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Rise of ‘mara-cations’: Generator sees marathon weekend booking surge
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Rise of ‘mara-cations’: Generator sees marathon weekend booking surge

Following the TCS London Marathon in April, boutique accommodation brand Generator has recorded an increase in guests looking to combine their love of running with travel – opting for a hybrid of a holiday and a marathon, affectionately coined the “mara-cation”.  With a surge in bookings across its global portfolio, Generator’s properties in key marathon locations have seen increased demand during event weekends, highlighting that guests now more than ever are seeking  a blend of wellness, intense self-optimisation and a desire to see the world through a new lens.  Of the locations that are seeing the biggest increase, New York leads the way, with a 67% increase in bookings at Paramount Times Square - a Generator Hotel during the NYC marathon weekend 2025 (2 November). Berlin c...
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Scotland reopens after £20m renovation
Hotels & Resorts

Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Scotland reopens after £20m renovation

Following an extensive £20million transformation, the five-star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort near Glasgow has officially reopened its doors – marking one of Scotland’s most significant and anticipated hotel renovations in recent years.  Elevating the Scottish heritage hotel experience with a vibrant new identity, Mar Hall blends its history and elegance with a whimsical, storytelling design concept and warm-spirited, experience-driven guest service. Mar Hall houses 74 luxurious guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, and an enticing collection of grand spaces, cosy corners and hidden nooks to be discovered, soon to be joined by a 22-person private cinema, Gaming Room and Billiards Room. Located just 10 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, a sweeping driveway...
FC Bayern Munich to host football camps at Patina Maldives
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

FC Bayern Munich to host football camps at Patina Maldives

Following a successful collaboration with Real Madrid last year, Patina Maldives will welcome German Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich for an exclusive series of football camps in the Fari Islands.  With camps offered throughout 2025, timed to coincide with school holidays, football-loving children and teenagers will have the rare opportunity to train under the guidance of licensed coaches from the German club – all against the spectacular backdrop of the Indian Ocean.  The core focus of the camps is the professional training based on FC Bayern’s proven approach, designed to enhance technical skills, tactical understanding and game intelligence. Under the guidance of highly qualified coaches, young participants will not only learn precise ball control and strategic thi...
Sports resort in focus: Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus
Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Sports resort in focus: Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

Nestled along Cyprus's southwestern coast near Paphos, Aphrodite Hills is a luxury resort boasting world-class golf and a range of sport and leisure activities. Named after the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite, the destination offers an escape for travellers seeking a comprehensive experience that combines relaxation, recreation, and cultural richness.  Accommodation options range from luxurious hotel rooms to spacious suites and private villas. The resort is also home to a wide selection of restaurants and bars.  Sporting facilities Aphrodite Hills is renowned for its world-class sporting amenities, making it a haven for sports enthusiasts and active travellers. At its heart lies the award-winning Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed by renowne...
Cycling holidays inspired by Europe’s Grand Tours
Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Cycling holidays inspired by Europe’s Grand Tours

With the first of cycling’s Grand Tours starting in May this year – the Giro d'Italia – and the news Great Britain will host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027, there’s never been a better time to sample some of greatest road cycling destinations in Britain and Europe.  Independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has a range of road cycling holidays in the UK and Europe inspired by the Grand Tours and other iconic routes, including:  A guided road cycling holiday in the Scottish Highlands  An epic coast-to-coast adventure riding the entire length of the Pyrenees  A Tour de France-inspired road cycling holiday across the Southern Alps – from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez  Tour d’Ecosse guided road cycling holiday in the Scottish ...
Sports travel bucket list: a fusion of fitness and wellness at Pine Cliffs
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: a fusion of fitness and wellness at Pine Cliffs

Sports travellers who are looking to increase their fitness while enjoying some rest and relaxation should consider a trip to Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve, Portugal. The resort is inviting guests to renew and recharge at its 'Fitness & Wellness Fusion' retreat, which will take place from 6-11 June 2025. The six-day retreat is designed to boost physical strength and mental clarity, providing an inspiring escape within breathtaking surroundings. Daily workouts will be held in a variety of locations around the resort, from the beach and cliff tops to fully equipped gym and studio spaces. The curated programme includes a beach bootcamp, stretching, hydro Pilates and mat Pilates, HIIT, core and conditioning, and hiking on the cliffs. Suitable for all fitness le...
Sports resort in focus: Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort
Hotels & Resorts

Sports resort in focus: Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort

Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort, nestled in the heart of Provence’s picturesque countryside in the Var region of southeastern France, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and European Tour Destinations.  Renowned for its natural beauty, the resort is set within 750 acres of lush landscapes providing a tranquil escape for golf enthusiasts and families seeking an active and wellbeing escape. The resort features golf courses, a spa, four restaurants, and a selection of luxury suites and villas.  Golf at Terre Blanche Terre Blanche’s outstanding golf offerings make it a premier destination for golf tourism. The resort boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses:  Le Château Course: designed for competitive play, this 6,616m-long course featur...
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...
Sports travel bucket list: Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy in Cyprus
Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy in Cyprus

Tennis star and former world No.8, Marcos Baghdatis, was back in Wimbledon recently – not to play on the hallowed courts, but to showcase his tennis academy. Guests were treated to an hour-long Q&A with the Cypriot, who opened up about the highs and lows of his sparkling career, which saw him reach the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2006. He also discussed the evolution of his tennis academy, which is integrated within the City of Dreams Mediterranean, a luxury resort in Limassol that is redefining Cyprus's lifestyle and sports offering. The 12-court facility provides high-level coaching from a team hand-picked by Baghdatis, who intends to lead some training sessions himself, as he aims to spend 75% of his time at the academy. As a popular playe...
nhow London launches hotel stay package for London Marathon 2025
Hotels & Resorts

nhow London launches hotel stay package for London Marathon 2025

The nhow London hotel, located in Shoreditch, has created an exclusive two-night marathon package for runners competing in the London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025. Starting from £245 per night, the package – 25-27 April or 26-28 April – is designed to fuel both performance and recovery for runners. Available at an additional cost, runners can prepare for their big day with a special pre-race dinner menu on the night before the event, featuring carbohydrate-rich foods, moderate in protein and low in fat and fibre.  Following a night's sleep, marathon-goers can enjoy a tailored runners' breakfast from 5am, with a choice of foods to optimise energy levels. Every athlete staying at the hotel will also receive an energy pack to-go, featuring essential race-day fuel such as a banana a...
Cycas Hospitality to manage Oxford United FC’s new stadium hotel
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Cycas Hospitality to manage Oxford United FC’s new stadium hotel

Pan-European hospitality management company Cycas Hospitality has been appointed to manage the new-build Radisson hotel that will be located at Oxford United Football Club’s upcoming new stadium. Marking Cycas Hospitality's first UK-based property under management, the new hotel within the 16,000-seat, all-electric stadium near Kidlington, five miles north of Oxford, will feature a range of construction and operational measures to ensure the highest standard of environmental sustainability.  The development, which aims to secure a permanent, sustainable home for the football club alongside long-lasting community benefits, comprises a stadium, conference and exhibition centre for more than 1,000 delegates and purpose-built hotel servicing both visitors and local corporate client...
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...
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...
Sports travel bucket list: best sports resorts in the Maldives
Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: best sports resorts in the Maldives

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...

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