Holidays & Trips

25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

UAE golf travel: ‘stay and play’ at Al Zorah Golf Club and Oberoi Beach Resort

Al Zorah Golf Club and The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, in the UAE are offering golfers the opportunity to experience a luxury getaway this winter after releasing an exclusive “stay and play” golf package. Guests can take advantage of world-class golf – and a stunning climate – with an array of five-star benefits over the coming months at one of the UAE’s most spectacular destinations, which is situated just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport in the heart of Al Zorah City.  The Troon-managed Al Zorah Golf Club opened for play in 2015 and is already regarded as one of the best courses in the Middle East. Designed by legendary 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, the course meanders around a natural mangrove landscape and two spectacular lakes. With a driving range and extens...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Cycling holidays 2024: new tour to Lower Silesia in Poland

Small group cycling and walking holidays company The Slow Cyclist has announced a new exploration of the rural patchwork of landscapes in Poland’s Lower Silesia region, which borders Germany and northern Czechia. This charming corner of Poland is home to lush forests, gently rolling hills, extinct volcanoes, and beautiful castles which Slow Cyclists will discover over five days.  Far away from busy cities and mass tourism, Lower Silesia is an area of Poland where time seems to stand still, dotted with an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from Gothic to Neoclassical, showing off the area's rich, and often turbulent, history. The Slow Cyclist’s itinerary allows for plenty of time in the saddle during the day, but also lots of time to enjoy delicious local meals and relax in beautiful...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Wilderness Scotland’s new trips for 2024: walking, retreats and road cycling

Wilderness Scotland has introduced a range of new guided trips for 2024. There’s a luxurious tour of the Highlands, with exclusive stays and access, a women-only retreat to the Cairngorms, and two new e-biking itineraries, to the Orkneys and the white-sand fringed Outer Hebrides.  Wilderness walking: highlights of the Highlands  This new nine-night, fully guided trip combines the very best of the Highlands’ wild beauty with superb, luxury hotels, offering the finest seasonal food, all while enjoying some stunning hiking. Highlights include: a boat trip to the remote shores of Loch Coruisk on Skye; hiking in Glencoe in the company of red deer and golden eagles; a visit to the Culloden Battlefield; hiking in the Cairngorms National Park; and guided tours of Scone Palace and the D...

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6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Sail Croatia launches new yoga cruises for 2024

Small ship cruising specialist Sail Croatia has launched four new yoga-themed cruises for 2024, combining the best of the Dalmatian coastline with mindful activities designed to invigorate and inspire the body and soul.  Highlights of this relaxing cruise will include the opportunity to participate in sunset yoga overlooking Mljet National park and yoga in a vineyard on the Unesco Stari Grad Plain, followed by a traditional dinner and wine tasting. With a certified yoga instructor onboard and plenty of optional activities available, the cruise is designed to leave participants feeling reconnected and relaxed. Starting and ending in the waterfront city of Split, the cruise operates on Almissa, which can accommodate up to 38 guests in air conditioned ensuite cabins and offers a swi...

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30Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Enjoy Tatras, Holidays & Trips

Your invitation to winter in Slovakia’s Tatras region

Ryanair now flies to the Tatras Mountains Great news for ski-loving families looking for amazing winter sports holidays at amazing prices. Ryanair, one of Europe's premier airlines, has launched a brand new route between Poprad and London starting from 1 November 2023, further connecting Slovakia and the UK. The carrier will operate four weekly flights between Poprad-Tatry Airport and London Stansted, making it easier and cheaper than ever to take your family on a dream ski holiday. Ryanair will now join Wizz Air as the two major airlines flying to Poprad from the UK.  World-class skiing in the Tatras and Liptov region Slovakia's Tatras and Liptov region offers world-class ski infrastructure, terrain and après-ski to rival the western Alps, while also being exceptional value...

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31Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Scotland

Sport in Scotland: events, activities and things to do

It may be the land of whisky, Munros, the Highland Games and football's Old Firm, but for many people across the world Scotland is the home of one thing… golf. With some of the best courses in the world - Gleneagles, St Andrews Old Course and Carnoustie to name just three - Scotland is the place that every amateur and professional golfer wants to experience.  It’s not just golf that sports travellers should visit Scotland for though. With its magnificent terrains, lochs and mountains, the country is a haven for winter sports and outdoor activities.  Related articles Scottish golf bucket list ‘Water wellness’ in Scotland Book: ‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes Best beaches in Scotland Major sporting events in Scotland Highland GamesEvents usually take place across Scotland throughout the ...

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24Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Scenic to host Paris-Seine sporting legends cruise ahead of 2024 Olympics

Cruise guests can sail with two of Great Britain’s finest Olympians, Steve Redgrave and Daley Thompson, on a round trip from Paris, just weeks before the French capital city welcomes the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The special-edition “sporting legends” sailing, hosted by Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, will be held from 8-15 July 2024. During the eight-day sailing guests will get the opportunity to join a private question-and-answer session with Thompson and Redgrave. The duo, who have won seven Olympic medals between them, will also join guests for an exclusive concert at Château de La Roche Guyon, where they will share Olympic memories and reveal what it takes to be a champion.  Scenic’s eight-day cruise, starting and finishing in Paris, calls at Cornflans, Rouen, Hornfleur,...

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15Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Backcountry ski tourism surges in Afghanistan and Iraq

There has been a boom in people taking up backcountry skiing, according to adventure travel company Untamed Borders, with tourists increasingly seeking wilder, more obscure and more remote locations to ski, including the likes of Afghanistan and Iraq. Untamed Borders has run ski trips to Afghanistan since 2011 and Iraq since 2017, but there has been a noticeable trend post-pandemic of more people seeking virgin ski routes. Sales of backcountry skis increased by 81% in 2020, according to Snowsports Industries America, and the sector has continued to be buoyant since – with backcountry snowboard sales also spiking by 146%. As countries opened up after lockdown, that new wave of interest in the sport translated into people seeking new destinations to ski in and increasingly travelli...

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2Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Event in focus: Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival 2023

The Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival returns from 7-15 October 2023, featuring some old favourites and new unique routes. This popular event makes the most of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve that encompasses the entire island.  The majority of walks are led by local volunteers, keen to share their knowledge of a subject, or to just “show-off” their favourite walk on the Isle of Wight – and with limited spaces, booking is recommended. The festival’s website is now updated with the latest walks and booking information.  Images: visitisleofwight.co.uk Charitable and historic walks New for the 2023 autumn edition is a fundraiser for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA). The 5k “Dash in the Dark” aims to bring together attendees and supporters of the HIOWAA to r...

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31Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

F1 Las Vegas GP: book a ‘$1m all-access experience’ with Wynn Las Vegas

Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas in November for its much-anticipated Saturday night street race. And in what could be the ultimate F1 bucket list item, six fans could be set to have the best race weekend ever – providing they can rustle up a cool $1m between them. From 16-18 November 2023, the luxury Wynn Las Vegas hotel is offering a “million dollar all-access experience” which includes a number of exclusive activations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.  Described by the hotel as a “no-holds-barred race experience like none other”, each $1m package provides admission for a group of six people to the following: six Wynn Grid Club passes: access to the private, members-only Wynn Grid Club, an ultra-exclusive area within the F1 Paddock Club. Entry to this private club is reserved for VI...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Ski Club of Great Britain launches Freshtracks holidays for winter 2023-2024

The Ski Club of Great Britain has launched its Freshtracks holiday programme for winter 2023-2024 with a number of new destinations, courses and chalets across the Alps, North America and Japan. Designed to make the most out of the time on the mountain, Freshtracks holidays are tailored to ski ability levels that are then categorised as on or off-piste, as well as four further categories including All Mountain, Ski Touring, Weekend and Bucket List. Holidays are suitable for all levels of skier and snowboarder, from a minimum of an early intermediate (confident on blue runs and easy reds), right up to experts that can handle all conditions both on and off-piste. Key to the success and popularity of Freshtracks holidays is being able to ski with like-minded people, with guides and ins...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

Links, lochs and isles: Hebridean Princess to host UK ‘golf cruise’ in 2024

For one week only in September next year, the Hebridean Princess cruise ship will treat golfers to an awe-inspiring Gaelic links, lochs and isles “golf cruise” in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  The Hebridean Island Cruises' luxury liner, which is part of the PoB Hotels collection, accommodates just 48 guests. Taking place from 10-17 September 2024, the golf cruise will start and end in the town of Oban, which is known as the “gateway to the Isles”. Guests will enjoy seven nights on board the Hebridean Princess and the trip includes two gala dinners.  Available for golfers of all abilities, many of the courses are set in spectacular rolling sand dunes with stunning coastal views. “The added benefit is that nobody needs to be an expert to enjoy this wonderful cruise,” Hebridean Islan...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

Scottish cycling holidays: epic adventures with Wilderness Scotland

From 3-13 August Glasgow and Scotland will play host to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, with the world’s finest cyclists set for fierce competition on the country’s trails, tracks and roads.  For those keen to experience their own two-wheeled adventure, specialist tour operator Wilderness Scotland offers a range of cycling trips across the Highlands and Islands. Either led by expert guides or self-guided, the trips offer challenging single tracks and sweeping roads, while the epic scenery of the Highlands unfolds at a slower, more immersive pace.  North Coast 500  Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most renowned road routes, but one best enjoyed at the slower pace of two wheels. This week-long guided tour takes cyclists to the NC500...

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24Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Hiking trips: step into history on the Liberation Route Europe

With 2024 marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Ramy Salameh follows key parts of the 4,000km Liberation Route Europe hiking trails to explore and combine history, remembrance and wellness ahead of next year’s commemorations. The trails take in the stories and pivotal sites across Hampshire, Normandy and Jersey, all navigational via an interactive smartphone app. We have all heard of the hiking trails that converge on the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, with modern pilgrims following in the footsteps of ancient religious pilgrims. Today, these well-trodden paths attract those seeking personal or group challenge incentives, to improve wellness both mental and physical, and to learn about the landscapes and cultures they pass. While I have not had the chance to meander the Ca...

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2Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

‘Wickets and Waves’: Star Clippers packages for England’s cricket tour of West Indies

Tall ship sailing company Star Clippers has announced details of three new packages for England’s cricket tour of the West Indies in December 2023.  The “Wickets and Waves” offerings give cricket fans the opportunity to sail on board one of the cruise line’s iconic tall ships, the Royal Clipper, with pre- and post-cruise stays in either Antigua or Barbados for one-day (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20i) international matches between the West Indies and England.  Prices start at £6,629pp and include return flights from London to either Antigua or Barbados, a full-board sailing on board Royal Clipper, luxury hotel stays and premium match tickets. Royal Clipper, the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world, holds 227 passengers and boasts five masts with 42 sails.  The new sports co...

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18Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Scotland, Sports Travel, Wales

Scottish golf bucket list: best golf resorts in Scotland

Here at Sports Tourism Media we love a bit of golf – and we also love Scotland. Okay, we're definitely not good enough to be swinging with the best of 'em on the top golf courses in the home of golf, but every hacker can dream, right? In this round-up – which is pretty much our Scotland golf travel bucket list – we pick out some of Scotland's best "stay and play" golf resorts and hotels (ranked in no particular order). These places are so picturesque that even if your game isn't up to scratch, they're worth a visit just to admire the scenery. And there's the bonus of a dram or two of Scotch, of course... Did you know? The East Lothian region is known as “Scotland’s golf coast”. Along 30 miles of coastal terrain there are 21 Scottish golf courses, which makes it the "g...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Tennis holidays in Greece and Turkey with Mark Warner in 2023

From intensive tennis weeks to private one-on-one coaching, independent activity holiday company Mark Warner has been serving up tennis holidays for nearly 50 years. Each of its five properties in Greece and Turkey have a choice of courts, and with a team of expert coaching staff on hand, there are options for all ages and levels.   Guests all enjoy complimentary access to the courts and equipment, with social tennis sessions included in their stay and drills sessions also available. Additional activities which can be booked and paid for either in advance or locally range from serve clinics and group tennis coaching sessions, to one-on-one tuition and private tennis lessons as well as LTA courses and mini and junior LTA courses for children.  Padel and pickleball Alongs...

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5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Video: Rafa Nadal visits his tennis centre at Sani Resort in Greece 

Spanish tennis icon Rafa Nadal, who holds the joint-record of 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, has been in Greece to visit the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Sani Resort in Halkidiki.  A collaboration between the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca and the Sani/Ikos Group, the tennis centre features eight clay courts and since 2018 has held tennis training programs for players of all ages and all levels. During his visit to the five-star Sani Resort, Nadal revealed that he has been impressed by the “spectacular” facilities.  “The truth is that I was really looking forward to finally come to Greece, but my schedule and Covid had had made it impossible,” he said. “Toni [Nadal], Carlos Moya, Carlos Costa and the whole team had told me wonderful things about the ...

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23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Untamed Borders: ski tourism returns to Afghanistan

Ski tourists have returned to Afghanistan for the first time under the new Taliban government. According to adventure travel company Untamed Borders, which was the first company to lead ski excursions to Afghanistan back in 2011, skiing in the country is at the sharp end of a growing trend that sees people taking to the slopes in destinations not famous for ski tourism. Iraq, Lebanon, Iran, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are other destinations which Untamed Borders also operates in.  Over the spring the annual Afghan Peaks Ski Race took place, a backcountry ski race in the country’s Bamian Province. It was the first opportunity for visitors to take to the Afghan slopes since the nation returned to Taliban rule. An international group flew out to the area for the competition w...

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Sports hotel in focus: Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa – the first Grand Hyatt hotel to open in Spain and the fourth operating under the luxury brand in Europe.  To capitalise on the hotel’s prime position within the prestigious La Manga Club Resort in Murcia, southeast Spain, the property has undergone extensive refurbishment. As well as golf and a spa, the hotel’s extensive world-class sports facilities offer a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. “Every Grand Hyatt hotel is carefully designed as a destination within a destination and the newly opened Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa sets the bar high when it comes to delivering a luxury travel experience with an abundance of options for our discerning guests,” sai...

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