Combining a love of a sport or hobby with a luxury getaway is growing in popularity – it’s a great way to tick off a bucket-list experience while treating yourself to a little indulgence. TravelManagers’ Frances Cream shares her favourite luxury sporting holidays that combine stunning locations with exceptional experiences.
Cycling – Tour de France
Whether you are a serious cyclist, a novice or an enthusiastic spectator, soaking up the electric atmosphere of the Tour de France is high on many bucket lists. Organised tours offer a range of experiences from cycling the Tour de France route just moments before the professionals come through, to spending the day in an official Tour de France car following the race… or even viewing the race from a helicopter. To top off the day, sip French Champagne in a VIP hospitality tent while watching thrilling stage finishes.
Image courtesy of Tour de France
Snow Sports – Luxury Winter Resort
Australia’s long hot summers fortunately coincide with peak snow season for the Northern Hemisphere, so take a break from the heat and treat yourself to a luxury ski holiday that combines thrilling skiing with delicious indulgence. Deer Valley near Park City, Utah is one of the world’s less known, exclusive ski resort areas, offering luxury five-star lodges, VIP amenities including ski butlers and ski valet and perfect snow nearly all the time, plus a family-friendly atmosphere. Ski as much or little as you fancy each day, then indulge in spa treatments and world-class dining experiences. This exclusive, ski-in ski-out resort is also home to well-known luxury brands such as the Montage and Regis, making it a magical location in which to combine snow sports and spoiling yourself.
Image courtesy of Deer Valley
Surfing – the Maldives
If you prefer the soft, white powder beneath your feet to be sand rather than snow, head for the Maldives – one of the best locations in the world for luxury surfing holidays. There are many exclusive, five-star resorts to choose from, including the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. It’s renowned for its exceptional service, incredible cuisine, idyllic island life, crystal clear waters, sensational surf and other water activities, so you can impress your loved one with a truly indulgent break and enjoy direct access to a world-class surf break. In between surfs, you can relax in the spa or sip cocktails served by your private butler in your overwater villa. For the ultimate in surfing extravagance, take a seaplane flight to the outer atoll’s exceptional reef breaks.
Image courtesy of Four Seasons
Formula One Grand Prix – Monaco
Monaco may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but every May it plays host to one of the world’s most glamorous sporting events. The Formula One Grand Prix combines the thrills and glamour of the F1 circuit with the glitz of a truly stunning Mediterranean destination. Staying at one of Monaco’s many deluxe hotels that overlook the race circuit, or take it to the next level by viewing the race from a lavish super yacht. This VIP experiences means you can experience the race in prime position, sipping French Champagne and dining on exquisite food. It doesn’t really get any better than this.
Image courtesy of F1
Golf – The Masters
Luxury holidays and great golf go hand-in-hand, and the US Masters, held annually in Georgia, USA, is one of the most prestigious events on the elite golfing calendar. A luxury golf package is the best way to experience this famed event, staying in luxury accommodation and playing golf at the Augusta Country Club before the Masters commences. Once the tournament is under way, you can enjoy VIP hospitality with drinks and a private chef while viewing the tournament.
Image courtesy of Augusta
Regardless of where your sporting passions lie, there are memorable luxury holiday experiences to match. For more details or to book your own lavish sport-focused holiday, contact personal travel manager Frances Cream or visit her on Facebook or Instagram.
