every taste.
From young aspiring football players to tennis aficionados and golf enthusiasts, our curated selection spans the vast valleys of Mongolia to the lush jungles of Malaysia and offers a unique Madrid-meets-the Maldives experience.
Football
Real Madrid Foundation Football Clinic at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
Young guests at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands can embrace new patterns of play this summer at an exclusive, Maldives-first Real Madrid Foundation football camp. From 4th July–12th August, a youth coach will lead a comprehensive Real Madrid Foundation programme of daily football sessions for ages 5–9 years, 10–14 years, and 15–17 years. This summer’s inaugural Patina Maldives x Real Madrid CF Foundation football camp is the first edition in an ongoing partnership, with additional future football camp dates to be confirmed. Led by a licensed Real Madrid Foundation coach, sessions will focus on developing each participant both individually and as part of the group, in order to “Play the Real Way” – the training methodology that combines play, as well as sports values.
Archery
The Pavilions Mongolia
Travellers looking to learn or improve their skills in archery while enjoying untouched landscapes and authentic experiences can do so at The Pavilions Mongolia, located in the UNESCO protected Orkhon Valley National Park. Archery at the camp is a traditional experience, practiced using the compact Mongol bow and targets are set up to 75 metres away, providing a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for archers of all skill levels. Children are welcome to participate and can train on shorter distances tailored to their abilities. Set amidst one of the world’s last surviving nomadic cultures, the camp is open exclusively from June to September.
Kayaking
The Pavilions Himalayas, Lakeview
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic Himalayan Mountain range in the Pokhara region, The Pavilions Himalayas Lakeview, nestled on the shores of Phewa Lake, is the perfect place for a kayaking experience. For those seeking an intimate connection with the river, kayaking on the Seti River offers a unique opportunity to explore its pristine waters at their own pace. Whether they are seasoned kayakers or new starters looking for an exciting challenge, the Seti River provides the perfect playground for an unforgettable paddling adventure.
Golf
The Datai Langkawi
The Els Club Teluk at The Datai Langkawi is located in one of the most sensational settings, a true tropical paradise, earning a reputation as one of Malaysia’s most scenic golfing venues. A 10-million-year-old rainforest is the backdrop to the course, with the surrounding appeal of the blue waters of the Straits of Malacca adding to the magic of the space. The five holes which skirt the water’s edge, bring the other islands in the archipelago and Langkawi’s white, sandy beaches into full view, to the delight of all golfers.
Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
Leading transformative wellness pioneer Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand recently introduced the Total Golf Enhancement Retreat. Combining time on the golf course with specialised fitness training; wellness cuisine; health and wellness consultations; and holistic therapies, Total Golf Enhancement supports guests in developing their overall game, as well as post-golf muscle recovery and relaxation. The retreat begins with a Health and Wellness Consultation, for a highly trained programme. In addition to this, the retreat includes a Golf Fitness Assessment followed by Golf Fitness Training and Golf Lesson that supports endurance, range of motion, strength, and balance, as well as reducing the risk of injury. Improvement is assessed by one of Chiva-Som’s in-house accredited professionals during the round(s) of golf, providing guests with valuable guidance and health insights.
Sailing
Youth Sailing Academy, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
During the youth sailing academy at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands (14 July–15 August) expert instructors will guide younger guests in mastering the art of sailing, from the basics of rigging a small boat and essential safety protocols, to advanced manoeuvres like tacking, gybing, and docking. Whether it is fine-tuning techniques or instilling confidence on the water, Patina Maldives’ professional instructors are committed to providing an enriching and immersive sailing experience.
Tennis
Amilla Maldives, Baa Atoll
Amilla Maldives offers an unparalleled tennis experience set against the backdrop of lush tropical landscapes and white sandy beaches. With two outdoor hard tennis courts, guests are provided with the opportunity to elevate their game by booking in with the resort’s resident pro, Vladimir Mijatovic either for an introduction tennis lesson for both children and adults or to use as a hitting partner.
Specialised wellness and fitness retreats
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the first full-immersion wellness resort in the Middle East, and one of the largest wellness destinations in the region, offers a range of retreats to support optimal wellness, including three fitness-focused programmes to help support those looking to get back into sport, or enhance their current performance.
Reaching optimal health
For those aiming to reach peak fitness levels, the Champion Fit retreat at Zulal Wellness Resort offers a personalised fitness programme that provides re-functional exercise, physiotherapy, super stretch, and deep tissue massage. These treatments help push and restore body and mind by relaxing the muscles to improve strength and mobility.
Getting back to fitness
Whether guests seek a way to return to physical fitness or optimise their current performance level, the Optimal Physio-Fit retreat at Zulal Wellness Resort will enhance their overall fitness levels. Guided by the resort’s trained experts, this retreat alleviates pain, improves posture, and rejuvenates both body and mind.
