Sunday, March 16Sports. Travel. Events

Hotels & Resorts

Leading Courses ranks Costa Navarino as Europe’s best golf resort for 2025
Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Leading Courses ranks Costa Navarino as Europe’s best golf resort for 2025

Leading Courses has unveiled the ninth edition of its "Europe’s Best Golf Resorts" ranking and Costa Navarino in Greece has taken the top spot.  Based on traveller reviews, the ranking is compiled using scores composed of 50% ratings from leadingcourses.com and 50% hotel and resort reviews from Booking.com. Resorts not listed on Booking.com are ineligible for the ranking, even if they might be considered among the best.  Additionally, bonus points are awarded to resorts with multiple golf courses – more holes mean more golfing enjoyment. In the case of a tie, the golf course rating determines the final ranking. If everything is still equal, the position is shared. For many golf travellers, a resort with multiple golf courses is a major advantage. It offers the ultimate luxury: ...
The Medlock: Man City and Radisson Hotel Group to open new Etihad Campus hotel
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

The Medlock: Man City and Radisson Hotel Group to open new Etihad Campus hotel

Manchester City and the Radisson Hotel Group have announced a collaboration that will see a new hotel, The Medlock, open on the English Premier League football club’s Etihad Campus in late 2026.    Operating all year round, the 401-room hotel will provide convenient and comfortable accommodation for music and sport fans who are attending events at the Etihad Stadium, visitors to the UK’s largest indoor arena, Co-op Live, as well as guests exploring the wider entertainment destination and Manchester itself.  The Medlock will offer guests a choice of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, in addition to a luxury penthouse suite. Upon completion, guests will also have access to a wide variety of food and drink outlets, a roof walk and museum experience and commercial office space in the ex...
Sports travel bucket list: play tennis at Kalimera Kriti resort in Greece
Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: play tennis at Kalimera Kriti resort in Greece

The Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village Resort, a five-star property on the island of Crete, is a world-class sports resort that’s home to the largest tennis and padel centre in Greece. Located on the island’s northeastern coast and offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, Kalimera Kriti boasts a selection of rooms and bungalows, sandy beaches, swimming pools, health and wellbeing facilities, plus restaurants and bars.   For sports travellers, the main highlight is the tennis and padel centre, which was upgraded in 2023. Together with Patricio Travel – a specialised tour operator for tennis, padel and fitness travel – and other partners such as Wilson, the Patricio World-Class Tennis Center Crete has 20 real clay courts, six artificial grass courts, five padel courts, and a Wil...
Sports travel bucket list: Europe’s best sports resorts and hotels
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Europe’s best sports resorts and hotels

Europe is renowned for its stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality, making it a top destination for sports travellers. Across the continent, luxury sports resorts and hotels cater to adventurers, athletes, and active holidaymakers, offering exceptional facilities and diverse activities for all skill levels. From the sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts to the snow-capped Alps, Europe’s sports resorts are uniquely positioned in some of the most breathtaking locations.  Travellers can enjoy a variety of sporting experiences and activities tailored to their passions. For golf enthusiasts, many resorts boast championship-standard courses designed by legendary architects, complemented by state-of-the-art practice facilities. Similarly, Europe’s best ski resorts...
London Marathon experiences at The Westin London City
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

London Marathon experiences at The Westin London City

As the English capital gears up for the highly anticipated TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025, The Westin London City hotel has unveiled a series of marathon experiences designed for both runners and their supporters.  Situated along the historic River Thames, the five-star property has 226 guest rooms, suites and residences, plus F&B options including all-day dining restaurant Mosaic and riverside wine bar Hithe + Seek. The hotel is also popular for guests seeking wellness and recreation during their stay in central London. Dedicated to promoting wellbeing, The Westin London City is home to the Heavenly Spa by Westin, which has an indoor swimming pool, and the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. In terms of events, the hotel hosts yoga classes and “Rise & Run” sess...
Maldives: best resorts for sport, wellbeing and water activities
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Maldives: best resorts for sport, wellbeing and water activities

The Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is renowned as a haven for luxury, sport, and wellbeing. Its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and overwater villas create an idyllic backdrop for those seeking an opulent escape. Luxury in the Maldives is synonymous with personalised service, private islands, and lavish resorts that cater to every desire, from gourmet dining experiences to bespoke spa treatments. For sports enthusiasts, the Maldives offers a range of water-based activities. The turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling, diving, and paddle boarding, providing access to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Surfing is also popular, with world-class breaks attracting surfers from around the globe. Additionally, many resorts offer tennis courts, fitness...
The Lensbury tennis retreat review: game, set and relax in London
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

The Lensbury tennis retreat review: game, set and relax in London

Ramy James Salameh headed to The Lensbury, a premier sports resort situated beside the River Thames in south west London, to enjoy a two-day tennis retreat alongside plenty of R&R. Framed and signed squad shirts, silver glinting trophy cabinets and a champions honours board are just some of the sporting memorabilia adorning the walls of The Lensbury Hotel, located on the banks of the River Thames in Teddington. It all reflects more than a century of sporting excellence, ever since its formation as a sports and social club in 1920. Today, its 25-acres of manicured lawns play host to some of the world’s best teams and sportspeople, who come to prepare and train ahead of major competitions. When England's Lionesses became European women's football champions in 2022, they used The L...
Diamond of the Alps: Gurgl’s World Cup ski race offers plenty of ‘altitude’
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Diamond of the Alps: Gurgl’s World Cup ski race offers plenty of ‘altitude’

Ramy James Salameh puts on his skis and mixes it up with the world's best slalom skiers at the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Race in Gurgl, Austria – The Diamond of the Alps. The "snow gods" were looking down upon organisers of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Slalom Race in Gurgl, a ski resort famed for its "altitude", long winter season and dramatic crucible of lofty peaks. Located at the end the Oetztal valley in Austria’s Tirol region, skiing takes place between 1,800m and 3,030m, meaning "divine intervention" is rarely required to ensure Gurgl has plenty of the white stuff, even as early as the season's opening ski weekend in November. A fresh blanket of powdery snow across the landscape and a cloudless sky, set the scene for the thrills and spills of World Cup ski racing, as well ...
Sports resort in focus: JA The Resort, Dubai
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports resort in focus: JA The Resort, Dubai

Sporting enthusiasts will just love JA The Resort, which is located on a private 800m beachfront on the pristine shores of Jebel Ali in Dubai, UAE. The five-star all-inclusive destination comprises three distinct properties, more than 25 restaurants and bars, a world-class nine-hole championship golf course, an equestrian centre, watersports hub and shooting range.  Regarded as Dubai’s largest experience resort and spanning one million square metres of lush greenery, there are more than 40 activities and experiences that families, couples, solo travellers and groups of friends can enjoy during an active stay.  As well as golf, horse riding, swimming and diving, the resort is also home to the JA Sports Centre, a 168-acre sporting facility which can host professional teams and gr...
Sport hotel in focus: Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments, Dubai
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sport hotel in focus: Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments, Dubai

Dubai’s sports tourism credentials have been boosted with the opening of the Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments. Located in Dubai Sports City, the property is designed to cater to the unique needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts, offering comprehensive and unique training, nutrition, recovery, and relaxation services. Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments features eight penthouse apartments, 40 hotel apartments and 144 sports-themed hotel rooms which are equipped for in-room training, a unique offering that ensures athletes can maintain their routines and optimise performance without leaving the comfort of their accommodations. Hotel guests as well as other Dubai visitors can participate in free daily training sessions led by professional coaches.  Surrounding the hotel...
Sport hotels: F1 race weekend at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sport hotels: F1 race weekend at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Formula 1 fans can watch the 2024 season finale in style at W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, the five-star hotel located within the Yas Marina Circuit. Taking place from 5-8 December 2024, the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could see the world championship go down to the wire and the hotel has several packages available to witness the events on the track.  W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island promises a weekend filled with unparalleled excitement. With seven high-octane venues pulsing with energy, guests can look forward to a mega line-up of entertainment, featuring world-class artists and Yas Island's most thrilling parties and brunches.  Those staying at the hotel during race weekend or attending the brunch will enjoy complimentary access to Yasalam's after-race concert of the day showc...
Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Ultimate Golf Getaway” in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. The new three-night experience blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome.  Comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offers a unique deconstructed urban resort experience that highlights the sights, tastes and sounds of Rome as part of each guest’s journey. Each of the three hotels is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city, co...
Sports hotel in focus: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports hotel in focus: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives

Tucked away in the northern reaches of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an exclusive and luxurious retreat that embodies the essence of paradise. Located on the crescent-shaped Dhonakulhi Island in the Haa Alifu Atoll, 290km away from the capital Malé, this resort is a haven for those seeking both tranquillity and adventure. Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is more than just a luxury resort – it is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wellbeing and sport. The design of the resort seamlessly integrates with the natural environment, creating an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwVx5FUWmeQ Accommodation and dining  With 110 villas spread across the island, each offering direct access to the bea...
PoB Hotels launches ‘Get Set, and Go’ tailored sports breaks
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

PoB Hotels launches ‘Get Set, and Go’ tailored sports breaks

Amid an exciting summer of sport, PoB Hotels is encouraging guests to plan their own athletic staycation, pursuing their favourite British sport, or trying their hand at something new.  PoB Hotels’s ‘Get Set, and Go’ features a variety of PoB Breaks predominantly centred around Britain’s five most-loved sports, inspiring guests to embrace their inner sportsman or woman in idyllic locations across the country, staying at some of the finest independent hotels. To celebrate the launch of these itineraries, double Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton has designed her own journey, taking in her favourite sports, and allowing guests to follow in an Olympian’s footsteps this summer.  The first Break to launch is her own itinerary: "An Inspiring Sporting Odyssey: Victoria Pendl...
Tennis holidays: Europe’s best tennis resorts and hotels
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Tennis holidays: Europe’s best tennis resorts and hotels

With the Wimbledon grand slam ready to take place in London, tennis fans in the UK will be dusting off their racquets and heading to the courts. But if the dodgy British summer weather is stopping you from playing a few sets, then maybe a tennis holiday is the perfect alternative? In this guide we look at some of Europe’s best tennis resorts and hotels for tennis holidays.   Main image: Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, Murcia, Spain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3Dp6-934uA Located within the prestigious La Manga Club Resort in Murcia, southeast Spain, the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa is one of Europe’s top sports resorts. La Manga Club is also home to The Racquets Club, which features 28 tennis courts in three surfa...
Sports wellbeing: ‘Total Golf Enhancement’ retreat at Chiva-Som Hua Hin
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports wellbeing: ‘Total Golf Enhancement’ retreat at Chiva-Som Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand has expanded its health and sports wellbeing offering with the launch of the “Total Golf Enhancement” retreat. Combining time on the golf course with specialised fitness training, wellness cuisine, health and wellness consultations, and holistic therapies, the retreat supports golfers in developing their overall game, as well as post-golf muscle recovery and relaxation. Every Chiva-Som retreat begins with a health and wellness consultation, enabling the expert team to tailor a programme to each individual guest's wellbeing needs and goals. In addition to this, the Total Golf Enhancement retreat includes a golf fitness assessment followed by golf fitness training and a golf lesson that supports endurance, range of motion, strength and balance, as well as re...
Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort makes major investment in golf facilities
Hotels & Resorts

Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort makes major investment in golf facilities

Golfers at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel, can enjoy an enhanced luxury experience with the acclaimed Sicilian venue having undertaken a further upgrade of its award-winning golf facilities, including a major new investment in its golf academy. A new fitting and coaching centre with advanced technology is at the forefront of an array of improvements that the Rocco Forte resort has made in 2024 as part of an overall investment of more than €1m in its golf offering.  Having undertaken a major remodelling of its East and West courses and a significant investment in a course maintenance programme, which features a new sustainable irrigation system, Verdura Resort has carried out several additional new upgrades to the facilities and services it offers to all visiting golfers. As w...
The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna launches exclusive F1 experience for 2024 Austrian GP
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna launches exclusive F1 experience for 2024 Austrian GP

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna has announced the ultimate experience for racing fans. "Spielberg - The Whole Journey" combines top speed with spectacular luxury for the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix from 28-30 June 2024.  The spectacular package for two includes a four-night stay at of The Ritz Carlton, Vienna in one of the Signature Suites with €1,000 hotel credit, daily transfers to the VIP Terminal of Vienna Airport, daily 20-minute scenic GlobeAir private jet flight to Spielberg, and a three-day pass to the Paddock Club, the exclusive area for Formula 1 fans.  Guests will land exclusively inside the Red Bull Ring, one of the most modern racetracks in the world, enjoy unique views of the team boxes, the start and finish line and the pit lane at The Paddock Club, as well as have a ...
Swimming holidays 2024: Lake District cold water retreats at Rothay Manor
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Swimming holidays 2024: Lake District cold water retreats at Rothay Manor

Rothay Manor, a boutique hotel in Ambleside in the heart of the Lake District in England, is launching a series of new cold water swimming retreats in winter 2024, focusing on mental and physical well-being. Guests will immerse themselves in some of the UK’s most beautiful bodies of water – learning how to safely acclimatise mind and body to the cold temperatures, teamed with a pop-up cinema, complimenting the retreat activities.  Rothay Manor’s retreats, taking place from 19-21 January and 1-3 March 2024, are collaboratively hosted by three cold-water experts: Jonathan Cowie, Gilly McArthur, and Vicki McCreadie. All three are trained as STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coaches, and each have their own cold water swimming expertise. The new two-night cold water retreat in...
Sport hotel in focus: Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone
Hotels & Resorts

Sport hotel in focus: Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone

Located at the iconic Silverstone Circuit in England, home of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone hotel opened its doors in summer 2023.  Offering unbeatable views of Silverstone’s International Pits start/finish straight, the 197-room Hilton Garden Inn is Silverstone’s first and only trackside hotel – and it’s open all year round, not just for major motor sport events held at the circuit. The Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone is Hilton’s latest property connected to a sporting venue. In the UK, the brand also has the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl cricket ground in Southampton, the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, and the Hilton Garden Inn at Doncaster Racecourse. The Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone hotel has 197 rooms (Im...

SPORTS EVENTS CALENDAR