Activity holidays have changed in recent years. More often than not there’s now luxury accommodation, great food, yoga, pilates, group classes and programmes on offer to suit all age ranges and fitness levels. you don’t have to be hemmed in by a strict itinerary and you can combine different activities on one trip.
Whether you want to take an adventure to Morocco or go cycling with friends from Venice to Croatia, there’s so much out there. We pick the top activity holidays that offer something a little different and start from £149.
Riding in Spain: Hacienda Riding Safaris
The Hacienda Riding Safaris take you right into the heart of the Andalusia horse country and Doñana, Europe’s largest national park at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. The park is criss-crossed with trails and ancient bridleways.
After a morning exploring this wonderfully diverse terrain, guests can enjoy traditional Andalusian picnics with local wine and then head to the luxury family-run former olive farm Hacienda San Rafael.
The hotel is located in the beautiful rural Andalucian setting, halfway between Seville and Jerez. There are three swimming pools and a paddle tennis court, while the main building has an air-conditioned library and an honesty bar. Massages and yoga are also available.
Original Travel offers 3 nights at Hacienda Rafael, from £600 per person bed and breakfast, including all return flights and transfers from the UK.
Surf and yoga in Morocco: Paradis Plage Surfing Holiday
Spice up your yoga holiday with a touch of surfing in Morocco, only a short distance from European shores. Picked by Health and Fitness Travel is a global luxury wellness travel company that tailor-makes active holidays for clients.
Paradis Plage’s Rip Curl sponsored surf school has lessons for all levels that will have you standing up in no time. Located in the coastal region of Agadir in south-west Morocco, Paradis Plage is set away from the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist crowds. Included in the £880 package is five yoga lessons (75 minutes), five surf lessons and flights.
When you’ve had your fill of the waves, drift into the shore to take some time out at the regular yoga classes that run both on the private beach and in panoramic glass pavilions, giving you spectacular views of the north African sands and Atlantic Ocean.
Facing onto a private beach, the hotel and resort offers a variety of activities on offer including kayaking, trekking, group classes, meditation and crossfit.
Health and Fitness Travel has also created their own collection of trademark healthy holidays which include Fusion Fitness, BodyBreaks and Discover Recover.
Luxury walking holiday in Dorset: Lulworth Lodge walking holiday
Brand new for 2015, Lulworth Lodge offers boutique chalet-style accommodation for walkers just metres from Lulworth Cove in Dorset. With miles of scenic paths set along the incredible Jurassic Coast, there are beaches, clifftop walks, Dorset villages and rolling countryside to explore.
Guests can choose from guided or self-guided walks and cycle routes to picturesque spots including Corfe Castle, Studland Bay and the famous ancient rocky arch of Durdle Door.
Originally a mill house, Lulworth Lodge has been renovated and now boasts 12 ensuite bedrooms decorated in a boutique coastal style, two of which are dog-friendly.
Relaxed, friendly and sociable, Lulworth Lodge offers excellent full-board catering options and gives a luxury touch to walking holidays of yesteryear. Packages start from an affordable £149, see HF Holidays for more information.
Relax and spa at The Scarlett in Cornwall
For the ultimate getaway, spa yourself back to good health at Cornwall’s top adult spa at The Scarlet Hotel. With sweeping views of the beach below, you can unwind in the Canadian outdoor hot tub, take an invigorating plunge into the outdoor seawater pool or take some time out in the meditation room.
Enjoy bed and breakfast for three nights, dinner on two nights and full use of the spa facilities with morning and evening spa classes such as yoga and pilates. Prices start from £520 for three nights per person.
Family activity holiday in Greece
Unlike other more garish family-friendly resorts, Sani Resort has a variety of luxury accommodation including family suites and villas and a boutique feel. The five-star resort lies on the Kassandra Peninsula and cater for multi-generational trips. Kids clubs are nothing new but on-site paintball, a football academy and bird-watching tours are.
For adults, walking tours can be taken across the wetlands and bird sanctuary or stand-up paddle boarding.
Sani VIP services can also provide you with a yacht and crew for a day, a weekend, or longer.
Renowned for its gourmet dining and seasonal cooking, the hotel offers excellent dining for adults and families. Guests can take a tour around the local farm in Nea Fokea to gain a further understanding about the agricultural history of Halkidiki.
Sani Resort’s youngest farm visitors have the chance to plant their own vegetable at the farm, as they grow the hotel will send photos to the kids.
Guests booking the new family suites get four-hours complimentary babysitting service – perfect so parents can enjoy a spa treatment or special dinner.
But perhaps the best bit is the amazing spring deal; grandparents staying stay at Sani Beach Hotel in the two-bedroom family suites can enjoy complimentary accommodation for holidays booked by 1 May.
Stand-up paddle boarding in Ibiza: 38 Degrees North Fusion Fitness
Take to the sea on a stand-up paddle board, and explore the hidden bays and turquoise waters of Ibiza. This new exercise craze is easy to take up for beginners and is a great way to spend time on the water.
Set in the quieter northern region of the Balearic island of Ibiza, guests can enjoy daily paddle board excursions on gin-clear Mediterranean waters and an extensive range of activities; including Zumba, meditation and mountain biking. Sunset stand-up paddle board safaris are a favourite among guests.
Guests at 38 Degrees North have package options incorporating one-on-one training sessions, yoga classes and spa treatments. The £1,500 package includes your choice of seven bespoke lessons, activities or spa treatments, flights, seven nights’ accommodation and breakfast. Group classes including yoga, pilates and kick-boxing are complimentary.
Freedom treks: cruise and cycle holidays around Croatia
One of the best features of this site are the sheer amount of different cycling holidays on offer, from destinations all around Europe (the Alps to Ibiza) there’s also gastro cycling tours for foodies, family cycle tours for taking your kids and more advanced routes such as Venice to Porec in Croatia.
