Sports travel for women: destinations for a sports trip
Sports travel is no longer just for fanatics with a starting number. Because if you want to hike in the mountains, do yoga on a cliff, surf at sunrise or cycle along vineyards, there are plenty of options. For women, by women, and above all: with women.
These trips are tested and approved by women who know what they are talking about. Womanproved, so. Whether you go alone or with your best friend: there is a big chance that you will come back with muscle pain.
Single, but also looking for security? We signed up The Atlas Trail, a hike straight through the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
Five days with hardly any internet, toilet, or luxury, but in the most beautiful form we could have imagined. On the menu Five full days of hiking, alternating between sun, snow, and wind, in the heart of the Central Atlas Mountains, the habitat of the Berber people.
The big advantage of booking through Travelbase: the entire organization is taken off your hands: Dutch-speaking guides, unique campsites in places you would never find on your own, and a carefree travel experience from the first to the last moment. The trail runs in June and September. We thought this was so awesome! And so much fun with the group of people who also participated in the trail.
The wild swimming phenomenon has broken loose. Wild Swimming means swimming in natural, open water: think of lakes, rivers, the sea or bays without borders, in the middle of nature, away from the crowds and chlorine of swimming pools. The cold water wakes you up, activates your body and mind and gives you an energy boost that lasts for a long time. It is not about performing, but about being together, letting go and making space for yourself. The warm cup of tea or piece of cake after swimming is just as important as the swimming itself and the retreats that are organized are increasingly fun.
The program Salt Sisterhood retreat is an exclusive retreat for women in Cornwall and Portugal. The day begins with an invigorating swim in a secluded cove or the sea, followed by a healthy breakfast and a yoga session led by Lauren Biddulph, founder of The Salt Sisterhood. Each day, Lauren will take you to hidden swimming spots along the rugged coastline, such as Godrevy's Cove, where a blackberry trail leads you to the water. After a day of swimming and adventure, the chef will serve up colourful, nutritious vegetarian meals, before finishing the day with hot chocolate and yin yoga.
Women only: sorry not sorry! In the heart of the French surf scene, Elin and Amanda host this amazing surf and wellness retreat. Bonanza: a large amount of something desirable. And yes, that is exactly what it is.
Maybe a bit exclusive, because the retreat is certainly not cheap and fully booked within a week after launch. Now we want even more! But the focus is broader than just what is on the shelf. A glass of wine is also part of it, as is dancing until the early hours. The goal? Not necessarily to become the best shredder in the water, but community and fun with like-minded peeps. Here too, you are more than welcome as a beginner.
What started as a small try-out, quickly grew into a popular women-only touring agency. Saga Líf saw that there were no tours specifically for women in Iceland. No sooner said than done and that's how she became the founder of Viking Women. And those tours that you book with Saga are nice and sporty.
For example, she organizes the famous hiking tours. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, the Icelandic highlands such as the Laugavegur trail are breathtaking and a must-see. National Geographic even named this trail one of the “20 Best Hikes in the World”. Oh, and put on your crampons, because ice climbing and glacier tours are also waiting for you.
How about hitting that ball in the sun then? Okay, you have to plan well, because the climate is less than ideal. But Sweden has a big padelscenes, especially in the summer months. Rain or shine, Maryhill Estate is always a good idea. Because women understand that after that sporting effort we want to laze around in a good resort.
South Tyrol? Sud Tyrol? South Tyrol? Where is that again? Italy! Yeah, that's surprising, isn't it? At least, when you, know, you know, but if not, then, uh, no. But South Tyrol is indeed Italy and that means that you can – indeed – eat delicious food there. To be precise, it is the northernmost autonomous province of Italy. You will find part of the Dolomites there (mountains! snow!), German is spoken (also)jawohl) and the capital is the (very nice) Bozen (or Bolzano in Italian, which always sounds better). And if there is anywhere you can get active, it is here! You can tick off that sporty bucket list in the winter with winter sports, and in the summer with challenging hikes in the mountains and relaxing walks or bike rides through the idyllic valleys.
Sometimes a good paddle court and a nice gym are enough to satisfy an active holiday. The Es Saadi Gardens & Resort is located in the heart of Marrakech’s Golden Triangle and is, in fact, 20 hectares of beautiful gardens overlooking the Atlas Mountains, near the ever-inspiring and hysterical souks and the Djemaa el Fna square. In short: an oasis. Or: a palace, because that’s what it is. A palace with lots of suites and a number of private villas to be precise, the latter each with their own swimming pool and butler – you’re staying in a palace or not of course. Here too, a hell of a spa: 3000 m² spread over three floors. Take a few days for it: there is a range of traditional and contemporary treatments to book and it is the Dior Institute outside of Paris. Costs a few cents but then… Right. And when you’re done with that, you can visit a variety of restaurants, the oldest casino in Morocco and the famous Theatre nightclub. And recently a new padel court.
Belize in Central America is a top destination in itself, but the northernmost country of Central America is home to the world's second-largest coral reef. An absolute bucket-list experience is snorkeling along the reef or diving into the legendary Great Blue Hole: a huge, centuries-old sinkhole with mystical stalactites and curious reef sharks. Ambergris Caye is the place to discover the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, known for its colorful coral and friendly sea turtles accustomed to visitors. And nearby lies Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with rays and nurse sharks. And top hotels here. The Turtle Inn Belize got it all: a wooden hut hidden away on the beach, waving palm trees, a colorful village center within cycling distance, the most delicious pizzas from a wood-fired oven on the edge of a packed herb and vegetable garden, a beautiful Japanese bathroom, an outdoor shower, Balinese wood carvings everywhere, a huge shell with which you can call reception and insanely, insanely, insanely delicious food. Yes, right. And they have their own diving center.
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