Expert list • May 2015
Fit for summer: five shape-up escapes
Had enough of ‘fly and flop’ holidays? If you fancy a break that’s a little more active, The Club has selected the top five places to visit, stay and play, depending on your favourite sporting pastimes
For downward dogs
Where to go:
The Bahamas guarantee balmy temperatures, blue waters and a sense of ‘getting away from it all’.
Says who?
Joelle Hann, a Brooklyn-based writer and yoga teacher. Follow her on Twitter @yoganation
Where to stay:
Accessible only by boat, the Sivananda Ashram resort is pleasantly isolated from the bustle of nearby Nassau. Accommodation ranges from walled ‘tent huts’ to deluxe suites overlooking the ocean. Beachfront deluxe suite from £91 per night.
What to do:
Meditation and yoga classes before breakfast, then free time to sunbathe and swim. There are talks and workshops before yoga resumes at 4pm.
For two-wheeled action
Where to go
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a Unesco World Heritage Site (and a cyclist’s dream) thanks to its landscape and views.
Says who?
Darryl Kotyk, cycling blogger and founder of lovingthebike.com
Where to stay?
Set on a cliff, Hotel Miramalfi has striking views of the coast. There’s an outdoor terrace, beach and a saltwater pool for relaxing. Double room with seaview from £239 per night.
What to do
Book a tour with Cycling Amalfi for tailored trips. They can provide carbon-frame road bikes for the pros or, alternatively, electric cycles if you need a boost on the slopes.
For swinging a racquet
Where?
Rain is unlikely to spoil play in sunny Alicante. A short flight from London followed by a speedy airport transfer means more time for tennis.
Says who?
Bridget Marrison, publisher of TennisHead
Where to stay?
Boasting a 28-court tennis centre, the five-star Hotel Principe Felipe is the place to stay and play. The centre has hosted Davis Cup matches and ATP tournaments, and is used as an LTA training base. Double room with terrace from £162 per night.
What to do
Enjoy professional coaching at the on-site Tennis Academy. The resort also has a private beach.
For perfecting your backstroke
Where?
Not only does Sydney have some of the world’s best beaches, it also has world-class outdoor pools.
Says who?
Mark Foster, medal-winning British swimmer
What to do
Take a dip in the Olympic Pool in North Sydney. Positioned under Sydney Harbour Bridge, the views have inspired athletes to greatness: 86 world records have been set here.
Where to stay?
The 59-room boutique Harbour Rocks Hotel is a stroll away from Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Chill out at Eric’s Bar, specialising in wines from around the globe. Junior suite from £225 per night.
For would-be windsurfers
Where?
Sardinia is one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning islands and a hidden gem for windsurfers.
Says who?
Finn Mullen, editor of Windsurf magazine
What to do
From flat-water to bump-and-jump windsurfing, you’ll be well catered for at Porto Pollo beach, with its clear, turquoise waters. The mornings see calm conditions perfect for beginners, while in the afternoon a strong breeze prevails, presenting exciting conditions for experts and those improving those skills.
Where to stay?
Windsurf Village has 65 apartments within walking distance of the beach. From £95 per night.
This article has been tagged Destination, Wellbeing