Tempting as it may be to fly and flop onto a sun lounger, the real holiday magic happens when you let loose and try something new. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to cultural experiences, we’ve handpicked 10 once-in-a-lifetime activities that will jolt you out of your comfort zone:
1. Glass-bottom kayaking at Sailrock Resort, Turks & Caicos
The moment you touch down at Sailrock Resort in South Caicos, the impossibly blue waters just a few sandy steps away from your Beachfront Villa will draw you out to sea. Home to an array of marine life, you’ll likely spot eagle rays, turtles, groupers, snappers, dolphin fish, sharks, octopus, barracuda, and many more sea creatures from the comfort of your glass-bottom kayak. The resort’s complimentary snorkelling gear, paddle boards, and Hobie Cats are perfect for going further and navigating the nearby mangrove creeks, limestone bluffs, and uninhabited cays.
2. Dine in the desert at Dar Ahlam, Morocco
On the fringes of the Moroccan desert, shaded by the palms, lies Dar Ahlam, a traditional Kasbah set in a haven of manicured lawns and fragrant almond blossom that means ‘House of Dreams’. For a desert adventure like no other, venture outside the hotel on camelback or an Arabian stallion with a picnic to the Sidi Fla volcanic basalt gorges, or spend the afternoon beneath a private tent on the shores of the Ouarzazate lake just surrendering yourself to the otherworldly surrounds.
3. Stay in the saddle at Riverview Ranch, USA
Perched above the banks of the Clark Fork River, Riverview Ranch‘s connection to the vast Montana landscape greets you at every turn, whether you’re toasting marshmallows around the firepit or enjoying farm-to-table cuisine in the Lodge Great Room.
Immerse yourself in ranch life for all ages and abilities – from horseback cattle drives, team penning, barrel racing, and scenic trail rides through the nearby Lolo National Forest, to horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter. This is the place for year-round, ‘yee-haw’ adventures!
4. Surf the waves at Hotel Nantipa, Costa Rica
From dawn to dusk, you’ll have the sand between your toes and the sound of crashing waves in your ears at Hotel Nantipa, an eco-friendly retreat in Santa Teresa surfer heaven. While you could choose to spend your days swinging gently in a hammock in your bungalow or beside the pool, the nearby beaches beckon seasoned surfers and novices alike. The conditions in Costa Rica are point break perfect, so if you’re looking to catch your first wave or bring your trusty board, this is the place to come. With its jungle-meets-ocean backdrop, you’ll also be within easy reach of Montezuma Waterfall, Blanco National Park and Curu Wildlife Reserve.
5. Nordic ice bathing at Arctic Bath, Sweden
As far as floating spa hotels go, they don’t come much cooler than Arctic Bath – a cluster of back-to-nature cabins in Northern Europe’s last remaining wilderness. Frozen into the Lule River during the winter months, the circular, Viking-style spa boasts an open-air cold bath for pre-and-post-sauna plunges beneath the Northern sky, an ancient cleansing ritual which strengthens the body’s immune system, eases sore muscles and reduces inflammation.
6. Underwater adventures at Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort, Brazil
Sitting between the warm ocean and pristine tropical jungle, life at Kenoa – Exclusive Beach Spa & Resort revolves around the beach. Barra de Sao Miguel and its islands are prime scuba diving territory with their colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Dive beneath the waves with the resort’s instructors and discover an underwater world where whale sharks and Manta Rays glide by and dolphins frolic in the foam above.
7. Zip-line canopy tours at Los Altos Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
Tucked into the rainforest canopy, Los Altos Resort & Spa offers relaxed luxury in the pristine eco-wilderness of Manuel Antonio. Wake to the sounds of howler monkeys, glimpse toucans among the trees, and breakfast with hummingbirds – you’ll be surrounded by restorative nature here. Whilst you’re close to nature within Los Altos’ grounds, just a few minutes by car brings you to the unmissable bio-diversity of Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can zip line and a breaktaking tour of the rainforest.
8. Hike in the Himalayas at Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan
If you’re looking for boundary-breaking adventure in a remote setting, this Himalayan hideaway surrounded by mountains and forests is as off-grid as they come. A world away from the everyday, Gangtey Lodge is an all-suite outpost which takes farmhouse living to new levels of luxury. This untouched corner of the eastern Himalayas lends itself to some of the world’s most spectacular outdoor activities, which means nature is the real heart-stealer here. Hike up ancient trails through blue pine forests and blossoming woodland, or meander past the black-necked crane roosting grounds in the Phobjikha Valley’s protected nature reserve.
9. Ski off-piste at Grand Forest Metsovo, Greece
Deep in the rugged region of Epirus, Grand Forest Metsovo is set on the fringe of a black pine forest cresting the top of a private mountain which becomes blanketed in thick snow during the winter. A strong back-to-nature ethos runs through the experiences at this Considerate Collection hideaway, one that is shared by Olympic medallists Viola Bauer and Lefteris Fafalis who take guests on a cross-country adventure through the Pindus National park. Return to a cosy nook beside a fireplace at Grand Forest Metsovo for some high altitude dining on seasonal, foraged dishes.
See also: Insider Guide: 6 Hot Spots on Mykonos Island
10. Sleep beneath the stars at WITTMORE HOTEL, Barcelona
Looking to take your next city break to new heights? This Gothic Quarter gem has a modern member’s club feel – with a sociable, stylish vibe on the citrus-yellow striped sun deck that serves cocktails poolside to its adults-only guests by day. As the sun starts to set, guests who book the Wittmore Suite between May and October can reserve the WITTMORE HOTEL’s rooftop terrace to enjoy Barcelona’s iconic skyline all to themselves from dusk until dawn.
The full version of this article first appeared on Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) and has been republished with permission on LUXE City Guides.
